IHIM Consulting
Helping artists, makers, and creators grow thriving, market-ready businesses.
Work One-on-One with Sara Thompto
Sara offers personalized consulting sessions designed to help artists and makers grow confident, market-ready businesses.
Whether you’re preparing for your first market, refining your booth design, crafting a standout application, or developing authentic marketing strategies, each personalized session is tailored to meet you where you are in your creative journey.
If you’re interested in one of the packages below or would like to create a custom session designed around your specific goals, simply click on the "consulting form" button below and fill out the form. You’ll receive a personal response within three business days with information on availability and next steps.
Why Work with Sara?
With over 15 years of experience in the makers market world, Sara Thompto is the founder of I Heart Indie Markets, a nationwide community that celebrates creativity, connection, and the spirit of small business.
Sara spent a decade behind the booth as a maker with her greeting card business, No Coast Paper Co, and nine years organizing markets across the country with Madison Makers Market and I Heart Indie Markets, collaborating with more than 10,000 artists and makers through hundreds of events.
Drawing from both sides of the table, Sara understands what truly helps creatives succeed - from booth flow and visual storytelling to authentic customer engagement and sales. She brings practical insight, empathy, and a deep respect for the creative process, helping artists build businesses that feel both sustainable and true to who they are.
Consulting Packages - Vending at Markets
*Payment plans available
Getting Market Ready - starting at $300*
Step into the market scene with clarity, confidence, and a solid plan for success. Perfect for: New or growing artists ready to create a sustainable path in the world of makers markets and craft fairs. Together, we’ll explore: - Your vision for your business - do you want to grow full-time or part-time? - What kinds of markets would suit your business - What scaling your business might look like for you - How to price your products for profit while staying competitive in your local market - What it takes to prepare for your first market with confidence - How to create a booth setup that draws customers in and reflects your brand - How to set meaningful, measurable goals that guide your growth Includes: - 45 to 90-minute personalized strategy session - Pre-session questionnaire to help you focus your priorities during our discussion - Actionable next steps and clear, achievable goals - 30-minute follow-up session for accountability and support leading up to your first market - 15 minute check-in session following your first market Investment: Starting at $300 Payment Options: - 1 payment of $300 all at once - 3 payments of $100 over 3 months
The Art of the Booth - starting at $150*
Transform your booth into a space that draws customers in and tells your story with confidence and style. Perfect for: Artists and makers preparing for their first upcoming markets or for those looking to refresh their booth for a stronger, more inviting presence. What’s included: - 30–60 minute personalized consultation - Review of booth via photos or virtual walk-through - Expert review of your current booth setup - Practical layout guidance for common booth sizes (4ft, 6ft, 8’x5’, 10’x10’) to help you scale up or down depending on the event - Custom layout sketch or visual concept board with display ideas tailored to your products - Recommendations for signage, lighting, and presentation to enhance visibility and engagement Why this matters: Your booth is more than a table - it’s the first impression your customers have of your work and your chance to get them to stop, engage and interact with your products. With the right layout and presentation, you can attract more visitors, communicate your brand clearly, and create an experience that invites shoppers in. Investment: Starting at $150 Payment Options: - 1 payment of $150 - 2 payments of $75 over 2 months
Product Photography & the Visual Edge - starting at $100
Take your product photos to the next level and give your online presence a professional polish. Perfect for: Artists and makers preparing for market applications or anyone looking to elevate their online presence, attract followers, and increase sales. Why this matters: Customers make split-second decisions when scrolling online, and market curators often evaluate your work based on your photos. Clear, well-lit, and thoughtfully styled images not only showcase your products accurately but also help potential buyers imagine how they would use or display them—boosting engagement, sales, and your market acceptance chances. What’s included: - Review and constructive critique of your current product photos - DIY product photography guide with actionable tips - Advice on lighting, styling, and maintaining a consistent visual aesthetic - Ideas for styling photos to highlight your products’ best features - Guidance on resources for props, backgrounds, and inexpensive styling options Investment: First Consultation Session: $100 Follow-Up Review: $50
Market Ready Applications - starting at $125*
Rework your application strategy and figure out where you might be going wrong. Perfect for: Artists and makers who have faced repeated rejections and want to understand what market curators are looking for. Why this matters: A well-crafted application is your first impression with market organizers. Understanding how to present your work clearly, professionally, and authentically can make the difference between rejection and acceptance. What’s included: - Review of your applications and artist bios with constructive feedback - Guidance on selecting the strongest images to showcase your work - Strategies for aligning your submission with curator expectations - One round of edits and feedback to polish your final application Investment: Starting at $125 per review session Payment Options: 1 payment of $125 2 payments of $62.50 over 2 months
Social Media Strategy for Makers - starting at $125*
Simplify your marketing and grow your audience with strategies that feel authentic to your brand. Perfect for: Artists and makers who want to connect more meaningfully with their audience, refresh their social media approach, and feel confident sharing their work online. Why this matters: Social media can feel overwhelming, but a clear strategy helps you connect with your audience, share your story effectively, and grow your reach without burning out. What’s included: - Audit of your current social media accounts and strategy - Customized content ideas tailored to your brand and products - Best practices guide for makers, including tips for engagement and consistency - Practical tips and tools to plan your social media content for the month so you can stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed. - One-month content calendar with ideas to simplify posting and maintain momentum Note: This session focuses on strategy and content planning and does not cover technical social media skills or editing software. Investment: Starting at $125 per session Payment Options: - 1 payment of $125 - 2 payments of $62.50 over 2 months
Market Ready Intensive - starting at $800*
Elevate every aspect of your market presence with personalized guidance and practical strategies. This package combines all of the above packages for a half-day intensive session. Perfect for: This is perfect for artists and makers who are just starting out or ready to take their market presence to the next level. What’s included: - Comprehensive business strategy tailored to your goals and vision - Custom booth layout and display planning ideas for maximum impact - Product styling and photography guidance to showcase your work effectively - Social media strategy and posting plan to support sales and engagement - Follow-up action guide and two 30-minute check-ins to track progress and refine your plan Why this matters: Having a cohesive strategy for your booth, products, and marketing creates confidence, attracts customers, and increases the likelihood of success at every market you attend. Investment: Starting at $800 Payment Options: - One payment of $800 - Two payments of $400 over 2 months - Four payments of $200 over 4 months
Consulting Packages - Running & Organizing Makers Markets
**Information Coming Soon**
Get Started
Ready to build your thriving, market-ready creative business?
If you’re interested in one of the packages below or would like to create a custom session designed around your specific goals, simply click on the "consulting form" button below and fill out the form. You’ll receive a personal response within three business days with information on availability and next steps.
Currently all consulting is run by Sara Thompto.