FTLOV Case Study
I’d like to introduce you to Jess from FTLOV (aka For The Love of Vintage). She joined Chromatical Club on the 25th of February 2020 and wowsers she’s such an amazing human and club member.
What an action taker!! Jess asks questions, she watches the videos, she supports others, she makes sure she absorbs every single oodle of gold the club offers and she uses it all to her advantage.
Jess makes the most of the club, and the results she has gained from it *cough three times as profitable cough*.
I was SO super pumped that she wanted to be one of my case studies! I hope you enjoy reading her club experience.
Why did you join Chromatical Club?
I knew it would be a space where I could ask questions without judgement.
I followed Trish on social media for a while, and really loved her posts. I found them so interesting, down to earth and passionate. Less preach, more heart.
I was also lucky to know some friends already apart of the club, so it made the jump so much easier!
What did you hope to achieve from joining?
I wanted to challenge myself and see my candy heart empire grow.
I wanted to change my way of thinking towards business.
I wanted the time invested into FTLOV to make an impact.
I wanted to network with like-minded people.
I wanted to really start working towards my goal of quitting my day job and making FTLOV my main squeeze.
What were the biggest challenges you hoped the club could help with?
My biggest challenge? Racing against the clock and squeezing as much as I can out of my time. Because I still work a full time job during the week, I have to juggle all the hats. So trying to find time effective ways to make things easier and more streamlined is always a plus.
And how can I not mention ambitions of social media domination? Well, understanding algorithms at least.
Chromatical club has helped me understand what it all means and the best tactics on how I can make an impact/be seen.
What has been your prior experience in marketing?
Listen. Everything that I have done with my candy heart empire has been grassroots.
I haven't taken part in any formal marketing training apart from self-taught tips via YouTube, the occasional Facebook event and chatting with fellow business owners around the traps.
I'm a rookie, but willing to give anything a go. My first REAL experience with Chromatical Club (apart from browsing initially and getting overwhelmed) was when I dedicated one day on the weekend to read through all the resources available (well, make a start at least).
I watched a lot of the Q&A videos with the aim to implement a tip from each one afterwards. It was perfect timing to expand my knowledge so I could use throw these tips into marketing my EOFY sale.
It. Changed. My. Life. (and resulted in amazing traffic, social media presence and sales!) From there, I realized I didn't have to know EVERYTHING to make this candy heart empire grow. I just needed to dedicate the time to give things a go!
What parts of Chromatical Club helped you?
I asked questions!
I also dived deep into the pre-recorded Q&A videos - starting with the topics that interested me and what I knew I could use for my business straight away.
Has the club helped you more than you expected?
I had a general idea that it would be a goldmine of resources, but I guess you don't really know exactly how rich of an asset the club will be until you navigate around.
It can be overwhelming because there is SO much to read and so many nuggets of knowledge to unpack. But if you pinpoint a pain point within your business that you want to explore, start there!
What results have you achieved since joining the club?
Referring to my 2019-2020 EOFY sale…
I really put effort into my social media presence, introducing myself as a PERSON behind my business and planning out my content with a lose structure - posting a mix of photos and graphics related to my sale, as well as my home life.
I used the information gathered from the club to build hype around this sale and try different marketing tactics - Facebook events, newsletter mail outs, social media countdowns, hashtags, etc.
I took better photos of my products, prepared my website with the right levels of stock and made sure all listings would go live at the proposed time.
And for what, I hear you ask? Well, it was three times more profitable as the previous financial year where I just had an Etsy store and posted updates on a whim.
Don't get me wrong, I love winging things and still do this. However, with a bit of structure towards my end game it paid off.
These tactics are now apart of my regular routine when it comes to social media.
Prior to Chromatical Club, I slogged my guts out to launch my standalone website (the main driver was getting AfterPay) and boy, it was the best thing I ever did! But having the foundations set always provides a platform for growth.
Now I have minimal listings on Etsy (just keep it open to get a little bit of traffic and keep my toe in the water for Etsy related markets), and majority of traffic head to my website because of the skills and knowledge gained as a 'Chromie'.
I've learnt the importance of investing in my business in a variety of ways - one main lesson was taking part in a fun, collaborative branding shoots (some of which with club members).
I'm more confident in being ME and the face of my business (hello IG stories, I'm less scared of you now!)
This has also increased traffic and a following of my creative candy heart venture.
I've gained friends, direction and grown my knowledge which I have already passed onto others.
Do you think you'd be where you are now without the club?
Even though I am very motivated (and stubborn... and addicted to FTLOV?) I don't think I would have achieved the milestones I have recently without the club.
Definitely not in the same time frame, anyway.
It's provided me guidance and resources I think would have taken me a while to find.
Even if I did eventually Google these things, I don't think it would have been as effective without a soundboard to lean on.
How would you put a value on what the club has done for you and your business?
I don't have much of a reference point to answer this question, but it beats reading an ebook or spending endless hours on YouTube!
The club provides so much value at the tips of my fingers. And if the topic isn't already posted? Ask it yourself! I've done that a few times and it's amazing how many other members add to the post addressing they have been wondering the same thing/were going to post the same question/s!
I think the club has been a great supporter of me and business - both directly and indirectly.
I think apart from the USD charge (just a mere technicality in budgeting due to changes to exchange rates), the cost per month for the club membership is reasonable and incredibly worthwhile.
At first I was worried about a monthly outlay (even though you an unsubscribe at anytime) just because of the commitment. Would I like it? Am I just adding more things to my list of outlays?
Then I decided to invest in growth. Now I don't know what the hell I was so worried about!
The cost is affordable per month and the value far outweighs the financial commitment.
But you also get out what you put in. Invest the time and reap the rewards!
What part of the club has surprised you the most?
It's an evolving resource. It grows everyday.
I'm always learning new things and finding new resources within the club - even when it comes to the software platform the club is delivered on.
It's so clean, visually pleasing and easy to navigate.
The most value is in the members. Numerous people with their own experiences who are a resource hub.
The more the club grows, the bigger the creative hive!
Who would you recommend the club to?
Anyone and everyone interested in starting/building/refining a business - no matter what the size.
But not just that, those who are interested in also building a supportive community with like-minded people.
Business doesn't have to be just excel spreadsheets and algorithms! Chromatical club makes business life FUN and social at your own pace.
Trish, you've created such a valued resource. I love curling up in bed at night and catching up on the club's activity, saving posts to breakdown later and sharing stories with fellow 'Chromies'. I'll never look back!
To anyone who has contemplated joining the Chromatical Club - dip your toe in. Soon enough you'll be submerged and loving it!
What do you love about Chromatical Club?
Personalized responses. Trish and the club members take the time to answer your questions, cheer on your wins and give you a virtual hug when you're having a bad time.
Whether it's advice on dropping a new product range, changing your business name or expressing your interest in learning how to skate - the support is invaluable.
I don't have much else to refer to when it comes to previous marketing experiences, but the club is more than business. It's an inclusive space for all of us to come together and talk about anything and everything we're passionate about.
It's more like the fancy dress option over the corporate suit and tie combo. More fun, but just as professional.
Lastly, can you tell us a little more about your businesses and where we can find you online?
Oh, hey there! My name is Jess and I am the brains behind For the Love of Vintage (FTLOV).
I run this candy heart empire by myself (with the help of my two crazy pugs Morpheus and Cola) in a private studio on the Mornington Peninsula, VIC - down under in Australia.
FTLOV consists of a variety of sweet candy heart designs that encompass environmentally conscious undertones. All products are made from sustainable and/or recyclable materials - ranging from earrings, brooches, necklaces, keyrings and home decor wall hangings; all consisting of a kitsch and nostalgic feel. My signature shtick is the versatile candy heart design which comes in a variety of products, colours and slogans.
I am a self confessed candy heart queen. I love all things sweet and you can generally find me eating donuts and drinking Pepsi Max while in the studio. Other snacks I enjoy on the regular are Shapes and/or potato chips (ruffled, no plain cut kthnx).
FTLOV started in 2010, and has evolved into this candy heart enterprise over the years. It's been an exciting journey, and I can't wait to see what else is in store for the future.
Stop by my side of the world sometime soon and embrace your sweet tooth!
You can find me at:
Website: www.ftlov.com.au
Instagram: @ftlov_
Facebook: @fortheloveofvintage
