Sometimes we forget that behind every handmade product is a story -  not just of craft, but of courage, healing and personal transformation.

In this episode of Her Handmade Hustle: Unplugged, I share the moments from a weekend spent surrounded by women whose creativity has helped them move through illness, trauma and self-doubt. From fairy houses, to meaningful tattoos and market stalls full of soul -  this episode is a reminder that what we make often holds more than we ever say out loud.

I’m talking about:

Why handmade work is often deeply connected to healingThe emotional strength behind the “small” creative businessWhat it really means to turn pain into purposeHow to reconnect with the heart of your business

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or wondering if your work is “enough,” this is the episode to remind you that your creativity is powerful - and so are you.

Links to things mentioned in the episode:

Pick N Mix 1:1 Business Support Sessions

Freyja’s Fairy Art

Yorkshire Mastectomy Clinic

NIP (Nipple Innovation Project)

Are you a creative entrepreneur who feels pressured to follow every Instagram trend just to stay visible? In this refreshingly honest episode, I share the 5 Instagram habits I refuse to follow - and exactly why I believe they can harm your brand as a creative business owner. From overdone rants and forced language like "slide into my DMs" to copying trends that don't align with your values, this episode is a reminder that your originality is your power.

If you're ready to build a business rooted in authenticity, creativity, and sustainable success- this one’s for you.

In this powerful episode, Joanne shares the three most common fears that hold creative entrepreneurs back: fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and fear of success. Through the lens of a personal story from a recent family camping trip to the Yorkshire coast - where each member faced and conquered a fear - she explores how fear quietly sabotages your business dreams.

If you've ever said "I'm scared" when it comes to launching, growing or showing up in your business, this episode is for you. You'll learn how these fears show up in your day-to-day as a small business owner and discover simple, practical strategies to move through fear with courage and clarity.

Whether you’re just starting out or hitting a plateau, this episode will help you stop letting fear make your decisions - and start growing your business with more confidence.

In this fun and refreshingly honest episode, I’m joined by my husband Dave to explore the real-life experience of living with a creative female entrepreneur (aka me!). If you run a small business from your kitchen table, studio or shed – and your partner still doesn’t know what SEO stands for – you’re going to love this.

We cover:✨ What it’s like being married to a creative business owner✨ The reality of supporting someone chasing big business dreams✨ Hilarious confessions from “the other side” of self-employment✨ And of course... the return of “5 Minutes with Dave” — where I quiz him on business buzzwords. Spoiler: he has no idea.

This episode is light-hearted, relatable, and perfect for creative women in business who need a giggle and a reminder they’re not alone.

Ever wondered what a car boot sale can teach you about running a creative business? Turns out - quite a lot.

In today’s podcast episode, I’m sharing 5 surprising business lessons I learned from selling face-to-face at a local car boot sale last weekend. All of which you can use to help you when it comes to selling your work as creative entrepreneurs.

Expect laughs, multiple dramas (I mean, what the hell did I expect when I decided doing a car boot sale with a 5 year old was a good idea?!) and plenty of relatable insights for anyone who sells their work online, at markets or anywhere in between.

What You’ll Learn

* understanding the power of first impressions

* mastering the art of impulse buys

* how to handle hagglers without crumbling

* learning how to selling your creative work confidently and connect with customers

* the benefit of letting go of products (or ideas) that no longer serve your business

And the lessons in this episode apply to you no matter what you’re selling - or where. Whether it’s a product or a service and you’re selling at markets, craft fairs, pop-ups or just online, you’ll be able to use them to boost your small business success.

And if you enjoy the episode, please do send it to one other person who you think would enjoy it too - I’d be eternally grateful for your help in sharing my podcast far and wide!

I’d love to know if this episode helped you feel more confident about selling your creative work - and if you’ve ever braved a car boot sale yourself, drop me a message or tag me on Instagram - I’m desperate to know other people’s funniest or most dramatic car boot story!

Until next week,

Joanne

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Are you a creative entrepreneur who’s full of ideas but constantly stuck in start-up mode? Maybe you’ve got a new product, service or studio space ready to go - but instead of launching, you're procrastinating, second-guessing and tweaking things again.

In this honest and empowering episode, I’m talking all about why creative and neurodivergent brains struggle with decision-making, time management and getting tasks done - and more importantly, what you can do to stop the cycle and just open the bloody door.

Whether you’re battling perfectionism or simply paralysed by fear and overwhelm, this episode will help you take action - your way. I’m also sharing my five-step method to beat procrastination, ditch the pressure of the ‘big launch’ and finally get that business idea out into the world.

🎧 Want ongoing support from a community that truly gets it? Join my WhatsApp Support Group for Creative Business Owners, supporting Breast Cancer Now with every membership received.

If you’ve ever fluffed your way through a speed dating intro (guilty as charged), you’ll know how brutal 60 seconds can be. And guess what? Pitching your business is no different. If you can’t confidently explain what you do in under a minute, you're letting potential customers walk away without a second thought.

In this episode, we’re ditching corporate jargon and getting straight to the heart of it. I’m sharing my no-nonsense, 5-step formula to help you craft a killer business pitch that grabs attention and actually converts.

Problem + Impact + Solution + Proof + Benefit = Your Business Pitch Gold.

By the end, you’ll be able to answer the dreaded “So, what do you do?” question with clarity and confidence. Because if you don’t know what you do, no one else will either.

Visit the Her Handmade Hustle website for help growing your business

Check out my new Pick n Mix Business Support packages to get visible, get organised and start selling handmade. 

If you’re feeling too comfortable in your business, that’s a problem. Comfort zones might feel safe, but they’re the biggest roadblocks to growth. In today’s episode, we’re diving into why staying comfortable is holding you back, how to embrace discomfort as part of entrepreneurship and why constantly seeking reassurance is keeping you stuck.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take bold action—this is it.

It’s podcast day! And this episode might be the wake up call you need to answer. Particularly if you’re feeling bored, stuck and wondering if it’s too late for a woman over 40 to change things up…

Well, I’ve got news for you. Unless you’re dead - it’s never too late to reinvent your life or your business. And the fact that you’re reading this, tells me you are well and truly alive and kicking.

If you’re a dreamer, a doer or maybe you’re lying awake at night secretly Googling “how to change my life” at 2am…I hear you. I’m doing it too.

And it’s a GOOD sign. It means you are refusing to settle. You recognise that there’s something missing in your life right now and you’re not afraid to go and find it.

Whether you’re craving a career change, launching something new or just itching for a fresh start, this podcast episode is packed with practical advice (and a healthy dose of humour) on making bold moves - without losing your mind.

What You’ll Learn:

* Why reinvention is essential to help your business thrive

* The biggest myths about changing direction - and why they’re nonsense

* The key signs it’s time to shake things up in life or business

* How to start your reinvention journey without the fear of failure stopping you

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to start something new, but…” - this episode is for you. We’re breaking down why change is powerful, necessary and completely possible at any age. With plenty of laughs and relatable stories, I guarantee you’ll leave feeling fired up and ready to take action.

Who’s It For?

* Women over 40 (or anyone!) who want to pivot in life or business

* Creative entrepreneurs craving fresh ideas and new directions

* Anyone stuck in a rut and done with feeling ‘meh’

So plug me in while you grab a brew, walk the dog, clean the toilet (yes, sister - that one’s for you) and get ready to reinvent yourself, your business and your mindset.

And don’t forget to check out my new Pick ‘n’ Mix Business Support packages if you’re looking for some help making the first move to reinvent your business!

Disclaimer: Her Handmade Hustle will not be held responsible for anyone who moves to a tropical island/becomes a nun/leaves their husband after listening to this episode..

Joanne

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Running a creative business is not for the faint of heart. It’s a rollercoaster ride filled with highs, lows and a whole lot of uncertainty. After 15 years of being self-employed - and navigating two major surgeries in the last 12 months - I’ve learned that success in both business and life comes down to four essential qualities: Hunger, Humility, Hope, and Humour.

These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re survival skills. In this episode, I’m sharing why these four traits are crucial for navigating the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, how they’ve helped me push through challenges and how you can develop them to create a business that’s both fulfilling and sustainable. Expect real talk, personal stories (including some hilarious and heartfelt hospital moments) and plenty of inspiration to keep you moving forward.

What You’ll Learn:

Why hunger for success needs to be focused, not frantic

How humility can make you a stronger entrepreneur

The power of hope in overcoming setbacks and self-doubt

Why humour is your best tool for business survival

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever felt like giving up on your business, questioned your sanity for choosing this path or wondered how to stay motivated when things get tough - this episode is for you. You’ll leave feeling inspired, equipped with a fresh perspective and ready to tackle whatever comes next in your business journey.

Who This Episode is For:

Creative female entrepreneurs navigating the ups and downs of self-employment

Women over 40 looking to build a business that fits their life and values

Anyone who loves an honest, heartfelt and humorous take on entrepreneurship

Want More?

If you’re a paid subscriber to my Substack, you’ll get access to a special bonus podcast episode, where I guide you through practical exercises to help you develop these four essential qualities in your business. You’ll walk away with actionable steps - and some great content ideas for your social media!

Visit my website for coaching, resources & more