By Kurt Dusterberg
After Haley Bohon graduated from NC State, she put her mechanical engineering degree to work at Newell Rubbermaid, working in product development. But living in a new community was a challenge, and soon she turned her attention to rounding out her social life. “I was in the early stages in my career, but also I was setting up a life in Charlotte and figuring out, What do you do after work? How do you meet people?” Bohon says. “I saw a lot of people going to networking or pop-up fitness events, but I didn’t really see much for creatives or for people who wanted to pick up a new hobby.”
So Bohon took matters into her own hands in 2015, when she launched SkillPop. The company provides in-person classes led by experts in a variety of professional development fields and hobbies. Ten years later, SkillPop has conducted thousands of classes, both in person and virtually. Charlotte and Raleigh have served as hubs for the in-person learning, where curious students can take a class on sourdough bread, interior design, or improv skills. Others gravitate toward courses that address more pressing topics, like getting a handle on the household budget.
“We know that people are thinking about things like getting their finances in order or wanting to buy a house,” Bohon says. “Or maybe if you’re starting a garden this year, we know January is the time for you. You’re setting goals and aspirations.” SkillPop relies on local partners and venues to bring the classes to life, such as hosts The Loading Dock, Rosecomb Beer Garden in Cary, and The Flourish Market in Raleigh Iron Works. Bohon will seek out teachers if she identifies a hot topic, but others come to SkillPop through referrals. Would-be instructors can also make a class proposal on the company’s website.
“With the range of classes we do, ‘expert’ can mean many different things,” she says. “We’ve had teachers who are stay-at-home moms and self-taught artists. We’ve had chefs who have been on Food Network. We’re looking for people who have a skill they are talented in and passionate about.”
Over time, SkillPop has built a reputation with people who are seeking unique classes. “If people have a skill they want to learn, they trust us to find the expert and create the experience.” she says. “You can learn so many things on YouTube, by reading, by [listening to a] podcast. There are so many outlets. But sometimes what you need is someone to break it down for you.”
While class topics can run the spectrum, SkillPop is seeing a surge in some old-school interests. “One thing we’re seeing right now is people looking for those hands-on activities, even some things that are sort of throwback topics, like sewing, embroidery, and crochet,” Bohon says. “Photography is also popular right now. This [past] year, two of the popular ones have been floral arranging and interior design in both of our cities.”
Jenna Jeslis has taught floral arranging classes for SkillPop in Raleigh for more than a year. She came about her expertise while working for a florist in high school. Today, she works full time in university housing at NC State, but her affinity for flowers and her natural touch made her a good fit for teaching.
“I like that the skills in all the classes are always something that can better someone’s life,” Jeslis says. “They challenge ordinary people to learn something they may have never done before without committing to a semester-long class or paying hundreds of dollars.” Class size is typically between 12 and 15 students—large enough to make a fun social experience, but small enough for individual attention.
“I’m a natural-born extrovert and I get my energy from being around other people, which makes it easier and more fun for me to want to be around others talking about a similar interest with them,” Jeslis says. “My students typically say they learned a lot, and they feel a little more confident when deciding what kind of flowers to buy. They appreciate learning with an instructor in person.”
With close to 100 instructors teaching monthly classes, plenty of folks are gaining exposure for their skills. “I joke that it’s a side hustle to the side hustle for some people,” Bohon says. “If they have an Etsy shop, they’re using SkillPop classes to be a revenue stream, but also to get more eyes on their art and on what they do. There’s a little bit of money at the end of the night, but it’s a way to grow their own business.”
Aside from individual classes available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, SkillPop works with corporate clients. “Companies will contact us to bring classes on-site for their employees, maybe as a happy hour,” Bohon says. “About 40% of our revenue right now comes from corporate engagement.”
After more than 6,000 Skillpop classes, Bohon has shown that a relaxed setting strikes a chord with casual learners. “We grow up in school where we’re in classes all the time. It’s a very natural way to meet people,” she says. “And it was an easy business to start, because I am my own ideal customer. People are looking for ways to meet people and get out of their normal routines.”
Interested instructors can pitch a course idea at skillpop.com/teach. Those interested in taking a class can sign up on the website to receive a weekly newsletter with class offerings.
