Who We Are
Artisan Joy is an independent magazine and online media outlet that features stories about entrepreneurs from diverse artistic and creative disciplines. Artisan Joy is seeking 501(c)(3) status.
FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Stephanie Afonso Blanchard
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
- Amber Christian, Managing Editor, Handmade Seller Magazine
- Tammie Bennett, Mindset and Performance Coach for Artists
- Melissa Panszi Riebe, MNM, LCSW, Designer/Founder of A D’Zine, Host of Make Your Mark[et] Podcast
Mission
Artisan Joy’s mission is to amplify the work of creative entrepreneurs, chronicle the positive impact of art, craft and creativity on the economy and community, foster connection among creative business owners, inform the public about the work of artists and artisans, and educate artists and artisans about small business ownership through interview journalism.
We carry out this mission by:
- Removing the barriers for creative entrepreneurs to get publicity by being an accessible media outlet dedicated to telling their stories.
- Driving awareness about the work of creative entrepreneurs by featuring their stories in our magazine, on ArtisanJoy.com and across our social media channels.
- Showcasing creative entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and artistic disciplines, especially women and people from underrepresented groups.
- Encouraging consumers to shop small by detailing the hard work and dedication that goes into producing artworks and artisanal goods.
- Being an educational resource for artists and artisans interested in selling their art and artisanal goods.
- Providing publicity/editorial endorsements for creative small businesses. Here’s why this is important for small business owners: According to an article on Forbes about the effectiveness of earned media (publicity) vs. paid media (advertising) in the consumer decision-making process, “PR is almost 90% more effective than advertising.”
Social Impact
- Promotion of diversity and inclusion: By actively prioritizing and featuring creative entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and artistic disciplines, Artisan Joy directly contributes to a more inclusive and equitable representation in the media.
- Supporting small businesses: By encouraging consumers to shop small, Artisan Joy helps direct capital towards small businesses.
- Inspiring the next generation of creative entrepreneurs: Artisan Joy presents examples of successful art/artisanal business owners and fosters an enterprising spirit in the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.
- Education: Our in-depth interviews with creative entrepreneurs enable those aspiring to sell their art/artisanal goods to learn about what it’s like to run a business.
- Amplifying unheard voices: Many small creative business owners struggle to gain traction in a saturated market. Artisan Joy gives entrepreneurs a platform to share their stories.
- Promoting ethical consumer choices: By detailing the hard work and dedication that goes into producing artworks and artisanal goods, Artisan Joy educates consumers about the value of artisanal work. This can lead to a shift in consumption patterns, encouraging ethical purchases and appreciation of handcrafted goods.
- Upholding journalistic integrity: In a world filled with pay-to-play models, Artisan Joy’s commitment to maintaining high editorial standards ensures the trust and credibility of its readership.
- Building community: By sharing stories, experiences and insights, Artisan Joy creates a sense of community among creative entrepreneurs.
- Raising awareness and value: Through its content, Artisan Joy raises awareness about the importance and value of creativity, arts and crafts in society, emphasizing their role in culture, history, and personal expression.
Commitment to Journalistic Integrity
Artisan Joy upholds high editorial standards. We do not charge creative entrepreneurs to be featured. Artisan Joy is not “pay to play.”
With that said, we do welcome advertisers and clearly label affiliate links and advertisements. So, if you’d like to sponsor our work and support Artisan Joy’s mission, click here for more information.
Editorial Philosophy
By bringing awareness to the work of artists, designers, makers, artisans and others who sell their creative goods/services, we believe we can help them sell more, championing the creative economy.
Additionally, the founders’ stories featured in Artisan Joy can inspire and inform those looking to grow and develop their own creative businesses and foster a community of creative entrepreneurs.