About - Flourish & Thrive Academy

You’ve just found your golden ticket to more sales online!

Welcome to

Hi there, I’m Tracy Matthews

I help jewelry and creative product makers, designers, and retailers with actionable marketing and e-commerce strategies that work (regardless of what’s happening in the world).

If we haven’t met yet, I’m a jewelry industry vet, podcast host, champion for Visionaries and advocate for creative thinkers - just like you!

I’m OBSESSED with creativity, marketing, and helping others reach their financial goals to make their biggest business dreams come true.

(Sorry I can’t help you with the man... although I did manifest an amazing one – let’s chat!)

If you’re a designer, maker or retailer who wants to sell more online, You’re in the right place!

At Flourish & Thrive we’ve helped thousands of jewelry designers, makers and retailers bring their offline businesses, online, to create financial security and freedom with marketing strategies that always work.

Get tips, updates, and the Top Rated Thrive by Design Podcast delivered straight to your inbox.

If you’ve known that you need to bring your business online, but for some reason you’ve put it on the back burner….

Good news! You’re in the right place!

Here’s the deal: Anyone can learn marketing and business, it's your creative genius that can’t be taught.

Business as usual is no longer the usual. Adding a profitable online revenue stream to your offline business strategy is a must to survive in the current environment.

You’re a smart cookie – you know the online landscape is getting more competitive and that NOW more than ever, selling your jewelry or product online is mandatory to your success. You’re ready to stand out from your competition.

You might be at a place where you’ve grown your business as much as you can ALONE and you know it’s time to get some help.

Perhaps, you’ve been seeking different ways to bring your offline business to the next level, but you’re failing every time.

Whether you’re trying to launch or scale your business, we’re here to help you navigate the always changing digital landscape to build a financially stable business that supports you.

Imagine…

Proving to your friends and family (and your skeptical husband) that your jewelry or creative business is more than a silly hobby, it’s a revenue generating machine.

Taking your brick and mortar retail location and turning that into a digital storefront. You no longer stress about lost foot traffic or store closures because you have a virtual business that saved your future.

Transitioning the customers you meet at your art fairs, trunk shows, and retail pop ups into online customers. No more sitting in blazing heat, sideways rain, or fear of your tent blowing away.

Smoking the competition online and turning your already successful business into a multiple 6 figure multi-revenue stream + e-commerce brand to be reckoned with.

Success looks different to everyone!

It’s our mission to help you turn YOUR vision of success into reality!

You might be wondering WHY I care so much about you, someone I’ve never personally met…

Well, as a jewelry designer (and maker) with 25+ years of experience building my own independent jewelry brand, Tracy Matthews Designs, Inc., I know how tough it can be to take your passion and turn it into a profitable business that supports your lifestyle..

Especially when your husband says “If you don’t start making sales soon you’re gonna have to go back to your retail job.”

Our Vision for YOU?

TO HAVE A THRIVING BUSINESS DOING WHAT YOU LOVE THAT JUST WORKS REGARDLESS OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE WORLD.

…no one needs to go through the school of hard knocks to have a successful business. It’s time to skip the learning curve.

Meet

Our Core Team

Tracy Matthews

Chief Visionary Officer

ABOUT TRACY

You’ve heard a bit about my story so I thought I’d share some fun facts about myself. My brain has a gajillion ideas and I feel a huge rush of excitement when I see those ideas come to life. I come from a big family – I’m the second oldest of 8 children and I have 21 nieces and nephews (and counting). Karaoke is my jam and I love belting out a good tune (hello, Lady Gaga). Even though I have a lot of things I’m super pumped about, my biggest passion is empowering other “Creative Visionaries” like myself to lead successful teams and grow profitable businesses (yes, the Visionary Circle is coming soon). I recently moved to Arizona to live with my man, Jason, and his daughters, after calling NYC my home for 15 years.

Robin Kramer

Co-Founder and Sales Expert

ABOUT ROBIN

If I had to describe my friend and co-founder, Robin, it would be hard to sum her up in just a few words. She’s a natural nurturer, master of relationships and sales expert. More than anything, she LOVES to help people so she’s a gift to have on our team. Born and raised in Dallas, TX, y’all might hear a lil’ southern “twang” come out of her mouth. The girl is a true fan and believer in all things “wholesale” so if you wanna sell to stores, she’s your gal. Sisterly bonds are strong and Robin is the 2nd of the four Kramer girls. Robin splits her time between Dallas, TX and Sausalito, CA. She’s spending most of her time at Red Boot Consulting helping business owners scale their wholesale accounts.

Shaundra Howard

Operations | Project Manager

ABOUT SHAUNDRA

Shaundra joined the team in 2020 and is the gift of calm and zen to my high strung - quickstart. She keeps projects moving forward and our team on point. When I met her digitally, I knew instantly that she was an amazing culture fit! She started her career as a jewelry maker and eventually ran jewelry production for a jewelry company for many years. She lives in North Carolina with her Chihuahua, Nacho.

Quay Flom

Customer Experience Manager

ABOUT QUAY

Quay is a jewelry maker, a graduate of our programs and a highly active member of our community. So when we were hiring a Customer Relationship Specialist several years ago, it seemed only natural to bring her on board. She “loves on” our community so hard! Currently, she manages our support staff and supports our Momentum Program members on their path to success. In addition to working for us, she has a THRIVING jewelry business. Quay lives in Duluth, MN with her husband, Ken and their children.

Natasha Lakos

BUSINESS ACCELERATOR SPECIALIST

ABOUT NATASHA

Natasha joined #TeamFTA in 2018 with the intention of helping even more creatives get ahead in business. She grew her one woman design show to 6 figures in two years and understands the power of online marketing, mentorship and community. As our "Business Accelerator Specialist", she facilitates enrollment for our accelerated coaching program, helping designers get clear on their vision and what it takes to get on the fast track to success - whatever success looks like for you! Natasha loves personal development, health and wellness, travel, art and great food. She’s based out of Vancouver, Canada.

Jason R. Ayers

Business Advisor

ABOUT JASON

I hired Jason as a consultant for a short term project that has now turned into a long running strategy role on our team. His natural knack for business and systems integration, team management and success mindset has become an asset to the business. You’ll see him popping up in our programs doing success mindset coaching to help our students overcome the stories that hold them back. More than anything, he’s just the best! He lives in Arizona with his daughters and me!

Meet

Our Coaches

ANA

ANNABELLE

ANDREA

Andrea Li has been designing jewelry professionally since 2008. She understands the challenges of running a one woman show and the necessity of effective marketing to support your unique passion. She believes that what you do is amazing and should be seen be more people. It can be done without hiring a team but with a commitment to strategy. A small tweak in your marketing efforts that can turn crickets into a crowd, from content marketing to Pinterest and beyond.

CALI

CHELSEA

HorseFeathers Gifts began during the height of the recession when Chelsea Farmer quit her office job and set out on a journey of inspiration, purpose and creativity.

From barn sales to style consultations, the HorseFeathers brand quickly came together – exemplifying heirloom quality at everyday cost.

What started as a small local shop soon bloomed into a national online brand.

As a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, Chelsea harnessed her education and love for beautiful jewelry, designing beautiful pieces that endured like heirlooms, yet held up to everyday wear.

HorseFeathers Gifts has been featured on FOX News, Martha Stewart and Where Women Create Magazine. Our bohemian designs can be spotted on your favorite TV shows such as Revenge, Big Little Lies, Pretty Little Liars and many more.

DARIAN

DELIA

Delia Folk started her career in the fashion industry by interning at Versace in Men’s Wholesale. After graduation, she worked at Barneys New York on the buying team in Cosmetics, Ready-To-Wear & Jewelry both for full price and off price channels. While working in the buying office, she discovered and nurtured emerging designers, spotted the latest trends and gave insights into a career in the fashion industry. She is a sought-after speaker, having spoken at American Fashion System with ISEM & the Independent Jewelry Summit. She works with brands on a consulting basis.

ERIN

GWYNNE

wynne Rukenbrod Smith is the current executive director of SNAG, the Society of North American Goldsmiths. It is an organization dedicated to the support and advancement of contemporary jewelry and metal artists; memberships include not only goldsmiths but silversmiths, blacksmiths, and metal artists. Gwynne is active on various boards including: the Public Art and Cultural Commission with the city of Ashville, the Arts Business Institute, and the World Craft Council of North America.

JANINE

Janine Just is Chief Connectologist of Janine Just, Inc., a PR and social-savvy startup firm that connects audiences to a brand’s story through one-of-a-kind experiences at the intersection of fashion and tech. Living in New York City nearly 20 years, Just has experience with brands in every tier bringing a broad scope of expertise to her clients. Honing in on a brand’s message to bring bold storytelling techniques to experiential marketing, JJ has worked with major companies including Citigroup, KIND Snacks, Douglas Elliman, Headspace, Deep Eddy Vodka, The Ultimate Cuff, DV Closet, Caravan Stylist Studio and The Pines Foundation, to name a few. Just thrives with tech projects, introducing the world to DV Closet, a virtual wardrobe styling act that gives anyone, anywhere access to booking a professional stylist for all of our fashion woes. She’s also responsible for a spate of memorable local activations including CitiPond in Bryant Park and the Foursquare Battle for Mayorship of Delicatessen with Baratunde Thurston for a Shorty Award.

JULIO

I am a devoted husband, dedicated father, and the Strategic Executive at Copy Identity. Before starting Copy Identity I was a nationally ranked corporate sales manager.

I’ve personally sold $1,000,000’s in products, and managed millions more in inventory. Throughout my years I’ve built and trained teams to sell 10X more all while reducing overhead costs, improving morale, and decreasing turnover.

My passion is to work side-by-side with entrepreneurs. Coaching them through sales, copywriting, funnel strategy, and more.

INTA

KAREN

As a certified StoryBrand Guide, I help market products and services using a story framework. Whether creating a company narrative that attracts and converts more customers, writing copy that compels people to become customers, or crafting stories for social posts, ads or presentations, I can help you clearly and confidently present your products/services in a way that will appeal to buyers.

KATHY

With a gift for the creative and the analytical, Kathy Loewenstern, helps jewelry entrepreneurs craft Facebook Ad campaigns and funnels so they can grow an audience obsessed with their designs and sell more work. She loves planning out the customer journey and creating companion digital ad campaigns that nurture every step of the way. Never one to shy away from a problem or knotty situation, Kathy loves developing innovative techniques, experimenting with new ideas and testing, always testing!

KRISTIN

Kristin Mitsu Shiga is the owner and chief creative officer at ‘Okina Jewelry, a bespoke and limited production jewelry gallery & teaching studio located on the Big Island of Hawai’i. In addition to having her work featured in numerous shows and publications, she has almost three decades of experience selling her jewelry through retail, wholesale, and consignment venues.

Kristin honed her well-rounded skills in many roles within the jewelry industry, from bench jeweler to educator, studio designer, curator & business manager. Some of her specialties include systems development, bookkeeping, writing for your brand, studio setup and production practices. Kristin is excited to support you in getting your new business off the ground, or taking your established business to the next level!

MAISHA

NINA

Nina Cooper is founder and Chief Creative Officer of Nina designs Ltd., a wholesale company that designs and markets jewelry parts. These products include charms, pendants, beads, clasps and findings. With an emphasis on quality, service and creativity, Nina Designs has established itself as a market leader. For over thirty years, Nina has worked hard to help jewelry designers realize their own creative visions. "Creating products to inspire jewelry designers is an ongoing joy. I love knowing that our work at Nina Designs feeds the creative energy of so many talented artists!" Nina is also a committed philanthropist and has funded over $200,000 in microloans for over 500 women artisans in over 30 different countries around the world.

SHERI

Values & Vibes

Our Why

We believe in this digital world, that no designer or maker should ever feel alone. We believe that building a jewelry business or brand shouldn’t require extreme measures or years of trial and error. We believe that when we support each other, everyone wins. We do this because we truly care about your success and we do that with our free content, our online courses, our membership community and our coaching programs.

Our Mission

To empower emerging jewelry designers and makers to have the confidence to leverage their talent and take control of their business success with the right exposure and clients.

Our Vision

To be the premier online education resource for the jewelry industry by providing the best branding and business education, the best coaches, a top rated and recognized podcast, the best industry networking opportunities, and the best scholarship programs and grants.

Our Core Values:

How we make all this happen...

Yes, we have a bunch of resources available to you right now, all at no cost. Woot woot!

However, we’re only able to do that because we sell high-quality business programs & coaching. That’s how we’re able to give so much away for FREE, create this amazing, supportive community, and hire the best A-Team players from around the world!

We love feeling like Oprah and abundantly handing out high-value resources for free. But I can’t pay my water bill with ‘likes’ ‘downloads’ and Instagram ‘followers’...can I get a heck yeah?! Businesses need money to invest in providing their customers with the highest quality product & service.

Here at Flourish & Thrive Academy...

We pride ourselves on offering you simply the BEST jewelry business advice and coaching available. Period. So we need the best courses, coaches, and community to pull that off!

Check out some of our

amazing offers...

Emerging Makers, and Designers who are growing their sales from $0 to 6-Figures

Ready to build a strong foundation that creates consistent, predictable sales, a cycle of repeat customers, and long term growth for your creative brand? Laying the Foundation can help

DISCOVER LAYING THE FOUNDATION

Jewelry Designers and Makers who are ready NOW to transition their offline business, online.

Leverage your existing audience and Train Your Customers to Buy from You Online. Discover the how to create amazing online experiences. We’re here to help you move a lot faster and create a pandemic + life proof business that thrives no matter what’s happening in the world.

EXPLORE MOMENTUM

Ambitious Brands that are ready to scale to Multiple 6-Figures with a Multi-Stream Business

Already have an established 6-Figure business? Discover how our Mentors and Experts can help you take the guesswork out of where to focus your energy so that you reach your goals a lot faster.

EXPLORE MOMENTUM

Offline Brick and Mortar Retailers who want to leverage the Power of Online Sales Events and E-Commerce

You are as UNIQUE as your business – Discover how our Team of Experts can help you reach your online goals with customized support to overcome your business challenges. Apply for a FREE Business Accelerator Audit today.

Apply for a Business Accelerator Audit

You’ve just found your golden ticket to more sales online!

Welcome to

Hi there, I’m Tracy Matthews

If you’re a designer, maker or retailer who wants to sell more online, You’re in the right place!

If you’ve known that you need to bring your business online, but for some reason you’ve put it on the back burner….

Good news! You’re in the right place!

Imagine…

Success looks different to everyone!

It’s our mission to help you turn YOUR vision of success into reality!

You might be wondering WHY I care so much about you, someone I’ve never personally met…

Read More >>

Our Vision for YOU?

TO HAVE A THRIVING BUSINESS DOING WHAT YOU LOVE THAT JUST WORKS REGARDLESS OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE WORLD.

Meet

Our Core Team

Tracy Matthews

Chief Visionary Officer

Robin Kramer

Co-Founder and Sales Expert

Shaundra Howard

Operations | Project Manager

Quay Flom

Customer Experience Manager

Natasha Lakos

BUSINESS ACCELERATOR SPECIALIST

Jason R. Ayers

Business Advisor

Meet

Our Coaches

Values & Vibes

Our Why

Our Mission

Our Vision

Our Core Values:

How we make all this happen...

Here at Flourish & Thrive Academy...

Check out some of our

amazing offers...

Emerging Makers, and Designers who are growing their sales from $0 to 6-Figures

Jewelry Designers and Makers who are ready NOW to transition their offline business, online.

Ambitious Brands that are ready to scale to Multiple 6-Figures with a Multi-Stream Business

Offline Brick and Mortar Retailers who want to leverage the Power of Online Sales Events and E-Commerce

WHAT’S YOUR JEWELRY BRAND’S

BRILLIANCE FACTOR?

Discover the special sparkle that only you have and learn how to use it to your advantage while building the jewelry business of your dreams!