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In this episode of Quilting on the Side, our podcast hosts, Andi and Tori, sit down with Sherri Noel from Rebecca Mae Designs who shares her journey in the quilting business, starting from selling mittens to writing quilt patterns. She discusses the popularity of block of the month programs and how she built her following through blogs and collaborations. Sherri also talks about her quilting cruises and retreats, where she combines culture, creativity, and wellness. She shares the most rewarding part of her business is the connections she makes with people. Sherri shares her journey as a quilter and how her family has inspired her in both her quilting life and business ventures. 

Takeaways

• Starting a quilting business requires dedication, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to challenges.
• Incorporating family into quilting can strengthen relationships and create meaningful connections.
• Teaching quilting classes can be a rewarding experience and a way to share knowledge and inspire others.
• Having future plans and goals in quilting can provide motivation and excitement for the journey.

Learn more about Tori & Andi here.

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In this episode, Tori's husband Ryan joins the podcast to provide a family perspective on supporting a small business owner. Ryan shares his experience as an entrepreneur himself and how it helps him understand Tori's journey. They discuss the pros and cons of having a partner with a side business, including the startup costs and adjustments to routines. Ryan also talks about the impact on their family and the importance of supporting each other's hobbies and passions. They touch on controversies in the quilt world and offer advice for spouses of business owners.

Takeaways

• Supporting a small business owner requires understanding and empathy
• Having hobbies and creative pursuits can inspire and support each other
• Communication and setting expectations are key in a partnership
• Taking the emotion out of decision-making can lead to better outcomes
• Supporting each other's passions and dreams strengthens the relationship

Learn more about Tori & Andi here.

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In this episode, Andi chats with Julie Loma from Off the Wall Quilt, discussing her transition from quilt hobbyist to quilt business owner. They delve into Julie's coincidental journey into quilting, her experiences in vending at quilt shows, and her passion for business growth and customer success. The conversation highlights how Julie manages different facets of her business, including the creation of custom rulers and templates, puzzle design, and vending at quilt shows. Strewn along the conversation are Julie's personal anecdotes and valuable advice for potential quilt business owners.

Takeaways

• Starting a legitimate quilting business requires having the necessary basics in place, such as a business license and a tax ID number.
• Color preferences in quilts can vary, and some quilters may struggle to include certain colors, such as brown.
• Working with yardage allows quilters to create quilts in the size they want, while pre-cuts may not always meet their needs.
• Having the right notions, such as easy-grip rulers and rotary cutters with ball bearings, can greatly enhance the quilting experience.
• Finding inspiration from other quilters and businesses can fuel creativity and motivation.
• The most rewarding part of running a quilting business is helping others and seeing them succeed.
• Quilters often have multiple quilts in progress or finished quilts in their workspace.
• Attending shows and events is an important part of promoting a quilting business and connecting with customers.

Learn more about Tori & Andi here.

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In this episode of 'Quilting on the Side', Tori & Andi share tips on transitioning from quilting as a hobby to a serious business. Important steps discussed include setting up a legal entity, establishing a business bank account, preparing for sales tax obligations, and starting an email list. They also emphasize the importance of separating personal and business personas, particularly on social media, to create a cohesive brand image. 

Takeaways

• Transitioning from a hobby to a business requires a mindset shift and a commitment to making a profit.
• Setting up a separate business entity and bank account is essential for legal and financial purposes.
• Sales tax reporting can be complex, but it's important to understand and fulfill your obligations.
• Setting dedicated time for your business and creating a separate business persona on social media can help you establish yourself as a professional.
• Building an email list and using social media strategically are effective marketing strategies for quilting businesses.
• It's important to separate your personal and business life to maintain professionalism and focus on your business goals.

Episode References: 

Season 1 Episode 10 of Quilting on the Side

Paper and Spark 

Learn more about Tori & Andi here.

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In this episode of 'Quilting on the Side', co-hosts Tori and Andi talk with special guest, Brandie Nelson, about her journey as a long arm quilter and the business she started around her passion. Brandie shares her unique experience of transitioning from cross-stitching to long arm quilting. Brandie shares strategies on managing customer interactions, deciding pricing, marketing techniques, and efficient business models based on volume rather than profit margin. She also mentions the usefulness of having business cards, the unique opportunities in her location, and the importance of word-of-mouth marketing.

Takeaways

• Starting a quilting business can be a natural progression from a hobby.
• Word-of-mouth referrals and marketing strategies can help grow a quilting business.
• Having a clear pricing structure and good customer intake process is important for success.
• Building relationships with customers and providing excellent service can lead to repeat business.
• Tracking income and expenses is crucial for financial success in a quilting business.

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In this episode, Andi and Tori discuss the importance of setting goals in your business. They emphasize the benefits of working with shorter timeframes for business goals and planning around big events and launches. They also discuss the importance of setting realistic revenue goals and focusing on goals that you can control. They provide tips for reflecting and dreaming for goal setting, as well as curating and measuring goals. Finally, they discuss the importance of rewarding yourself and celebrating wins along the way. 

Takeaways

• Set shorter timeframes for business goals to increase productivity and focus.
• Know your personality style and plan accordingly.
• Focus on goals that you can control and avoid overcommitment.
• Reflect and dream to set meaningful and achievable goals.
• Curate and measure your goals to stay on track and celebrate wins. Celebrate small wins and treat yourself for even the smallest accomplishments.
• Find an accountability buddy or community to help keep you on track.
• Building a community for support and celebration can be beneficial for personal and business growth.

Learn more about Tori & Andi here.

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We asked all our guests to share their favorite notions and quilting tools that they cannot live without. In this recap, we have compiled all the answers from our Season 1 interviews. 

Do you agree with these choices for indespensible items? Please share in the comments what your favorite quilting notion is!

You can find most of these items at your local quilt shop, or purchase online with our affiliate link to the Fat Quarter Shop. 
https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=929603&u=2757933&m=68500&urllink=&afftrack=

For more details about our guests, please visit
https://quiltingontheside.com

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S1E18 Woo Hoo! Episode 18 - it's been an amazing first season for the Quilting on the Side podcast. Andi and Tori share the highs and lows of starting and producing a weekly  podcast focused on the quilting industry. We'd love to hear who your favorite guests were and what topics we should tackle next.

Find us online at 
http:quiltingontheside.com

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Nancy from Patchwork Breeze talks to us about her quilting journey, that started by using cardboard templates before rotary cutters came on the scene. Today she designs both patterns and fabrics using computer software. You will be inspired to keep chasing your dreams, even if it takes decades!

You can find Nancy at
http://www.patchworkbreeze.com/

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S1E16 Take a deep dive into social media strategy as we discuss our hits and misses. Tori and Andi have been actively promoting their quilt businesses online for years and in this episode they share some tips and tricks to find and engage with your audience.

Leave a review or comment and let us know your favorite socail media platform.

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