The Create & Thrive Podcast

Truly, the path is long, and can be hard, and has so very many steps.

However, I’ve been in the handmade business for a long time now, and over the last decade+ I’ve built up my businesses to the point where they support our family.

But here we are. I am lucky enough to be making a living making beautiful things – doing something I love.

I don’t say this to brag or toot my own horn, I say it to give you hope.

Not a false hope. Not a hollow – you will succeed if you just do what you love.

No.

But if you’ve dreamed of doing what I do – making a living from selling your craft, I’m here to tell you that it IS possible.

No, it’s not easy.

No, it’s not a quick process.

No, there’s no ACTUAL ‘secret formula’ to success (those what I’m going to share will REALLY help).

But it can be done. I, and many other artisans, are living proof.

Today, I thought I would dig deep into those years (and YEARS) of trial and error to share with you 10 things that I believe are absolutely crucial to the success or failure of your online handmade business.

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

Today I’m going to help you answer this question: should you use Etsy, Shopify… or both?

I’ll take you through the pros and cons of each platform, before comparing them to see which one is better across a range of criteria.

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

Ready to tap into one of the fastest-growing marketing platforms on the internet instead?

I’m talking Pinterest – and I believe it is one of THE best potential drivers of traffic to your handmade business.

Those of you who’ve been in the Thriver Circle for over a year may remember the Pinterest Challenge from previous years.

The Pinterest Challenge helped many of you grow your Pinterest accounts – and therefore, your website traffic.

Pinterest is one of the top drivers of traffic to my own businesses, and if you’re not already using it – or not using it to its full potential – this challenge aims to help you up your Pinterest game, and drive more people to your online store.

🔥This challenge will run for 2 weeks, from June 3rd, 2024!

If you find Pinterest overwhelming; you don’t know where to start; or you’ve fallen off the wagon (i.e. out of the habit of using Pinterest regularly) then this challenge will help you!

🔥What is the Pinterest Challenge?

Basically – it’s a chance to grow your Pinterest account (and therefore traffic to your website!) via a two-week-long challenge in a group setting.

The basic gist is that you will spend a minimum of 10 minutes every day working on your Pinterest account.

And – bonus! – I will also be sharing one Pinterest tip or hack with you each day inside the Thriver Circle forum on Facebook.

I’ve got lots of juicy Pinterest suggestions for you!

🔥Ready? Sign up here.

If you’re not sure how Pinterest will help you grow your business, check out this week’s podcast, where I share 8 reasons why it might be the right choice for you!

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

Michelle Danielson is a veteran creative who is an expert on selling handmade goods at markets.

She opened her handmade product business Grandma Skills® in 2013. After many years of continued success and growth she knew she had something worth sharing.

In 2021 she started the education side of her business Make Your Mark Labs which focuses on teaching handmade business owners how to successfully sell at in person markets.

Today Michelle shares the progress of her business since 2013 – and how it has evolved and remains a successful business alongside her part-time healthcare job and raising her son – especially in the face of some serious health challenges that led her to re-structure and learn how to delegate aspects of her business.

She also shares her top tips for selling in person at markets and shows, including some pitfalls to avoid and clever hacks to make it easier to engage potential customers!

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

Ever thought about selling your work at markets and shows, but don’t know how to get started?

In this workshop I’ll take you through the basics you need to think about – things like choosing a market, taking payments, making stock, creating a stall design, and how to sell on the day!

Thriver Circle members can attend live (May 30, 2024) or watch the workshop recording on demand.

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

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‘…I would keep working on the things that made me, me, were profitable, and the things that were uniquely my skill.’ {Michelle}

‘It think it’s nice to have that flexibility, and I think it’s important too for wherever you’re at in the season of life, to honour that season, and be realistic in the time that you have and the goals that you have.’ {Michelle}

Encouraged by her creative parents – a painter mom and a custom home designer and builder dad, Laurie spent her childhood enthusiastically exploring different mediums, primarily painting and drawing.

Laurie received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in ceramics in 2014.

Her artwork is exhibited and collected nationally and internationally.

Currently, Laurie continues to create her narrative-driven, decorative ceramics from her home studio in Asheville, North Carolina alongside her husband, son and dogs.

In this episode we talk about her creative education & journey – and how illustrating on clay happened by accident!

We discuss how she’s grown a successful independent business – and how that’s enabled her to charge what her work is worth, and grow a following of people who love to collect her work.

Laurie is launching her latest collection the day after this goes live, check out her work right here – lauriecaffery.com

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

● Laurie started working with ceramics in high school, but this was more of a hobby, and illustrating her main creative focus. While at college, ceramics became more of a serious interest and eventually became Laurie’s career choice in 2016.
● Laurie’s mother, Debbie Arnold, is an artist, and her father a bespoke home builder so Laurie grew up in a very artistic environment. Here she naturally excelled in illustrating and painting, and with a shy, introverted personality, it was assumed that she too would choose a career within the creative arts.
● Laurie discussed how she came to switch to ceramics as her medium during a college
wheel-throwing course. She found the media incredibly challenging and was determined to better understand it. Ceramics is an art form based more on muscle memory, skill, and the products you use, than artistic talent and really keeps you engaged.
● Laurie has an added layer to her ceramics which is illustration of her products. This was something she fell into at a time when she was teaching ceramics and a scholarship came up for a course at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, one of the best craft schools in the United States. The only course available was illustration of ceramics which Laurie almost declined, but she did go, and the course changed everything.
● During college, there was pressure to create more sculptural and academic works even though Laurie’s interest was in functional ceramics. Therefore, when she began working in ceramics again, she had no particular style and was able to start from scratch.

‘Part of the draw with functional ceramics was that I could figure out how to do it
myself… from creating the piece, to marketing, to selling the piece on my own without
relying on galleries.’ {Laurie}

● Laurie started out selling at craft fairs, and moved to 40% online, 60% consignment, wholesale, etc. When the pandemic happened, craft markets and galleries were shut down so Laurie switched to selling only online, though recently she has taken on some
wholesale work with a gallery.
● Marketing was discussed. Laurie uses Instagram for 95% of her marketing, and DMs (Direct Messages) have made a huge difference in this process.

‘It has been so wonderful to truly build authentic relationships with my customers… we have become friends and they have become my cheerleaders.’ {Laurie}

● While Laurie has a modest follower count, this is not that important; it’s more important to have organic growth and have authentic relationships with her customers.
● Email lists have also proved successful for Laurie’s business as a way to directly reach out to her client base.
● As a ceramicist, Laurie has the benefit of a client base of collectors, and therefore
markets her work differently to someone who relies on single sales. Laurie needs clients who value her work, who know who she is as a person, and who know the quality and time taken to create her work so that they will pay fairly for her products. This is because ceramics are generally deemed to have low value. Laurie originally sold through Etsy and this was a great platform to start off with, however Etsy retains customer email addresses which isn’t ideal if you are wanting to contact customers directly.
● Instagram was discussed as this is a constantly changing platform and requires regular posting of a range of different formats, e.g. Carousels, reels, etc.
● Laurie has four releases per year, and her designs change depending on the season.
She currently doesn’t have capacity to sell all year round due to her studio size.
● Work life balance was raised as Laurie has always struggled with workaholism, but since having her son, she has had to reevaluate how she works to allow time for her family. Laurie’s husband is a huge part of the success of Laurie’s business, helping to construct her studio, taking on childcare duties, etc.
● The creative process was discussed. Laurie has a list of themes that she wishes to explore and whittles this do

She has a small jewelry design studio based in idyllic Southern Vermont.

Each unique piece is handcrafted with skill and care by Rebecca in her hilltop studio from ethically sourced metals.

Rebecca makes simple, nature inspired jewelry with bold yet delicate lines.

Her work is designed to fit seamlessly into your life, and skillfully crafted with the strength to be worn and enjoyed every day.

Her aesthetic is understated yet refined, creating a look that is elegant and timeless.

In today’s episode she shares how her business has grown and evolved over the years, and how/where she sells and markets her work – without Etsy.

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

 ‘… I knew if I stopped, it would be really hard to start (the business) again. So, what can I do? I’m just going to say yes to everything, this is going to be my year of yes.’ {Rebecca}

‘I like things to have a little bit of wonkiness to them which allows every piece to be a little bit different…this makes it feel a little bit more personal… I try and find a balance between minimalism and natural elements… little mountainscapes and things that are very Vermont-y.’ {Rebecca}

This is a central theme of my interview with Chereen – formerly of Smeeny Beanie Knits, now Smeeny Made Wild.

We discuss her beginnings – from making a few beanies to sell at a local store – to now having a full-time business with multiple sales channels, product categories, and marketing strategies.

Chereen sells on Etsy, her own website, in shops and at markets – and her product line and offerings have diversified over time.

She got her start selling online with the Set Up Shop course (starting Feb 5th, 2024!) – and she has this to say about her experience of the course:

“I loved the way the course flowed, and Jess’s teaching style is so effective.

Each lesson is thoughtfully curated and is a carefully placed stepping stone to the lessons that follow. I especially LOVED the branding and marketing aspects of the course, and have become obsessed with both since!

By the end of the course, I was confidently able to open my shop and have since built and launched my own website with Jess’s teachings in mind.

If any part of you is interested in taking this course, don’t hesitate…sign up now!“

If you’d like to set up or overhaul your online shop, check the course out right here.

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

●Chereen has appeared on the show previously so this is a check in to see how the
business has changed / grown over the past few years.
● The business started as a side hustle in 2017 until Chereen found the Create and Thrive
podcast, which helped it go to a full-time endeavour in 2020.
● Formerly Chereen was a chef, working 80+ hours a week, plus the side hustle. She left
to work with a farm for more freedom, which eventually led to chef work becoming the
side hustle.
● Chereen found it hard to let go of the chef part of her personality, but now only works
chef jobs from June to September.

‘Just because you want to go full time with your handmade business, that doesn’t mean
that you have to give up other things… like a job that you actually enjoy.’ {Jess}

● If you are a creative person, you probably enjoy multiple creative outlets, and having
these different income streams can also help prevent burn out and bring stability.
● The first product Chereen sold on Etsy was a knitting pattern, and she only sold physical
items at a local shop on consignment. She sold 12 items for the first season, as well as
selling to friends, but the store soon sold out and asked for more of her knitwear.
● The original brand was Smeeny Beanie Knits, using Chereen’s nickname of Smeeny
Beanie, but this led to her hats being called Smeeny Beanies by locals.
● Chereen attributes so much of her success to her hometown and the surrounding
community. The area is only small, but it has a large ski and tourist population during the
snow season, and store sales have led to further online brand recognition.
● After establishing the Etsy shop as also selling physical products, Chereen slowly built
up her website, and now sells only knitting patterns on Etsy and physical products on her
website. This meant that she no longer had to fulfil orders on multiple streams.
● Chereen noted that during the pandemic it became important (particularly in the US) for
online businesses (using Etsy and Instagram etc.) to outline what their social values
were, and Chereen leaned into this with her strong values on environmental justice by
donating back to not-for-profit organisations. Chereen now donates 1% of her revenue to
vetted environmental not-for-profits.

‘My lifestyle has become very much my brand. It slowly evolved from just a business
selling handmade knitwear to a lifestyle brand… I became somewhat of a small micro-
influencer and brands reached out to do affiliate partnerships and things like that.’
{Chereen}

● This led to a change to the brand name, now being Smeeny Made Wild, so that the
brand name matches who Chereen is.
● Jess noted that changing of the brand name away from ‘Knits’ also prevents being
pigeonholed into only feeling like you can sell knitwear, and nothing else.

‘A lot of people think if I shut this down, or try something new, or pivot… that they have
failed in some way… You’re never actually failing; you’re more driving yourself in a
direction or towards a direction that is feeding you.’ {Chereen}

● It was discussed that some people are afraid to make the leap to full time with their
handmade business, with many people believing that having a regular job is safe due to
a wage, health benefits etc. However, Jess and Chereen discussed the benefits of
having a handmade business such as fewer related costs like commuting, workwear etc.
and having more freedom to take holidays, and spend time with family.
● New products / income streams for Chereen include merchandise. For example,
Chereen has designed stickers and collaborated with other artists on these. Other items
include trucker hats, tote bags, and items from other makers such as national park
notebooks.
● 75% of Chereen’s income comes from knits, 25% from knitting patterns, and a sprinkling
from the merchandise items.
● Chereen continues to make all the knitted items herself, though she now has an
assistant who helps with tasks like winding yarn, working on a loom, etc.
● Chereen has started a YouTube channel VLOG to show behind the scenes of her
business, though this may become an income stream in future.
● Marketing was discussed. Chereen is using Instagram to nurture her current audience
and build a community in this space. She is also utilising email lists more regularly, as
well as getting customers from her small YouTube channel, Pinterest, and her website.
● Jess has also found email lists to be useful and is making this a focus for this year, using
it to post updates, giveaways, etc.
● Chereen noted that a good way to develop content for the email lists is by subscribing to
certain influencers and modelling her emails on weekly newsletters, whilst also including
the sale of a particular product from her range.
● Jess noted that many sellers who set up during Covid had a skewed view of what online
sales should be, given that many more people were shopping online during lockdowns.
This, and the difficult economic climate, has had a big impact during 2023.
● Competition has increased significantly. For example, Etsy went from 2M sellers in early
2020 to 9M sellers by the end of 2021.
● New sellers need to understand that it is tough, but if you invest the time, you can make
a success of it.
● Chereen noted that, while makers are not large companies with money

Today I’m going to share a few crucial steps you need to take to ensure you’re setting yourself up for long-term financial success and security as a creative business owner.

I’ve been 100% self-employed since 2010, and have followed these practices myself to ensure I meet all my financial obligations – and so I’m saving for retirement, as well!

For a more in-depth look at how I actually manage my money day-to-day, please check out this video after watching the video below.

And, if you need some guidance getting started with keeping your books, I have a whole workshop on this inside the Thriver Circle.

I will also be doing a more in-depth workshop on this topic inside the Circle very soon, so make sure to sign up now so you don’t miss that!

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

If you’re ready to have your best year in business yet, you might like to join me for the Handmade Business Boot Camp – starting January 8th!

In the Boot Camp, you’ll find clarity, focus, and a make rock-solid plan that will move your business forward!

Find out more or sign up now here.

In this video & podcast, I’m getting you ready for a new year by reflecting on the past.

Taking the time at the turn of a brand-new year to look back over the year just gone, we can find amazing clarity that will illuminate the path to start our journey into the new year with strength and confidence.

You can grab your FREE download of the 10 Questions here!

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also:

 Reproducible and one-of-a-kind (OOAK). Reproducible products are where you make a prototype, and then basically copy it over and over again (this is what I do in my jewellery shop, Epheriell.com).

OOAK products are actually unique – you only ever make one that looks like it does, and it can’t be reproduced.

I generally encourage my students to sell reproducible products if their focus is online selling – and I outline exactly why that is in today’s video.

I’ll also cover all the challenges of selling OOAK items online, and discuss how you can make it more profitable.

You can listen to the podcast below, or on your fave podcast app – or you can watch it on YouTube!

You can make a secure donation (of the amount of your choice) via the Paypal button below.

Each donation helps cover the cost of hosting, show-note writing, research, interviewing, recording, editing, etc. etc.

In short – it helps to cover the time and financial costs of putting together a free weekly show to help you grow your handmade business.

You can also: