We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katrine Trantham. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katrine below.
Katrine, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
For nearly 20 years, I’ve been developing creative and impactful programs for educational institutions. Like many, I’ve long dreamed of channeling these ideas into something I could truly call my own. In 2024, I started noticing rhinos in unexpected places. Though not typically superstitious, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the universe was sending me a sign.
That spark led to the founding of Tiny Rhino Productions—a creative umbrella for all my ideas and endeavors. As an artist myself, my initial vision was to host a professional development conference for creatives right here in Atlanta. While mapping out this bold concept, I came across a post announcing that Indie Craft Experience was seeking new leadership.
I had participated in one of their inaugural fairs nearly 20 years ago, and the idea of bringing these phenomenal markets under the Tiny Rhino umbrella felt like kismet. I officially took the helm of Indie Craft Experience this month and have hit the ground running, planning the fall and winter markets.
Looking ahead, The CraftCrash—a professional development conference for artists, makers, and side-hustlers—will launch next year.
Katrine, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I began my career as a visual art educator. Like many teachers, I mastered the art of the side hustle—especially during summers. Since transitioning out of the classroom, I’ve stayed rooted in education, planning summer camps, artist residencies, and professional development retreats, all while juggling a variety of side gigs in both the art and fashion worlds.
My first step into entrepreneurship came in 2007, when I opened a contemporary craft-making studio called Craftology. Sadly, just as it was taking shape, life took an unexpected turn—my family had to relocate from Atlanta within its first year, and I had to sell the business.
Now, nearly two decades later, I’m taking the leap back into business ownership—this time with more experience, a clearer vision, and a head full of new ideas.
Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.
I’m excited to share that I’ve officially purchased Indie Craft Experience! The process began when I expressed interest in the business and followed up with a detailed proposal. In developing my proposal, I carefully considered both the financial history and strong reputation of Indie Craft Experience within the creative community. I also outlined what would be required to reinvest in the brand and help it thrive again.
Before the pandemic, Indie Craft Experience was thriving, but like many small businesses, it faced significant challenges during the Covid years—despite making some successful pivots. While the markets have bounced back with energy, other elements of the business have yet to be revived.
Given my deep connection to the markets and my extensive background in art and event planning, I was able to demonstrate that I’m uniquely positioned to lead the business into its next chapter. I’m honored that the seller recognized this and trusted me to carry Indie Craft Experience forward.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Sometimes, you just have to do it.
When I first began dreaming about everything Tiny Rhino could become, the ideas felt overwhelming—almost too big to tackle. That’s when I started seeing rhinos everywhere. It felt like a sign to stop overthinking and start taking action.
So, I made a to-do list and committed to crossing off one item at a time. Each step turned out to be more manageable than I expected, often requiring only a small investment.
I started by registering the business name and forming an LLC. Then came the website—thankfully, there are tons of helpful resources for that part.
Before I could even book a venue for my first event, the CrashCrash, Indie Craft Experience presented itself as an opportunity too good to pass up.
Now, I’m still working through that list—though it’s grown a bit longer. But that’s okay. I just keep going, one step at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tinyrhinoproductions.com
- Instagram: indiecraftexperience
- Facebook: indiecraftexperience
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrine-j-trantham-5896123a/
Image Credits
Fair photos by Isadora Pennington.