Craft to Career

Have you ever wondered what the spouse of an entrepreneur experiences? I asked my husband, Brad, to be on the podcast and share what it is like for him with me having this career. Brad and I both prepared questions for each other without sharing what they were, so you get the real, raw, candid responses to our questions. I asked Brad, from his perspective: How often does he think I like what I do vs. not like it? How much money did I borrow (from him) to start my career How long, does he recall, until I earned a profit? How often do we talk business (my business that is) with each other? Plus more!

I am a big advocate of mental health. I will be the first to say I meet with a therapist and life coach and I recommend anyone who is feeling stressed or overwhelmed to meet with one, too. In this episode I chat with Nicole Saunders, my therapist, asking some of the big questions that entrepreneurs deal with. I ask her how to cope with some things like imposter syndrome, hustle, comparison. I hope you enjoy hearing from Nicole! Visit Nicole's website here: NICOLE SAUNDERS

Starting a new business can be tricky. You want to do it right, and you want to do it legally. Guest Lawyer, Annette Stepanian, shares tips for legally starting your business and when to hire a Lawyer. We discuss: * Naming your business * When to hire a lawyer * Trademarks Be sure to get Annette's free PDF download: 5 Legal Ingredients for a Tip-Top Business

Dylan Mierzwinski (@Bydylanm) is an accomplished surface pattern designer and Skillshare instructor who has made a name for herself in the creative world. Her designs have been featured in high-profile brands such as Magnolia, Anthropologie, and Martha Stewart. In this episode, Dylan shares her journey from aspiring artist to successful entrepreneur, detailing how she built a thriving career around her art and teaching. Dylan's unique approach to pattern design and her process for creating work that resonates with brands like Anthropologie are just a few of the insights you'll hear. Whether you're an aspiring artist or someone looking to expand your creative career, Dylan's story is full of practical advice, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at how she achieved her success. Key Takeaways: Building a Career as an Artist: How Dylan transitioned from a beginner artist to one of the top teachers on Skillshare. Partnering with Big Brands: Insights into how her designs ended up in major brands like Magnolia, Anthropologie, and Martha Stewart. Teaching Your Craft: How to build an educational platform and share your expertise with a wider audience. Creative Process: Dylan shares her approach to surface pattern design and how she infuses personal style into each project. Advice for Aspiring Artists: Dylan's tips for building confidence in your work, finding your niche, and standing out in a crowded creative market. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the most successful surface pattern designers in the business. You'll walk away with valuable lessons and actionable insights that can help you elevate your creative career. Resources: Follow Dylan on Instagram: @Bydylanm Explore Dylan's Skillshare courses and learn from her expertise. SHOW NOTES: Take Shirzad's Test: Take the Saboteur Assessment https://quilterscandy.com/category/podcast-episodes/ QUILTERS CANDY WEBSITE: https://quilterscandy.com/ INSTAGRAM: Craft to Career Podcast @crafttocareer Quilters Candy @quilters_candy

Instagram can often feel overwhelming. With endless content demands, the pressure to gain followers, and constant changes in the algorithm, it's easy to feel like you're not doing enough. But what if there's a way to change your approach and start enjoying Instagram again? In this episode, Elizabeth shares 5 simple secrets that can help you shift your mindset and strategy to see natural growth on Instagram—without the burnout. You'll learn how to use Instagram in a way that feels more authentic, less stressful, and more aligned with your business goals. Key Takeaways: Mindset Shift: Let go of the perfectionism and feel more at ease with your social media presence. Effective Content Creation: Simple tips to streamline your content and connect with your audience. Engagement Over Numbers: How to build relationships rather than focus solely on follower count. Consistency with Ease: Practical ways to maintain a consistent Instagram presence that doesn't overwhelm you. Utilizing Tools & Resources: Ways to make Instagram work for you, including the best times to post and how to use hashtags strategically. Ready to start seeing the results you want? Download the free PDF guide with these 5 Instagram secrets from quilterscandy.com. Don't miss out on these actionable tips that will help you grow your business and feel more confident using Instagram! SHOW NOTES: Take Shirzad's Test: Take the Saboteur Assessment https://quilterscandy.com/category/podcast-episodes/ QUILTERS CANDY WEBSITE: https://quilterscandy.com/ INSTAGRAM: Craft to Career Podcast @crafttocareer Quilters Candy @quilters_candy

Suzy Quilts, one of the most successful modern quilt pattern designers, shares her journey from starting out as a hobbyist to becoming a full-fledged business owner. She dives into how a simple blog, helped by a friend's advice, played a key role in growing her quilting business. In this episode, Suzy discusses: The Power of Blogging: How starting a blog helped Suzy connect with her audience, build trust, and promote her designs. Creating a Successful Blog: Tips on crafting content that attracts readers, converts them into customers, and keeps them coming back for more. The Importance of Dreaming Big: Suzy's experience shows how thinking big and taking bold steps can open doors to bigger opportunities and successes in the quilt industry. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting out, Suzy's insights will inspire you to grow your business, leverage blogging, and reach for bigger goals in your creative journey. SHOW NOTES: Take Shirzad's Test: Take the Saboteur Assessment https://quilterscandy.com/category/podcast-episodes/ QUILTERS CANDY WEBSITE: https://quilterscandy.com/ INSTAGRAM: Craft to Career Podcast @crafttocareer Quilters Candy @quilters_candy

Welcome to the very first episode of the Craft to Career Podcast! In this inaugural episode, Elizabeth Chappell shares her journey from a creative enthusiast to a thriving business owner. Elizabeth introduces the podcast's purpose and outlines how it will help entrepreneurs, makers, and creatives turn their passions into successful careers. What you'll learn: The Importance of Mindset: Elizabeth discusses how a shift in mindset is key to turning a craft into a profitable business. Finding Your Niche: Learn how to identify your unique offering in the market, helping you stand out and attract the right customers. Starting Your Creative Business: Practical advice on the first steps to take when launching a creative business, including setting goals, building a brand, and creating a sustainable workflow. The Craft to Career Mission: Elizabeth shares her vision for the podcast, explaining how it will be a resource for creatives looking for inspiration, guidance, and actionable tips. This episode is packed with foundational advice for anyone looking to take their creative pursuits to the next level and build a business around their passion. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this episode will provide the insights and encouragement you need to get going on your journey from craft to career! SHOW NOTES: Take Shirzad's Test: Take the Saboteur Assessment https://quilterscandy.com/category/podcast-episodes/ QUILTERS CANDY WEBSITE: https://quilterscandy.com/ INSTAGRAM: Craft to Career Podcast @crafttocareer Quilters Candy @quilters_candy