Maker’s Yearbook Testimonials
All of our testimonials are from real users of the yearbook.
We provide a template for users to share their thoughts about the specific ways the yearbook has helped them, and we do edit some testimonials for length
Find more thoughts on the yearbook by searching #makersyearbook on Instagram
I just discovered the Maker’s Yearbook for the first time last year (2023) and let me tell you it has been a GAME CHANGER! Going into 2024 with a clear plan in place and a clear idea of where I was coming from in 2023 made all the difference in my mindset.
Every month I look forward to sitting down and looking at the progress I’ve made in my business through social media followers, visits to my website, and sales! I’ve never had a planner that touched upon every single thing I need pages for so when the planner arrived in January I was in absolute awe at how comprehensive it was and how much thought must have gone into the design.
Did I mention it’s BEAUTIFUL?! Aesthetics aren’t everything but let me tell you it’s so rare to find something this practical and this pretty and I’m here for it.
I think my favorite thing about the planner is that I can fall off for a couple of weeks or even months from using it and still go back for a reset! I can go back and fill in previous months expenses and sales so I still have that month to month record keeping (anything to help with tax season am I right?!) and then brain dump for where I’m at and plan for those specific goals I want to accomplish this month or even this week.
Simply said, I’m a complete convert! I won’t be buying any other business planner but this one and you shouldn’t even bother looking for a better one if you’re on the fence because I’m convinced it doesn’t exist. Is it a little pricier than the average planner? Maybe, but you get what you pay for because this planner is like having a crash course in business and a hand to hold every day of the year to guide you to your goals!! And again, did I mention it’s GORGEOUS?! Ok I did but it was worth stating again. Just buy it you won’t regret it.
Sakara Perry
I HAVE SEEN PROFITS RISE BY BETWEEN 40 AND 50 PER CENT EACH MONTH AND I HAVE SUCcessfully BEGUN TO SELL MY PRODUCTS IN THREE NEW STOCKISTS.
I started seeing tangible results from using the yearbook in around a month and now, six months on, I can see a massive improvement in my productivity, customer base, sales and mindset.
I have seen profits rise by between 40 and 50 per cent each month and I have successfully begun to sell my products in three new stockists.
I have also consistently hit my targets for social media followers and reach.
the yearbook is the best planner i’ve seen for creatives… and i’ve tried quite a few!
My biggest fear about buying The Maker’s Yearbook was that I would use it for a month and then put it in the drawer. Eight months on I’m an avid daily user.
Since investing, I have had my best month of sales ever and am now preparing to showcase my furniture at Grand Designs, Birmingham.
If you’re on the fence about buying The Maker’s Yearbook I’d say that it’s the best planner I’ve seen for creatives… and I’ve tried quite a few!
I HAVE TAKEN STOCK OF MY PRICES AND ALMOST DOUBLED THEM. i am on the way to valuing myself better now.
Since buying the yearbook I have been able to prioritise tasks far better. I now record my victories – positive things people say, or when I say no to unnecessary extra work – and they are great to look back over, especially when I doubt myself.
I have also taken stock of my prices, and have almost doubled them, and people still pay happily! I believe I am on the way to valuing myself better now, which is a big leap forward for me.
I could not be without it. It gives you real clarity and focus about where you’re going
I quit my job thanks to the clarity and guidance I got from the Maker’s Yearbook
I’m more consistently in profit and most importantly I’m paying myself
I used the Maker’s Yearbook to plan a new product launch.
I wanted a planner that would fit my working style and I couldn’t find one, until now.
My name is Beth Billingsley and I’m a bespoke corsetiere at Orchid Corsetry.
I bought The Maker’s Yearbook in January as part of my annual “New Year New Me” charade and it’s one of the few things that I’ve stuck with! (sorry gratitude journal) I was feeling overwhelmed by my brain being full to capacity of “must-do’s” “I should really’s” and “In an ideal world’s”. It was affecting my sleep and my general enjoyment of my work, which has always been my passion and purpose. I just felt like if I could have a PA, who side quested as a life coach I could get on top of things, and be the girl boss I was surely born to be. It’s a lonely world being a one woman band.
The Maker’s Yearbook has genuinely improved my day-to-day organisation, and when I come to a really busy period, it helps me feel more in control, and to be more productive. If I’m feeling a bit lost for something practical to do with an unexpected lull, I only need to turn to the first page of the month where I blurted out all of my brain dump agenda items.
My favourite part of the journal is the monthly action plan. And I can tell that I need it because every time I turn to the new month and see it pop up, it comes as a bit of a surprise. Being given the space to not just decide on a goal, but be given a structure to work out the steps you need to complete it realistically alongside your work is a godsend. This is where the imaginary PA/ Life coach comes in- I’m accountable to myself for setting out a plan I can really deliver on, not just writing down wishlists of things I would do if I had endless energy and didn’t have to cook dinner, or sleep, or look at anything besides my work desk.
Special mention for the tiny little box I have to fill in every month that sweetly asks me “what will I do just for myself this month?” and then telling me to schedule it so it actually happens! That essential reminder that you are not an automaton, delivering crafted items, but a person whose wellbeing is an integral part of your overall success.
If I had a worry about investing in the yearbook, it was that I wouldn’t keep it up, and it would sit on my desk accusingly gathering dust. I won’t pretend I have used it every day, and I have had slack weeks where I have free-armed my workflow (and suffered accordingly) But we are now 8 months in and my instincts have been that when my brain feels full and I need to decompress, I pick up the yearbook and I add things to my brain dump worksheet, see how things fit into my monthly planner, and prioritise 3 things for my daily to-do list. It works. It helps. It feels like I have someone in my corner.
If you’ve just discovered The Maker’s Yearbook, and you’re deciding whether to commit, I would really urge you to try it. The tone of the whole book is so supportive and gentle in its approach. There’s no “rise and grind” culture here, just tried and tested ways to help you look ahead, get on top of things, and be a happier, more fulfilled business owner. Also, SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! Nicola pops up in your inbox with gentle affirmation that it’s fine if you’ve drifted, you can just pick it up again at any time, alongside extra information and helpful tips. Also, I would urge you to go straight in with the physical book over the digital version if you can, it just removes any obstacles to you committing to the practice. It’s also beautifully designed and thought out- so much nicer to use than a stack of print-outs!
Beth Billingsley
I couldn’t run my business without it.
I have been using the Maker’s Yearbook for three years now, and I can honestly say that I couldn’t run my business without it!
It keeps me focused on what I should be doing each day and helps me to keep track of my finances each month. I can see at a glance where I am in terms of sales, social media growth and much more.
The single best investment I’ve made for my business.
Having a beautiful planning book to use this year has made it much easier to sit down each week and do some planning!
And once I started planning, all the other benefits started falling into place. Now I have more control over my business and the tasks I need to do each week to hit my goals. I know exactly where I am and how much I’ve grown (more followers and more sales) since January.
Using the yearbook, when Life comes along to disrupt everything – whether a global pandemic or a family emergency – I can re-arrange tasks easily and efficiently then see exactly where I need to pick up again afterwards.
It’s been the best, single investment I’ve made for my business.
Keeps me connected into my business when I lose track and need to regroup
I can’t stop talking about this yearbook… literally!
Whenever maker friends of mine worry that they’re not organised, or aren’t keeping track of things, or have too many notebooks going for all the things they have on, I pull out my yearbook and show them how it has space for everything in it, so nothing gets lost.
I have used the yearbook for 2 years now and can’t imagine business life without it.
The space for reflection on the last year, the space for goal setting for the current year, and the regular monthly reviews keep me on track. They keep me connected into my business and are always there for me when I lose track and need to regroup (that has happened a lot this spring & summer due to lock down…).
Nicola Taylor’s amazing Makers Yearbook has completely changed the way that I look at my business. It’s helped me switch gears from amateur selling on Facebook and Instagram to branching out into new markets, planning for the future and getting down to the nitty gritty (numbers and stats don’t lie!) in a palatable, intuitive and accessible way.
It has made me much more proactive and circumspect – rather than reactive and dashing around madly trying (and often failing) to keep up with life/business admin.
The yearbook is a diary, to-do list, bullet journal style tracker, goal setter, record of exactly where you’re at and where you want to be – all in one.
I squealed like a kid when this arrived – even the packaging is just stunning and I am already recommending it to every maker I know!
Josie Grant
The first year I used the Maker’s Yearbook I boldly wrote that I wanted to double my income.
I was shocked when I actually did.
I can’t believe how the Maker’s Yearbook has helped me grow my Etsy business.
The first year I used the Maker’s Yearbook was in 2020. I boldly wrote that I wanted to double my income. I was shocked when I actually did.
I don’t fill in every box faithfully, but the little that I do spend time on each week helps me generate ideas and solutions on how I can help my business grow.
I definitely recommend this planner for any creative small business owner.
Never before have I had a planner so effective that fits my odd life
I’m probably not your target audience but your planner has helped me no end this year. I run a small micro campaign that uses Craftivism to amplify the voices of unpaid carers to decision makers.
I currently care for 3 different people, my husband and 2 mums. All with different conditions in different homes. Your at a glance monthly spread allows me to track both sides of my life. I use the notes section for the meetings, calls and podcasts I do.
Your Makers Yearbook is the best planner I’ve used and believe me when I say I’ve used a lot. Never before have I had one so effective that fits my odd life, from cleaning out the gutters to giving speeches in parliament.
I HAVE BEEN USING THE YEARBOOK FOR 5 YEARS AND MY TURNOVER HAS INCREASED BY 40 PER CENT.
I started using the Makers Yearbook in 2019 and am now in my 5th year. Over the past 2 years, my turnover has increased by 40%. I am also more consistently in profit and paying myself!
I find that the most valuable sections of the yearbook are the monthly reviews. It keeps me constantly in touch with what I am doing, makes me focus on my goals, and reminds me of my successes!
The investment has definitely been worth it for me, not only in income but in attitude.
Hi! I’m Dawn, the creator of Wonky Warriors.
I struggled with focus and feeling overwhelmed about what I needed to do in my business because I have a full time job too.
The Maker’s Yearbook transformed the way I work on my business and I am now able to focus on priorities instead of “all the things”. It is so thoughtfully structured and laid out that it takes all the thinking and overwhelm away as I already worked out my priorities and focus on that. One step at a time.
I only have 10 hours max per week to spend on my business. Despite that, in the last year I doubled my list, followers and revenue as well as making and keeping on top of orders etc. And that is down to the Yearbook because I have been focused on one goal (to grow my audience).
The most valuable (and fun) feature for me is the monthly review. I never used to do that so did not know my numbers or when I needed to course correct. Because of that review, I have been able to come up with a new collection and product idea and stop wasting time on things that were not working.
I was worried when I first bought The Maker’s Yearbook, thinking it would just gather dust with all the other planners. But it’s not just a place to plan your day. It’s designed by a maker for makers, and Nicola has crammed in so much value, guiding you to ask all the right questions and reminding you to check in.
I highly recommend buying the yearbook, because if you have tried and failed at planning, or suffer from overwhelm, it really will become your best business friend.
Dawn Jehle
I’ve spent so much on various business planners and this one has paid for itself, again and again and again.
I’ve bought the yearbook for the last 3 years, and I have used it relentlessly. It’s my notebook, its my planner, it’s my annual goal planner, I love it, all in one.
When I have a lull or a lack of motivation, it’s usually the first thing I grab to get myself back on track.
I’ve spent so much on various business planners and this one has paid for itself, again and again and again. It really helps you set goals, plan ahead, think about planning out your business rather than just doing a load of endless tasks.
It helped me revive my dying Instagram account and is now steadily growing new followers each day, just shy of 10k.
Before I invested in The Maker’s Yearbook I was a little lost in what I should track or how to even start making progress on my never ending to-do lists!
Since using it I have launched a new shop and got over £1,000 in sales. Have launched several successful Kickstarters and have another one planned! It helped me revive my dying Instagram account and is now steadily growing new followers each day, just shy of 10k.
With the help of the yearbook, I have streamlined my business. And last year I achieved my (admittedly ambitious) financial goal for the first time ever.
My days used to have little to no structure, so I wouldn’t achieve any goals (let alone set any).
With the help of the yearbook, I have streamlined my business. And last year I achieved my (admittedly ambitious) financial goal for the first time ever.
I was worried about investing in yet another planner that would end up largely unused and taking up desk space but it is the best investment you can make for your business and yourself.
My name is Carolina Moore. I’m a Quilt Pattern designer, Notion Inventor, and fan of the Maker’s Yearbook.
I’m big on goal setting. I absolutely love setting yearly goals (and then crushing them)! But goal setting can feel very pie-in-the-sky without some kind of format or guidance. That’s what I absolutely love about the Maker’s Yearbook. I’ve used it for three years, and it has absolutely helped me to level up my business.
At the end of each year, I block out time away from the office. I go through the prompts in the Maker’s Yearbook. This gives me a concrete way to reflect on my year, and create a solid outline for what the following year will look like. The first year I did this, it was absolutely magical. I set some really big goals (ones I had no business making), and I crushed them. With this tool, I turn dreams into plans that I can carry out.
I see what really worked last year, and what didn’t. I decide on my big launches for the year, and plan their timelines. I get a full understanding of what my year will look like using the yearbook, which is so important for me as an entrepreneur. Since I’m my own boss, I don’t have anyone telling me what to do, where to go, or how to make things happen. The Maker’s Yearbook has made me a better boss of myself.
If you’re unsure, get the digital version and print it out yourself. My favorite parts are the annual plan and the monthly check-ins. I’ll admit I don’t use the daily sheets very often – but that’s how powerful this is! You can use the parts that give you the most value – this isn’t just an agenda or planner.
Nicola has a loyal customer in me – every year I pre-order my book (I’ve done both digital and physical copies, and the physical copy is really beautiful), and send the pre-order link to friends so that they can order theirs as well. I’ve converted many of them into loyal MY users!
Carolina Moore
I have had far fewer moments of frantic panic and I have a clearly thought-out production plan for the upcoming holiday season
Before using The Maker’s Yearbook, I was finding it difficult to manage the BUSINESS side of my business. I was happy to be knitting or crocheting, but I found the thought of setting up systems to manage the details of marketing, production planning and such more than a tad terrifying.
Without doubt, buying The Makers Yearbook has been the best business AND personal investment I have made. I know I am going to be so much better prepared for this fall holiday season. That peace of mind is truly a gift I’m giving to myself.
Best of all, by being able to select the three things that must happen this week or even just today, I have a sense of control. I can relax and enjoy my time making without having that ‘business voice’ in my head.
I can’t think of any non-cliche way to say that it’s transformed my business or that it’s the best money I ever spent
I’ve been a jewelry artist for 15 years, and I’ve used every possible system to keep to-do lists organized and to focus on priorities. Elaborate paper tracking systems. Online to-do lists. Stickers on a calendar to reward myself for getting things done.
I’m not sure exactly why I bought The Maker’s Yearbook, but I must have been guided to do it. I did hesitate because I’m American, so the shipping to the States was about as much as the cost of the item itself. But I couldn’t let go of the desire/prompting. So I did it.
I can’t think of any non-cliche way to say that it’s transformed my business or that it’s the best money I ever spent. It’s basically every goal-setting, to-do-list-prioritizing, tracking, evaluating system I ever tried or created for myself, all rolled into one.
I use it every day, and I’m on track to make 30% more money this year than last year.
And it’s pretty.
Tracking my social media growth and newsletter subscriptions within the Yearbook has shown me how far I’ve come.
The Maker’s Yearbook has been an invaluable tool for my business over the past two years.
It has allowed me to strategically plan my goals each month and has kept me accountable to my tasks. There’s nothing more satisfying than crossing off each completed task in my Yearbook!
Tracking my social media growth and newsletter subscriptions within the Yearbook has shown me how far I’ve come.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, I highly recommend the Maker’s Yearbook to help you stay organized and focused on achieving your goals.
My name is Michelle and I am an Embroidery and Mixed Media Artist.
Previously I was making To-Do Lists without purpose and direction. Yes I tried various methods and some worked for a while – or so I thought. I’d seen the Yearbook and toyed with trying it, but I didn’t think I could justify the cost, I thought I had it figured out, then along came Lockdown and things flipped about all over the place, so I decided to take the leap and invest in not only the Yearbook, but myself too.
Since then I have I have learned and found understanding of what things I should actually be focusing my time on to reap the results I needed to run my small business.
It helped me focus on things I had previously avoided – important things that made a real difference.
The most valuable feature for me is the 3 things to do today. I keep a separate book and list everything that I would like to do that week, plus everything that I need to do that week.
Then I choose one or two ‘Need to do’s’ and one ‘would like to do’ and write them in my Yearbook on the appropriate day. I then ensure that I focus my time on those things, first and if there’s time in the day, I will do something else on my ‘would like to do’ list. I am also loving the Month End Review section. I had never really done this before, but I now see how valuable that information is.
My biggest fear about buying The Maker’s Yearbook was the cost – would I use it? – was it worth it? – The answer is hands down YES! And each year you use it, you will get more value from it and use it more and more because you will see the benefits.
It’s beautifully laid out, and always looks pretty on your desk, which encourages you to look at it. The front is filled with simple details how to review your previous year, and how to take that information and use it to set goals for the future year. There’s sections to help you with growth and strategies, encouraging you to dig deeper into what you really want from your business, rather than just planning your daily routine.
Each month there’s a Brain dump sheet with a section to plan out your goal/target for the month and then at the end of each month you can review your month and reflect and learn.
The Yearbook to me is more than a Planner, it’s a little bit like having my very own ‘virtual’ Personal Assistant to keep me in check each day.
Michelle Corbin
I was not growing in my small business and being teased (playfully) about my “planner addiction.” I would go through 4,5,6 of them a year
Since then I have increased my production, sales and visibility; I have started hosting my own Artisan Markets this year which has increased my income and I only use ONE planner. My Maker’s yearbook. I tell all of my maker friends about it too.
I love the bite sized steps. I consider myself an organized person but I just didn’t have the skills to know how to break things down into smaller steps and I always ended up feeling overwhelmed. I don’t anymore.
The way it is laid out and how easy Nicola makes things has really opened so many doors for me. I never would have thought about being a market host, but the Maker’s Yearbook made me see how I could and made it easy.
I have successfully monetized my illustration and found a balanced way to work sustainably
The Maker’s Yearbook is a beautiful planner to keep track of all your creative goals and achievements. Before using it I had no focus or goals for my art.
Since then I have successfully monetized my illustration through online and local projects, exhibited at London’s Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and found a balanced way to work sustainably.
I was worried that it wouldn’t add value on top of the online tools I use – however having a physical book made all the difference for me.
The most valuable feature of the Yearbook is how exquisitely simple it is. It asks that everything be broken down into doable steps
I came across The Makers Yearbook, and decided to give it a try. Instead of my endless to-do list, it made me list my most important three things I needed to get done everyday.
I made sure they were the first things I accomplished, and low and behold. Instead of feeling like I hadn’t done enough, anything else I accomplished beyond those three things felt like a bonus!
The mental relief this planner provides is priceless, in my opinion. It really helped change my mindset on how productive I could be and instead of feeling like I didn’t do enough, I felt accomplished.
Nicola’s planner encourages you to take a breath, and makes it easier to move forward by taking small steps everyday!
