Back to Business Basics: Answering Your Most Common Questions for Growth & Success
Release Date: 03/14/2025
Mentoring New Designers & Going Viral 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_outline
How I Got Over 5,000 People to Sign Up for My Quilt Along (and What You Can Learn from It)
Craft To Career
🧵 Episode Summary / Intro: Ever wonder how to get thousands of people excited about your event—without burning out in the process? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my most recent Quilt Along that brought in over 5,000 sign-ups. Whether you're hosting a virtual event, workshop, or course, you'll learn practical strategies for planning, promoting, and delivering a high-impact experience that grows your audience and your income. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What inspired me to host this quilt along and how the idea evolved How I planned and structured the...
info_outline
From Fashion to Freedom: How Christine Lindebak Built a Creative Sewing Business She Loves
Craft To Career
What happens when you walk away from a dream career in fashion to pursue a life of freedom, creativity, and true joy? In this episode, I chat with Christine Lindebak, a talented garment sewist, pattern designer, and upcycling advocate who left the high-end retail world of Rodeo Drive to build a more meaningful creative business—on her own terms. Christine shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from luxury fashion to sewing and teaching full-time. Now living in Spain, she works where and when she wants, creating one-of-a-kind pieces and encouraging others to sew boldly and...
info_outline
From Rodeo Drive to Creative Freedom: Christine Lindebak’s Journey to a Life She Loves
Craft To Career
What happens when you walk away from a dream career in fashion to pursue a life of freedom, creativity, and true joy? In this episode, I chat with Christine Lindebak, a talented garment sewist, pattern designer, and upcycling advocate who left the high-end retail world of Rodeo Drive to build a more meaningful creative business—on her own terms. Christine shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from luxury fashion to sewing and teaching full-time. Now living in Spain, she works where and when she wants, creating one-of-a-kind pieces and encouraging others to sew boldly and sustainably....
info_outline
Teach What You Love: How to Teach Quilting with Shannon Brinkley
Craft To Career
Do you love quilting and dream of teaching others—but feel unsure about where to start or whether you’re even qualified? You’re not alone, and today’s guest is here to guide you through it all! In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and fellow quilterpreneur, Shannon Brinkley. Shannon has built a thriving career around teaching quilting, and she’s passionate about helping others do the same. Whether you want to teach in-person workshops, partner with quilt shops or guilds, or offer your own online courses, Shannon shares how you can turn your love for quilting into a meaningful...
info_outline
From DIY to Sold Out: How Monique Rapier Built a Viral Haircare Brand
Craft To Career
What started as a college assignment turned into a viral business success. In this episode, I sit down with Monique Rapier of MMR Beauty, the powerhouse behind a hair oil brand that keeps selling out—again and again. After years of struggling with hair that wouldn’t grow, bald spots, and breakage, Monique dove into research and trial-and-error to create a formula that completely transformed her hair. Once she cracked the code, she began hand-making her product in small batches and shipping them herself. Fast forward to today—Monique now partners with fulfillment centers to keep up with...
info_outline
The Quilters: Netflix Editor Will Rogers on Purpose, Prison, and Creativity
Craft To Career
In this heartfelt episode, I join Will Rogers, the editor of The Quilters — a Netflix short film that tells the moving story of incarcerated men in a Missouri prison who sew quilts for children in need. Will shares how he landed this unique editing role, the behind-the-scenes challenges and beauty of shaping such a powerful narrative, and what he discovered about the human spirit along the way — both from the quilters and the prisoners. This episode is a beautiful reminder of the transformation that comes from creating with purpose and the unexpected places where hope and art...
info_outline
Workshops Unleashed: How to Turn Your Craft into a Teaching Business with Tori McElwain
Craft To Career
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Tori McElwain, quilter, educator, and author of Workshops Unleashed. We dive into Tori’s journey into quilting and teaching, how she transitioned into leading workshops, and why sharing your skills with others can open amazing doors for your business. Links Mentioned: - My go-to for online education, courses, and memberships. - Start your email marketing with the best provider!
info_outline
Why You Need an Email List (and How to Make It Work for You)
Craft To Career
Let’s talk about email lists—why you need one, how to grow it, and what to actually send. I’ll walk you through my best-performing opt-ins (including the one I keep sharing even though I think everyone already has it), ideas for what to say in your emails, and how to sound like a real human being—not a robot. Plus, I’ll share the #1 rule when it comes to building your list: be kind to yourself. Small steps matter. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why email is more powerful than social media (when done right) How to pick an opt-in that attracts the right people The real secret...
info_outlineHave business questions? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing the most essential business tips that will help you streamline, grow, and succeed.
Top Business Tips Covered in This Episode:
✅ Solve a problem – The foundation of a successful business starts with identifying and addressing a real need.
✅ Focus on ONE product – Selling multiple things at once can be overwhelming. Start with one strong offer.
✅ Create quality content that captures interest – I’ll share strategies on how to create content that truly engages your audience.
✅ Build an email list – Social media is great, but you need to bring your audience off the platform and into your own space.
No matter what stage of business you’re in, it’s always a good idea to pause, evaluate, and ensure you’re focusing your time and energy where it makes the biggest impact.
Links & Resources Mentioned:
📩 FloDesk – My go-to email marketing platform! Use code QUILTERSCANDY to save 50% off your first year.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review for the Craft to Career Podcast! Your feedback helps more entrepreneurs like you grow their dream business.
Got a business question? Email me at [email protected]—I’d love to hear from you!