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 o...
May 29, 2025•43 min
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 ...
May 16, 2025•40 min
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 ...
May 09, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 189
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: Workshops Unleashed Book by Tori McElwain Tori’s Website: The Quilt Patch by Tori Kajabi - My go-to for online education, courses, and memberships. FloDesk - Start your email marketing with the bes...
May 02, 2025•51 min•Ep. 188
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 ...
Apr 11, 2025•27 min•Ep. 187
If you’re running a business—or dreaming of starting one—there’s one thing that can make or break your success: solving a real problem. In this episode, I’m diving into why identifying the specific problem your business solves is so powerful, and how it shapes everything from your marketing to your products. We’ll talk about: Why a “nice idea” isn’t enough How to figure out the actual problem you solve (hint: it might not be what you think) What happens when you get crystal clear on your audienc...
Mar 28, 2025•20 min
Have 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 ...
Mar 14, 2025•30 min•Ep. 185
If you've ever struggled with saying yes to new opportunities, this episode is for you! Tune in to hear how Christina Lee, of Sweet Potato Quilts, leans into her passions while balancing a busy, fulfilling creative life. 📢 Listen now and get inspired to embrace your own creative journey! Links From This Episode: Sweet Potato Quilts Website - CLICK HERE 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 memb...
Mar 07, 2025•44 min•Ep. 184
Ever 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 ...
Feb 28, 2025•45 min•Ep. 183
Struggling to keep your goals? In this episode, we'll break down the SMART goal method and share practical tips to help you set and achieve goals that stick. Stop comparing your progress to others and start making small, sustainable changes that lead to big results. Takeaways from this episode: Don’t beat yourself up about seasons : There are times in life when goal setting just isn’t the right season. If that’s where you are, that’s okay! Focus on one thing : Choose just ONE goal at a time. Try...
Feb 21, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 182
Have you ever thought about becoming a fabric designer? For years, that was a dream of mine, but I just couldn’t seem to make it happen. I struggled to learn Adobe Illustrator in a way that made my designs look more polished—like something other than a kindergartner’s doodles! 😅 That all changed when I discovered Bonnie Christine's Immersion Course . It was THE course that completely changed the trajectory of my business—for so many reasons. Thanks to this course, I not only became a fabric des...
Feb 05, 2025•41 min
Do you wonder if it’s really possible to earn money as a quilter or creative entrepreneur? You’re not alone! I recently came across this question in a Facebook group, and the answers shocked me—most people believed you could make a little money, but not a real income. Well, I’m here to tell you that’s simply not true. Not only do I make a great income as a quilter, but so do many others in this industry—an industry, by the way, that’s worth over a billion dollars and continues to grow every year...
Jan 31, 2025•28 min
Now that you've learned about the thoughts holding you back (part one), you are ready to dive into part two, practical tips that will help you reshape your thoughts, navigate challenges, make tough decisions, and seek clarity on your creative journey. Learn actionable skills to quiet the thoughts that are hurting your success. Tap into what's called your inner sage. If you feel like the words 'inner sage' sound a little woo, I hear you. I felt the same at first. But don't let that keep you from ...
Dec 20, 2024•33 min
In this insightful episode, Elizabeth Chappell shares the invaluable lessons she learned from her business coach, Lindsey White. These life-changing concepts, inspired by Shirzad Chamine’s Positive Intelligence , reveal how our thoughts can sabotage our success and happiness—and how to regain control. Elizabeth delves into the 10 mental saboteurs that can undermine entrepreneurs and individuals alike, explaining how to: Recognize these saboteurs in your daily life. Reduce their power to create m...
Dec 13, 2024•27 min
Running 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...
Dec 06, 2024•32 min
In this honest and heartfelt episode, I’m sharing the real reasons I decided to step away from fabric design and what’s next for my business. If you’ve ever dreamt of designing or selling fabric, or if you’re just curious about my journey, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at why I made this decision and what I’ve learned along the way. Key Takeaways: In this episode, I break down the top six reasons I decided to leave the fabric design world: The Art Process – Why fabric design no lo...
Nov 22, 2024•30 min
In this inspiring episode, Elizabeth Chappell interviews Linda Pacino, Director of Training and Education for Baby Lock, who brings over 20 years of experience in the sewing industry. Linda leads a team of professional trainers dedicated to empowering consumers and retailers with exceptional education and resources. Linda shares her incredible journey to landing her dream job, offering valuable insights for anyone pursuing their passion. Her reflections are both uplifting and practical, encourag...
Nov 15, 2024•51 min
Have you ever thought about hosting a live event for your business? In this episode, Elizabeth Chappell reflects on her experiences organizing live events, sharing the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. From planning to execution, Elizabeth provides practical advice to help you create memorable and impactful events that leave your attendees inspired and engaged. Key Takeaways from This Episode : Planning Essentials : How to set clear goals for your event and create a seamless experien...
Oct 18, 2024•32 min
In episode 172 of the From Craft to Career Podcast , Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Chantell Hammond, founder of Strategy Square and a passionate business and marketing coach. Chantell’s journey began with the challenges she faced running her Pilates studio, where a lack of marketing knowledge held her back. Determined to grow, she pursued a degree and gained invaluable insights working at a leading marketing agency in California. Through her experiences, Chantell wrestled with big questions:...
Oct 11, 2024•47 min
In episode 171 of the From Craft to Career Podcast , Elizabeth Chappell chats with Mary Davis of Mary Go Round Quilts about her inspiring journey of hosting a summit. Mary opens up about the process, challenges, and rewards of organizing an event that not only showcased her products but also connected her with her community in a meaningful way. What You’ll Learn in This Episode : Insights into hosting a summit: What worked and what Mary learned along the way. Fresh marketing strategies to creati...
Oct 04, 2024•35 min
In this episode of the From Craft to Career Podcast , Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Lindsay White, a leadership coach and people strategy expert, and founder of High Voltage Leadership . Lindsay works closely with small businesses and entrepreneurs, empowering them to become confident and impactful leaders. She specializes in helping her clients develop strategies to execute their business plans, lead effectively, and nurture their teams. What You’ll Learn in This Episode : When to hire : Ke...
Sep 27, 2024•55 min
In this episode, Elizabeth Chappell interviews Kim Sandberg, the Education Manager at Handi Quilter and a passionate quilting educator. Kim brings a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the table, offering insights into topics that resonate deeply with quilters and educators alike. Key Topics Discussed : Building Confidence : How to overcome self-doubt and the question, "Am I good enough?" Educator Essentials : Tips for avoiding common pitfalls as a quilting instructor. Marketing Mastery : How...
Sep 13, 2024•49 min
In episode 168 of the Craft to Career Podcast , Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Danielle Hayden, Co-Founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., a bookkeeping and accounting firm dedicated to helping six-figure (and beyond) female entrepreneurs master their finances. Danielle's mission is to empower business owners by helping them understand their numbers through expert bookkeeping, financial analysis, and support—ultimately enabling them to build profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable busin...
Sep 06, 2024•43 min
In this episode, Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Jennifer Long, one of the most skilled and experienced quilt pattern writers in the industry. Jennifer shares her journey, offering valuable insights into the intricacies of writing quilt patterns and the essential steps for building a successful career as a pattern designer. What You’ll Learn in This Episode : The Art of Pattern Writing : Tips and tricks for creating clear, professional, and marketable quilt patterns. Overcoming Challenges : Co...
Aug 30, 2024•35 min
In this episode, Elizabeth Chappell chats with Camryn, the talented creator behind Camryn's Cute Creations , about her inspiring journey of turning her love for crocheting into a successful full-time business. Not only is Camryn a skilled crochet artist, but she also sells her own patterns, crocheted baby products, and teaches others how to succeed at craft shows. What You’ll Learn in This Episode : From Hobby to Career : Camryn’s path to turning her passion for crochet into a thriving business....
Aug 16, 2024•57 min•Ep. 167
In this episode of the From Craft to Career Podcast , Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Janet Clare, a fabric designer for Moda Fabrics, quilt pattern designer, and educator, to hear about her inspiring journey in the quilting world. Janet shares how she built a thriving career despite facing rejection and doubt along the way. From being told she wasn’t "good enough" to becoming a successful fabric designer and TV personality, Janet’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of persevera...
Aug 02, 2024•56 min
In episode 164 of the Craft to Career Podcast , Elizabeth Chappell talks with Minki Kim, a fine arts major turned sewing illustrator, fabric designer, and author. Minki’s artistic background as a sculptor has profoundly influenced her current work, where she uses fabric, thread, and her sewing machine to create stunning sewn illustrations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode : Art Meets Fabric : Minki shares how she transitioned from fine arts and sculpture to the world of fabric and sewing. Sewn ...
Jul 26, 2024•53 min
In this inspiring episode of the Craft to Career Podcast , Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Jaycee Afuvai, the creative business owner behind the Stay at Home Artist. Known for her stunning embroidery work, Jaycee shares her journey of turning her passion into a thriving business and offers valuable insights for new entrepreneurs—especially those struggling with imposter syndrome or fear of taking themselves seriously. What You’ll Learn in This Episode : Embracing Your Creativity : Jaycee encou...
Jul 19, 2024•46 min
In this episode of the Craft to Career Podcast , Elizabeth Chappell dives into a topic that many entrepreneurs struggle with—feeling hurt or frustrated when someone seems to have "stolen" your business idea or design. Instead of seeing this as a setback, Elizabeth invites you to rethink the situation for your own benefit and growth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode : The Reality of Ideas : Understanding that all creative ideas are inspired by something and that no idea is truly "unique." The Ar...
Jul 12, 2024•29 min
In this episode of the Craft to Career Podcast , Elizabeth Chappell challenges the common belief that our success is directly tied to the effort we put in. If you’re feeling burnt out or overwhelmed by your business, this episode is for you! Elizabeth explores how shifting your mindset can help you work less while achieving even more success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode : The Fallacy of Effort Equals Success : How constantly working harder and pushing yourself isn’t the key to success. Avo...
Jul 05, 2024•25 min
