How To Be A Handmade Boss

Follow How To Be A Handmade Boss
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Whether you’re a complete beginner on Etsy, or want to scale your handmade business to multi-6 figures, the “How To Be A Handmade Boss” podcast gives you actionable advice and workshop style full length episodes to grow your handmade business on Etsy and beyond.We get it. Starting or growing a handmade business can be really overwhelming, and sometimes you feel like you have an expensive hobby rather than a profitable business. If you have questions like “How can I make sales in my business?” “How do I start a handmade shop?” “How can I make this passion my full-time gig?” or “How do I sell my crafts online” then you’re in the right place boss!I’m Steph, a multi 6-figure handmade business owner (in the top 0.1% of all shops on Etsy), bestselling author of “How to be a handmade boss”, visionary and coach behind Handmade Bosses. However, It wasn’t always rainbows and unicorns though. Today, my business(es) are bustling, but way back in 2014 when I started, it was HARD. Favourites but no sales, slow sales and low profits seemed in the beginning, like the trajectory of my business. Luckily following the system I’ve now curated, All of that changed and I went full-time in my handmade business in 2016.Let’s focus on turning your passion into profit, because the world really does need these special creations that you only bring to life.

Steph Cole-Lewis


    • Jun 25, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 69 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from How To Be A Handmade Boss with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from How To Be A Handmade Boss

    #68 - Understanding the Seasons of Your Handmade Business (And How to Thrive in Each One)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 13:49


    Ever feel like your business is all over the place? One minute you're buzzing with ideas, and the next… totally burnt out? You're not doing anything wrong - you're just in a different season of business.In this uplifting episode, I'm walking you through the 4 natural seasons your handmade business cycles through - winter, spring, summer and autumn - and exactly how to thrive in each one without forcing yourself to keep pushing all year round. You'll learn:

    #67 - Day 5 Affirmation: Abundance & Repeatable Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 8:01


    Welcome to Day 5, the final episode in this affirmation series! Today, we're focusing on abundance and repeatable success because thriving in your handmade business isn't just a lucky break, it's the result of aligned action, consistency, and belief in your own power.These affirmations will help you step into the role of CEO with confidence, embrace systems that work for you, and welcome growth with ease (and joy!). Whether you listen once or on repeat all week, let this episode remind you that success is already in motion and you are ready to receive it.Take a deep breath, let the words sink in, and get ready to soar to new heights. You've got this!The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it's not too late to join us!

    #66 - Day 4 Affirmation: Embracing Visibility & Magnetic Energy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 7:53


    Welcome to Day 4 of our affirmation series! Today we're diving into visibility... showing up, shining bright, and calling in your dream customers with confidence and authenticity. These affirmations will help you shake off self-doubt, embrace your unique voice, and remind you that every post, story, and conversation is planting seeds of connection and impact.Whether you listen on repeat for a week or weave it into your challenge journey, let this audio help you feel more open, seen, and magnetic in your marketing. Your people are out there and they're ready for you. Let's take a deep breath, release the tension, and step into the spotlight together.The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it's not too late to join us!

    #65 - Day 3 Affirmation: Selling with Ease and Authenticity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 8:20


    Welcome to Day 3 of our 5-day Affirmation Series, created to help you stay focused, inspired ✨, and energised as you move through the Sellathon.Today, we're leaning into ease, authenticity, and creating a shop experience that feels as good to run as it does to buy from. These affirmations will help you release pressure, build genuine connections, and trust that your creativity and care naturally attract the right customers.Whether you're tidying your workspace, packing orders, or simply sitting with a cup of tea, let these words remind you: you don't have to chase or force success - you're here to invite it in. Selling can feel joyful, aligned, and true to who you are. Let's take a deep breath and step into that calm, magnetic energy together.The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it's not too late to join us!

    #64 - Day 2 Affirmation: Believing in Your Products and Your Worth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 8:29


    Welcome to Day 2 of our 5-day Affirmation Series, designed to help you stay positive, motivated ✨, and focused as you build momentum during the Sellathon.Today, we're focusing on something so many makers struggle with: truly believing in the value of your products and in your worth as a business owner, creative, and CEO of your handmade brand.These affirmations will help you reconnect with the joy, meaning, and impact behind what you create, and remind you that your work deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated. Whether you're repeating them out loud or just letting the words soak in, let this be a powerful reset for your confidence and mindset.Your creativity is your superpower and the world is lucky to experience it. Let's dive in and light that spark today!The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it's not too late to join us!

    #63 - Day 1 Affirmation: Stepping Into Your Power as a Handmade Business Owner

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 8:25


    Welcome to Day 1 of our affirmation series! This episode is your gentle reminder that you already have everything you need to succeed in your handmade business.Together, we'll ground ourselves, release fear, and focus on the small but mighty actions that create momentum and growth. Whether you're listening in the car, on a walk, or while wrapping orders, let this short audio set you up for a day filled with clarity, intention, and courage.You are powerful. You are ready. And your dreams are worth showing up for — today and every day. Let's dive in!The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it's not too late to join us!

    #62 - The Truth About Etsy Policies (And How to Stay Out of Trouble)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 9:44


    Ever had a listing randomly vanish from Etsy with no explanation?

    #61 - The Real Reason You're Not Getting Sales (And It's Not What You Think)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 14:07


    #60 - Etsy's Algorithm Change (Etsy Q Score) + Etsy's Q1 Results: What Handmade Sellers Need to Know

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 14:31


    Etsy just dropped their Q1 2025 financial report… and there's more to it than just numbers. In this episode, I'm breaking down what the latest earnings reveal about where Etsy is heading, how it's affecting sellers like you, and the big changes to Etsy's search algorithm - including the now-official Q Score.If you've ever felt in the dark about how Etsy decides who gets seen (and who doesn't), this episode is your spotlight. The Q Score isn't brand new, but it's now a named, structured part of Etsy's AI tools and for the first time, they're giving us actual tips on how to improve it.Here's what you'll learn:What Etsy's latest financials really mean for sellersWhy your customer service and shop quality matter more than ever5 simple ways to improve your Q Score and stay ahead of the algorithmWhether you're a seasoned seller or just getting started, this is a must-listen if you want to stay ahead of Etsy's changes... without the fluff or overwhelm.Because Etsy success should be doable, not mysterious

    #59 - How Handmade Sellers Are Making £1k in Just 7 Days (Without a Huge Audience)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 16:34


    Why Your Sales Are Inconsistent (And How to Fix It for Good)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 16:02


    How the Threads Algorithm REALLY Works (And What to Do About It)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 9:45


    If you've been posting on Threads and wondering why some posts take off while others flop... you're not alone. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how the Threads algorithm works (spoiler: it's NOT just a copy of Instagram's).We'll chat about what Threads looks for when deciding what to show people, the role of engagement (and what kind of engagement actually matters) and why posting more isn't necessarily the answer.I'm also sharing simple, practical tips you can use right now to boost your reach, without needing to go viral or burn yourself out trying.✨ In this episode:✔️ How Threads decides what shows up in feeds✔️ The key signals the algorithm looks for✔️ What content performs best (and why)✔️ Actionable ways to work with the algorithmWhether you're brand new to Threads or feeling a bit stuck, this episode will give you clarity and confidence to grow!

    How Jen Turned Her Craft Hobby Into a Real Business – The Honest Journey of Indy Bee Crafts

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 32:50


    In this uplifting episode, I'm chatting with the lovely Jen from Indy Bee Crafts, one of our Handmade Business Success Academy (HBSA) students, about her real and raw journey from craft hobbyist to small business owner.Jen opens up about:

    Cracking the Code: How the Facebook Group Algorithm Really Works

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 11:13


    How the Pinterest Algorithm Really Works (and How to Use It to Boost Sales)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 10:42


    Welcome back to How to Be a Handmade Boss! If you've been sleeping on Pinterest, it's time to wake up because this visual search engine is a goldmine for handmade business owners who want consistent, long-term traffic and sales.In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how the Pinterest algorithm works and how you can make it work for you and unlock the secrets to turning your passion into profit. We'll cover:✨ What the algorithm actually looks for (spoiler: it's not followers)✨ Discover the importance of SEO and keywords, fresh content, saves and clicks, and consistency.✨ The biggest mistakes that are secretly killing your reach✨ How different pin types serve different purposes... from Idea Pins to Rich Pins✨ How often to post, what to post, and how to make your pins go further✨ The #1 thing that will help you get more saves, clicks, and traffic over timeIf you're ready to ditch the constant hustle of social media and tap into a platform that works while you sleep, hit play now.

    How the Instagram Algorithm Really Works in 2025 (for Handmade Business Owners)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 12:46


    #52 How the Facebook page algorithm works

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 16:57


    #51 - REAL TALK Does the HBSA actually work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 14:25


    #50 - 'The perfect journey' for our HBSA Student Heather

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 47:07


    #49 The beginners guide to Pinterest for handmade business owners

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 28:37


    #48 - How to keep going when you're not seeing results - AMA (Ask Me Anything)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 20:53


    #47 - Your 7-Day Affirmations Challenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 12:00


    #46 - Learn how HBSA student Laura turned her passion into a business

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 28:59


    #45 - Marketing has changed since 2020. Here's what's working now (backed by research)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 14:53


    #44 - The Communication Game: Should You Speak with 'We' or 'I'?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 19:45


    #43 - Unlock Effortless Social Media Growth: Proven Strategies that Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 20:19


    #42 - Here's how to have a calm marketing strategy for your handmade business

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 22:09


    #41 - Unlock Peak Sales After Christmas: Tips to Thrive in the New Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 33:25


    #40 - Unlock Extraordinary Business and Personal Growth with My Proven Dream Board Method

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 32:54


    #39 - I Failed. How Ignoring My Own Advice Led to Burnout — Lessons Learned

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 41:23


    #38 - Crafting Success: Charly's Journey to Niche Mastery and Business Resilience

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 41:11


    #37 - GPSR, Is Etsy's $£ down? Instagram scams and things you need to know - The BIG Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 27:15


    #36 - Unlock Your Handmade Business Potential: What's Holding You Back?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 26:32


    #35 - How to succeed in your handmade business with ADHD

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 28:24


    #34 - "A year ago I was listing something on Etsy, finding it wasn't selling and having a panic attack" HBSA student Tara's honest conversation about her business then and now

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 29:48


    #33 What to Do When Someone Steals Your Designs: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 18:26


    #32 - Don't Give Up on Your Handmade Business Dreams – This Can Help!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 39:22


    #31 - How to Seamlessly Take a Month Off and Keep Your Business Running

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 26:54


    #30 - The BIG Ecommerce World Updates for Etsy and Instagram: Everything You Need to Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 16:38


    #29 - How My Husband REALLY Feels About My Handmade Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 67:52


    #28 How Joining HBSA Boosted Vicky's Conversion Rate From 0.2% to 5.4% - An interview with HBSA student Vicky

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 44:22


    #27 - How I Built Lasting Friendships As A Handmade Business Owner

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 29:02


    #26 - What is a social media home hub and how do you find yours?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 19:13


    #25 Discover Why Leigh Calls The HBSA a "Business Hug" for Students

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 27:33


    #23 Skyrocket Your Handmade Business Sales with These Proven Strategies

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 19:28


    #22 Discover Your Target Audience: Tips for Online Handmade Business Owners

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 20:16


    #21 - The BIG Update - Ecommerce world update - Etsy, Shopify, Instagram, Canva & Pinterest

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 36:59


    #20 - Handmade business sales dropped? WTF is going on!?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 39:26


    #19 The HBSA "helped us get set up properly right off the bat... it's a really nice community that makes it a little bit easier to not just be stuck in business by yourself" Diversifying Your Handmade Business with Erik

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 31:43


    #18 - What should I pay myself, as a handmade business owner?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024 26:59


    Claim How To Be A Handmade Boss

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel