Blacksburg Belle

Win a Scholarship for Blogging for Your Creative Business

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After opening registration for Blogging for Your Creative Business, some people who were really interested in the course said things like, “I really want to join, but I can’t fit it into my budget right now.”

I’m a big believer that if you really want something bad enough, you figure out a way to make it work.

The I can’t afford it excuse is usually another way of saying, “I just don’t want this bad enough to hustle for it.”

I know, because I’ve hustled for things I want.

The first time I went to RHH Live, I won a scholarship to attend and I worked my butt off to make enough money to pay for my travel and hotel expenses. I did things that I normally didn’t do like taking freelance writing jobs just for the money and selling a bunch of books on Amazon.

You know this is true. If Oprah still had her show and you were notified that you’d be on the episode where she gives away all her favorite things, you’d bust your butt to get there even if you didn’t have the travel money, right?

Blogging for Your Creative Business is the type of course that will help you finally understand what you’re doing wrong with your blog and how to make it successful. It’s the type of course that could earn you a lot more money for your creative business {I’m talking thousands here} if you take action on the information I give you. It’s also the type of course that will save you hundreds of hours over the long haul.

So, if you’re trying to figure out a way to make it work for your budget, are you ready to do a little hustling? If so, get ready, because I’m giving away three scholarships for Blogging for Your Creative Business this week!

Here are the rules {please read everything carefully!}:

1. In your entry you need to tell me who you are, what you do, and why you want to take Blogging for Your Creative Business.

2. You can enter via video or written entry.

If you choose video, you must keep it to under 2 minutes {all entries over 2 minutes will be disqualified} and upload your video to YouTube with the title, “Entry for Blogging for Your Creative Business with April Bowles-Olin” and the description, “https://www.blacksburgbelle.com/blogging-for-your-creative-business-register/ A four-week course that teaches creative entrepreneurs to build successful blogs that pull in new leads 24/7.” {Copy and paste it without the quotes.} Then, link to your YouTube video in the comments below.

If you choose a written entry, it must be less than 500 words. Leave it as a comment in the comment section below.

Make sure you use a working email address, so I can get in touch with you if you’re picked as one of the winners.

3. You must submit your entry by Thursday, June 14th at 9pm EST.

4. I will pick three winners and announce them on Friday, June 15th. All decisions are final.

5. If you’ve already paid for the course and want to enter, you can. If you’re a winner, I’ll refund your money.

Bonus Points

You can get bonus points by doing two things {yes, they really do help because I know you’re willing to hustle!}:

1. Link to your entry on your Facebook page.

2. Tweet about the contest once a day. In the tweet, you must include the hashtag #BFYCB and the link: http://bit.ly/KxhCP7

Want some sample tweets to copy and paste? Here you go: 

I want to win a scholarship for Blogging for Your Creative Business! Fingers crossed! #BFYCB http://bit.ly/KxhCP7 {click HERE to tweet this}

I just entered to win a scholarship for Blogging for Your Creative Business! #BFYCB http://bit.ly/KxhCP7 {click HERE to tweet this}

Can’t wait to see who wins the scholarships for Blogging for Your Creative Business! #BFYCB http://bit.ly/KxhCP7 {click HERE to tweet this}

I’m super excited to watch and read your entries! Good luck!

Comments

  1. Hi April,

    Thank you so much for the possibility to win one of your scholarships for “Blogging for Your Creative Business”!

    My name is Ula, I am a Polish girl living in France for 10 years now (because of love to a French guy of course 🙂 ). I am the owner of the creative blog Sen Mai (in English: Maia Dream http://maiadream.blogspot.com) written in polish and french.

    My blog is all about doing beautiful handmade things with your kids if you’re mom: craft DIY, everyday life, recipes, but also to learn some useful and simple things about photography, creativity in our life, inspiration and blogging (technical part).

    I’ve been writing my blog for 3 years now, but only in December 2011 (so 6 months ago) I realized that my blog has a potential to be something more than just one of the creative blogs where we show our handmade art once a month. I started to write regular, almost everyday and valuable articles for my readers. I saw immediately that the number of visitors on my blog has risen. I was so happy. Unfortunately, since then the number stopped rising and even with my interesting everyday posts, challenges I propose to readers and other articles it doesn’t want to change.

    My big dream is to live one day from blogging. At the moment I have a day job with a lot of hours which doesn’t inspire me at all. I don’t see often my children (they sleep when I come back home) and it really makes me angry, stressed but also motivated to live my dream. I write my blog often during a night or a lunch break at work. I need your help!!!!

    When I saw your course open I was like jumping around my home, but seeing the price I knew it wouldn’t be possible for me today to buy it. I was one more time angry but not on you ON ME and my financial situation! Grrrrr…

    This morning, with your newsletter and good news, I saw a small light in the tunnel (polish expression). I hope, I hope, I hope I will be one of the three winners in you give away.

    Thank you once again. Sorry for errors in English 😉
    2 kisses (French habit when you say “hello” or “goodbye” to someone)
    XOXOXO
    Ula

    Reply

      • I really enjoyed reading your application Ula! I understand that feeling of excitement when readership is rising and then the disappointment when it plateaus. You sound really motivated to live your dream!

        Reply

  2. Hey April! Wooow! i really really REALLY want to win this scholarship! 🙂 Thanks for this special opportunity!

    I’m a part-timer graphic artist who has a cool day job – so I’m still determined to run my site+blog+shop (http://www.amretasgraphics.com and blog http://www.amretasgraphicsblog.com) after work-hour & on weekend. I know it can work, I used to manage, but lately I feel like there’s something that doesn’t work in the way I blog. I wanted the blog to be more structured, but I didn’t really know how. Everything was mostly trial and error. And I wasn’t quite satisfied. I’m pretty sure there’s a good ‘system’ over there that can help. So I put it on hiatus at the moment. I use my time to learn about blogging by browsing and studying successful blogs in the meantime.

    I’m quite determined to make this work, YES, considering I’m blogging in English yet I’m not a native English speaker..I’m Indonesian and live in the capital city Jakarta..I somehow LOVE the courage I have to take to write each of my blog post, it gives me some kind of energy boost =D

    And so excited i’m on 4 weeks vacation now to relive my site+blog+shop again. I don’t want to give up, this is something I love love love to do! I’ve been eyeing your “Blogging for Your Creative Business”, the moduls (and bonuses!) describe everything I want in a blogging course, I’m sure sure sure it’s what I need!

    Thanks thanks thanks for this great chance!
    Xo Amreta

    Reply

  3. Hi April,

    My name is Beatrice, I am 16 years old and for right now I don’t actually have a business. I have had 3 businesses in the past 5 years and they have taught me a lot.

    My dream would be to one day be able to make money off of my blogging and show people that no matter what age you are you can still be successful!!

    I have a blog right now, but it really is not getting many page views even though I have 65 followers, I really do need some help and guidance.

    Thank you so much for this opportunity,
    Beatrice

    Reply

    • Good to hear from you Beatrice! I hope things are going well. Thank you so much for your application.

      Reply

  5. Well, I am going to take the plunge and hope I am one of the three blessed winners. The modules look incredible and I know are full of valuable instructions to help me take my business to the next level…

    My name is Cindy. My hubby and I will celebrate are 35th (!!) wedding anniversary this year – and I am still finding out about him! (The mystery never ends : ) ). We also are raising and homeschooling our sweet tweener grand-daughter who has learning differences and diagnoses that take up a good chunk of our day as we work through the “at home” occupational therapy exercises to improve her abilities.

    I have always been creative, and my purpose/passion lies in the realm of helping people with hurting/broken hearts and lives. I have my Master’s Degree in counseling because of this passion, and in my “about” page, readers find out that art and counseling have been connected together for me.

    I am temporarily retired from my career in order to give sweet tweener what she needs, but I long to help the family’s income again AND follow my purpose while raising this beautiful girl. I KNOW the internet can provide a platform to help even more people plus provide an income while I am at home again. I know I need the help of a coach to really build this online presence. I think I would love to be permanently retired from going to an office and devote myself to helping people all over the world via the internet!

    I have followed April for a long time, and witnessed her growth as a creative coach…I trust her instincts and knowledge – I would love for the scholarship to include personal feedback…but either way, I know this will help me along my business, creative, online path!

    Thanks for this opportunity, April!

    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply

    • Hey Cindy! It seems we have something in common–a background in counseling. Thank you so much for sharing your story and applying for this scholarship. I really enjoyed reading your entry and wish the very best for your granddaughter.

      Reply

  7. What a great opportunity- thanks for sharing your genius with the world April!
    Here’s my video submission, ow.ly/buVRt. No doubt I’ll be pimping the scholarship throughout the week.

    Reply

    • Hey Jen! Loved watching your video and I liked you’re little rendition of “I’m a hustler, baby” at the beginning. Did I hear a dog bark while you were taping? If so, you get extra points! 😉

      Reply

    • Hey Ashley! Sooooo enjoyed watching your video entry. And, I love that you were super specific about what you want help with–growing that email newsletter and developing your voice are two really important things for your business and blog.

      Reply

  11. My name is Robin and old stuff is my passion. Yep, “old stuff.” You know, VINTAGE. I love history, anthropology, and stories. I love the thrill of the hunt, the research aspect (and hey, the retail therapy ain’t a bad thing either!). So I sell vintage. This is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.

    And as I’m applying for this scholarship, I should be totally honest and upfront, and confess that I am not a natural blogger. I’m a pretty private, introverted person and feel totally out of my element talking about myself – both in person and in type.

    But after recently taking a huge leap and leaving Etsy to sell on my own website, I feel a major need to forge a connection with my customers. To engage them, to interest them, and to connect with them – with an end goal, of course, of persuading them to buy from me.

    I know that establishing this connection with buyers will be the key to growing a successful business. And that’s where I need your help, April! Help me get out of my comfort zone and bring my customers into my world in an interesting, engaging, and (most importantly) sincere way. I know I can do it, I just need a little guidance. 🙂

    Thanks for offering this scholarship opportunity and thanks for taking the time to read about me!

    Reply

  12. OMG, April, what an opportunity!

    I’m Marta, a psychologist + artisan, owner and creative director (fancy!) of Marta Costa Studio.
    I’ve recently changed the name of my business and made a website makeover just because I?m more clear of what I want to share with the world.
    I started with a business where I sell handmade + modern + eco-friendly crochet housewares and accessories but know I want to expand my skills in psychology and incorporate them in my business. My blog is know a place to talk about creativity and how being creative is allowing your best to express with the idea that we can know and learn a lot about ourselves by expressing our creativity.

    I want to win the schoolarship because I want to take my business to the next level and I need some help. I can learn so much from reading blogs but sometimes it’s just not enough. We need someone to guide us. I need you!

    I hope I win! 🙂 (and if not I’ll do the happy dance anyway. At least I’ve tryed!)

    Thank you, April!

    Reply

    • Hey Marta! You know I’m a fan of your stuff, especially those chevron pillows! That’s exciting that you’re incorporating your background in psychology into your business. Thanks for entry. I really enjoyed reading it.

      Reply

  13. Hi April! My names Brandon, I’m a 16 year old aspiring artist and business owner here in Baltimore MD… and I’ll be honest, I’ve asked for about 3 of your courses since I’ve found your blog, about, three years ago? You’ve been my go-to and you may not know it, but you’ve helped me allot 😛 I started listing a few months ago, on etsy, and I’m up to 43 sales! Woo! But I’ve had more dry spells then anything. I can’t afford anything that doesn’t go back into the business at this point. I just turned 16 in May, and I’ve applied for at least 4 jobs, no luck… on the top of my “me” list, I had, well, any of your courses really. I just know they’d help me so much… I’m trying to hustle for it, I really am ): But my parents can only afford to give so much, and my birthday passed, and I didn’t have nearly enough to enter a course I wanted. I would have spent every dime!
    I’m not begging for a pity party, but honestly this would mean the world to me. It would teach me so much; I’m a quick learner!! And sure ready to put everything you teach me into action!

    I know I’m only 16… but April, I would do anything to win this, and I will cry if I do.

    I will share this on every social networking site 100x! Most of my friends even know I read your blog. LOL

    My blog, sucks. No views. Nothing. ):

    Any help, even if I lose and you could shoot me a good tip, would make my day!

    With much love from Maryland, Brann 🙂
    (please don’t let this be over 500…lol)

    Reply

    • Hey Brandon! I’m so amazed that you’ve started a business at sixteen. That’s incredibly inspiring. And, 43 sales is great! You’re getting over that hump of being a new business and building trust. Thank you so much for entering. I REALLY enjoyed reading it.

      Reply

      • Thank you for the chance at winning 🙂
        I’m still saving up for something by you… do you have any idea what I should honestly save for? I’ll save up for entrepreneur if I have to.
        Today’s been very draining, art wise. Going though artist menopause maybe? LOL Things are just stressful sometimes.

        <3 🙂 Thank you for the reply

        Reply

  14. I would love to win a scholarship for “Blogging for Your Creative Business”.

    My name is Cathy. I am a lifelong crafter and memory keeper. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my two daughters (7 and 3) and my indie-game-developer husband. Both my husband and I are trying to make a go of having our own businesses while being stay-at-home parents. I’d love to take Catshy Crafts (my Etsy shop + blog) to the next income-generating level.

    I opened up my Etsy shop last summer after a friend had enough faith in my work to give me my own exhibition. She was curating art shows at the cupcake shop where she worked and asked me to put together a show. In a month, I created garlands, and paper flowers and embroidery hoop art and called it the Pretty Craft Show. It was a big breakthrough for me who struggles with shyness and self-confidence. I never thought I would have my own Etsy shop even though I had dreamed about it for years. And I definitely never thought I would have my own art show!

    Now, I dream of having a successful blog. I love writing and taking photographs and creating. My problem is marketing myself and networking with other bloggers. Again, that shyness gets in the way. I also would love to establish a regular blogging schedule and try to connect more with my readers.

    I am inspired by April’s passion and know I would learn so much from her!

    Thanks for the chance to win a spot in this class!

    Reply

    • Hey Cathy! I love your Etsy shop–I’m so glad your friend gave you your own exhibition!!! And, your daughters are adorable. Thank you for entering!

      Reply

  15. Wow! you guys really are keen and I sure don’t know however April will choose! Here’s wishing yous all the best of luck with your businesses and getting chosen for the course. I think people like April, who are so willing to help others that they give not only their time but also their business expertise, are few and far between. Long live kind people!

    Reply

  18. Gosh, I’m so happy that you are giving 3 of us the opportunity of winning a scholarship!
    I’ve read all the info for the course last Saturday. With every paragraph I became more enthusiastic: THIS is what I need for my blog! I was getting excited about meeting the others and learning from them. And then I scrolled down… I had in mind what I could spend on the course, but it my number by far. So, as I said, I’m very grateful for you offering me and the others this chance.
    So, let me introduce me & my creativity.
    My name is Jacolien, I’m 25 years old and I live and work in Holland. As a kid I was never very creative, because I was a bit of a perfectionist. With everything I started to make, I had a clear picture in my mind how it had to turn out. And you already guessed it, it never looked like I wanted to. And that also worked through in everyday life, I was never really happy with myself.
    About 3 years ago I got married, but unfortunately it wasn’t a happy marriage. We’ve been married for 2 years and tried really hard to make it work, but a little more than a year ago it came clear to me that this couldn’t go on. Sorry for the sad story here, but because of this tough relationship (and some help from others) I’ve learned to not be so harsh on myself and to appreciate who I am. When it comes to creativity, I learned to have an image in my head, work on it and be happy with how it turns out anyways. A year ago we divorced and I had to move on by myself. In this time all of this came together and I asked myself ‘what do I really want to do’. The answer: draw more and be more creative. Bit by bit I’ve developed some skills.
    I already had a blog where before I’d share things I liked in daily life, pictures of things I saw and did. But it was mainly family who read it. Last year I started to share my drawings and creativity on there. I did get some reads, but never a reaction. And even though I tried to step it up a bit, the reads increased a bit and very very occasionally I get a reaction. But it’s still far from what I’d like it to be.
    About 2 months ago I also opened my Etsy-shop, where I sell some of the things I make. Why? For the simple reason that you can’t keep cluttering your house forever and that I’d like to make others happy with the things I make.
    I question myself many times how to improve my blog, but never feel very confident to take a big leap. I think this course will give me the info and support I’d LOVE to have.
    -xxx- Jacolien
    Blog: http://stuff-to-love.blogspot.com
    Etsy-shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jcln

    Reply

  19. I’m Stacey and I’m the creative force behind nisseworks.

    Nisseworks began just over two years ago when I decided to be a stay-at-home parent to my now-3 year old daughter. I began as a freelance graphic designer and found that to be a dead end, especially without any marketing skills. So I looked at my skills and went with my next creative loves – sewing and embroidery. And now I’m creating unique and original embroidered wall art, something I never would have considered doing 5 years ago when I was working at a newspaper.

    I’m a former journalist, and while the skills I developed during that particular career are valuable, I can write for a wide audience, the general public. I struggle greatly when I need to write for a specific audience – my audience – and find myself either trying to hit all the notes, rather than the right ones.

    My business has been going through some restructuring this spring/summer and blogging for my business is one of the key points that I know I need to work on. I’ve read lots of articles and watched tons of videos on how to write for my audience, but I believe that taking this course with April will be infinitely more beneficial – working in an intensive environment with the chance at getting real feedback is something you just can’t get from reading an article or watching a video. And I think I need that extra kick in the pants to succeed in blogging for my business.

    I want to be able to communicate better with my audience and to promote my work to them in a more focused manner. And I think that taking Blogging for Your Creative Business will be the best way to learn how to do that. Thanks for this opportunity, April!

    Reply

  20. OH man. I’m actually really nervous to enter. I even clicked out of the page and something super compelling made me come back and enter. I have to give this a chance. It’s beyond incredible to see all the expertise you offer.

    I have FALLEN IN LOVE with blogging. In fact, I just confessed that to my readers last week. http://betterlifebags.com/2012/06/06/my-most-vulnerable-moments-and-a-dare-to-live/

    I’ve been doing it for about 3 years and have been teaching myself all the “dos and don’ts” through observing and emulating other blogs I love (along with google searches for blogging tutorials). My blog has always been my marketing tool for my custom handmade bag business (which has grown 300% in sales this year alone). I’ve developed such an awesome group of ladies who read my blog and have gotten to know me and my family through it.

    But, I’m struggling.

    Struggling to find the balance between promoting my items, sharing my life, and attracting readership – true, genuine readership. I don’t just want empty page views – I want to connect with my readers! And I want my readers to think of me when they are in the market for a gift or a new clutch or diaper bag, but I don’t want to beat them over the head with how awesome my products are! So… I really don’t mention them that much.

    I don’t want to be the blog like you mentioned in this post: https://www.blacksburgbelle.com/2012/06/why-you-might-be-losing-money-if-you-blog-for-your-business/

    yikes.

    My business is called Better Life Bags because I donate a portion of all sales to help alleviate poverty around the world. Right now, we are giving money to low income entrepreneurs in developing countries through http://www.kiva.org. Each bag comes with a picture of who’s life got a little bit better because of the sale.

    Please help me get my message, life, and business to be the best that it can be through my blog. I would be forever grateful.

    ~ Rebecca

    Reply

    • I looooooove that you tie philanthropy into your business. Do you know Erin Giles? Her site is eringiles.com and she’s amazing at fusing philanthropy and business. I just checked out your blog, and you’re definitely not one of the blogs that I was talking about in that post. I love the header with the cute rain boots! Thanks for entering!!!

      Reply

  21. My name is Nicky. I live and play in Kansas City.
    I love making small stuffed animals and monsters. I’ve been doing it for years and have finally decided to try to sell some of my creatures and patterns. I’ve wanted to start a craft blog but kept putting it off because I didn’t know what I was doing. How could I make it look professional and not cheesy, but still be able to show my personality?
    Three days ago, inspired by your Blogging for Your Creative Business course coming up, I bought a domain name and started building a site. I’d love to take the course because after putting it off for so long, I’d love to get this blog (and business) started off on the right foot. I’m so excited to finally be able to participate in the amazing online craft community, and I want my home base to be the best that I can make it, a reflection not only of the things that I create, but of me.
    Thanks for all of the help you constantly provide us with! Looking forward to the course.

    Reply

    • Hey Nicky! Thanks for entering. I’m so glad that you’re taking this blogging leap. Blogging is such a great way to promote your business in a way that is unique to your personality. We’re going to have some fun!

      Reply

  22. Hello! I’d love to win the Scholarship! Thank you for the opportunity. I blog, attempt to blog, and actually enjoy it. I seem to be all over the place when it comes to my blog, and I’ve seen people do that successfully but it is not happening over on my blog. Just check out my “about” page. I switch headers frequently and have moved from Blogger to WordPress, so I’ve got the rearranging thing down. I tweet and share on Facebook and with friends but it is not enough.

    Creatively I currently design and make beautiful, fun and unique jewelry. Hammers, torches, tools, metal and stone; I love them! I’m always learning and coming up with new techniques and it’s something I’ve found brings me real joy and a little income as well. I like to try other forms of arts and crafts and will continue to explore new ones. However, jewelry design is my passion! What I need are tools to successfully promote it and would love if my blog was one of those tools.

    In addition, I’m a mother of two awesome children, a wife, and now a student as well.

    I’d love to learn how to effectively use my blog to promote my creative business. Currently, I’m all over the place and really need help pulling it together.

    Well, I know I have room to add another hundred words or so, but I’m going for “short and sweet”. Pick me!

    Reply

    • Thank you for entering Kila! I really enjoyed reading your entry. You’re definitely not alone when it comes to figuring out how to pull it all together. That’s a big struggle that I hear about when talking to creatives about their blogs.

      Reply

  24. Hello April,

    My name is Ginger-vee and I am early in my career as a Bath and Body Queen ☺. I started my business in November 2011 out of the sweet suggestion from my better half (Create a job you love for yourself). Before I could blink, my passion raced looking for ways to provide excellent service, from feeling the passion to delivering fun, inspirational products with repeat business. Before I started my business, I opened my fan page (Champ de Fleurs), Twitter, Etsy and WordPress. I have searched many creative inspiring sites to take my networks and BB business to the next level but none could compare between this space and Marie Forleo’s.

    I want my blog to read like a place where people would love to sit, relax, be inspired, and of course order fun products and walking out their door to tell the world of their great experience and more. And that’s why I want to be part of Blogging for My Creative Business.

    Thank you for sharing my word with you…

    Best Ginger-Vee Carter.

    Reply

  25. Hi April!

    My name is Hannah and I started my handmade business ‘Ruby&Lo’ three years ago when I was just 16. I live in Brisbane, Australia, and opportunities like this one are few and far between (I actually stumbled upon this course via Jess Van Den’s mailing list – a fellow Australian). I make accessories for women of any age, and while the interest in my products is certainly there, the sales are not coming.

    I go through phases of blogging and it is something that I certainly enjoy. I recently switched my blog over to WordPress from Blogspot and I’ve found myself in a little bit of a blogging rut since then. I have this new shiny blog, but the lack of direction or interest in my posts is putting a little downer on myself and my creative process.

    Over the past 2 years I have battled some pretty debilitating mental illnesses, and found myself unable to work on my business and make it the best it can be. I took one step forward and twenty-five steps back. It had a huge impact on my business for the worst, and I know I lost customers and wholesale orders because I mentally could. not. do. it. I was unable to get out of bed each morning, which of course meant I couldn’t sit at my sewing machine, promote my business, attend markets or find the ability to blog.

    I have the ideas and ability to post in my blog but it’s hard to separate yourself from the other fabulous handmade blogs out there…and people aren’t going to follow me if my content is similar to ‘better’ blogs than mine.

    With all small businesses money can be tight, and I have recently secured a spot in Brisbane’s biggest handmade market. My budget has shrunk to barely nothing and I am having huge sales on my products just to try and get funding to be able to meet outlay costs and more.

    Even if I don’t win a scholarship place in this course, I am still going to try my hardest to secure a place. I know that a interesting and inviting blog is just what my business needs, and hopefully with your help April I can do this! I know this course will be a huge investment in my business and will pay itself off over the coming months and years.

    Thank you again for this opportunity and good luck to the other entrants.

    Every business (and blog) has it’s ups and downs, and while my downs have been much, much lower than some, I am looking forward to my blog and subsequently my business, to be on the rise again.

    Hannah (rubyandlo@gmail.com)

    Reply

  26. Hey April,

    Many thanks for offering this chance to win a scholarship for your course ‘Blogging for Your Creative Business’!

    My name is Inese (also known as IneseMaria), I am a translator and proof-reader (English-Latvian/Latvian), and my hobby is felting. Both are my passions and my ‘creative businesses’ (income sources that I love). One is more for the brain, the other – for hands, both for the heart.

    As a translator/proof-reader, currently I work part-time for an agency, but I want to build my own online clientele as a proof-reader. I am very new to blogging – my blog on the Latvian language is just 2 months ‘old’. It seems to have hit the jackpot – it has been noticed by the readers. I ‘ripened’ to start my blog for a very long time (2 deleted blogs), and it is quite a tough nut to crack for me still, but I hope to learn a lot and do a lot with your help.

    With felting, I make&sell on a local basis, but my goal is to take it online as a small creative business. I do not have a blog on this yet; however, I have lots of ideas for it.

    Your course addresses all the issues I struggle with and more. It’s easy to work hard, but it’s hard to blog and – to have fun doing it! (I have to get rid of my inner critic even writing this post.)

    Thanks for the opportunity and good luck to everyone!

    Reply

    • Thank you for entering IneseMaria! That’s really exciting that your blog is only two months old but is getting attention. You’re definitely doing something right. I’m glad you pushed past that nasty inner critic to enter this contest.

      Reply

  27. Bonjour from Canada, April.

    I want to take Blogging for Your Creative Business because it won’t lead me to just another run-of-the-mill 9 to 5 jive.

    I want to take Blogging for Your Creative Business because it is a road on which I can grow into an Authentic and Generous Motivator.

    I want to take Blogging for Your Creative Business by you, April, because it is a realistic and road-tested program built from the ground up by you – YOU who dared to hustle your Blacksburg Soul all the way to New York to learn from the best in the biz just so you could share her radical she-preneure knowledge (and now your life-changing knowledge) with the rest of us.

    I want to take Blogging for Your Creative Business because, like in the words of Marie Forleo, “LEARNERS ARE EARNERS.”

    My name is Marcie. I want to inspire women to live healthier and happier lives by showing them what they want and then giving them what they need, and on June 18th, 2012 I want to learn from you.

    So, April, how does it feel to be able to do for me exactly what Marie Forleo did for you?

    Reply

    • That’s awesome Marcie! You sound like a firecracker. 🙂 Thank you so much for entering. It was such a pleasure to read your entry.

      Reply

  28. I’ve been blogging for years — I get views, a few comments and a few emails. It is not just for my creative business – it is also partially somewhat of a journal about some things I think should be public, but I only include some subjects on my blog. Though I have put a Custom Order Form on my blog – most of my selling has been through selling venues (others are private) – and I have thought of switching over to selling totally from my blog — or from a website rather than through selling venues.

    I am interested in your course because I like to blog — I only do Facebook (RSS Designs In Fiber) to interact with all kinds of people in my life (also not just to sell) — and Twitter (rssdesigns) to post about things I want to. I don’t do anything just to sell at this point in my life. But I think I would like to focus on blogging for my creative business as I do not want to do some of the other “off-venue” promoting.

    I am Ruth Sandra Sperling of RSS Designs In Fiber – I only sell finished fiber arts products – now mostly Crochet and Knitting with a little bit of Sewing (for Decor and some personal accessories) – I may add the skills of Macrame, Needlepoint eventually.

    Reply

      • OMgoddess that’s not good. I thought if the link was in here and you clicked it would be ok. Soooooo gutted. Hey ho. I’ll send it to you again just for the ‘nose’.

        Thanks for giving away 5 scholarships. that’s amazing. Love your stuff April.

        x

        Reply

  31. Hello April, I would try to win the participation at Blogging for Your Creative Business. I’m Italian and my English pronunciation is pretty terrible, so I did not the video, and fall back on the written text. I have a business on etsy, called cartonBois, I make jewelry with Finnboard (a kind of cardboard made ​​from pure recycled wood pulp). My shop has 450 fans, but few sales, I recently started a blog, trying to follow your advice. I think I did a decent job with the graphics and branding, but I know that there is still huge room for improvement, especially in terms of content, and I need some help.
    I want my blog speaks of confidence, because the basic idea of my jewelry is to wear something that makes you feel stronger, my inspiration comes mostly from tribal art in order to create “portable confidence for metropolitan warriors”
    Currently I can not really afford to pay for an online course, because I just finished college, and I’m looking for my first job, but with the crisis in Europe the situation is not very rosy, plus I moved to live with My boyfriend (we share the house to save money) and we have to pay the rent.
    I really hope to win this 🙂
    Thanks for the opportunity

    Reply

  32. Hi, I’m Heather, and I’ve been struggling for years to launch a successful business. I started in 1998 with a storefront in downtown Niagara Falls where I lived in the back room for 2 years trying to scrape it together. During that time I took a youth entrepreneurship course and graduated Valedictorian! I was so proud and excited. Nevertheless, that business didn’t make it.

    Ever since then I’ve studied my brains out, trying different things to make my art career launch, but chronic illness has made it difficult to get the cash together to make a good stab at it. I’ve been too busy trying to get by to make it work. In the past year my full-time job was reduced to part time, and I’m supporting myself and my immigrating spouse on that money (believe it or not!). Every financial decision is a matter of how not to lose our utilities, so there are no options to spend on any courses at all. However, I do have a bit of time to devote to things for my own business, if not the money. I re-started my blog, but lately have been communicating with fans by Facebook, and I have shops on Cafe Press and Etsy in an attempt to diversify my income streams. We’re even working the Wishwall.me thing to get Amazon cards so we can get more art supplies. My spouse is also an artist, so we’re pulling and pushing in the same direction. Lucky me, I know!

    Anyhow, I’m doing my best with what I have, and welcome insight from anywhere I can get it. Thanks for the opportunity! I’m off to post on Facebook!

    Reply

    • Hey Heather! You’re definitely hustling to make it work and that’s truly inspiring. It sounds like you’ve had ups and downs, but you’re still on course to do what you love. Thank you so much for entering and sharing your story.

      Reply

  34. Hi April,

    My name is Jen! Up until a year ago, I was an eighth grade English and history teacher and weekend crafter. In May 2011, my sweet baby boy was born. I took a year off work to stay home with him, and when work started calling in spring to see if I planned to come back next year, I happily declined. So, I’m a fairly new addition to the Stay-At-Home-Mom brigade!

    Staying home with Mr. Baby gave me more time and opportunity to craft (not just on weekends), and I realized that I had something to offer the crafting community. I did A LOT of research, and worked toward my new crafty pursuit – opening my own Etsy shop. I design and sell cross stitch patterns and kits, hand-embroidered art pieces, and recently added in some hand-embroidered jewelry. I’ve spent the last few months working on the shop and my products (a never-ending process), and decided I needed more connection to the public – a blog!

    I recently started my blog to share the interworking of the process of designing and creating my items, things that I love/find interesting/inspire creativity or new products, information to help others starting or improving their own Etsy shops, and whatever else comes up. I have always loved writing, but I’ve discovered that writing for a blog is a different beast and that blogging for a creative business is much harder than I ever imagined. I’d love to take your course so I can make the best of the time and energy I am putting into my blog.

    Thanks for offering this awesome opportunity!

    ~Jen

    Shop: ActsofCraftiness.etsy.com
    Blog: ActsofCraftiness.blogspot.com
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ActsofCraftines
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ActsofCraftiness

    Reply

  35. Hi, April, my name’s Geri & I’m the owner & brains behind The Languid Lion (http://thelanguidlion.com) primarily an Etsy shop that sells cards + art + things on string, but is currently in the process of refocusing its product line to grow a little bigger.

    I’m a passionate woman who LOVES paper, design and the art of handmade.

    And also figuring out how things work. And doing everything myself. Starting with designing/producing my own wedding stationery + decorations, 12 years ago.

    fI finally leaped into the great unknown & started up my own small biz, last October. Prior to that, I learned how to design + code websites, became a graphic designer, a small print-house, a businesswoman, a floundering “blogger” & here we are… ticking along at a not-so-bad pace since the launch 7 months ago (on average 450 hits/month). I have yet to offer a subscription newsletter (I can all but hear you tsking) & I think I’ve found my blogging voice, but not my rhythm and I truly believe that having a GREAT blog could make my little biz a big success 😉

    I’ve networked like crazy & am slowly, but surely growing my online community & the timing for a great blog to go with the big relaunch is serendipitous, I say!

    The bottom line is… I NEED HELP. Sigh. That’s very hard for me to ask and I hope you’ll keep it to yourself… oh, wait, I’m replying in the Comments section, aren’t I?! Well, what’s a little humility between a few thousand people 😉

    Anywho, “The Blogging for your Creative Business” course is such a valuable asset & I feel like I could really respond well to your teaching methods – you’re obviously savvy, smart & experienced & you’re direct & honest which is a combination I completely relate to 😉 I’ve repeatedly come back to the site for the last couple of days, trying to work my budget to get Option 2… then, I saw that you were offering this generous scholarship program through my Tweeps on Twitter and, well, here I am, hustling my butt as fast as it will go 😉

    I’ve already decided to put my industrial sewing machine up for sale to buy this course (and I’ll still do that if I don’t somehow miraculously manage to win a scholarship spot!) Your site is simply amazing & I’ve gotten a lot of great advice & tips already… I’m so glad you’re here to help us out. Thanks again for offering, listening, considering & doing what you do so well 😉

    Reply

  36. Why am I scholarship worthy? I will be a challenge (not very tech savvy when it comes to social networks), a success story (once I understand a concept, look out) and a great before/after snapshot!!! Have you ever seen “What Not to Wear”? Well, I am your make-over person! I don’t have a Facebook page (I know I need one, but where to start); last Fall, while preparing for a show, I told my children I didn’t have time to “twit” (this put them into spasms of laughter); I bought 52 Weeks of Blogging Your Passion by Tara Gentile and several issues of Artful Blogging (perhaps I have over-researched the whole blog thing). Now the positives! I have a website and an Etsy store; I have started writing short stories so that I have items to post when my blog is a reality; I knew I had to hire a graphic artist to help me with my logo and banner work and did. I work at my day job 50+ hours a week so that one day I can spend 50+ hours a week creating. To cover the cost of the graphic artist, I had $’s automatically taken out of my paycheck each week! I had already decided that to cover the cost of your 2013 “Blogging for Your Creative Business” (you had indicated the course would not be offered again until next year) I was going resume having $’s taken out of my paycheck each week. Yes, I was disappointed that I would have to put my dreams of having a blog on hold, but I knew that your course and your guidance would be a turning point for me. My hope is that this course will banish my social network phobias. Thank you, April, for the opportunity to work with you.

    Reply

    • You’re awesome Sally! I absolutely love that you’re using your day job to save up money for the things that you want for your creative business. You’re gonna get there! Thank for entering.

      Reply

    • You are too funny Kashoan! THANK you so much for putting together this video to enter. I really enjoyed watching it.

      Reply

  39. I’m Lakshmi and Im an artist. I paint/ draw / illustrate colorful images of nature. I celebrate color in all possible ways and I strive to share this on my blog.
    This is an exciting opportunity for 3 deserving people. I read/ watched everyone’s entry and its inspiring that people are so working hard to achieve their dreams.
    I had to think really hard about WHY I want to take this course. I didn’t want to enter only to win a freebie. I want it for the right reasons – so its worth both my time & yours- AND this scholarship that you are so generously offering.

    I really enjoy blogging . My blog gets a decent amount of views but I really want to be able to connect with my readers / customers. I want to form a relationship because of me and what I can offer. I feel like I am getting there, but not quite.

    I want to use my blog as a platform to connect with other bloggers and other artists to enable collaborations in the future. Because of the nature of internet and everyone working in solitude , I think things would be so much more fun if collaborations happened and therefore ideas can be bounced off of each other.

    I firmly agree – to attract readers , you need amazing content and one that stands out of the niche – even if it is only once a week. Art for art’s sake is not what I believe in. If I have nothing substantial to offer, I don’t want to put something out there just for the sake of traffic. I want to blog 1-2 times a week and simply enjoy doing it. I have done the norm – 3 times/ week and run out of things to say/ share and I lose steam .

    Finally , I want this to work . I use my blog to share my work , hobbies and tid bits about myself. I like sharing other artists work .. But if it doesn’t convert to money, it won’t work in the long run. I truly believe blogging is a great way to attract customers but I don’t want to be cheesy and in your face about it – like how you described not too long ago. I really want it to be a place where my readers come and hang out with me . I want it to be this vibrant , exciting, beautiful place online where I can cater to their souls with all that I can share and offer about color and art – be it through my work or others. I want them to leave feeling refreshed and inspired and then come back for more 🙂
    I feel I can hone my blogging skills by working with you . I’ve watched you do this since I came across your blog. I love how you’ve built a community around here 🙂 I want to be able to do the same ! I want to reach out to my people.
    Thanks for this opportunity, April !

    Reply

    • You’re awesome Lakshmi! I love that you really thought about why you want to win and the goals you have for your blog. Your entry inspires me!

      Reply

    • Loved your unscripted video entry Michelle! And, I’ve seen you all week on Twitter lady, so lots of bonus points for you. Thank you so much for entering–you definitely have a big heart!

      Reply

  42. Hello there, my name is Tami and I live in the UK with my husband, child and dog.

    In 2010 when I was expecting my son Jacob I had the vision of starting my own craft business. Although I’ve always been an artsy kind of girl, there was no particular craft niche I was outstandingly good at. I had never sown before, my drawing skills were mediocre and I did not have the patience for knitting. It was then when I stumbled upon a craft book on amigurumi. I was determined I would teach myself how to crochet – I wanted to become so good at it that I would be able to design my own woolly friends.

    I started selling on Etsy in February 2011 and although the past 1.5 years were interrupted by a lengthy baby hiatus, I can say GretelCreations has done well! +1000 Etsy admirers, +100 sales and most importantly: many happy customers. It is now time to take my little business to the next level and focus on a matching blog – I have literally just started blogging (www.gretelcreations.blogspot.com)

    Writing is a lot of fun and I would love some guidance in how to make my blog a successful one! There are a few areas that would benefit from some help, such as setting up my own newsletter, develop consistency and setting myself apart from other bloggers from the same niche.

    I still have a vision and I look forward to its manifestation.

    Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to win a scholarship.

    I want to ignite my spark,
    Reach my goals and live my dream!

    I will also tweet about this giveaway and share it on facebook

    Good luck everyone!

    Tami

    Reply

    • Hey Tami! You’ve got such cute little guys in your shop. LOVE the bookworm! Thank you so much entering and sharing your story with us.

      Reply

  43. Hi April,

    I’m sitting here at my desk trying to come up with some sort of line that will make you instantly fall in love with me. Well, not really of course (I’m already covered in that departement – with 3 kids on top – thank you though) but just enough to make you pick me as one of the winners of this contest.

    The polite introduction: “Hi, I’m Tania, I’m thirty something and I’m from Belgium” probably won’t make a lasting impression on you.

    Should I tell you about how much I want to become a work at home mom so that I can be there for my children, watch them grow up while simultaneously doing something I love on a daily basis?

    Maybe you would be interested in hearing that I opened up my Etsy shop mid December, not waiting for the new year to start, not waiting for everything to be perfect but just taking the plunge, taking that leap of faith and diving in head first. And whilst my marketing skills could definitely use a boost too, I’m proud of the sales I have made in this short time.

    Would it be possible to get on your good side by telling you how much I enjoy watching your Wednesday Wisdom video’s, how I’ve laughed at your bloopers, how your husband’s comments always make me smile (and how I secretely envy your hair)?

    Could I even throw in some of the sentimental reasons I have for pursuing this creative business career like how I’ve learned that life simply is too short not to try to follow your heart and how I made a promise to a friend about doing something with this creativity of mine. A promise that has a special place in my heart, just as my friend has now.

    Or perhaps you’d love to hear about how I’m trying to find my voice on my blog, adding a little personality and even a little rhyme now and then.

    Friday‘s always been my favorite of days,
    The beginning of the weekend, bringing joy in many ways
    But this Friday is special, for we all will wait to see
    Who April picks as winners,
    Dare I hope one of them is… me?

    See what this scholarship is making us do? (sorry, April Bowles Olin is a bit hard to rhyme with)

    And then perhaps my pièce-de-résistance: would I impress you by saying that this entry is exactly 499 words long?

    Maybe not.

    Still, in the end it all comes down to this: I’d love to win a sholarship for Blogging for your Creative Business since I am convinced it would help me to have more fun blogging while at the same time allowing me to create a relationship with my customers and get more sales. I think your course might be the secret ingredient I need to really get this creative business dream of mine off the ground.

    Thank you April for considering my entry.

    Tania

    Reply

    • I love how creative you were with your entry Tania! Yes, it did make me instantly fall in love you! 🙂

      Reply

  47. As a tried n’ true perfectionist, it’s hard for me to admit I need help. (Seriously. It took me two months to tell my mom I lost my first job – even though I ate nothing but Ramen noodles for weeks.)

    That said, It’s even harder for me to admit I need help blogging.
    Why?

    Well, I’m a full-time freelance writer/copywriter. I spend my days sprucing up sales pages, bangin’ out bio pages + shining up my clients’ web copy.

    So. I know what you’re thinking: Why would a WRITER need to take a course on BLOGGING? And trust me, I hear you.

    But let me explain. I can write blogs for clients like Adele can belt out songs about douche-y ex-boyfriends. (Seriously. I’m that good.) I never seem to NOT know what to say.

    But when it comes to my own little blog?

    It’s kinda like the Lindsay Lohan of the web-o-sphere: It looks sorta glamorous on the outside, but it’s actually a little pathetic. It has promise, but it just can’t seem to get it together. (And its hair! Ugh. We won’t even go there.)

    But just like LiLo, I truly believe my blog just needs a little help.
    First though, it needs to admit it has a problem.

    So…

    Blogging for my OWN business is HARD. I find myself over analyzing, questioning + re-writing all my blog entries. I’m constantly kicking posts to the curb, editing out the juicier parts + emulating the voices of other bloggers. And subsequently, my blog’s a ghost town. And. I. Need. Help.

    Blogging for Your Creative Business came to me in a serious case of serendipity. I’d never seen Blacksburg Belle before, but one of my Twitter friends tweeted about the course + I immediately fell in love. It covers everything about blogging that leaves me shaking my head in despair and waking up in a police station with a splitting headache and an ankle monitor. (Oh, wait. That last part’s LiLo.)

    And let me tell you, I know you know your stuff. I spent three hours on the website thereafter reading articles, watching videos + signing up for free content. I was that hooked. (Wow. Maybe LiLo and I have more in common than I thought…?)

    Anyway, I was super close to signing up for the course + then – BAM! – my boyfriend lost his well-paying job.

    …The day after we bought a new car. (I know, right?)

    We’ve been scrounging for pennies ever since + spending extra money on a course isn’t on the agenda.

    So, why me? Clearly, I need the help, desperately. (And not just because I don’t want to eat Ramen noodles again. Well. Not all of it.)

    And I can tell you wholeheartedly that I’ll soak up every bit o’ knowledge I can.

    More importantly, I’ll do the work.

    I’ll show up.
    Every day.

    My business – (+ my health) – KINDA depend on it.

    So grateful XO,
    Erica Lee

    Reply

  48. hi april,
    i recently signed up for your newsletter and have been learning something from each one. i would love to win a scholarship. i am a 50-something mom of two (one married, one almost) who has had a blog for several years along with an etsy shop. i feel that i could use the information from your course for both venues. my problem has been my frustrating ability to rewrite something (even emails) several times before i send/post it. perhaps it’s confidence and like your recent email stated, i need to write and read more. so that is a goal that i’ve written down. i’ve not posted anything on my blog since the end of april due to various things, but mostly because it take me SO long to write a post that i discourage myself! hopefully, your course will get me going to figure out what my problem is and how to push through this “block” i’m having. thanks for making this scholarship offer to your readers!
    judi

    Reply

    • Hey Judi! It sounds like that inner critic of yours has taken control and you need to get it back. It’s good to proofread and do a little rewriting, but it can definitely become too much if you’re not careful. Thank you so much for entering.

      Reply

  50. This is great! Thanks for the opportunity for winning a place on BfyCB!
    Why do I want to win it? Easy peasy…. I’m now taking your Roadmap course. The way you open up our eyes and explain things and help to work them out is really great. You do know what you’re talking about. so that was enough to convince me!
    I have a blog but I’m not using it so much for my craft business and would like to turn things up…aside from getting some new ideas to freshen it up a bit. But the truth is that, at this point I can’t really fit it in my budget. anyway, if I don’t get a place now, I’ll surelly start saving for the next edition for next year! You’re not getting rid of me that easy!!!! 😀
    xo,
    Ana

    Reply

    • Hahahahaha! I’m glad I’m not getting rid of you that easy! 😉

      Thank you so much for entering Ana! I’m truly enjoying reading your comments in RoadMap and having you in that course.

      Reply

  53. Dear April,

    I’ve been a fan of your and your work for years! I read your blog, take your advice, sign up for your courses and even started following Mayi because of you.

    I’ve been blogging since 2006 and my blog has evolved organically over the years. I now have more than 3000 unique visitors a day and my facebook page has more than 4000 likes. However, I’m not making any money!! People have said over and over again that I’ve inspired then to take action, start sewing, look at wildflowers in a different way, even that I’ve helped them through some tough times. This is all wonderful and incredible but the thing is, I’ve got to earn a living too!

    I used to sell a lot of my sewn goods on Etsy but that wasn’t proving to be sustainable for me. I would like my blog to be my real business, not my Etsy shop. I’d love to be able to dedicate myself even more to sharing the good things in life with people, to inspire them to be creative and to make the most of what life gives them. That’s why I think Blogging for your Creative Business would be invaluable for me! I KNOW you’d help me to take things to the next level.

    Thank you for this amazing opportunity! All the best for you.

    Reply

    • Hey Constanca! Thank you for your entry. Whether or not you win, I would highly suggest that you start thinking about what your business model is OR what you want it to be. You’ve got to start thinking about how you’re going to make money! There are lots of ways you can do it, but it sounds like you need to pick one and start putting it into action since you’ve already got lots of traffic.

      Reply

  56. Hi April, I am a patternmaker and seamstress. I just started my blog at the end of last month. I’ve always had the desire to work for myself and I have no misconceptions about the hard work involved in running my own business. I’d like to tell you a brief, but true story.

    One day a friend of mine asked me why I always wear all gray or black. She wanted to know if I had any color in my closet. In fact, that day I had on a gray jacket and dress. I thought about her question for a long time and didn’t have an answer until weeks later. I realized I was trying to fade into the background. I didn’t want to bring any kind of attention to myself because of the negative attention I’d received in the past, some of which had to do with my size and shape. In my mind color drew unwanted attention, so it had to go. I eventually added color to my wardrobe and welcomed any positive attention it brought, but not until I changed the way I thought about myself.

    Once I took more interest in the way I dressed I realized another problem-the fashion choices for full figured women were better than they used to be, but still limited. Shopping became a chore for me because I was never satisfied with what was available or the way it fit. So I decided to sew for myself, only to discover that most of my time was spent doing major alterations to patterns to make them fit my body.

    I want to take Blogging for Your Creative Business because:

    I want to help women look and feel good in their clothes, regardless of their size and shape, by sharing my sewing, patternmaking, clothing alteration and life experience, the triumphs and failures.

    I want to learn from them also because I’m aware I don’t know everything.

    Somebody said “Experience is the best teacher, but it doesn’t have to be your experience”. I want to learn from your experience and avoid any unnecessary mistakes.

    And yes, I want to make money doing what I love-sewing, patternmaking, teaching, marketing and of course, blogging.

    One last thing, I created my Facebook page last night at http://www.facebook.com/katrinakaycreations and posted this link. I had to get at least one bonus point. I don’t have a twitter account… yet.

    Thank you so much for this opportunity.

    Reply

    • Hey Katrina! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your goals are AMAZING. You’ve got so much to offer, and your business sounds like it will help lots of women.

      Reply

  57. “He who becomes the slave of habit,
    who follows the same routes every day,
    who never changes pace,
    who does not risk and change the color of his clothes,
    who does not speak and does not experience,
    dies slowly…
    …Let’s try and avoid death in small doses,
    reminding oneself that being alive requires an effort far greater than the simple fact of breathing.” (Pablo Neruda)

    I am tired of dying slowly, in painful small dosis. I’ve been unemployed for about eight months and it has been hard… really hard to accept this situation and the consequences that came into my daily life. It’s hard to fight back and build something from scratch but since January I’ve found new places, new blogs, new websites, new trainings, new ideas (until I became overwhelmed!!!)… and since them I’ve been fighting this battle and I’ve built a blog that represents my creative escape to a new creative world. I’ve always envisioned myself as a creative person but never had the time and the braveness to accept it as a part of me. But now, in this new year, I’ve had the time and gave myself the permission to dream and to build my creative braveness and I am just starting to climb up a long staircase. I do know that my blog was the first step and at this precise moment I’m creating my Design Shop. But I must confess… I was and I am really scared and I do know that I am taking the triple or quadruple of time that I would take to build such endeavors. Fear of not being good enough, of being new to all of this, of making errors, of being imperfect… all these fears are holding me back and I just want to be free to build my creative career. So, this is why I’m here applying for this amazing scholarship so I can finally understand my path, what am I doing wrong, how can I change and improve, how can I build a business out of it and how can I be successful in my creative business.
    So, April, thank you for accepting my application, thank for helping me and other fabulous women with your magic touch and empowering words, thank you for sharing your knowledge in your blog posts and videos!
    Dear April, thank you so much for being who you are!

    Reply

    • Loved reading your entry Gina! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Don’t let that fear hold you back.

      Reply

  58. My name is Katka Hubacek, I’m 35 years old and live in Montreal, Canada. I left my film set & costume design job in 2008 to focus on creating my own work full time. I run my craft business under the name Katkaland (http://www.katkaland.com). I’m trying to make a living by doing craft shows. I have 2 ETSY shops (katkaland & katkalandcreatures) and I sell my items at a few local stores. I’m an artist with non-stop ideas who would love to be more productive (and well payed:). I’m also a new mom of a 16 month old boy trying to find my creative moments in the mix.

    Unfortunately I have a “you should know everything” inner voice coupled with a reluctance of asking for help. BAD combo! Creating is my life. As a career, I can’t see myself doing anything else. I know I’m talented I just don’t know how to get people to see my stuff. Clearly I can use help…

    I’m not good at blogging because:
    – I’m unsure of what voice to put out there to show my shy, quirky, creative, passionate, feminine personality. It seems my inner voice (my struggle/doubt/fears/passions) is so vocal I can’t imagine not including it. Is that wise?
    – I don’t follow schedules well.
    – I haven’t found the joy in it yet.
    – I fear that my brand is perhaps too scattered?
    – I have no idea how to attract/reach customers

    I LOVE blogs because:
    -I LOVE looking at other people’s blogs to find inspiration for my own work and to see others just like me.
    -I can spend hours finding inspirations for my home, my son and my cooking on other’s blogs.
    -They can teach me new skills and techniques.
    -I find advice & help out there.
    -I personally want to connect with people and give them a glimpse of me.

    I think I could learn an unimaginable amount of things (not only about blogging) from this workshop. Your videos and commitment to helping people like me has been inspirational and a constant reminder that “I CAN DO THIS”. I’ve since signed up to see an artist coach at the local Employment Center and have reached out to artists I see succeeding in ways that I fall short. I have a huge show lined up for Christmas (for the 3rd year) (http://www.oneofakindshow.com/toronto/). I work hard towards cohesiveness of my work without losing my creativity, integrity and meaning in the process. I am creating. All I need is people to come!
    Thank you for this chance ☺

    Reply

    • Hi Katka! Your work is beautiful. Your entry makes me so excited for you, because you’re taking so many steps towards success. Thank you so much for sharing who you are and what you do with me!

      Reply

  59. Thank you so much for this opportunity April!

    I’m Heather, a former first grade teacher turned stay at home mom, and creator of Pop Heart Press – a line of educational art prints and teaching tools for the modern family.

    4 years ago, my husband and I moved back to our hometown, so I could help out at my parents’ printshop as a graphic designer.

    Soon after we moved, we found out we were pregnant…. with TWINS! While decorating the boys’ playroom and nursery, I began shopping for educational art but couldn’t find what I was looking for. So I began designing and printing my own, and not long after that, I opened Pop Heart Press.

    As my business grew, I knew that I should create a blog, but I just didn’t know what it should be about.

    So, I asked myself, “What do parents really want? and What do I have to offer?”.

    The answer came to me while I was at McDonald’s. The boys were off in the playground, showing off their counting skills, reciting their ABCs and using sign language, when a few moms nearby asked, “How did you teach them that?”

    I gave them a few tips that I’d learned through my years in the classroom when midway through our conversation, I had to place one of my boys in timeout. Then one said, “Ooh, how’s that going? I have no idea how to discipline my 2 year old!”

    That’s when I realized that parents are looking for three things:

    1. How they can promote learning at home

    2. How to incorporate discipline in a loving way

    3. Validation that they’re doing a great job as parents

    Now that I’ve found my purpose, I really need help with the follow through.

    “Blogging for Your Creative Business” would be such a great help! I really want to learn how to build a community of readers and create calls to action that are absolutely irresistable!

    I’d also like to create videos that illustrate how to use my teaching strategies, but I lack the tech know-how and, most importantly, clear vision for what my voice, style and point-of-view should look like in video. Who better to learn from than Ms. “Wednesday Wisdom” herself, April Bowles?

    Reply

    • Amazing Heather! I absolutely love that you’re clear on what information you want to offer your audience and why. That’s such an inspiring mission. Thank you so much for sharing your story and entering this contest!

      Reply

  60. OMG!

    Hi April,

    Wow, to start I am going to say thank you so much for giving three people the opportunity to win a scholarship to your “Blogging for Your Creative Business”.

    I would love the opportunity to be one of the three lucky winners to your course and I believe that I am someone who Really* needs guidance when it comes to blogging. Just one look at my blog pretty much speaks for itself.

    My blog is about things that I make myself and sell on a site and/or make to wear or use myself because I love making things especially recycling or re-designing something old to new.

    I feel that I am the dumbest person when it comes to blogging because I just do not get it when it comes to making a nice looking blog and linking other blogs to mine.

    I love looking at all the beautiful blogs that are out there and join as many as I can, but I just cannot seem to get anyone to follow mine. (Probably because it is so boring)

    I am so unorganized that I get so overwhelmed by all the things I would like to do that I end up doing so little, when I know I could do so much more!

    I even tried just yesterday saying to myself, “spend one day on the computer, and the next day creating things”, and so far, that is not working.

    I am so glad that I have given this email address to you also with one of my many emails because I was trying to clear out this account and while going through the emails I came upon your email (which I Always open) and see that you are having this contest. I closed my eyes because I thought I missed out on being able to enter, but was so happy that I still have a chance to win.

    My name is Laura and my middle name is Belle so my shop url is LauraBelle but I wanted to change the name and could not so I changed the banner to “Visual imaginaries by LauraBelle”, and the reason I chose that name is because when I look at what I have available such as fabrics and jewellery supplies I make whatever comes to my imagination.

    April, I promise that If I am one of the lucky winners I will do nothing else but focus on the course until completion.

    Good luck to everyone!

    Hugs and blessings to you April for this great opportunity.

    Reply

    • Hey Laura! Thank you so much for sharing your struggles and story with me. You’re not dumb–I promise you that so many other people share your struggles when it comes to blogging. It’s a learning process. None of us are born knowing how to do this.

      Reply

  63. Hi April, I submitted a video for the chance of being one of the three lucky winners of the “Blogging For Your Creative Business” scholarships. I wasn’t sure how I felt about putting my e-mail on the comment section of the video because of spammers so thought I would send it to you directly instead.

    I have an Etsy store with my apron patterns as well as do promotional animotos, but mostly I tell people “I am the mom who writes”.

    I really loved going through the workbook “Marketing Creatives” and think that Blogging For Your Creative Business , would be a great follow-up.
    Thanks so much for the opportunity.
    Gratefully Yours,
    Marci Seither

    marci_seither@yahoo.com
    http://www.marciseither.com

    p.s. I posted on Twitter 2x

    Reply

  64. Hey April,

    Let me start by thanking you for this chance to win such a wonderful “golden-ticket” to a better and brighter blog!

    I am Sara, a SAHM of three lovely kids, from Portugal (Europe).

    I enjoy doing crafts since I can remember! As a child I enjoyed spending time using my creativity with bits-and-bobs. I made my own toys and gifts for the family. When I grew up to be a teenager I learnt to sew with my sweet grandmother – who was her countryside village seamstress – and there began my lifetime passion: sewing! Unfortunately, as time gone by I didn’t found time to sew and it was when I became a mom for the first time (4 years and a half ago) that I cleaned the dust off the sewing machine. But, again, I didn’t found much time to use it as I was working as a major Department’s Director of a multinational company. I was working too much and feeling burned out until I got pregnant of my third child and I was forced to stop working due to a high-risk pregnancy. Spending 4 months at home just laid down allowed me to do a lot of thinking… I decided to quit my really well paid job to be a full-time mom.

    I am now enjoying this new life. I am living on a much lower pace (well… as much as my kids allow it) and living a simple creative life. I finally found my true passion and purpose: being a mom, a crafter and a homemaking. I love to sew, to create patterns, to do toys and clothing for my kids, to remodel my home with new curtains and pillows, to dress the dining table with a new towel, to put a hand-sewn new quilt on my little princess’s crib. I love to cook, I do every meal that we eat with fresh organic ingredients, I love to bake a cake or a sweet desert. I love to grow my own vegetables and herbs and flowers. I love styling, interior design and matching colors and patterns.

    And, finally, I would LOVE to share all that creative living, parenting and homemaking in a blog so others could be inspired to create and to live a simple but so much meaningful life (one that no money can buy) – and that is where you come in, April! It would be so great if you could help me to accomplish this! I need your coaching on how to blog for my creative business and improve the selling of my handmade products (for the home and for kids).
    The modules and subjects you are covering in this amazing course are exactly what I need right now! You really have thought about everything!

    So, I’m hoping!…

    Again, thank you so much for the opportunity!

    Sara

    Reply

    • Thanks for your lovely entry Sara! I love that you want to share your passions of living a creative and meaningful life.

      Reply

  65. Hi again! Shared on FB (already spread the word with a few friends that I am sure would love to be part of this course) and Tweeted (@ABeesyLife).
    Good luck on choosing the 3 lucky ones! 🙂

    Reply

  66. Hello April! Hi fellow crafters! 🙂
    I’m here because…let’s face it: I suck at blogging.

    Less than two years ago I opened my Etsy Shop, selling art prints from my illustrations, waited for customers to come and thus my sales went up to…zero! Nada.
    So I started browsing to find out what I was doing wrong and discovered Mayi Carles. I asked for one of her “One-on-one coaching” session: my shop completely revamped and after a month I had my first sale!
    With Carlyi I found out about you April, lovely couple! 😉

    After following a few of your e-mail newsletter I stumbled upon RoadMap, and it looked made up just for me, the Big Time Waster! I realized it was going to be a big investment for my life and that what it has been. It was great!
    (Yes, I am the one emailing you and taking it later, after it was already finished, because few family problems and you were so nice I don’t think I thanked you enough back then – no empty flattery intended!)

    Now I am unemployed with no funds whatsoever (stupid european crisis!) and a huge desire to do everything, anything in my power to bring my business to the point that can mean really something to me and especially to the people I can reach out in the world.
    As you can see I love to learn and I took small steps to get where I am now, with much more confidence in myself and in my art than only a couple of years ago.

    But – YEAH – I still suck at blogging, and I’m truly convinced that Art (well, in this case, my art) can enhance people’s lives, and make them happy, and that can happen only when you put all yourself out there, even more on the internet.
    I truly believe that having a working blog (not my nice-looking but poor-content blog) is a powerful way to connect each other and I want to do my part in it!
    So please, oh please, let me be one of your pupils!
    Just to take another important step!

    In any case, thanks for the great opportunity!

    Reply

    • Thanks for your entry Chiara! I appreciate and understand how much you want to make your business successful. And, I’m so happy that you’ve been taking steps to do it!

      Reply

  70. Hi April!

    I created my little empire, Bohemian Bear, in May of 2010. I make super fun handmade jewelry and stationery goodies for my fellow sci-fi geeks…and more (lots more!)! And now my hubby is part of the deal too–he makes super awesome paracord gear!

    I’ve surprised myself and my family by doing better than I ever expected! And I I LOVE my little micro business, but it’s time for it to grow! I am always busy, busy, busy with orders and all the care my shops need, but I still don’t bring in enough customers to make it worth my time or to be able to quit my day job. I would love to take your course–it seems to be exactly what I need, because I know blogging more and *better* will help me gain readers and then buyers.

    I’ve made it a priority to write at least once a week, but I definitely need more practice and instruction to get where I really want to be. Honestly, I feel like I’m just annoying the little handful of readers I do have–and I want that to change and be able to provide quality content.

    We have a fantastic little family, and my hubby and I want to show our daughter that anything is possible with hard work. While we’re stuck in the middle of the city at the moment, our goal is to move to the country where we can spend our days tending a veggie garden and working 100% from home! Just picture a sweet little ranch with one of those cute metal signs reading “BohoBear” over the front gate! 😉

    Reply

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