It’s one thing to have a special talent, but it’s another thing completely to turn it into something that can support a living.
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Our Valley grows its fair share of talented artisans. But without a large local demand for regionally-made products, our area often suffers from an eventual ‘brain drain’ – a phenomenon where the talented few migrate in the direction of grander opportunities, which most often tend to be concentrated in our capital cities or overseas.
But this year, Macksville TAFE has offered a brand new course which aims to help reverse this exodus.
Passion 2 Profit has been designed to equip its 10 initiates with the business skills and know-how required to turn their handiwork into a moneymaker.
Under the tuition of Deb Hatley, Emily Pellier, Paul Miller and Sue Hansen, students have learned all about marketing, managing sales and restocking, Australian standards, and have created online platforms for their businesses.
Deb Hatley said the culture of owning or renting a physical shop is dying a quick death, and the future of retail is increasingly online.
This is enabling more regional Australians to remain in situ, bypassing the need to move to the big smoke.
“Hand-made is also more and more popular now. People seem to be getting sick of cookie-cutter imports. Individuality is highly sought-after,” she said.
From bespoke western wear, to organic woodworked home decor, full-figured festival couture, to upcycled giftwear made from second-hand jeans, the students are producing a myriad of unique products to take to market.
Deb said the year’s cohort has surpassed her expectations in terms of the quality of items and the sheer quantity that some have produced; a few students have already started making a profit from their passions.
And she’s excited about seeing the year’s work all come together at this Friday’s ‘Fruition’ exhibition opening at the Matilda Street Gallery.
The exhibition is being curated by the one of the students, Jess Longford, who is excited at the opportunity to add yet another feather in her ‘experience cap’.
All are welcome to attend the opening which starts from 5.30pm at the gallery.
The Passion 2 Profit course will be running again next year. To register your interest phone 131 601.