Focus Five - The 5 Things That Describe Your Business

Find your focus, change the game

You and your business NEED focus in order to be able to help guide your day-to-day decisions and give you clarity. Narrowing down what you want your business to be will help you focus your efforts.

Let's get your message and your focus super clear.

Here are some things to think about when doing this exercise to help narrow in on the focus areas of your business:

• What do you want your business to say?

• What do you want portrayed?

• Why are you doing this business?

• What do you want to get out of it?

• What do you want to give to your following?

• What is important to you?

• Why is it important to you?

• Do you have a message you want to send? Or something you want to bring awareness to?

• Is there something you want to show your support of? Or speak out against?

• Are you trying to make money?

• If you could tell your followers just one thing, what would you tell them? What if you could tell them 5 things?

• Why do you do what you do?

Little Reminders:

• Limit it to about 5 things, so you can give those 5 things the time, attention, and focus they deserve. Fewer is also fine, but aim for 5.

• This is YOUR platform, this is YOUR business. YOU get to choose what it is, and what it isn’t!

• The truer and more honest you are to yourself, the more you will attract the audience of your dreams and have a greater impact on them. The things that make you and your business uniquely you will be the thing that draws in your people. Let your vibe attract your tribe. Be authentic.

• It doesn’t have to be set in stone! Done is better than perfect. You can ALWAYS change your 5 things as your business changes.

• Some of your areas of focus will present themselves to you easily, and some may come after a rearranging of priorities, or after you do the 5 year-to-1 year exercise. Pause and re-evaluate every quarter or at least yearly.

• Tape it up somewhere. It is good to be reminded often where your priorities lie, DAILY! Or better yet, write them daily. You can even make a digital image and turn it into your home screen on your phone, iPad or laptop.

Here is an example of my Focus 5:
Wood Burn Corner

1. Teaching

2. Collaboration with Artists and Companies

3. Building Community & Supporting Other Makers

4. Giving Back

5. Creating and Sharing Beautiful Art

All of the decisions you make, all of the pieces you make, all of the posts you write, all the things you do when it comes to your business should involve one or more of these categories.

This will help give you and your business consistency across the board and will help give you a framework to work around.

Pausing to take the time to figure out what you are about in the big picture will ensure your business is exactly what you want it to be.

Make it clear for you, and clear for your audience.

Exercise: Write your Focus Five. Take your time, but don't fret about it, because you can always adjust it.

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Interview with Chelsea from CGDesigns

Name: Chelsea Gorham

Burning since: December 2017 (but didn't start my business until May of 2018)

Location: Amarillo, TX

@cgdesigns_wear and www.wearcgdesigns.com

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Can you tell us a little about your art and yourself?

I'm Chelsea Gorham, owner and artist of CGDesigns where I make and sell woodburned jewelry and art.  I am a stay-at-home Mom and homeschooler of my 4 children by day, and a woodburning artist/jeweler by night.

How did you find wood burning?

Quite on a whim. Back in the summer if 2017, I was working as a vendor at our local market as a henna artist. As I finished up a design on my customer who also happened to be a musician, he asked if I could put a "henna" design on his guitar.  Knowing I couldn't possibly put henna paste on his guitar, I still accepted his challenge and looked into woodburning as an alternative. The first person I thought to ask was my Mother who has always been an artist, and low and behold, she had a vintage burner (Detail Master IV) that she offered to mail to me. As soon as I got it, I fell in love with the process and began practicing for my first big commission!

Which came first, jewelry making or wood burning, and when did you meld the two together?

They coincided, quite honestly. Because I didn't want to ruin a large, beautiful wood slab, I began by practicing my burn designs on small, affordable pieces. After I had a little collection of them, a good friend of mine commented that they would make cool pieces of jewelry...hence, wearable woodburned art was born!

Have you always done art?

Yes, having been surrounded by art/artists all my life, it feels very much a part of my life.  I would say my first memory of making art was when I was 3 years old. I have so many collections of art - from technical design to watercolor, I've enjoyed them all over the years. But...It wasn't until woodburning, that I finally accepted the title of Artist.

What goals do you have for CGDesigns?

More collaborations and expanding my portfolio in the short-term. My own workshop/jewelry shop/makers space in the long-term.

What inspires you?

Surrounding beauty - in nature, art, seasons, life. I love pattern designs, geometry and symmetry - all which I try to blend with my 'technical' design style. I love linear design and just want to make pretty things that hopefully bring joy.

Let’s talk about the earring of the month club! What is it, how does it work? Where do people go to sign up?

The Earring of the Month Club is a subscription service where my customers can sign-up for a surprise themed earring that shows up on their doorstep every month. I created it as a way to streamline a part of my business that allowed me to focus on a set # of earrings and have some fun while doing it. I have 4 subscription options that are all very affordable; VIP, 12 month, 6 month and 4 month options. VIP being the best value. To sign up, go to www.wearcgdesigns.com and click on the Earring of the Month tab at the top. 

You have now started a junior line, can you tell us a little about that?

The junior/youth line was inspired by my 10 year old daughter, Allison, who just got her ears pierced this past winter. She has always wanted to try my earrings as she sees me create them, but I told her that we could work on some together, that way she gets them just the way she likes! She sat down, sketched out her ideas and we collaborated on an adorable collection of earrings that all sold at their release. We plan on making it a regular thing now that she got a small taste of entrepreneurship and seeing the benefits of hard work mixed with fun. 

There is a design portion of your services.  Henna and Booth/Brand Styling. Can you tell us a little about these services?

Henna tattooing is a service that is always available to my customers. (It is after all how I got started!) I am available for private sessions, parties and events.

Booth/Brand Styling is a service I offer any creative who wants to up their market presence at in-person selling events. I take a look at their online presence, ie. shops, instagram feed, logo/brand as it is and base a style off of what 'feel' I get. I basically act as a consultant to get your booth that eye-catching look that makes you stand apart when selling in person. There is a unique art to marketing and design and I love bringing that 'a-ha' moment to my clients with this design service.

I have been loving your new portraits. (please include a portrait photo)

Thank you! I have long wanted to try them and quarantine has pushed me to do these things that I've been putting off.

What goals do you have for your art? Any other new techniques you are hoping to try?

Always want to improve and learn new things. I would love to be able to comfortably finish a large wood piece with only using a variety of burn techniques. Shading/gradient work being at the top.

How much time is spent wood burning versus the rest of the business? What percentage would you give each?

I'd say about 30-40% burning, and 60-70% all the other stuff!

Tell us about these super successful LIVE Video Sales you have been doing? Where did the idea come from? How did you set it up? What suggestions do you have for someone wanting to try one?

Instagram LIVE Market is an idea my creative entrepreneur coach, Kristyn Burney, perfected. I would suggest following her and joining her Facebook Group 'Creative as a Mother' for the best info on a successful LIVE Market. She has so many helpful tips on how to creative revenue and run a successful online business @kristynburney

Deserted Island, with power question. You can choose ONE

Burner: 'Old Faithful' Detail Master IV

Nib: Knife tip - I love clean, crisp linework

Type of wood: Birch

Non-essential tool (but basically essential to you): Dental Pick Thingy

What other tools are essential for you?

Watercolor travel set and Tombow Sand Eraser

What apps/programs do you find useful for your business?

Canva - I use it for so many things in my business.

What are the main types of wood that you use for earrings? Do you have a favorite? And where do you source your wood?

Birch Plywood is my go-to for earrings.

I have 2 wood suppliers/laser cutters I work with for custom/premium shapes.

What parts of the business do you absolutely love and what parts feel like a chore?

I love collaborations, networking with other makers and 'a-ha' moments of my own.

My least favorite part would have to be planning content on social media. It is necessary, but can feel like a long, long chore.

Any advice for newbie woodburning artists?

Play to your strengths. Start with what you know, perfect it, embrace it, make it your own. Don't feel like you have to do what anyone else out there is doing to get noticed. We are all individuals who have our own unique voice and something beautiful to offer.

Watch the recorded live video:

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Interview with Basia from fine line pyro

Name: Basia Chmielowiec

Burning since: 2009

Location: Innisfil, Ontario 🇨🇦

@finelinepyro and www.finelinepyro.ca

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Can you tell us a little about your art, your life, and you!

my name is Basia, the wood burning artist behind fine line pyro. One of the craft mediums I enjoy is pyrography and creating sustainable high end art that is inspired by nature!

mandalas are my jam but i also love trying new things and collaborating with other artists.

How did you find wood burning, and when?

in 2009, I got my first wood burning machine as a payment for creating some artwork on a bus!

i lived in Calgary for about 6 years and during that time I met this wonderful group of people who, at that time, started a business called bass bus. their idea was to create a moving platform for artists and musicians that would travel to different music festivals/events and perform. this amazing community grew and grew and I am very happy I was able to see it blossom.

since the bus was always moving, they needed artwork inside the bus that was permanent. they had transformed the entire interior with wood and discovered the art of pyrography. they trusted me enough to burn their bus and i am so honoured they did. i haven’t stopped burning since and am still using the same machine they gave me!

I will always have a special place in my heart for these amazing people, the mountains and the wonderful 6 years spent out west.

How did you find this fine art, fine line style? 

practice, practice, practice. 

doing the same thing you love and varying it and tweaking it over time allows your style and your art to have a character that is organic and your own. it took me a while to realize this. i was often putting myself down for not being as good as others, or not being able to create something amazing the first time i try. being an artist and having your own style is a journey that has to be taken. one of my favorite podcasts by Rich Roll (featuring Chase Jarvis): Creativity Is Our Birthright, sums it up nicely!

Have you always created art? 

art has always been part of my life in one way or another. in high school i took all the art classes that were available. i never had any formal training afterwards but a solid family foundation which supported and encouraged all varieties of creativity. I often draw with pencil and ink, mostly mandalas, as well as play with digital mandalas, i dabbled in scrapbooking, i really got into pastel, and also dove deep into making feather earrings and accessories and so many other random things… I really like to make stuff.

What is it about mandalas that you love so much?

the meaning of the word mandala in Sanskrit is circle. mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. the circular designs symbolizes the idea that life is never ending and everything is connected. mandalas can be simple or intricate, big or small and no two i make are ever exactly the same. creating them is my meditation, no matter the medium. drawing and burning mandala’s make me zone out and escape the clutter in my mind.

Any new techniques you are hoping to try?

I can’t wait to add some gold leafing onto my work but I want to work with adding colours, aiming for sustainable paints and natural elements to keep my work earth friendly.

How much time is spent wood burning versus the rest of the business? 

the ratio is about 80-20. i spend about 80% of my time wood burning and 20% on my business. I would like to invest more time onto the business end of things but have to juggle a full time job and a family. perhaps one day…

If people want to teach classes, what do you suggest they look for? Any pieces of advice? 

teaching classes brings me so much joy. i really enjoy when i can show people something new that can provide some peace and calmness in their lives. the best way to start, especially if you are short on time, is with a company.

i started teaching at Lee Valley Tools. they did all the work gathering students, providing materials and tools, and receiving payments. all i had to do was show up. this was huge since i didn’t have time or money for advertising and looking for students. now that i have more followers and know more people interested in learning, i invested in a few extra machines and am able to host small classes from my home!

Deserted Island, with power question. You can choose ONE:

Burner: any razertip brand burner. I have the SS-D10

Nib: the chisel tip (a.k.a. the sexy tip!)

Type of wood: cedar 🤤

Non-essential tool (but basically essential to you): sandpaper - i very gently sand most of my pieces when i am finished burning them to get the very fine lines i love 

What other tools are essential for you? 

I can do without (if i really had too) but i do take my compass everywhere i go. this helps me get the perfect circles and general shapes for my mandalas.

What apps, and programs do you find yourself using? 

planoly is great for organizing instagram photos and the order i post them. i am able to see my feed and insert new photos and move them around. this really helps plan ahead of time. i also use the mobile version of adobe lightroom for editing before they go into planoly. Canva is a game changer for all things digital! and of course, Pinterest is always my favourite to get inspired as well as market myself for free.

How do you stay organized? 

i really love using google keep. its basically like a digital sticky note hub that i can colour coordinate, tag (level of importance), label (business or personal), add photos too, make into checklists and share (ie. grocery store list) and edit with others. I always have it in my phone and its connected to gmail so setting alarms or scheduling e-mails is really easy! This is great because even those looooong term ideas can be stored away but also can be easily found anytime i want.

What wood do you use, and what suppliers do you prefer in Canada?

i often go dumpster diving in nearby wood shops. many companies who make kitchens or generally work with wood cannot use little pieces so their scrap wood and cut off’s go into the landfill. i divert as many pieces as i can and make them into art! I recently scored on a whole lot of cherry, which i love using and it has a gorgeous warm color with beautiful grains throughout. if i need to purchase a specific kind or shape, I go to Exotic Woods in burlington or look online.

What parts of the business do you absolutely love and what parts are hard? 

of course i love the actual art process, trying new things with wood burning and evolving my style. the part that is difficult for me is the whole selling process. i have a hard time pricing my art… i just started selling and am hoping to improve on this as i grow.

Any advice for newbie wood burning artists?

keep on creating. as i mentioned earlier, make it till you make it. the more you do the more you know what and how to do it. also, understanding that we all have a journey to go through is important. don’t compare yourself to others and their work. compare yourself to who you were yesterday and just keep moving forward.

Where do you find inspiration? 

nature! i love nature and everything it has to offer. i go portaging as often as i can and during those times, and also when i am taking care of my own plants in my home and backyard, i get a wealth of new ideas and inspiration. being in the forest grounds me.

What goals do you have for Fine Line Pyro?

i have something very exciting in the pipelines. i want to take nature and being in the forest and mix it in with mandalas so i am creating a sketchbook fit for traveling, guiding people of all artistic levels to make their own mandalas. stay tuned in my fine line pyro instagram feed for an announcement coming soon!  

Watch the recorded live video:

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Interview with Megan from HappiCamperKC

Name:  Megan Colwell

Burning since:  2012

Location: Kansas City (based)

@happicamperkc on Instagram and Facebook or Shop Etsy

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You have a unique living/working situation, can you tell us about that? 

Sure! I live in a 2018 Travel Trailer (camper). We are going on 2 years living in it full time. When we can, we travel the country. So far we have been out West and loved it!

Tell us a little about your business and what you make.

I am a self-taught wood burning artists. I love to make bold and colorful works of art of all types, however, my specialty is line art and texture. 

You have another business, Happidesk. Can you tell us a little about that?  

Of course! @Happidesk is where I conduct my business as a virtual assistant. Although my main focus is Real Estate, I also help many small business with things like: Social Media Management, Branding, Design, and Engagement. I help accounts authentically connect and grow with their target audience. 

What percentage of your time do you spend wood burning versus business? How much of your time is devoted to Happicamper vs Happidesk? 

Great question! Typically Monday thru Friday I spend on Happi Desk, using my evenings to engage on Happi Camper when I can. I do my best to dedicate Friday night thru Sunday night to making art and content for Happi Camper. 

What other hobbies/crafts do you enjoy? 

I also enjoy watercolor and illustration. I can't forget travel! I love exploring new areas, especially anything flora/fauna related. 

Where do you draw inspiration? 

Definitely from our surroundings. I love nature and find lots of new plants/places to research then apply to my art. I also draw a lot of inspiration from vintage styles. 

What piece of advice can you offer to anyone who is new to wood burning or new to the community? 

Do not "compare and despair". At the end of the day, social media can go away. Only compare yourself to your growth path, and not others. You are so unqiue; no one in the world is like YOU. So the more you lean into your own authenticity and forget about all the like/followers noise, the better you'll be in the end. 

Any quick tips for growing your Instagram following? What has worked for you? 

Sure! I follow the 10-10-10 on a daily basis. Ten minutes liking and commenting on my current followings' posts. Ten minutes connecting with my current followings' stories through genuine DMs. And ten minutes connecting with my target audience through recent posts in niche hashtags.

What other platforms do you use and enjoy besides Instagram? Any that you have found success with when it comes to reach and exposure?

I have used Pinterest with some success. I also use Etsy as a connection platform, especially for networking. Liking and favoriting others shops is a great gateway to collaborations. 

If you could give advice to yourself when you first started out, what would that be? 

Get more back-up pens! Since I burn so hot and heavy, I go thru pens very quickly!

Are there any apps that you can’t live without when it comes to your business? 

A scheduler. I love Apphi, and have also used the Later app. This helps me keep my posts up at peak times, plan ahead, and maintain a brand presence. 

Deserted Island, with power question. You can choose ONE

Burner: Colwood Super Pro II

Nib: Spade Tip

Type of wood: Poplar

Non-essential tool (but basically essential to you): Tombow sand eraser

Choosing what tools you keep on hand has to be a thoughtful process because of space limitations, so I am curious what are some of your other favorite tools you have in your toolbox? 

Acrylic paint pens have been a lifesaver for me. They take up SUCH little space and are so easy to use!

How do you finish your pieces? 

I use an aerosol polycrylic gloss finish. It really make the texture pop!

What are your favorite ways to add color? 

Lately, it is def the paint pens. But I also favorite other types of mediums like milk paint and watercolors.

What goals do you have for Happi Camper? What art goals do you have? 

One day, I would love to have some land, build a cabin, and renovate a handful of vintage campers. It would be an Air B-n-B where I could also host wood burning workshops. Short term goals def include teaching wood burning workshops in the Kansas City area!

What are your favorite podcasts and inspirational books? 

I listen to the Joe Rogan podcast, as well as Russell Brand. But honestly, I'm not much of a podcast listener. My favorite inspirational book is, "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hays. 

I think we are all very curious as to how you can fit all of your wood burning supplies into the camper. Can you show us some of your storage solutions?

I have to thank my hubby here. He is the organization GURU. We keep my art supplies in baskets separated by type. We even label everything so it's easy to grab. I also bundle supplies in re-purposed Ipsy bags. One bag has everything I need to start sketching a new piece, and houses some of my main nibs. 

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What are you working on now? 

I am currently working on a few geometric shelves as I shift to making more functional art. I also have a new wood sign commissions in the pipeline. 

Watch the recorded live video:

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