[197] How to Plan your Next Project… Properly! With Kate Hutcheson.

by | Jul 12, 2019 | Interviews, Organisation, Podcasts, Time Management

Do you have big ideas… but struggle to make them happen?
I can’t count the number of projects I’ve never started, or not done properly, or been up at all hours trying to finish by a deadline!

Why does this happen?!

Because we don’t project manage properly, that’s why.

Today’s guest is here to save us from all of that! Kate Hutcheson of the Efficient/Creative has turned her years of project management experience to helping creatives like you and me work out how to get big things done.

She outlines a super-simple method for you to follow in order to plan and execute your next project… properly!

[196] Why you should (maybe) keep you day job.

[196] Why you should (maybe) keep you day job.

by | Jul 5, 2019 | Other, Podcasts, Time Management

Can you be ‘successful’ in handmade business AND have a day job?
The question of ‘should I quit my job?’ is not an uncommon one.

Answering this question is a tad tricky as there are variables, and the answer will be different for different people.

However, there are three points that are key to remember as you ponder this.

One, there is no rush! Don’t just quit rashly and end up regretting it.
Two, you can hold a day job and run a successful business.
Tnd three, perhaps most important, do not compare yourself to anyone else! You can be a successful handmade business owner AND hold down a day job – the two are not mutually exclusive.
In this episode I cover a number of key points that you need to consider before you chuck in the day job.

[193] How Craft Saved SuzAnne Taylor’s Life

[193] How Craft Saved SuzAnne Taylor’s Life

by | Jun 15, 2019 | Interviews, Mindset, Podcasts, Self-Care

I’m thankful to be able to share this story with you today – the story of how craft – specifically, jewellery-making and metalsmithing – helped SuzAnne Taylor to find new purpose in her life.
SuzAnne was a combat medic in the US Army, and after a tour in the Middle East, returned home with a severe case of PTSD.

I’ve known SuzAnne online for a few years now, but when I finally learnt the details of her story, I knew I wanted to bring her on the show to talk about her experience, and how finding a craft literally saved her life.

This is an incredibly moving episode – SuzAnne is an open book and we dive deep into her experiences over the years since her tour of duty.

I want to thank SuzAnne for sharing her experience with us – and sharing her journey towards healing.

[192] Roadmap to Success with Catie Miller

[192] Roadmap to Success with Catie Miller

by | Jun 7, 2019 | Interviews, Podcasts

In 2016, Catie Miller started listening to the Create & Thrive Podcast.
Fast-forward to 2019, and she now has a full-time, growing ceramics business! She listened to the show from the start, and used it as a ‘roadmap to success’.

I was so excited to chat to someone like Catie who has actually used this podcast to find success in her handmade business – and she has a fabulous story to share!

Not only has she managed to grow a thriving business – she’s done it all while having babies, building a house, moving studios… not to mention dealing with a broken kiln right when she had a big order to produce!

Catie is a trained artist who chose to focus on ceramics as her canvas – though she’s done other artwork, too – including a large public piece in her hometown of Fargo.

You’ll love this interview with Catie – she’s super down-to-earth, open and honest about the struggles of crafting a handmade business… don’t miss this one!

[191] Branding Blunders to Avoid with Julie Gibbons

[191] Branding Blunders to Avoid with Julie Gibbons

by | May 31, 2019 | Branding, Courses, Podcasts

Do you have an intentional brand for your handmade business that draws in your ideal customer – and actually repels those who aren’t?
People make a split-second decision about your business the moment they see your branding – whether that’s your website, instagram feed, business card, market stall… any touchpoint they have with your business.

Are you sending the right message?

Are you engaging and enticing your ideal customers with your branding? Or are you making one of many branding blunders that will turn them away?

In this episode, I talk to my friend and branding expert Julie Gibbons about all things branding. We discuss:

why branding is more about emotion than logic
how you might be fading into the noise through haphazard branding
the most important first step you need to take in order to craft a compelling brand
and much more!

[190] Steps to Pinterest Success {Premium}

[190] Steps to Pinterest Success {Premium}

by | May 24, 2019 | Other, Social Media, Thriver Circle

Are you ready to harness the Power of Pinterest?
The #PinterestChallenge is happening again in June (more info below if you’re new to this) so I have recorded a podcast episode to help you get set up for success!

If you are new to Pinterest, this episode will help you set up all the important elements of your account. If you’re not new, it will be a great refresher!

[189] The Power of a Unique Brand – with Jill from For Strange Women

[189] The Power of a Unique Brand – with Jill from For Strange Women

by | May 17, 2019 | Branding, Interviews, Other, Podcasts

Jill from For Strange Women works with natural ingredients to make perfumes. Which she sells – with wild success – on the internet.
Jill started on Etsy in 2009, and today, she not only sells online, she also has her own store in downtown Kansas City. With over 35,000 sales in her Etsy shop alone, Jill’s business is incredibly successful – and all based on selling something – scent – that people can’t even smell until they’ve bought the product. Jill formulates all her perfumes, and even today, it’s just her and one assistant running the whole business.

So – how has she grown such a successful business? I believe it’s been via the power of her branding and storytelling – and the fact that she’s remained true to herself, even when she was surrounded with doubters.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of being true to you in your business, and the way Jill’s business has naturally grown to where it is today.

If you would like to hear a beautiful and peaceful approach to running a handmade business, don’t miss this one.

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