From Day Job to Shark Tank: Mike from Legit Kits on Growing a Creative Business
Release Date: 02/28/2025
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineEver wondered what it takes to turn a creative passion into a thriving business? In this episode, I chat with Mike from Legit Kits, a Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) company that was recently featured on Shark Tank!
Mike shares his journey—from balancing his day job to scaling his FPP business and landing a spot on national television. He offers invaluable insights into growing a creative business, overcoming challenges, and staying true to your vision.
We dive into:
✨ Mike’s career outside of quilting and how it influences his business
✨ The evolution of Legit Kits and what’s driven its success
✨ Behind-the-scenes of Shark Tank—what the experience was really like
✨ Practical tips for creatives looking to build and expand their own businesses
✨ The mindset shifts that helped Mike push past obstacles and keep growing
Mike is real, down-to-earth, and full of motivation for entrepreneurs and makers alike. Whether you're just starting or looking for fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss!
🎧 Listen now and get inspired to take your creative business to the next level!
🔗 Links & Resources:
- Legit Kits Website
- Follow Mike on Instagram
- Watch the Shark Tank Episode
- FloDesk - Try my email marketing platform and save 50% off your first year!
- Kajabi - Looking for a platform to create and sell courses or a membership? Try Kajabi with my affiliate link jere, and I will share my free Kajabi course, on how to use Kajabi to set up your courses and/or membership.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! It helps more creative entrepreneurs find the show.