What do you do when chronic illness forces you to give up the craft you love? If you’re Gillian, you reinvent everything and end up with a jewellery business as unique as the pages it’s made from. 💛

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Steph sits down with HBSA student Gillian, the creative mind behind Paper2Pearls, to talk about the unexpected journey from patchwork quilts to paper jewellery, the challenges of crafting with arthritis, and how she’s used the Handmade Business Success Academy to bring structure, strategy, and new energy to her handmade business.

Expect real talk about mindset, planning, SEO, and how to keep going when life throws curveballs. Whether you’re at the start of your handmade journey or deep in the pivot stage, this episode is full of gold.

You’ll hear about:
        •        How Gillian’s business began with origami experiments after a health diagnosis
        •        Why learning to plan ahead changed everything
        •        The challenges of marketing a super-niche product (and how she’s tackled them)
        •        What it’s really like to go through HBSA as a neurodivergent maker
        •        And… how a peanut up the nose started a lifetime of “what if” creativity 😂

This one’s a gem. You’ll leave feeling grounded, inspired, and ready to keep building.

Website - www.paper2pearls.co.uk

Newsletter https://paper2pearls.eo.page/8fywb

Etsy - www.paper2pearls.etsy.com 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Paper2pearlsbyGilli/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Paper2pearlsbyGilli

If your Etsy shop feels slow, confusing, or like your sales are happening by accident…

This is your sign to stop guessing.

I’m running Listathon, a free live challenge for handmade business owners who want their Etsy listings to actually do their job.

Inside the challenge, I’ll show you how to look at your listings properly, spot what’s holding them back, and fix the foundations that help buyers find, trust, and buy from you.

Not by making more products.

Not by panic-posting on Instagram.

And not by working yourself into a tiny business gremlin with a label printer.

We’re fixing the things already sitting in your shop.

Your titles.

Your photos.

Your structure.

The bits that turn browsers into buyers.

So by the end, you’re not just hoping Etsy suddenly wakes up and blesses you with sales.

You’ll know what needs fixing, why it matters, and what to do next.

Listathon starts Monday 15th June.

It’s live, it’s free, and spots are open now at handmadebosses.com/listathonweek.

Ever wondered if the Handmade Business Success Academy actually works?

In this episode, you’ll hear straight from HBSA students who’ve gone from stuck, overwhelmed, and doubting themselves - to confident, consistent handmade business owners.

They share how the Academy helped them:

💡 Find focus and stop “throwing spaghetti at the wall”

📈 Boost conversion rates and sales (some hit 2,000+ Etsy orders!)

💬 Build real confidence in marketing and SEO

🤝 Join a supportive community that keeps them going when business feels tough

If you’ve ever thought, “Could that really be me?” - this episode will give you the proof (and goosebumps) that it absolutely can.

If your Etsy shop feels slow, confusing, or like your sales are happening by accident…

This is your sign to stop guessing.

I’m running Listathon, a free live challenge for handmade business owners who want their Etsy listings to actually do their job.

Inside the challenge, I’ll show you how to look at your listings properly, spot what’s holding them back, and fix the foundations that help buyers find, trust, and buy from you.

Not by making more products.

Not by panic-posting on Instagram.

And not by working yourself into a tiny business gremlin with a label printer.

We’re fixing the things already sitting in your shop.

Your titles.

Your photos.

Your structure.

The bits that turn browsers into buyers.

So by the end, you’re not just hoping Etsy suddenly wakes up and blesses you with sales.

You’ll know what needs fixing, why it matters, and what to do next.

Listathon starts Monday 15th June.

It’s live, it’s free, and spots are open now at handmadebosses.com/listathonweek.

Think slow sales mean you need to add more products? Think again.

In this episode, I’m busting one of the biggest myths in the handmade world: that more listings = more sales. Spoiler alert - it’s not about quantity. It’s about quality, clarity, and conversion.

We’ll talk about:
✅ Why uploading random new products could actually be hurting your shop
✅ The real reason Etsy rewards certain listings (hint: it’s not how many you have)
✅ What to do instead: smarter product variations, giftable bundles, and clarity around your niche
✅ Real-life examples of handmade sellers who scaled down to grow up

Whether you’re stuck in a sales slump or constantly churning out new designs hoping something will “take off”, this episode will help you shift your focus to what actually moves the needle.

🎯 ACTION STEP:
Instead of creating something brand new this week, take your top-selling product and make one thoughtful variation - a new colour, size, or giftable version. That’s how you build momentum without the burnout.

FREEBIE: The “More Listings” Myth Fix Worksheet  

If your Etsy shop feels slow, confusing, or like your sales are happening by accident…

This is your sign to stop guessing.

I’m running Listathon, a free live challenge for handmade business owners who want their Etsy listings to actually do their job.

Inside the challenge, I’ll show you how to look at your listings properly, spot what’s holding them back, and fix the foundations that help buyers find, trust, and buy from you.

Not by making more products.

Not by panic-posting on Instagram.

And not by working yourself into a tiny business gremlin with a label printer.

We’re fixing the things already sitting in your shop.

Your titles.

Your photos.

Your structure.

The bits that turn browsers into buyers.

So by the end, you’re not just hoping Etsy suddenly wakes up and blesses you with sales.

You’ll know what needs fixing, why it matters, and what to do next.

Listathon starts Monday 15th June.

It’s live, it’s free, and spots are open now at handmadebosses.com/listathonweek.

Are you working harder than ever, but your sales graph just… won’t budge? 😩
You’re not lazy. You’re not failing.
You might just be stuck in what I call the Plateau of Busywork and it happens to almost every handmade seller at some point.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to:
⚠ Spot the 3 most common plateau signs
📉 Understand why your to-do list isn’t growing your business
🧠 Make small, strategic shifts that lead to actual progress
✨ AND stop wasting time on things that feel productive, but don’t move the needle

We’ll cover:
1️⃣ Why “doing more” isn’t the answer
2️⃣ How to focus your energy on what actually converts
3️⃣ The real reason your shop’s stuck and how to get unstuck fast

You’ll hear real-life examples from sellers who were posting daily, making products constantly, or jumping platforms… but still not growing and what changed it all.

💥 Whether you’re in full-on burnout or just feeling stagnant, this episode will give you clarity and confidence on what to fix next.

Plus: I’ll give you a simple homework task to separate busywork from growth work (so you can stop doing the stuff that’s draining your energy).

If your Etsy shop feels slow, confusing, or like your sales are happening by accident…

This is your sign to stop guessing.

I’m running Listathon, a free live challenge for handmade business owners who want their Etsy listings to actually do their job.

Inside the challenge, I’ll show you how to look at your listings properly, spot what’s holding them back, and fix the foundations that help buyers find, trust, and buy from you.

Not by making more products.

Not by panic-posting on Instagram.

And not by working yourself into a tiny business gremlin with a label printer.

We’re fixing the things already sitting in your shop.

Your titles.

Your photos.

Your structure.

The bits that turn browsers into buyers.

So by the end, you’re not just hoping Etsy suddenly wakes up and blesses you with sales.

You’ll know what needs fixing, why it matters, and what to do next.

Listathon starts Monday 15th June.

It’s live, it’s free, and spots are open now at handmadebosses.com/listathonweek.

Etsy just dropped a whole bunch of updates for 2025 and if you’re feeling a bit lost in the jargon, don’t panic. I’ve got you. 💛

In this episode, I’m breaking it all down plain and simple:
→ What’s actually changed
→ What you need to know as a handmade seller
→ And which updates will genuinely help you save time, reduce stress, and grow your shop this holiday season 🎄

From AI listing tools and post-purchase automation to real-time keyword insights and a totally redesigned dashboard, this is the update episode that helps you take action - without the overwhelm.

We’ll chat through:
✔️ The 3 big themes of Etsy’s 2025 updates
✔️ Time-saving features you might be missing
✔️ Smart ways to boost visibility and connect with more buyers
✔️ Why your Shop Manager is now way more than a to-do list
✔️ How to turn Etsy’s tools into actual growth this quarter

If you want to finish this year strong, without burning out, this episode is your guide.

If your Etsy shop feels slow, confusing, or like your sales are happening by accident…

This is your sign to stop guessing.

I’m running Listathon, a free live challenge for handmade business owners who want their Etsy listings to actually do their job.

Inside the challenge, I’ll show you how to look at your listings properly, spot what’s holding them back, and fix the foundations that help buyers find, trust, and buy from you.

Not by making more products.

Not by panic-posting on Instagram.

And not by working yourself into a tiny business gremlin with a label printer.

We’re fixing the things already sitting in your shop.

Your titles.

Your photos.

Your structure.

The bits that turn browsers into buyers.

So by the end, you’re not just hoping Etsy suddenly wakes up and blesses you with sales.

You’ll know what needs fixing, why it matters, and what to do next.

Listathon starts Monday 15th June.

It’s live, it’s free, and spots are open now at handmadebosses.com/listathonweek.

You’ve poured time into your products, uploaded them to Etsy, and maybe you’re even getting some traffic and a few favourites… but sales? Crickets. 😬

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the real reason why your Etsy listings aren’t converting  and no, it’s not just the algorithm.

I’m breaking down the 3 essential layers of a high-converting listing:
        1.        Getting found in search (hello, buyer keywords!)
        2.        Getting clicked (your thumbnail matters more than you think)
        3.        Getting purchased (because a nice listing isn’t enough)

This is a must-listen if you’ve ever said:
        •        “My views are up but no one’s buying”
        •        “I don’t know what else to try”
        •        “I think I’ve hit a plateau…”

💡 You’ll leave with clear examples, real-life success stories, and quick wins you can action today - even if you’re a total beginner.

🎯 Plus: I’ll share a juicy comparison between two sellers - one stuck in the Etsy spiral, and one who made 3 small changes and tripled her conversion rate.

📌 Homework included (yep, we’re doing this properly):
Choose one listing and optimise it using what you learn today.

Whether you’re new or just feeling stuck, this episode will help you spot what’s actually going wrong and fix it.

If your Etsy shop feels slow, confusing, or like your sales are happening by accident…

This is your sign to stop guessing.

I’m running Listathon, a free live challenge for handmade business owners who want their Etsy listings to actually do their job.

Inside the challenge, I’ll show you how to look at your listings properly, spot what’s holding them back, and fix the foundations that help buyers find, trust, and buy from you.

Not by making more products.

Not by panic-posting on Instagram.

And not by working yourself into a tiny business gremlin with a label printer.

We’re fixing the things already sitting in your shop.

Your titles.

Your photos.

Your structure.

The bits that turn browsers into buyers.

So by the end, you’re not just hoping Etsy suddenly wakes up and blesses you with sales.

You’ll know what needs fixing, why it matters, and what to do next.

Listathon starts Monday 15th June.

It’s live, it’s free, and spots are open now at handmadebosses.com/listathonweek.

If you’ve been scratching your head wondering what to sell or how to stand out on Etsy in 2026, this episode is your treasure map. 🎯

I’m sharing 20 real Etsy niche ideas that are high in demand, low in competition, and full of opportunity - perfect for handmade sellers who want to stop blending in and start carving out their own corner of the marketplace.

I’ve done the research for something I’m working on behind the scenes (👀), and let me tell you - these niches are absolute gems. From sensory-friendly fashion to grief support gifts, plant parent accessories to zero-waste party supplies… these aren’t just ideas, they’re movements.

Whether you’re in the idea stage or looking to expand, grab a pen (and maybe a brew) and settle in.

⚠️ PSA: Don’t let shiny object syndrome have you starting 5 new shops by Monday! These are only worth jumping on if they truly align with your audience and long-term goals.

🎯 Inside the episode:
        •        Why micro-niches are the key to Etsy success in 2026
        •        20 product ideas across handmade, digital, POD, and accessories
        •        How to validate these niches with quick research tips
        •        Real-life examples and products I’ve bought myself!

Want to dig deeper and turn browsers into buyers?
👉 Grab my Critique Your Own Etsy Shop Toolkit (£13) and get a pro-level eye on your listings. https://www.handmadebosses.com/offers/cX4AkPyV/checkout

If your Etsy shop feels slow, confusing, or like your sales are happening by accident…

This is your sign to stop guessing.

I’m running Listathon, a free live challenge for handmade business owners who want their Etsy listings to actually do their job.

Inside the challenge, I’ll show you how to look at your listings properly, spot what’s holding them back, and fix the foundations that help buyers find, trust, and buy from you.

Not by making more products.

Not by panic-posting on Instagram.

And not by working yourself into a tiny business gremlin with a label printer.

We’re fixing the things already sitting in your shop.

Your titles.

Your photos.

Your structure.

The bits that turn browsers into buyers.

So by the end, you’re not just hoping Etsy suddenly wakes up and blesses you with sales.

You’ll know what needs fixing, why it matters, and what to do next.

Listathon starts Monday 15th June.

It’s live, it’s free, and spots are open now at handmadebosses.com/listathonweek.

🎄 Are you really ready for the Christmas rush... or just hoping it’ll all come together in time? In this episode, I’m walking you through a super quick 5-point checklist that’ll help you give your handmade shop a festive glow-up without the stress.

We’re talking banners, giftable products, delivery cut-off clarity, festive upsells, and simple holiday promotion tweaks you can make today. If you’re a handmade seller on Etsy or your own site, this 5-minute check will help you feel more confident and less scrambled heading into the busiest sales season of the year.

Plus, I’ll share a sneak peek into my “Get Your Shop Ready for The Holidays In One Weekend” mini course and why now is the time to take action.

Let’s make this your most organised, profitable Christmas season yet! 🎄

👉 Join Get Your Shop Ready for Christmas in 1 Weekend here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/xmas

Don’t leave your Christmas prep until November — get it done this weekend and go into the busiest sales season calm, clear, and ready.

⚠️⚠️GET 50% OFF THE COURSE ONLY UNTIL 12th SEPTEMBER 8PM UK TIME!:⚠️⚠️

https://www.handmadebosses.com/offers/GVL5roFG/checkout?coupon_code=XMAS2550

🚨 👀 Take a sneak peak inside the course: https://youtu.be/Jpe8sBt5bbc 🚨 👀

Get your Etsy AND Website Ready For Xmas In ONE Weekend [50% OFF UNTIL FRI 12th SEPT] - https://www.handmadebosses.com/xmas

If your Etsy shop feels slow, confusing, or like your sales are happening by accident…

This is your sign to stop guessing.

I’m running Listathon, a free live challenge for handmade business owners who want their Etsy listings to actually do their job.

Inside the challenge, I’ll show you how to look at your listings properly, spot what’s holding them back, and fix the foundations that help buyers find, trust, and buy from you.

Not by making more products.

Not by panic-posting on Instagram.

And not by working yourself into a tiny business gremlin with a label printer.

We’re fixing the things already sitting in your shop.

Your titles.

Your photos.

Your structure.

The bits that turn browsers into buyers.

So by the end, you’re not just hoping Etsy suddenly wakes up and blesses you with sales.

You’ll know what needs fixing, why it matters, and what to do next.

Listathon starts Monday 15th June.

It’s live, it’s free, and spots are open now at handmadebosses.com/listathonweek.

Ever find yourself doomscrolling through Instagram wondering why that handmade shop has more sales, more followers, or just seems further ahead?

In this episode, we’re flipping the comparison trap on its head.

You’ll learn how to:

• Spot the “highlight reel” trap before it derails your momentum
• Turn jealousy into a learning tool (without copying a single thing!)
• Set healthy boundaries around competitor stalking 😉
• Track YOUR growth (not theirs) and build a business that feels good to you

Whether you’re a part-time maker or dreaming of full-time freedom, this episode is your pep talk and practical guide to staying focused on your path – not someone else’s.

📓 Grab a pen – there are actionable tips and mindset shifts you can start using today.

If your Etsy shop feels slow, confusing, or like your sales are happening by accident…

This is your sign to stop guessing.

I’m running Listathon, a free live challenge for handmade business owners who want their Etsy listings to actually do their job.

Inside the challenge, I’ll show you how to look at your listings properly, spot what’s holding them back, and fix the foundations that help buyers find, trust, and buy from you.

Not by making more products.

Not by panic-posting on Instagram.

And not by working yourself into a tiny business gremlin with a label printer.

We’re fixing the things already sitting in your shop.

Your titles.

Your photos.

Your structure.

The bits that turn browsers into buyers.

So by the end, you’re not just hoping Etsy suddenly wakes up and blesses you with sales.

You’ll know what needs fixing, why it matters, and what to do next.

Listathon starts Monday 15th June.

It’s live, it’s free, and spots are open now at handmadebosses.com/listathonweek.

Running a handmade business isn’t always a straight line and today’s guest, Claire, proves it beautifully. 🌸

After starting with fresh flowers and even pedalling around town on a trike (yes, really!), Claire found her passion and success in creating stunning artificial wreaths and arrangements through her business Jamesia Blooms.

In this episode, she opens up about:
        •        How personal loss inspired her to chase her creative dream
        •        The shift from fresh flowers to artificial designs (and why it worked)
        •        The behind-the-scenes process of designing wreaths and bouquets
        •        The ups and downs of social media and growing an online shop
        •        Her hopes for the future - including her dream of opening a cosy little flower shop

Claire's story is inspiring, honest, and a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot and find the handmade business path that truly lights you up.

👉 Find Claire online:
Website: https://www.jamesiablooms.co.uk/
Instagram: @jamesiablooms_andoccasions

If your Etsy shop feels slow, confusing, or like your sales are happening by accident…

This is your sign to stop guessing.

I’m running Listathon, a free live challenge for handmade business owners who want their Etsy listings to actually do their job.

Inside the challenge, I’ll show you how to look at your listings properly, spot what’s holding them back, and fix the foundations that help buyers find, trust, and buy from you.

Not by making more products.

Not by panic-posting on Instagram.

And not by working yourself into a tiny business gremlin with a label printer.

We’re fixing the things already sitting in your shop.

Your titles.

Your photos.

Your structure.

The bits that turn browsers into buyers.

So by the end, you’re not just hoping Etsy suddenly wakes up and blesses you with sales.

You’ll know what needs fixing, why it matters, and what to do next.

Listathon starts Monday 15th June.

It’s live, it’s free, and spots are open now at handmadebosses.com/listathonweek.