Her Handmade Hustle Unplugged: A Podcast Helping Independent Businesses Get Seen, Remembered and Chosen.

As a small creative business owner, forward planning is non-negotiable. But what happens when it leaves you feeling panicked, disconnected, and burned out before the season or occasion even arrives? In this episode, we dive into the hidden emotional toll of constant planning and why it’s not something anyone prepares you for.

I’ll explore the science behind anticipatory stress, decision fatigue, and burnout, blending research with relatable anecdotes from life as a creative entrepreneur. Plus, you’ll hear practical tips to help you manage the overwhelm, set boundaries, and reclaim your love for the seasons and occasions you’re working so hard to prepare for.

This isn’t just another business pep talk—it’s an honest conversation about a side of entrepreneurship that often gets overlooked.

Enjoy this episode? Don’t forget to check out my Substack for more inspiration, tips, and support for female creative entrepreneurs.

Want even more value? Upgrade to a paid Substack subscription to unlock exclusive bonus podcast episodes where we dive deeper into topics like this, including the science behind burnout and actionable strategies to thrive in your creative business.

Visit my website for more small business help and advice!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit herhandmadehustle.substack.com

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of willpower and how it plays a critical role in helping creative entrepreneurs achieve their goals.

With New Year underway, it’s easy to set resolutions but much harder to stick to them. We explore why willpower matters in business, share practical tips for strengthening it and uncover the science behind staying focused and resilient.

Packed with humorous anecdotes, relatable stories and actionable advice, this episode will inspire you to tackle your goals with renewed determination - and turn your creative dreams into reality. 

Links and Resources:

Visit the website for help especially designed for female entrepreneurs with a creative business

Sign up to my free monthly newsletter for a free dose of business support straight to your inbox

Connect with me

@herhandmadehustle - Instagram and Facebook

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit herhandmadehustle.substack.com

In this thought-provoking episode, we tackle a question many creative entrepreneurs are asking: is there still a place for handmade businesses in an age dominated by AI and mass production? The answer might surprise you!

Join me as I explore why handmade products continue to thrive despite advances in technology. We'll break down the unique value of artisan creations, discuss how consumer preferences are shifting toward authenticity and craftsmanship, and share why now is the best time to start—or scale—your handmade business.

With a mix of bold opinions, actionable advice, and a touch of humor, I’ll show you how to position your creative business as indispensable in a world craving connection and originality. If you've ever doubted your place in the handmade industry, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

Tune in and discover why your handmade creations matter more than ever!

Links and Resources Mentioned:

⁠Free download! The Handmade Business Starter Guide

Podcast Episode: The SEO Edge - How to Get Your Creative Business Discovered Online with Dr Tonya Lawson

Connect with me!

@herhandmadehustle - Instagram and Facebook

Email me for help with your creative business!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit herhandmadehustle.substack.com

This Christmas special is all about family, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit that runs deep in ours.

I’m joined by my dad, a barber with an incredible 50-year career and a legacy of self-employment that has inspired three generations of entrepreneurs.

In this heartfelt and entertaining episode, we dive into:
✨ The story of how my dad became a barber and built his business.
✨ Funny and memorable moments from his 50 years behind the chair.
✨ The challenges and triumphs of being self-employed.
✨ How our family’s entrepreneurial journey shaped my own path.
✨ Personal stories of support, strength, and overcoming challenges together as a family.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, a fan of family stories, or just love a good laugh, this episode is packed with insights, heartfelt moments, and festive cheer.

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe to my free monthly newsletter for creative female entrepreneurs


• Visit my website to find out how I can help you


• Discover more podcast episodes here!

Grab a hot drink, get cosy, and join me for this special Christmas episode that celebrates all things family and real business success.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit herhandmadehustle.substack.com

In this eye-opening episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest myths in the entrepreneurial world: time management. If you’ve ever said, “I just don’t have enough hours in the day,” this episode is for you.

We’ll explore the uncomfortable truth behind why you might feel too busy and whether you’re actually avoiding the hard, high-value tasks that could take your handmade business to the next level.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The surprising reasons we tell ourselves we're "too busy."

  
  



• How avoidance behaviours can sabotage your business growth.

  
  



• The 80/20 rule and how to identify tasks that truly matter.

  
  



• Simple, actionable tips to reclaim control over your time.

  
  



• A humorous and brutally honest take on the lies we tell ourselves about productivity.

  
  

Download Your Free Time Audit Worksheet!

As a special bonus, I’ve created a downloadable worksheet Map Your Time Like a Pro: A Reality Check for Creative Entrepreneurs to help you track how you’re really spending your day. Use it to uncover hidden patterns and reclaim hours you didn’t even know you had. Download it here!

Connect with Me

Love this episode? Make sure to subscribe so you never miss a new one! Share your time management breakthroughs or struggles by tagging me on social media. Let’s keep the conversation going @herhandmadehustle

Get more support for your business!

Visit my website to see how I can help you or book a free half hour chat to tell me your business worries and get some instant help!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit herhandmadehustle.substack.com

***IMPORTANT*** I made a school girl error! I accidentally uploaded last week's episode for this week's! Therefore for a short time S3 Ep27 was the same as S3 Ep.26 (in case you have already listened and thought you were going mad!) The correct episode has now been uploaded so please do press play again to access this week's episode: 'Stop Blaming the Algorithm: Why Your Social Media Strategy Isn’t Working (and how to fix it). Thank you and apologies! Joanne

Are you stuck blaming the algorithm for why your handmade business isn’t growing? It’s time for some tough love. In this episode, we tackle the harsh truth: it’s not the algorithm holding you back—it’s your strategy.

If you’ve been feeling frustrated by low engagement, stagnant sales, or posts that seem to vanish into the void, this episode is for you. I’ll share personal stories, bold opinions, and practical advice to help you stop pointing fingers and start fixing what’s actually going wrong.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why blaming the algorithm is a waste of your time and energy.

  
  



• The biggest mistakes handmade business owners make on social media (and how to fix them).

  
  



• Practical strategies to create engaging, consistent, and story-driven content that your audience will love.

  
  



• Why showing up authentically and consistently is more important than chasing trends.

  
  



• How to turn your followers into fans by focusing on connection, not perfection.

  
  

Highlights:

• The real purpose of the algorithm—and why it’s not your enemy.

  
  



• Common mistakes like inconsistent posting, boring content, and neglecting engagement.

  
  



• Proven strategies that actually work: storytelling, quality over quantity, and the power of reels.

  
  



• Tough love: why it’s time to stop making excuses and take ownership of your growth.

  
  

Social media can feel overwhelming and unpredictable, but the truth is, you have more control than you think. This episode will empower you to ditch the excuses, step up your strategy, and finally make social media work for your handmade business.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and honest truths to help you stop blaming the algorithm and start building the social media presence your business deserves. Hit play and let’s get started!

Links and Resources:

• Get a social media makeover with my Banner & Bio Bundle!

  
  

  Join the conversation: DM me on Instagram @herhandmadehustle and share your biggest social media struggle!

  
  



• Love this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and share it with a friend who needs to hear this!

  
  

Let’s Connect:

• 
  
  • Website
  
  
  • Instagram
  
  
  • YouTube
  
  
  • Facebook
  
  
  
  

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit herhandmadehustle.substack.com

Is your handmade business feeling stuck, and you're not sure why? Do you want to know why so many handmade businesses fail? It might be because you’re treating it more like a hobby than a business. In this bold and eye-opening episode, Joanne breaks down the harsh truths female entrepreneurs need to hear about what’s holding back their creative businesses.

From mindset shifts to pricing strategies, Joanne explores how to transition from hobbyist to business owner—and start seeing real growth.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The key differences between running a handmade business and pursuing a hobby.


• Why undervaluing your time and skills is holding your business back.


• How to adopt a business mindset to set yourself up for success.


• Practical steps to take your creative business to the next level.


• Why setting boundaries and prioritizing profit isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

If you are a female entrepreneur feeling stuck in your handmade business, not getting consistent sales and you want to see some real progress with some real, small creative business success strategies - then this episode is for you.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• FREE download:  ⁠'10 Steps to Turn Your Handmade Hobby into a Profitable Business'⁠


• GET HELP for your creative business - ⁠visit my website⁠

Ready to turn your craft into a business? Listen to this episode and start implementing actionable strategies today.

Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more tips tailored to female entrepreneurs in the handmade and creative space. Share this episode with a fellow creative who might be struggling with pricing their products—we're all in this together!

Her Handmade Hustle: Unplugged - The Creative Business Podcast for Female Entrepreneurs

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit herhandmadehustle.substack.com

In this episode, Joanne talks about the concept of ‘The Invisible Cage’ - the feeling of being "trapped" that many women face when traditional work options don’t align with their life circumstances. 
From managing family responsibilities to dealing with health challenges or overcoming a gap in employment, these factors can leave women feeling stuck and unfulfilled. Joanne discusses how self employment is fast becoming the only option for women who want a flexible working life that can meet the needs of their current commitments and how female entrepreneurship is on the rise.
Joanne talks about the barriers to employment for women and the impact of these life changes showing true empathy, understanding and providing validation for the way women feel in today’s modern society. 
Joanne shares her own story of feeling trapped and how she found a solution by starting her own stationery business in 2010, discussing how launching a business can be a powerful pathway to reclaim control, discover purpose, and build a fulfilling life.
She also provides some practical tips if you’ve been contemplating starting your own business but aren’t sure where to start.
This relatable and motivational episode is for all women considering starting a business of their own and reveals how entrepreneurship can be the solution to break free from the invisible barriers holding them back. 
If you’re feeling stuck, unsure or overwhelmed and could do with some help for your small creative business, visit the https://herhandmadehustle.co.uk/ to see all of Joanne’s services.
Or drop her an email! mailto:[email protected]
Sign up for your free monthly dose of business support with the https://herhandmadehustle.co.uk/newsletter

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit herhandmadehustle.substack.com

In this episode, Joanne is talking to Jo Grace, The Curly Hairdresser from Derbyshire who is speaking all about the role of your personality when it comes to business success.

Jo shares how to keep clients coming back, time and time again, by just being your authentic self and without ever having to rely on social media for advertising. 

Jo and Joanne discuss the importance of human connection as a business owner, something that they both feel more and more people are craving when choosing who to spend their money with. They also share experiences of balancing being self employed with being a full time mum to neurodiverse children and the challenges it can bring.

They share experiences of how you cope with anxiety in self employment and showing up with your personality in full swing on those days when you simply just don’t feel like it. 

This episode is light hearted, down to earth and full of advice for all women who are faced with the many challenges of running a small business, whether you are just starting out or you’re up and running and struggling to navigate it all.

Joanne offers down to earth, 1:1 small business support for creative women so if you need any help at all, please do visit the website or email [email protected]

Sign up for a free dose of monthly business support with the Her Handmade Hustle Newsletter, full of tips and advice for small businesses all about how to sell online. Subscribe HERE

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit herhandmadehustle.substack.com

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the unique ways the creative brain functions and the common challenges it brings. If you’re a creative entrepreneur, you might find yourself facing issues like procrastination, difficulty focusing on one task at a time, struggling to stay organised, or finding it nearly impossible to switch off from work. Joanne discusses why these hurdles are so common in creative minds and how traits like imagination, emotional depth and sensitivity to your environment can impact productivity. She also looks at the role of neurodiversity in entrepreneurs and how particular traits can both help and hinder our ability to run our own businesses.

Joanne also shares practical tips and strategies to help you manage these challenges. From prioritisation techniques and time-blocking methods to setting boundaries and embracing progress over perfection, this episode is packed with actionable advice designed to help you thrive in your business. 

Tune in to learn how to work with your creative brain rather than against it, and discover ways to stay focused, organised, and balanced as you grow your creative business.

For affordable and friendly help for your creative business, visit the Her Handmade Hustle website to see the ways in which Joanne can help you.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit herhandmadehustle.substack.com