Indie Made Business: A Podcast for Creative Entrepreneurs and Handmade Business Owners

This week we’re rolling up our sleeves and welcoming Erica from the Lopsided Crafter on to the podcast for a little up close and personal coaching. When you’re first starting out, you might have more ideas for new products than you have space or money. So as a business owner, you have to be able to sell any product that you make. But how do you know that the ideas that you have, and the products that you create, are going to click with your audience? If you’ve been wondering how you’re going to keep up with your audience’s demands, we’re here to give you advice on how to create your own demand with your most valuable talent: your own creativity!

Quote-worthy

“You need to build a business that you love. It doesn't matter how many customers love what you're putting out there if you hate doing it.” – Cheryl

“At the end of the day, you just have to be true to yourself. When you're just like, ‘This is me and this is what I like,’ you are going to attract some just diehard fans, and your joy and your enthusiasm is going to attract more and more people.” – Nicky

“There's really not a hard rule that says when you're starting out you should dye this much yarn or you should make this much productive at any given thing. It is about learning what you like, what your customers like, and what you're comfortable doing. Just try to be intentional, because I know if I could give myself advice for when I first started, I would say that you don't need to try all the things. Just stick with a couple of things that you really like.” – Cheryl

Key Points and Takeaways:

• Your creativity is your most valuable asset
• Starting out you have limited space and funds, so use what you have effectively
• Listen to your audience’s wants, but don’t try to chase their approval

You can find Erica and the Lopsided Crafter and all of her beautiful dyed yarn at:

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLopsidedCrafter?ref=shop_sugg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelopsidedcrafter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theLopsidedCrafter

Have a subject you’d like us to cover or just want to comment about how much you love the podcast? We want to hear from you! You can like, subscribe, and leave us a 5-star rating everywhere you can download podcasts.

Don’t forget to share YOUR Needle Mover with us on Instagram by posting it to your Stories and tagging us, or shoot us a DM. Together, let’s make a BIG impact in our businesses over the next 2 weeks!

Come find us on social media - we would love to hear from you!

• Cheryl: Indie Dyed Entrepreneur on Instagram or Facebook
• Nicky: Avery Lane Creations on Instagram or Facebook
• For a Text Notification when new episodes drop, text “Makers Gonna Sell” to 603-928-7108
• Hypnotic Yarn on Instagram or Facebook
• Yarnable Subscription Box

If your business is a one person show and you find yourself struggling to get all the things done (in business and in life), then we know exactly how you feel. We all want our businesses to run like a well oiled machine - each day, week, and month set up for success with a strategy in place to conquer every task that needs doing.

But sometimes that’s easier said than done! We’ve all had those moments where we’re running around like our hair is on fire, just trying to make it through the day.

The best way to speed up processes without cutting corners is by creating systems and using workflows. In this episode we explain what a workflow is, what it can look like, and where to start.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• 1:28: What is a workflow?
• 4:28: where does your workflow start?
• 6:17: What does a workflow look like?
• 14:34: How to use Trello or Asana to create workflows
• 21:57: What does Cheryl think about multitasking verses doing one thing at a time?
• 26:06: Nikki’s hot tips for staying focused
• 47:56: Nikki’s hint for completing dreaded tasks

...and so much more!

Needle Mover

• We’re closing out every episode by declaring a Needle Mover in each of our businesses. You learn more about what a Needle Mover is and what it isn’t in episode 2 of the podcast.
• 49:07: Nikki’s needle minder
• 50:41: Cheryl’s needle minder

Don’t forget to share YOUR Needle Mover with us on Instagram by posting it to your Stories and tagging us, or shoot us a DM. Together, let’s make a BIG impact in our businesses over the next 2 weeks!

Links:

• Trello
• Asana

Come find us on social media - we would love to hear from you!

• Cheryl: Indie Dyed Entrepreneur on Instagram or Facebook
• Hypnotic Yarn on Instagram or Facebook
• Yarnable Subscription Box
• For a Text Notification from Cheryl when new episodes drop, text “Makers Gonna Sell” to 603-928-7108
• Nicky: Avery Lane Creations on Instagram or Facebook
• ALC Yarns
• ALC Yarn Club Waitlist

One more thing...

Do you run your own handmade business? And are you ready to take that business to the next level?

After seven years of growing my hand-dyed yarn business into a multi six-figure success, I'm excited to share my best strategies, resources, and actionable tips with you.

At Indie Made Biz, where handmade artistry meets business mastery, I’m not holding back. I’m sharing all of my knowledge and experience with you. Ready to grow your handmade your way? Subscribe to my Indie Made Biz email list for the best advice delivered straight to your inbox!

Selling can feel awkward—especially for creatives who’d rather be making than marketing. If you’ve ever hesitated to promote your products because you don’t want to sound pushy or salesy, this episode is for you!

I’m joined by my friend Kari Capone, founder of The Spinning Hand, to talk about the mindset shifts and strategies that make selling feel natural (and even fun!). We get real about the fears that hold people back, why "confidence" is overrated, and how to actually ask for the sale in a way that feels good. Plus, Kari shares how she went from struggling to ask for the sale in her first business to running a thriving handmade business today.

If you’ve ever thought, I don’t want to bother people or they’ll buy if they want it—I don’t need to ask, grab a coffee and join us for this conversation. It might just change how you think about selling.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways [00:00] – Why Selling Feels Hard (and Why You’re Not Alone)

Most creatives love making but hate selling. We break down why selling feels so uncomfortable—and why that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

[06:30] – The Money Stories Holding You Back

The way you grew up thinking about money is impacting how you sell—whether you realize it or not. Kari shares how her "squeeze every penny" mindset made selling feel icky (and how she changed it).

[15:45] – The Truth About Confidence (Hint: It’s Overrated)

"You don’t wake up confident—you wake up with courage." If you’re waiting to feel confident before you sell, you’ll be waiting forever.

[24:00] – Selling Doesn’t Have to Feel Gross

Pushy, manipulative selling isn’t the only way. Here’s how to authentically sell—without feeling like a used car salesman.

[35:20] – If You’re Only Talking About Your Product Once, You’re Losing Sales

Most people aren’t seeing every post or email you send. Talking about your product repeatedly isn’t annoying—it’s necessary.

[42:10] – Trust Your Customers to Make Their Own Buying Decisions

It’s easy to assume what people will or won’t spend based on our own money mindset, but that’s not our decision to make. Our job is simply to share what we offer—our customers will decide if it’s right for them.

[51:30] – Handling Unsubscribes Like a Pro

Every email list loses people—but unsubscribes aren’t rejection. Learn why losing subscribers can actually be a good thing.

[1:02:00] – How to Start Asking for the Sale (Without Feeling Weird About It)

If the thought of asking people to buy makes your stomach turn, this section is for you. We share simple, doable ways to ease into selling with confidence.

Resources Mentioned

Some links in this episode may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our podcast!

• The Truth About Email Unsubscribes
• Break Free from Limiting Beliefs Holding Back Your Handmade Business
• Email Unsubscribe Rate Calculator – See how your unsubscribe rate compares to your industry average. It only takes a minute or two to plug in your numbers to see how the percentage is lookingfor your handmade business.
• We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
  • • Paperback
    • Audiobook

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to hear how this episode shifted your perspective on selling! What’s one small step you’re taking to sell with more confidence? Let’s chat:

🌐 Website: www.indiemadebiz.com

Instagram: @indiemadebiz

Facebook: www.facebook.com/indiemadebiz

Find Kari Online

🌐 Website: www.thespinninghand.com Instagram: @thespinninghand Facebook: www.facebook.com/thespinninghand

Know someone who could benefit from this episode? Share it with them and help spread the inspiration!

We’ve made it all the way to the end of the year and more than likely, you’re super busy right now. In my business, we call it Beast mode because inevitably this time of year we’re working our tails off with different projects and fulfilling orders to keep up with seasonal orders. It’s very easy to stress yourself out, so on this week’s podcast I’m going over what I’ve learned over the years managing stress, burnout, and rest at this time of the year.

Key Takeaways:

Growth at the expense of your health is not worth it! Sometimes, we just need to get through the season with what we have rather than taking on new projects that may or may not bring you joy, but also bring you added work. Think about what benefits you’re getting from expanding or what you could gain by scaling back.

This time of year is hard on everybody, including your employees! Don’t forget about all of their hard work over the year and understand that doing what’s in the best interests of your workers can pay dividends.

It’s a perfect time after the Beast mode to think about what you’re going to do next year, how you want to grow, what direction you want to go, and what you need to do to get there.

One more thing:

Do you run your own handmade business? And are you ready to take that business to the next level?

After seven years of growing my hand-dyed yarn business into a multi six-figure success, I'm excited to share my best strategies, resources, and actionable tips with you.

At Indie Made Biz, where handmade artistry meets business mastery, I’m not holding back. I’m sharing all of my knowledge and experience with you. Ready to grow your handmade your way? Subscribe to my Indie Made Biz email list for the best advice delivered straight to your inbox!

We’re sad to say that for the time being, this will be the last episode of what we’re calling Season One of the Makers Gonna Sell Podcast. There may be a Season 2, but when that may or may not happen is still up in the air. That doesn’t mean we’re giving up! 2023 is looking to be a full year for Cheryl and Nicky, but if we are able to get everything we need to build our businesses and we have the time to make this the priority it should be, you’ll be the first to know. You can still connect with us through our social media profiles, and we always love hearing from you. All our previous episodes are going to be available for further listening, and we have loved bringing you the content and look forward to serving you more in the future!

Come find us online - we would love to hear from you!

• Cheryl: Indie Dyed Entrepreneur on Instagram or Facebook
• Nicky: Avery Lane Creations on Instagram or Facebook
• Hypnotic Yarn on Instagram or Facebook
• Yarnable Subscription Box - Cheryl’s Subscription Box
• ALC Yarns - Nicky’s Yarn Shop

Are you so busy working IN your business that there’s no time left to work ON your business?

We’ve all said it, “There aren’t enough hours in the day.”

It really does feel that way when you’re wearing all the hats in your creative business. And it can be downright impossible to embrace the visionary role that your business requires of you when you’re bogged down with perpetual product making and never-ending to-do lists!

But guess what? We all get the same 24 hours each and every day. It’s what you do with them that counts.

Imagine what it would feel like if you had an extra set of hands every now and then. Would it change your life if you could take a day off (or *gasp* go on vacation) all the while things are still getting done?

Hiring is a big step, and you might be thinking, “Yeah, that all sounds great, but I’m not even paying myself yet! How the heck am I going to hire someone?”

In today’s episode we’re going to walk you through getting the right type of help without breaking the bank, and why it might be the best thing you can do for your business.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• 1:00: Are you being pulled in too many directions?
• 5:54: The different shapes and sizes of hiring help.
• 28:26: Finding the right fit is sometimes trial and error.
• 32:30: Do you really need to spend money to make money?
• 40:59: Where do you find the help you need?

...and so much more!

Needle Mover

• We’re closing out every episode by declaring a Needle Mover in each of our businesses. You learn more about what a Needle Mover is and what it isn’t in episode 2 of the
• podcast.
• 49:01: Cheryl’s Needle Mover
• 54:30: Nicky’ Needle Mover

Don’t forget to share YOUR Needle Mover with us on Instagram by posting it to your Stories and tagging us, or shoot us a DM. Together, let’s make a BIG impact in our businesses over the next 2 weeks!

Come find us on social media - we would love to hear from you!

• Cheryl: Indie Dyed Entrepreneur on Instagram or Facebook
• Hypnotic Yarn on Instagram or Facebook
• Yarnable Subscription Box
• Nicky: Avery Lane Creations on Instagram or Facebook
• ALC Yarn Club
• For a Text Notification from Cheryl when new episodes drop, text “Makers Gonna Sell” to 603-928-7108