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Project: Launching an Online Community for Sewists
Platform: Circle
Key Outcomes: 135+ regular members, active event participation, and valuable discussions for beginners and experts
Bri was instrumental in helping us build a vibrant community from scratch. Her guidance through the technical complexities of setting up Circle was invaluable. Bri didn’t just help us get started—she empowered us with the confidence to manage and grow the community on our own. Now, with her support, we have a thriving, engaged group of over 135 members. We’ve created something truly valuable.
"If I was going to make an investment in this, I didn’t want to make the investment without having someone who’s learned the ropes and can help us avoid giant mistakes."
When Susan Folts approached Ember, her vision was clear: she wanted to build an online community where both beginner and experienced sewists could connect, share their passion, and learn from each other.
"When you don’t know what you don’t know, you’re very likely to make mistakes."
Susan and her team had little experience in community building. She needed expert guidance to create a space that would engage members and foster meaningful interaction.
The result? A vibrant online community with over 135 engaged members, regular events, and a growing library of resources.
Here’s how I helped Susan bring her dream to life.
The Challenge
Building a community from scratch is no small feat, and Susan’s team quickly realized the complexities involved. They were navigating unfamiliar territory, particularly when it came to selecting the right platform and setting up technical workflows for a seamless experience.
“It was very helpful to have somebody who was able to say, you need to go this way, you need to do that.”
Pain Points:
- selecting the right community platform for their membership ecosystem.
- migrating members from a different community platform and managing expectations
- monetizing the experience in a way that was accessible, simple, and sustainable.
As Susan recalls, “There were so many moving parts that at times it felt overwhelming, and I just wanted to make sure we were doing it right.”
The Approach
Ember’s Approach : Empowering the Team
"I always want to empower you so that you don’t feel like I just set something up, and then you have no idea how to run it." - Bri Leever
I entered the project with our signature approach to community building: empowering the team to manage the community themselves while providing them with the tools and knowledge to succeed.
Steps we took:
Platform Guidance: I guided Susan’s team through the complexities of the Circle platform, helping them organize events, courses, and community spaces in a way that maximized engagement.
Launch Plan and Checklist: Because this community was kicking off with their annual conference experience, we had to be really thoughtful about how the community spaces would evolve and begin with simplicity in mind. Since this group was migrating from Mighty Networks, we knew we would really get only one shot at making it a great experience for them and so we doubled down on making their first experience extraordinary with a launch party.
Team Empowerment: I worked closely with Susan and her team to ensure they had the skills to manage and grow the community independently, empowering them to take charge of events, content creation, and member engagement.
The Results: A Thriving, Engaged Community
Despite the initial challenges, Susan’s community flourished. “The community has been excellent. People are always helping each other.”
A Growing Membership: The community now boasts 135+ members, and while modest in size, it’s a deeply engaged group where beginners and experts alike feel welcome.
Active Engagement: The community is buzzing with conversation, with some posts receiving up to 149 comments from members sharing their projects, asking for advice, and offering support.
Innovative Offerings: Events like pattern reviews and the “Summer Community Make Challenge” keep the community vibrant, and the team has developed a course library, Robbie Academy, which serves as a valuable resource for members.
Another benefit of working with Ember
“...I feel so much confidence in what we’ve created here.”
With my strategic guidance and deep commitment to empowering the teamothers, Susan’s sewing community has flourished into a vibrant online hub where members not only connect but also grow and learn together.
“We’ve created something tremendously valuable."
Reflecting on the transformation, Susan shares, “We’ve created something tremendously valuable." That value goes beyond just a community—it's a space that fosters connection, collaboration, and inspiration, making a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Key Takeaways:
Empowered Teams Thrive: The focus on empowering Susan and her team to manage the community independently has allowed them to build a self-sustaining, engaged group.
Community Engagement Matters: By creating a space where members feel seen and valued, the community has grown into a hub of shared learning and support.
Challenges Are Part of Growth: Despite technical setbacks, the community’s success shows that persistence and collaboration can overcome obstacles.
If you're ready to get your community launched, let's chat! Set up a free Discovery Call today to see if my services could be a good fit for you.
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