Spring season meetings of entrepreneurial creative women that take knowledge to a new level.

The spring season of the Creative Industries Mentoring Program was full of meetings on various topics. A total of three mentor clubs were held, where each of them provided new knowledge and practical experiences that can be tried and tested in their own activities later or even used. All meetings provide food for thought and topics for subsequent conversations or discussions.

* On April 22, the fourth mentor club meeting was held in a row, where the topic of the day was “Creative Entrepreneur Marketing and Communication.” Digital strategist Tanel Vetik from Onte Digital OÜ was invited to conduct this short training. Marketing and communication are crucial and indispensable for every company today. One could even say that it is impossible to do business without it. At the mentor club meeting in April, we discussed the following topics: marketing trends 2025, building a social media strategy, a marketing plan and its preparation, different tools and how to use them, how to get your first customers through marketing, what is the formula for a good advertisement and how to create its content, and all kinds of marketing tips and tricks were shared. In addition, the participants were also given homework and we did several practical exercises on site, i.e. we tried to do several things in practice ourselves. The short training was not only one-sided, but everyone who came was also ready to share their own experiences, advice, good tips or recommendations were given.

* On May 20, we met again within the framework of the program to talk and discuss the topic of the circular economy. The short training took place, the content of which was: opening the topic of the circular economy, we gained knowledge about recycling and regulations, we talked about trends, good examples and practices both in Estonia and elsewhere in the world. In addition, there was a lot of discussion, exchange of experiences, asking questions, etc. This meeting also had a practical side. All the women who came had to bring with them leftovers from their creative activities (some samples had to be brought). In other words, leftovers that arise in connection with production or service provision today. And to complete the second task, it was necessary to bring one or two items made by the participant themselves, which were either recycled or a completely new item was created from recycled material(s). This part of the day captivated everyone and made them listen and think along. It was a very inspiring meeting with interesting thoughts and discussions on topics. At the end of the mentor club, the participants also had different ideas about what can be recreated from garbage or where different materials could be reused in their activities. Thank you Anne Jõesaar, from Roheradar OÜ, for conducting a short training on such a necessary topic! Now there is something for the participants to think about, for example, that there would be less production waste and that the use of materials would be reasonable and economical. Everyone can make changes in their activities so that the footprint of their activities would be more environmentally friendly.

* On June 10, the women and mentors participating in the mentoring program “Creative Bloom” came together for the last time when they met in the sixth mentor club. The topic of this meeting day “How to take a good product photo and a memorable video with a mobile phone” came directly from the participants. They had a strong desire to gain better knowledge and practice in taking a good photo and video.

This short training was divided into two part:

Part 1 – Basics of product photography. Classic and staged product photos. Composition. Backgrounds and props. Contrasts. Different perspectives. White balance. Common mistakes when photographing products. Practical photography with a mobile phone. Creating a home photo corner. Directing, diffusing and reflecting light. Top view. Taking photos from different angles. Creating a blurry background. Side light and back light. Mobile phone settings. Initial photo editing on the phone. Photo proportions and cropping.

Part 2 – Filming with a mobile phone. Horizontally or vertically. Frame plans. Preparing a movie clip. Script or short plan. Movement. Zooming. Light and environment. Details and features. Mobile apps for editing movies. Editing a movie. Cutting a video clip, adding speed and slowing it down. Transitions. Adding text and subtitles. Adding sound, music and effects. Exporting a movie clip.

There was a lot of practice at this meeting. We were able to really go through and test everything ourselves, ask questions and get help if necessary. After the practical part, we analyzed the completed photos and videos, including the trainer’s feedback, advice and recommendations. The photo and video training was conducted by the trainer Aile Nõupuu, AileN KOOLITUSED OÜ, who came from Läänemaa County. It was a great training with a super good trainer.

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All mentor club meetings have now taken place within the framework of this program. But the project is not over yet, as there are two more very important meetings ahead. A study trip will take place at the end of August, when a Latvian group will visit us. We will take a three-day tour of Ida-Viru County, visiting various places in the county. The mentor program “Creative Bloom” will end with a closing event in September, where people who are not directly involved in the program are also welcome. At the closing event, we will present the results of the project to a wider audience and thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the project.