Being part of the Creative Maker Movement has truly been a game changer for my business. Before joining, I often felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with trends, new techniques, and what was actually worth my time and investment. Ashley and her team take all of the guesswork out of it. They are always ahead of the curve, sharing what’s new, what’s working, and how to apply it in a way that makes sense for real makers and small business owners.

Because of their guidance, I’ve been able to stay inspired, relevant, and confident in my creative direction. The constant flow of fresh ideas, education, and support keeps my creative juices flowing and helps me continue growing without feeling stuck or burned out. It’s more than just a group—it’s a community that genuinely wants to see you succeed. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of it and can honestly say it has helped elevate both my creativity and my business.

____ Theresa

Great community. Everyone is so encouraging and helpful!! Thank you Ashley for a safe happy place to share ideas and and the lives are so helpful. Svgs are great! Thank you for creating this wonderful place

____ Nikki

I’m not even a full month into being a member of the CMM, and honestly, it’s the best money I’ve ever spent. Ashley has cracked the code and hands you a foolproof, step‑by‑step system for everything. The videos are clear, easy to follow, and somehow manage to make even the dreaded topic of taxes feel survivable. You’ll learn it all from choosing the right wood to navigating the business side without losing your sanity.

Everything is laid out so you can work at your own pace, which is a lifesaver. And the Facebook group? It is not one of those quiet corners of the internet where you post and hear nothing but digital crickets. It’s a lively, supportive community of makers who jump in immediately with answers, advice, encouragement, or a full‑blown hype session when you need it.

If you’ve been thinking about joining, stop thinking and just DO IT. Your only regret will be realizing there aren’t enough hours in the day to make all the projects, try all the stencils, or absorb all the tips and tricks waiting for you inside the CMM.

____ Mariah

A few years ago (2021), I lost my job of nearly 25 years. It wasn’t just a job — it was part of my identity. I was heartbroken, lost, and unsure of what my future would look like. On the way home that day, through tears, I bought a laptop with no plan — just hope that somehow I would rebuild.

Finding Ashley and the Creative Maker Movement changed everything. CMM didn’t just teach me how to paint, stencil, and build a business — it helped me rebuild my confidence and believe in myself again. What started as uncertainty turned into my own business, craft shows, Star Seller status on Etsy, and a future I created with my own hands.

During some of the hardest moments of my life, CMM was always there with encouragement and kindness. This community didn’t just teach me to create — it helped me heal, grow, and find my strength again. I will always be grateful.

____ Margie

One of the BEST features of being part of CMM is the Community! When Ashley Raetz promotes "Community over Competition," she means it, and we embrace it! Unlike other groups, everyone in CMM with whom I've interacted has been encouraging, helpful, and truly a cheerleader for the growth and success of others! It is an extremely positive group! Questions are welcomed and always met with suggestions that are so useful!

From other members and the CMM Team, I feel “seen,” “heard,” and VALUED as a member of the group! Everyone is so approachable, and we are a sisterhood ~ we share more than creative challenges and tips, we share our lives, our life challenges, we pray for each other, we encourage, encourage, encourage!

It is also a community from whom we receive honest critique and tips to help us improve in our craft. Ashley has a wealth of experience and information to share, and she does it with our best interests in mind ~ sometimes that may involve her giving us a little kick in the butt to keep us from being stuck, but only because she CARES!

And when Ashley says, “YOUR business, YOUR way!” she means it and lives it! My business/client vibe and tribe is different from Ashley’s, and each of us differs some from everyone else, but no one is criticized because of the way she does her business.

In addition, CMM in-person conferences have allowed all of these connections, this community, to deepen to a whole new level. I have met and continued friendships with my painting BESTIES! As I said earlier, it’s the COMMUNITY that is the BEST ~ we would LOVE to have more join us and experience it!!

In addition to ALL these great connections, the designs and information we’re given are profitable not only financially, but in many other ways! I have learned, grown, connected, and benefited in ways I never dreamed!

CMM = Community + Connections + Constructive Comments! A GREAT group to be part of!

____ Joni

One day on Facebook, Ashley popped up in my feed, she was talking about a bad headache, that caught my attention because I have headaches all the time. The more I listened to her the more I liked her. Funny and smart. I started following her and then along came CMM. It was meant to be no doubt about it. I joined and this group is not like any other, it felt right, like I was meant to be in this group. I felt so comfortable and boy have I learned a lot.  Boy have I grown and learned so much. I immediately started seeing more sales. I learned to use mylar instead of vinyl, thank you Jesus! My signs changed for the better, my set up changed and I was actually making money from my events, not just breaking even. The SVG’s we get have paid for my membership over and over again. This group is now like family and a real community of creators, no competition, no drama. It is the best thing that happened to my small business. If you are thinking about joining, do it, you will not regret it. Almost 4 years in and it just keeps getting better and better.

____ Jill