Craft to Career

Have you ever thought about becoming a fabric designer?

For years, that was a dream of mine, but I just couldn't seem to make it happen. I struggled to learn Adobe Illustrator in a way that made my designs look more polished—like something other than a kindergartner's doodles! 😅

That all changed when I discovered Bonnie Christine's Immersion Course. It was THE course that completely changed the trajectory of my business—for so many reasons.

Thanks to this course, I not only became a fabric designer, but I also learned how to use Adobe Illustrator effectively and was introduced to an entirely new way of running my business.

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Bonnie Christine, the instructor behind the Immersion Course. She shares the ins and outs of Surface Pattern Design (which, by the way, is so much more than just fabric design!). You'll also hear her expert tips for success and get a sneak peek at her FREE COURSE that's available right now.

I'm also offering something super special for those of you who decide to join the Immersion Course through my affiliate link. If you sign up, you'll get a one-on-one coaching call with me, which I don't offer anywhere else. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity!

Listen to learn how you can take the first step toward becoming a fabric designer and a successful Surface Pattern Designer.

LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE (These are affiliate links):

• Bonnie's FREE Course on Surface Pattern Design
• 2025 Immersion Course Enrollment

Do you wonder if it's really possible to earn money as a quilter or creative entrepreneur? You're not alone! I recently came across this question in a Facebook group, and the answers shocked me—most people believed you could make a little money, but not a real income.

Well, I'm here to tell you that's simply not true. Not only do I make a great income as a quilter, but so do many others in this industry—an industry, by the way, that's worth over a billion dollars and continues to grow every year!

The real question isn't if you can make money, but how you can do it. In this episode, I break down the tangible steps you need to take to turn your creative passion—whether it's quilting, sewing, cooking, or art—into a profitable business.

✔ Why the idea that "quilters can't make good money" is a myth ✔ Key steps to start (or grow) your creative business ✔ How to shift your mindset and see the real opportunities in front of you

If you've ever dreamed of making a full-time income (or even just extra cash) doing what you love, this episode is for you!

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Now that you've learned about the thoughts holding you back (part one), you are ready to dive into part two, practical tips that will help you reshape your thoughts, navigate challenges, make tough decisions, and seek clarity on your creative journey.

Learn actionable skills to quiet the thoughts that are hurting your success. Tap into what's called your inner sage. If you feel like the words 'inner sage' sound a little woo, I hear you. I felt the same at first. But don't let that keep you from learning more. Think of the inner sage as your conscience. It's another word for your brain, or your mind.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• What is the Inner Sage?

  • Understand the concept of the Inner Sage and how it contrasts with the inner saboteurs. (These come from Shirzad Chamine's Positive Intelligence framework).

• The Five Sage Powers:

  • Explore the 5 powers of your inner sage: 1. Empathize 2. Explore 3. Innovate 4. Navigate 4. Activate.

• How to Recognize and Connect with Your Inner Sage:

  • Simple techniques and practices to silence self-doubt and strengthen your connection to your Inner Sage.

• Real-Life Benefits of the Inner Sage:

  • Examples of how connecting with your Inner Sage can lead to better decision-making, creativity, and resilience in life and business.

• Transforming Challenges into Opportunities:

  • Learn how to reframe obstacles and setbacks using the Sage Perspective.

Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs and Creatives:

• Tap into your Inner Sage to unlock greater confidence, focus, and purpose in your career.
• Replace negative self-talk with empowering thoughts and actions.
• Create a business and life that aligns with your true values and vision.

Actionable Takeaways:

• A 2-minute practice to quiet your inner saboteurs and tune in to your Inner Sage.
• Questions to ask yourself to activate the Sage Perspective in challenging situations.
• How to incorporate Positive Intelligence practices into your daily routine.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine
• Craft to Career Podcast archives for more episodes on mindset and entrepreneurship
• FloDesk - This episode is brought to you by FloDesk. Use the code QUILTERSCANDY and save 50% off your first year of using this email marketing provider.

In this insightful episode, Elizabeth Chappell shares the invaluable lessons she learned from her business coach, Lindsey White. These life-changing concepts, inspired by Shirzad Chamine's Positive Intelligence, reveal how our thoughts can sabotage our success and happiness—and how to regain control.

Elizabeth delves into the 10 mental saboteurs that can undermine entrepreneurs and individuals alike, explaining how to:

• Recognize these saboteurs in your daily life.
• Reduce their power to create more mental clarity and peace.
• Harness the Sage mindset to approach challenges with creativity and positivity.

Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply looking for tools to improve your life, this episode offers practical wisdom and actionable takeaways to help you thrive.

Key Topics Covered:

• What are the 10 saboteurs, and how do they show up in our lives?
• Why recognizing and naming your saboteurs is the first step to disarming them.
• The transformative power of building mental fitness and strengthening your inner Sage.

Tune in for an empowering conversation and start breaking free from the mental barriers holding you back!

Turn your CRAFT into a CAREER!

Did you find this podcast helpful? Find more creative business takeaways, tutorials, courses, plus much more below.

SHOW NOTES:

Take Shirzad's Test: Take the Saboteur Assessment

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QUILTERS CANDY WEBSITE:

https://quilterscandy.com/

INSTAGRAM:

Craft to Career Podcast @crafttocareer

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Running a business is no easy task, but when you add depression into the mix, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Craft to Career Podcast, I open up about my personal journey as an entrepreneur living with depression.

Depression looks different for everyone, and I share what it looks like for me. I discuss why I decided to take medication, my experience trying to go off it, and ultimately why I've chosen to stay on depression and mood-stabilizing medication.

Sharing such a personal and sensitive topic wasn't easy, and I questioned whether I should go this deep. But I know there are other business owners who have faced—or are currently facing—similar challenges. You are not alone.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is that you can run a successful business, even while managing depression. I share practical tips that have helped me structure my business to accommodate those times when I feel low. These strategies include:

• Outsourcing tasks to lighten the load.
• Automating processes to keep things running smoothly.
• Prioritizing self-care, even when it feels like there's no time.

By making adjustments to my workflow and mindset, I've found ways to navigate both the demands of entrepreneurship and the challenges of depression.

I want to emphasize that I'm not a doctor, and this episode isn't about offering medical advice. Instead, it's a candid account of my personal experience. If you're dealing with depression or mood disorders, I encourage you to seek help from a qualified medical professional.

This episode is for anyone who's ever felt the weight of running a business while managing their mental health. My hope is that it helps you feel seen, heard, and supported.

Tune in to this week's episode of the Craft to Career Podcast for an honest conversation about managing depression while running a business.

You are not alone. You can run a business—even with depression.

Did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts and join the conversation by leaving a comment or review. Let's support each other on this journey of entrepreneurship and mental health.

SHOW NOTES:

https://quilterscandy.com/category/podcast-episodes/

QUILTERS CANDY WEBSITE:

https://quilterscandy.com/

INSTAGRAM:

Craft to Career Podcast @crafttocareer

Quilters Candy @quilters_candy

In this honest and heartfelt episode, I'm sharing the real reasons I decided to step away from fabric design and what's next for my business. If you've ever dreamt of designing or selling fabric, or if you're just curious about my journey, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at why I made this decision and what I've learned along the way.

In this episode, I break down the top six reasons I decided to leave the fabric design world:

1. The Art Process – Why fabric design no longer sparked joy for me.
2. The Pay – A candid look at whether fabric design is worth the time and effort.
3. The Marketing Overload – How managing multiple brands stretched me too thin.
4. Artistic Freedom – How designing fabric limited my creativity as a quilt pattern designer.
5. Lifestyle Priorities – Why I chose family and joy over business obligations.
6. Environmental Impact – Wrestling with the realities of contributing to environmental issues.

I'll also share what's next for my business and how I'm now focusing on the areas that truly light me up.

This episode is for anyone considering fabric design or interested in hearing about how priorities can shift in business. Whether you're dreaming big or just reflecting on your own career, my story shows how it's okay to evolve and make decisions that align with your values.

Tune in for an honest, vulnerable conversation that I hope will inspire you to follow your own path and know that your dreams—whatever they may be—are always valid.

SHOW NOTES:

https://quilterscandy.com/category/podcast-episodes/

QUILTERS CANDY WEBSITE:

https://quilterscandy.com/

INSTAGRAM:

Craft to Career Podcast @crafttocareer

Quilters Candy @quilters_candy

In this inspiring episode, Elizabeth Chappell interviews Linda Pacino, Director of Training and Education for Baby Lock, who brings over 20 years of experience in the sewing industry. Linda leads a team of professional trainers dedicated to empowering consumers and retailers with exceptional education and resources.

Linda shares her incredible journey to landing her dream job, offering valuable insights for anyone pursuing their passion. Her reflections are both uplifting and practical, encouraging us to embrace our unique gifts and talents to make a meaningful impact in our communities.

Key Highlights:

• Linda's career journey: From her early experiences to becoming a leader at Baby Lock.
• The importance of fostering creativity and education in the sewing industry.
• Encouragement for individuals to recognize and share their talents with the world.
• Practical advice for balancing ambition with authenticity.

Whether you're a sewing enthusiast or looking for a dose of inspiration, Linda's story will resonate with you.

Tune in for an insightful conversation that reminds us all to embrace our potential and share what we have to offer with confidence!

Turn your CRAFT into a CAREER!

Did you find this podcast helpful? Find more creative business takeaways, tutorials, courses, plus much more below.

SHOW NOTES:

https://quilterscandy.com/category/podcast-episodes/

QUILTERS CANDY WEBSITE:

https://quilterscandy.com/

INSTAGRAM:

Craft to Career Podcast @crafttocareer

Quilters Candy @quilters_candy

Have you ever thought about hosting a live event for your business? In this episode, Elizabeth Chappell reflects on her experiences organizing live events, sharing the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. From planning to execution, Elizabeth provides practical advice to help you create memorable and impactful events that leave your attendees inspired and engaged.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Planning Essentials: How to set clear goals for your event and create a seamless experience for attendees.
• Managing the Details: Tips for handling logistics, from securing venues to coordinating schedules.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Lessons learned from challenges and what Elizabeth would do differently next time.
• Creating a Memorable Experience: Ideas for connecting with your audience and making your event stand out.
• Post-Event Reflection: How to gather feedback and use insights to improve future events.

Whether you're hosting a workshop, retreat, or conference, this episode is packed with actionable tips to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. Elizabeth also offers encouragement for stepping out of your comfort zone and creating experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways.

Tune in to learn how to confidently plan, host, and execute live events that elevate your business and delight your attendees!

Turn your CRAFT into a CAREER!

Did you find this podcast helpful? Find more creative business takeaways, tutorials, courses, plus much more below.

SHOW NOTES:

https://quilterscandy.com/category/podcast-episodes/

QUILTERS CANDY WEBSITE:

https://quilterscandy.com/

INSTAGRAM:

Craft to Career Podcast @crafttocareer

Quilters Candy @quilters_candy

In episode 172 of the From Craft to Career Podcast, Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Chantell Hammond, founder of Strategy Square and a passionate business and marketing coach. Chantell's journey began with the challenges she faced running her Pilates studio, where a lack of marketing knowledge held her back. Determined to grow, she pursued a degree and gained invaluable insights working at a leading marketing agency in California.

Through her experiences, Chantell wrestled with big questions:

• What is marketing really about?
• Who does she want to serve?
• How can she approach her work with authenticity and integrity?

These reflections led her to her true passion—mentoring and empowering entrepreneurs.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The pivotal lessons Chantell learned from her transition from small business owner to marketing expert.
• The importance of defining your "WHY" and staying true to your purpose.
• Strategies for avoiding burnout while balancing ambition and authenticity.
• Practical marketing tips to elevate your business without sacrificing your values.

Whether you're an entrepreneur at the start of your journey or someone seeking a fresh perspective on marketing, Chantell's story and advice will resonate deeply. Her commitment to integrity and service offers a powerful reminder that success doesn't have to come at the expense of your passion or well-being.

Take a look at Chantells':

• • Strategy Square Website
  • Strategy Square Instagram
  • Book a 30- minute Confidence Call with Chantell HERE

Turn your CRAFT into a CAREER!

Did you find this podcast helpful? Find more creative business takeaways, tutorials, courses, plus much more below.

SHOW NOTES:

https://quilterscandy.com/category/podcast-episodes/

QUILTERS CANDY WEBSITE:

https://quilterscandy.com/

INSTAGRAM:

Craft to Career Podcast @crafttocareer

Quilters Candy @quilters_candy

In episode 171 of the From Craft to Career Podcast, Elizabeth Chappell chats with Mary Davis of Mary Go Round Quilts about her inspiring journey of hosting a summit. Mary opens up about the process, challenges, and rewards of organizing an event that not only showcased her products but also connected her with her community in a meaningful way.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Insights into hosting a summit: What worked and what Mary learned along the way.
• Fresh marketing strategies to creatively share your product with a wider audience.
• Tips for exploring new ways to connect with your audience and grow your quilty business.
• How to overcome the fear of trying something new and embrace innovative approaches.

If you're looking for unique ways to market your business or want to spark fresh ideas, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to hear Mary's inspiring story and gain actionable insights for your entrepreneurial journey.

Get ready to think outside the box and take your business to the next level!

Turn your CRAFT into a CAREER!

Did you find this podcast helpful? Find more creative business takeaways, tutorials, courses, plus much more below.

SHOW NOTES:

https://quilterscandy.com/category/podcast-episodes/

QUILTERS CANDY WEBSITE:

https://quilterscandy.com/

INSTAGRAM:

Craft to Career Podcast @crafttocareer

Quilters Candy @quilters_candy