How Jo Built a Craft Club Empire With 300 Students—Without Experience or Qualifications

Jo’s journey is proof that you don’t need a qualification in education, a car, or even kids of your own to turn your passion into a successful business.

Through the support of the Creative Crafting Club (CCC) community, she transformed her love of crafting into a full-time gig—earning just under £7,000 from her last five-week summer club, and an additional £6,000 from parties and craft party boxes.

With over 300 students registered, Jo has not only achieved financial security but also the freedom to control her time, doing what she loves most. Her story shows that if you’ve ever wondered if you could do the same, you absolutely can.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

• ⁠Why you don’t need a qualification or experience to run a thriving club
• ⁠How to stand out and succeed even with other clubs in your community
• What to do when you feel stuck (so that you never feel like giving up again)
• ⁠How to confidently charge premium prices (without feeling guilty)
• ⁠How to raise $1000 in 30 days for your club with a simple strategy that will have your community rallying behind you

Watch the video below or keep reading.

 Coming from ‘Zero Background’ 

When Jo first began exploring her passion for arts and crafts, she had no idea it would turn into such a rewarding experience—not just for herself but for the entire community she’d built. 

Jo runs the Magical Crafting Club in Glasgow, Scotland, and while she doesn’t have formal qualifications in art or education (or even her own car!), she’s grown her club into a flourishing business.

“There are other clubs in my area,” Jo explains, “but none of them focus on the sustainability of crafting like I do.”

Her club stands out by repurposing and recycling materials and creating crafts that are not only fun but eco-friendly, setting her apart from the competition.

 Overcoming Challenges With Help From the CCC Community 

Despite her success today, at some point, she experienced moments of doubt. When she struggled with imposter syndrome and wondered if she could keep going, she leaned into the CCC community. “The support from the group was incredible,” Jo shares. “Sometimes, just reaching out for advice is all you need to get back on track.”

One of the turning points for Jo was participating in CCC’s “Raise $1000 in 30 Days” challenge. 

The challenge is about raising $1000 for your club, by getting your community to sponsor children to attend your classes. It's a win-win for everyone; your business grows (financially and by having more kids in classes), the sponsored kids benefit, and it's an opportunity for friends and family to support your business (they don’t always know how, and this gives them the opportunity). 

The fundraiser not only helped her financially but reignited her motivation. “Everybody got involved, and her club just took off. People started talking about me again, and from January, it’s been nonstop.”

 Summer Camps: A Major Success 

Over 15 days, Jo earned just under £7,000, offering a range of creative activities to keep kids engaged during the summer break.

The summer club has become a staple of Jo’s business. “The kids love it because they get to try out different crafts every day, and by the end of the camp, they’ve made a whole collection of things they can take home.” This not only brings joy to the children but also gives their parents a much-needed break while knowing their kids are in a fun, creative environment.

 Parties and… Craft Party Boxes! 

In addition to her summer camps, Jo has made a significant income from hosting crafting parties and selling craft party boxes. From January to August alone, Jo ran 23 parties and sold 4 craft party boxes, bringing in an additional £6,000. Each party is custom-designed, from canvas painting to dream catchers, allowing every child to take home a unique, handmade project.

The “Party in a Box” concept has also been a hit for Jo’s club, offering parents a convenient way to host their own crafting parties. “It’s a great option for people who want the crafting experience without having to organize everything themselves,” Jo says.

 The Snowball Effect 

One of the most exciting things Jo discovered was how her weekly classes sparked a chain reaction of bookings. Many of the kids who first joined her weekly crafting classes were so excited about the crafts they made that they wanted to continue crafting during school holidays, and signed up for her summer camps. After just a couple of weeks in the camp, they couldn’t get enough and wanted to come back for more.

Then came the craft party requests—kids loved Jo’s crafts so much they asked for craft-themed birthday parties. And when their friends attended these parties, they wanted their own craft parties too!

“So even if I think, ah I only have 8 kids in a class. Those 8 may mean 8 birthday party bookings! It might be 8 that join your holiday club.”

This snowball effect has made a lasting impact on the success of Jo’s business. Her commitment to making sure her students have a ton of fun while creating awesome, unique crafts each week guarantees that her students turn into repeat customers who keep coming back for more.

 Financial Freedom and Flexibility 

Before starting her craft club, Jo didn’t enjoy the rigidity of her previous work life. “I hated not being able to do something when I wanted, being told what to do, and being micromanaged.” Now, she celebrates the pure flexibility her business offers. “I don’t have to wait for weekends to do things. I can spend time with my mom and sisters when it suits me, and I’m finally in control of my own time.”

With financial security and the freedom to set her own schedule, Jo has found a sense of fulfillment she didn’t expect when she first started.

 Ready to Craft Your Own Success? 

Jo’s journey shows that it’s possible to turn your passion into a thriving business—even without qualifications or a background in education. If you’ve ever considered starting your own arts and crafts club, her story proves that with the right support and a community behind you, you can succeed.

Curious about how you can get started? Join our waitlist for the CCC Academy and discover how you can turn your love of crafting into a business, just like Jo did.