The Personalized Skincare Business Model That’s Changing Results—and Why It Works
Craft To Career
In this episode, I’m joined by Dawn Jett, founder of Spruce Micro, a company I truly love and personally use. Spruce Micro has one of the most compelling business models I’ve seen, and it solves a very real problem for so many people: stubborn skin concerns like dark spots, large pores, uneven skin tone, and texture issues that just don’t respond to one-size-fits-all solutions. Dawn shares why she started Spruce Micro, how the business works, and what makes it so different from traditional skincare clinics. Here’s the unique part: Spruce Micro doesn’t rely on lasers or chemical...
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How to Make a Living Selling Quilts: A Unique Business Model with Sarah LoCascio of Caravan Quilts
Craft To Career
Have you ever wondered whether you could truly make a living selling quilts? In this episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Sarah LoCascio, the creative entrepreneur behind Caravan Quilts, shares her answer. And it’s a big, resounding YES. Sarah has built a quilting business that's unique in the industry. Her weekly quilt drops sell out quickly because her approach blends three powerful elements: Genuine product scarcity Deep education and storytelling A compelling focus on history and craftsmanship It’s a recipe that not only delights her audience, but also proves that...
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How Ruthlessly Handmade Is Using Charity Quilts to Change Lives
Craft To Career
In this inspiring episode, Sarah Morris, the creative behind Ruthlessly Handmade, shares the story of how she began hosting charity quilt events that have touched countless lives. What started as a single fundraiser two years ago has grown into an annual tradition, raising money each year for causes close to her heart: Isaiah 117 House and the Trevor Project. Her passion for helping others shines through as she talks about why she started this movement, how the quilting community shows up in powerful ways, and what’s ahead as she expands her charity events to happen twice a year for two...
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How H+H Americas Is Transforming the Craft Industry with Darrin Stern
Craft To Career
Meet Darrin Stern, the visionary leader behind H+H Americas and the Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival. In this episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Darrin to uncover how these two powerhouse events came to life, and why they are transforming the fiber, fabric, and crafting industries. While some claim the quilting or fabric industry is “dying,” Darrin shares a very different story. His work proves that creativity, community, and craft are thriving more than ever. H+H Americas has quickly become one of the most exciting annual events for makers, brands,...
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Longarm Quilting Success: Business Strategies from Tia Curtis
Craft To Career
If you’ve ever dreamed of building a thriving longarm quilting business—or you’re looking to grow the one you already have—this episode is packed with valuable insight. Elizabeth Chappell sits down with longarm expert Tia Curtis, a sought-after quilter known for her artistry, efficiency, and strong client relationships. Tia has grown her longarm business into a full and flourishing creative career. In this conversation, she shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the business strategies that have helped her stand out in a growing and competitive industry. Whether you’re...
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Meet Cindy Cloward of Riley Blake Designs: Inside One of the World’s Leading Fabric Companies
Craft To Career
In this episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Cindy Cloward, owner of Riley Blake Designs, one of the largest and most influential fabric manufacturers in the world. Riley Blake is known for its high-quality quilting cottons, stunning designer collaborations, notions, patterns, and its iconic Garden of Quilts event. Cindy shares the inspiring story behind the company’s beginnings, how it has grown into a global brand, and what exciting things are on the horizon for Riley Blake. From manufacturing insights to brand-building, this conversation offers a rare,...
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From Hobby to Industry Leader: Kimberly Jolly of Fat Quarter Shop
Craft To Career
In this inspiring episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell chats with Kimberly Jolly, founder and CEO of Fat Quarter Shop, one of the most recognized quilting retailers in the world. Kimberly shares her journey from running a small eBay fabric store out of her home to leading a thriving business that serves quilters across the globe. She opens up about how the company began, what fueled its rapid growth, and the strategies that helped it stay strong in a changing industry. Whether you’re a fabric lover, pattern designer, or entrepreneur in the creative space, this...
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How Thimtec Turned an Idea Into a Thriving Quilting Product Business
Craft To Career
Meet Jessica and Aiden, the creative duo and owners of Thimtec, a company that’s redefining how quilters protect their fingers! Thimtec’s signature fabric thimble has quickly gained attention in the quilting world for its comfort, innovation, and thoughtful design. Jessica and Aiden share how their year-old company came to life — from the spark of an idea to a thriving small business. You’ll hear about the challenges and wins of developing a physical product, their strategies for growing an audience and boosting sales, and what they wish they’d known before starting out. Whether...
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Mentoring Quilt Pattern Designers & Going Viral on Instagram with Maggie Reno of Snug and Stitch
Craft To Career
Discover how to mentor new quilt pattern designers, run a Halloween-themed sew-along, and navigate going viral on Instagram. Featuring Maggie Reno of Snug and Stitch on the Craft to Career podcast. In this episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell of Quilters Candy interviews Maggie Reno of Snug and Stitch, an experienced quilt pattern designer and mentor. Maggie, along with Michelle Corless of Compass and Wildflower, has led a group of alumni from the Quilt Pattern Writing Course in creating the Nocturnal Soul Stitchery Sew Along — a collaborative, Halloween-themed...
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How to Make Business Friends (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Craft To Career
✨ Episode Summary: I’m diving into a topic that’s close to my heart and essential for long-term success: how to make business friends. We often hear about marketing strategies and growth plans—but what about the relationships behind the scenes? Business friends can offer support, accountability, and even joy in a journey that can sometimes feel isolating. But making those connections isn’t always easy. 🎧 What You’ll Learn: The surprising benefits of having friends in business (spoiler: it’s not just about networking) Why it can feel hard to make business...
info_outlineRunning a business is no easy task, but when you add depression into the mix, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Craft to Career Podcast, I open up about my personal journey as an entrepreneur living with depression.
Depression looks different for everyone, and I share what it looks like for me. I discuss why I decided to take medication, my experience trying to go off it, and ultimately why I’ve chosen to stay on depression and mood-stabilizing medication.
Sharing such a personal and sensitive topic wasn’t easy, and I questioned whether I should go this deep. But I know there are other business owners who have faced—or are currently facing—similar challenges. You are not alone.
Coping with Depression as a Business Owner
One of the key takeaways from this episode is that you can run a successful business, even while managing depression. I share practical tips that have helped me structure my business to accommodate those times when I feel low. These strategies include:
- Outsourcing tasks to lighten the load.
- Automating processes to keep things running smoothly.
- Prioritizing self-care, even when it feels like there’s no time.
By making adjustments to my workflow and mindset, I’ve found ways to navigate both the demands of entrepreneurship and the challenges of depression.
Seeking Support
I want to emphasize that I’m not a doctor, and this episode isn’t about offering medical advice. Instead, it’s a candid account of my personal experience. If you’re dealing with depression or mood disorders, I encourage you to seek help from a qualified medical professional.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of running a business while managing their mental health. My hope is that it helps you feel seen, heard, and supported.
Listen to the Episode
Tune in to this week’s episode of the Craft to Career Podcast for an honest conversation about managing depression while running a business.
You are not alone. You can run a business—even with depression.
Did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts and join the conversation by leaving a comment or review. Let’s support each other on this journey of entrepreneurship and mental health.
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