For those without access to these invite-only groups, alternatives are available, often in the form of newsletters that provide professional advice. Some, like Freelance Writing Jobs by UK writer Sian Meades, or Sonia Weiser’s Opportunities of the Week, ask readers to tip if they enjoy reading (or land a job), while others offer paid tiers for more regular content and access to group discussions such as The Professional Freelancer, which has also organized co-working days for freelancers in London. Some are more explicit about their goal of providing emotional support, too, such as Freelance Feels, set up by Jenny Stallard last summer, with the goal of bringing “honest dialogue about freelance mental health to the fore.”

A valuable resource to the ever-growing community of business owners and entrepreneurs who want to go from maker to magnate. I am so thankful for her story and for putting herself out there. Her persistence and passion for continuing to press forward with her business, regardless of not knowing what the outcome would be, at times, was remarkable. She showed us how to follow our instincts as we propel our business forward. So thank you to Jaime for leaning into her passion and for taking us along for the ride. Shout out to Oliver, her son, and Chris, her husband, for holding her down throughout the journey!

As hirers start to wise up to the fact that freelancers are enthusiastically discussing how organizations treat them, freelancers can hopefully spend less time fretting over unpaid bills and fighting to prove their worth. In turn, this should make for a happier workforce—an important shift, given that one study reports that 80% of workers who think they are not appreciated find their job has a negative impact on their private life. Kate says she can identify a marked difference between her first year as a freelancer and now that she has become involved with freelancer communities. And though these spaces have helped her to hone in on her professional marketability and industry know-how, they’ve also had a profound impact on her mental state. Whether you’re shopping for that friend who just launched their own business, or the partner who travels often for work, there’s a little something for everyone here. Compiled by the entire Supermaker team, this list considers entrepreneurs, artists, activists, and YOU. Jaime Schmidt is the acclaimed entrepreneur, investor, and Maker Movement icon that started out making natural products in her kitchen, and in short time, grew her brand into 30,000+ stores and sold it in a nine-figure acquisition. As the founder and former CEO of Schmidt’s, Jaime led the brand to sales in over 30 countries and onto the shelves of Target, Costco, CVS, Walmart, and Whole Foods. The brand was acquired by Unilever in 2017, with Jaime continuing to support their global expansion and partnerships with the likes of Jane Goodall and Justin Bieber.

The slow fashion movement is the antidote to a “take-make-waste” model that encompasses less production, fair treatment of workers, sustainable and eco-conscious fabrics, and lower carbon emissions. Resultingly, consumers buy less, instead investing in longer-lasting garments.

Additionally, ten companies will receive mentoring from the Supermaker Mentor Network of acclaimed founders, executives, investors, and operators.