Making Magic

Abby Glassenberg of the Craft Industry Alliance joins me to discuss how micro business owners can take advantage of industry trade shows and what tips and tricks they can use to make the most of their time and energy. Connect with Abby: Craft Industry Alliance website Craft Industry Alliance Instagram Other links mentioned: hh Americas (June 20 - 23, 2023) New York Sheep & Wool Festival (Rhinebeck) Helpful resources: Make Your Business Card Stand Out: Essential Elements to Include (m1rmarketing.com)

In this episode, Sarah Barca of Strung Out Knits and I are working through how to merge her two ideal customers into one, what kind of messaging will appeal to that customer, and how she can leverage her existing marketing to be more effective. Connect with Sarah: Sign up for her newsletter! Check out her patterns Follow her on Instagram Check out her website Shop on her Etsy Other things mentioned: My secondhand online yarn shop Kristina McGrath Join Book Club & do Scary Bingo with us in the Fiber Business Collective Omnivore App (keep all your newsletters in one place) Eli Trier Eli's newsletter signup Bird Collective Olive & June ManiMe Emily Lymm - Wool & Palette Newsletter Provider: MailerLite MailChimp Flodesk (affiliate link)

Even if you don't find newsletters intimidating, writing them can be a world of their own. In this episode, I'm sharing some of my top/favorite tips for writing a newsletter that actually gets opened (and hopefully will convert!). Past Episodes Mentioned: Interview Episode - There is No Such Thing as Competition with Eli Trier Coaching Episode - There's Still Value in Newsletters with Emily Wool Newsletter Providers Mentioned: Mailerlite Flodesk (affiliate link) MailChimp ConvertKit Klaviyo AI Bots Mentioned: ChatGPT Rytr Bard Other Links Mentioned: Bird Collective For the Birds Rehab: Secondhand Yarn Shop Join the Fiber Business Collective (I mentioned a workshop hosted by Eli Trier - you can check her out here if you'd like to learn more about what she teaches)

Big statement, huh? I'm diving into why I think we actually knit and how we can use that information to tap into our audiences when marketing. Links mentioned in this episode: Alchemy: The Curious Science & Dark Art of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life by Rory Sutherland Fiber Business Collective

Julie has been a trendwatcher for years and has created her own trend reports in 2022 and 2023 for fiber artists. Today we're talking about how trends work, why they matter, and how you can incorporate them into your work in the fiber arts industry. Connect with Julie: Julie's Instagram Julie's Website Other links mentioned in this episode: Brianna Capelet Julie Hoover Levi's 501 Jeans Our Maker Life h+h Americas Allison P. Davis's article: A Vibe Shift is Coming - Will any of us survive it?

It's not black & white. So, let's talk about it.

Connect with Lily: Lily's Instagram The Curatorial Knits Podcast Other links mentioned in this episode: To Have and To Hold book by Philipp Blom (thriftbooks.com) Lily's gallery: Hosfelt Gallery René Magritte | MoMA Andrea Higgins Suzusan Paul McCartney and His Creative Practice: The Beatles and Beyond by Phillip McIntyre, Paul Thompson, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Emily's website: www.woolandpalette.com Emily's Instagram: www.instagram.com/wool.and.palette Emily's guide on Color Theory: Going Beyond the Rainbow Links mentioned in this episode: TSA Instagram - www.instagram.com/tsa Who Gives a Crap - Home | Who Gives A Crap USA Squatty Potty - https://www.squattypotty.com Hilda TV Series - Watch Hilda | Netflix Official Site Fiber Business Collective - https://www.fiberbusinesscollective.com

Stacy & I work through the general loathing of social media, figuring out where her people are, and how to build her newsletter. Connect with Stacy: Website Instagram Facebook Join the Fiber Business Collective. This week's episode is supported by White Rose Fiber Company.

Danielle from the Merriweather Council & I discuss all the fun things like star seller, whether you should really leave Etsy once you're established, and our favorite Backstreet Boys. This episode's supporter is the Knitting Witchling: The Knitting Witchling's website The Knitting Witchling's Instagram

Don't think of it as selling - think of it as inviting your customers to spend time with you in your business “home”. Join the Fiber Business Collective for access to my signature marketing course, Homecoming. This episode is supported by Emily C Gilles: Emily's Discord Server Emily's Instagram Emily's Website

Emily Wool of Emily Ruth Prints and I talk about content ideation, repurposing, and dive deep into ways a newsletter can successfully function in a business. Connect with Emily: Emily's Website Emily's Instagram Emily's Patreon This episode was supported by The Knitting Witchling: Instagram Etsy Learn more about Your Epic Business.

I talk to Eli today about her journey as a neurodivergent business owner, making relationship marketing work for you, and being okay with not doing things the way you've been told to.

When it comes to starting a business, there are so many options for tools and apps. If you're starting from scratch and you've got minimal income to invest, where should you be focusing your energies? Today, we're talking about just that. Today's episode was sponsored by tech editor and consultant, Kristina McGrath: Kristina's website Kristina's Instagram Book a free chat with Kristina Payment systems: PayPal Venmo Square Stripe Online storefronts & websites: Etsy Wix Shopify Squarespace Free newsletter options MailChimp MailerLite SEO Tools: Free google SEO course Pinterest

Abby was initially not a fan of ideal customer work. Today, we work together to discuss how she can utilize the ideal customer profile as a tool in her business to help her focus her marketing efforts. Connect with Abby: Abby's website Abby's Instagram Abby's Ravelry page This episode was originally aired in February 2021. Links mentioned in this episode: Wing and a Prayer Farm Interview with Tammy from Wing and a Prayer Farm (from former Local Wool podcast) Cecilia Campochiaro The Gentle Knitter Podcast Jamieson's Wool Yarn

I think you and I both know that I'm going to say "yes, you need an ideal customer". But I promise that I have very good reasons for believing this. Today we are tackling why you need one, how to start one, if you can have more than one, and how much detail your profile needs to have. This episode is supported by tech editor, Jenna Sargent. Jenna's Website Jenna's Instagram Additionally, if you are interested in private coaching, you can book with me at www.anastasiacreates.co. If you are interested in learning more about the Fiber Business Collective, you can check that out at www.fiberbusinesscollective.com.

You hear it all the time - "you need to have a 'why'". Really? Sorry, but yes, really. Today, I'm going to walk you through the two types of why's you need to have nailed down and some ways of finding those. This episode was supported by: Emily Wool of Emily Ruth Prints Emily's Website Emily's Instagram Asia of Yarn Fixation Asia's Etsy Shop Asia's Instagram Resources mentioned: Simon Sinek's TED Talk Erin Clayton (Designer, Consultant, and Graphic Designer) Pela Case

The reality is that most of us tend to fall into our businesses or throw them together a little haphazardly... instead of having a plan. While this is common, it's not recommended. Today, I'm going through the six primary questions you should be asking yourself before you start your business. Don't worry if you've already started one - it's never too late to reassess where you're at! This episode was sponsored by Aimee Sher Makes Aimee's Website Aimee's Instagram Book Recommendation: Validating Product Ideas Through Lean User Research Want to sponsor a podcast episode? Get more information here. If you're ready to book some personalized help or join the Fiber Business Collective, head to https://www.anastasiacreates.co.

Here's a quick preview for the podcast's new makeover!

Today, I'm speaking with tech editor, Sarah Walworth, about how mindset impacts your work and what you need to just start.

Amy Small of Knit Collage speaks with me today as part of June's Community Project. We talk about her own journey, what she sees other business owners struggling with, and a fab lineup of book recommendations! Books mentioned: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks The E-Myth by Michael Gerber Launch by Jeff Walker You are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter by Joe Dispenza

Françoise of Aroha Knits joins me to discuss her business journey, how she's dealt with a large social media following, and why we all need boundaries.

Lauren talks to us about false narratives, comparison, and self-doubt.

Running a business is 50% mindset, 45% marketing, and 5% product creation. But if our mindset is working against us, how can we make progress in any other way?

I've ranted about discounts, but I'm not sure we've gotten focused on pricing. Well, after this episode, we will have. Join the Fiber Business Collective

I talk to Eli today about her journey as a neurodivergent business owner, making relationship marketing work for you, and being okay with not doing things the way you've been told to.

Who do you reach out to? How do you know if you're offering value to your co-collaborator? How do collaborations even work? Don't worry - I've got you covered today.

Leanna of alone Sequoia Ranch and I discuss whether or not a website is really necessary, if Etsy is the devil, and how a newsletter can bring her audience closer.

Which works best for you? A concentrated effort in a short term burst or a longer, more nurturing process? I'm running through the details of both today. Join the Business Homeowners Association Bloom & Create's email list

Kristina & Sarah are the brilliant minds behind the YouTube channel, Tech Tip Talks. Today we talk about what it takes to run a business when you have no idea how to run a business, the value issues within the fiber arts industry, why tech editing is a smart investment, and which Pride & Prejudice is the best one.

What happens if you're really limited on time for marketing? And you also feel uncomfortable talking about yourself? Anne of Leaf Livestock Wool Co & I work through some of these challenges.

Running a business alone is a challenge within itself, but what happens when you feel overwhelmed with big feelings?

Alanna & I discuss her revolutionary dye formulas, how she's turning her process into a course & textbook, and how she can both work with her warmest and new audiences in her upcoming launch.

Danielle from the Merriweather Council & I discuss all the fun things like star seller, whether you should really leave Etsy once you're established, and our favorite Backstreet Boys.

You've heard it before - “community over competition”. Did you know that we aren't programmed to automatically think this way? But it doesn't mean all is lost and that you can't change it.

Josephine is MY coach/mentor and today we are speaking about the things you need to have in place before making the transition to full-time, how money impacts our mindset, and the importance of having mental and emotional support.

Whoa there are some deep ones today. How to support the tertiary roles in the knitting industry, how to determine your strengths, what exactly is a “strategy”, and how can you get loads of view on your Reels (spoiler alert: no idea on that one!).

We have found ourselves in this weird cycle of discounts and undercharging in this industry and it's hard to not continue to perpetuate it. But what if we chose to STOP perpetuating it?

Today I'm speaking with Jen Parroccini of JP Knits Things about building community and choosing positive collaborations. She is an absolute icon when it comes to really finding the best parts of people and shining a light on them.

Here's what I see, how I feel, and what you should really be focusing on.

This unique coaching episode delves into the world of brainstorming. Alexandra of November Woods Fiber Co & I work to try to find the perfect words to put to the feelings she's trying to evoke in her customers.

Sharon of Flora Adora Fibers joins me today as we talk through many aspects of her marketing - how she shows up in person and how she can bring more of that to her online space, who really is her customer, and what really drives her.

If you have anxiety around asking other business owners to collaborate, or you've pitched before and it hasn't gone well, this is the episode for you. I'll talk how to start a relationship with a potential collaborator and how to structure your pitch in a way that grabs attention (and holds it!).

Janet LeBlanc of Paper + Spark joins me today to discuss business finances, common misconceptions, and how she pivoted from making to helping makers.

Have you ever tried to sell your products/services in-person before? At a festival? Trunk show? Pop-up shop? There are a lot of benefits but also a lot of details to consider. Let's talk them through!

Alison & Andrea are the brilliant sisters behind the Knitrino knitting app. They've worked tirelessly for over 3 years to bring a product to the table that the fiber community desperately wants. We talk market research, the fiber industry overall, and why you should be charging more for your work.

This is a biiiig question and I'm here to drive a little controversy and ruffle a few feathers. Even if you're not a pattern designer!

What's really the best way to figure out whether or not to start a business? Today I'll walk you through 6 questions to ask yourself before moving forward with the more practical aspects (business plans, logo, etc).

Maybe this sounds cheesy, but I love a kitchen table for the people it connects, the conversations it sparks, and the inclusion it invites. Listen today to find out how you can apply that to the way you interact with others as a business owner.

Lindsey and I dive deep into the aspects of business that can be unique when maybe the product itself isn't and how to infuse yourself into your business.