Our Vision & Impact
Why We Built IndieMe Academy
From the Founder
“For over 25 years, we’ve supported independent artists and makers through IndieMe — helping them connect with galleries, museum stores, and boutiques across North America. But we kept hearing the same thing:
‘I want to sell wholesale… I just don’t know where to start.’
That’s why we created IndieMe Academy — to give every artist the tools, confidence, and support to build a sustainable wholesale business on their own terms.”
Jacqueline Adamany, Founder & CEO
Our Mission
To empower creative entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and mentorship they need to succeed in wholesale — while staying true to their art, their values, and their independence.
Wholesale Doesn’t Have to Feel Overwhelming
When you invest in your knowledge, the next steps get clearer and the scary parts get smaller. IndieMe Academy is built to help you move from “I don’t know where to start” to “I have a plan.”
You’ll get step-by-step lessons, practical worksheets, and mentor-backed guidance designed specifically for handmade businesses. Self-paced learning built around real production seasons with concise, no fluff, practical steps.
Why IndieMe Academy Exists
Most artists start with passion — not pricing plans. They’re incredibly talented, but the wholesale world can feel confusing, intimidating, or out of reach. We’re here to change that.
- The world needs more handcrafted work — not less.
- Artists deserve to grow without giving up creative control.
- Wholesale can be accessible, ethical, and artist-centered.
- Education should be built by people who actually understand the handmade business.
What Makes Us Different
- 100% Handmade Focus: We’re not for drop-shippers or mass-producers. Everything we teach is designed for artists making original, handcrafted products.
- 25+ Years of Experience: As the team behind IndieMe, we’ve helped thousands of makers sell wholesale successfully. This Academy distills everything we know into step-by-step guidance.
- Built for You: You don’t need a business degree to succeed here. We speak artist. We respect your time. And we’re committed to helping you succeed.
Built by the Team Behind IndieMe
IndieMe was created decades ago to connect North American designers with retail buyers. We also developed the ACRE (American Craft Retail Expo) Show, later selling it in 2017 so we could focus on strengthening the IndieMe Marketplace, Virtual Expo, and now IndieMe Academy.
We understand the worries that can stall you out: “What if I get a 500+ piece order? What if multiple orders come in at once? What about lead times and policies?” IndieMe Academy gives you a roadmap and the confidence to follow it.
The Academy is divided into eight modules with lessons and worksheets, plus resources and mentors you can return to anytime for questions on pricing, lead times, refund policies, and more.
Our Impact Goals
By launching IndieMe Academy, we aim to:
- Help 1,000+ artists confidently enter the wholesale market in the next 3 years.
- Strengthen the handmade economy across the U.S. and Canada.
- Support small businesses, galleries, and independent retailers by connecting them with talented makers.
- Create a new generation of wholesale-ready, proudly independent artists.
What We Believe
- Handmade isn’t a trend — it’s a tradition.
- Artists deserve to be profitable and proud of their process.
- You don’t have to do it alone — community and mentorship matter.
- You’re not “too small” to go wholesale. You just need a roadmap.
Ready to Join Us?
Whether you’re dreaming of your first wholesale order or scaling up your handmade empire, IndieMe Academy is here to support you every step of the way.
Join Now! Preview the Curriculum