When I ran the first Make-Your-Own-Website live workshop, I was so inspired by the progress everyone made in the class. There were people from all walks of life and different professions and backgrounds. We met each week and learned about each other, building friendships as I taught the basics of web development and online business tools.
I noticed that people who thought they weren’t techy were having a little anxiety about what other people would think when they presented their website progress to the class. But when we started sharing our ideas about what our businesses were about and how we were already showing up in the world, things began to change. The students were so excited to hear about everyone’s ideas as they made connections with each other professionally, and friendships began to form.
While everyone worked at different levels and in their own way, there was no shaming of anyone. Everyone was supportive, and it was definitely a safe place to share. People began to put away their note-taking devices and just enjoy the process, knowing that we were all in it together and we would just keep learning along the way. People started showing up for the tech tea parties just to connect again throughout the week. We had built a community where people felt safe and heard, learning together and helping each other with new ideas and helpful comments.
Each person came away with a much deeper understanding of how important they were with their contributions to the world through their unique businesses. With a better understanding of websites, they now had the tools they needed to create websites that reflected their unique light and personality to attract their perfect customers.
And, while most of the students didn’t come to the class to change careers, a few of them actually decided to take their own clients and start building websites as an income source. Others have had such positive feedback about their website that they have recommended the workshop to other business owners who want the same success.
This is the kind of learning that changes lives. People have formed friendships and connections here that will last a long time. They continue to show up to tech tea parties just to say hi and see how everyone is doing from the class. They continue making changes to their websites and have great ideas for new business opportunities and things they can add by themselves to improve their online presence.
Jena was one of the people who felt nervous about her tech skills and was having a hard time juggling all that she had going on with her multiple businesses and super busy life. But, she made the time to come to the class, put together a beautiful, professional website, and learned skills that will help her manage all of her businesses.
Here’s what she had to say:
I first hired Amy Cole years ago to design a website for a project I was developing, and from the very beginning, I knew I had found someone truly exceptional. Amy is not only incredibly knowledgeable, creative, and talented—she is also one of the kindest, most genuine people you could hope to work with. Collaborating with her is an absolute pleasure.
When Amy launched her web design classes through Cottage Coder, I was instantly intrigued. The timing aligned perfectly with a new concept I was developing, and joining her Make-Your-Own-Website Workshop turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Over the course of eight weeks, Amy guided us with care, clarity, and so much inspiration. She puts her whole heart into helping others succeed, gently nudging you forward with warmth, humor, and a joyous, spontaneous giggle that lifts your spirit.
Each week we explored a new facet of website creation, and Amy made the seemingly overwhelming process feel totally doable—and even fun. Her thoughtful, intentional teaching style brings out the best in her students. I’m thrilled to say: I DID IT! I created a website that I feel proud to share with the world.
Amy, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your passion, generosity, and joy shine through in everything you do. I adore and appreciate you so much!
My heart was sad when I had to take a break from the workshops for health reasons. I have Functional Neurological Disorder, and it can be hard to look at screens when I’m having a flare-up. So, for the past few months, I have been focused on pacing myself and recovering. While this will probably be something I have to deal with the rest of my life, I’m in a great spot with my health right now and can finally return to teaching a live workshop.
I don’t know when I’ll be doing live workshops next. So, I created the Firefly Edition, where people can have a self-paced, simpler version if they just want a quick website for their business. But the one-on-one attention and discussion that happens inside the Intensive Live Workshop is a unique experience that is well worth the extra investment. And, the people who take the live workshop actually have better success with their websites because they get group feedback, accountability, and a structured time set aside for working on their websites.
If you’re ready to make a website that feels like you, not like some company overseas, or a website built by AI, then check out the current workshops available here. And let your light shine! You have something worth sharing.