Crafty Hands Club Magazine

In this week's episode, Jackie talks about the biggest mistake she made when attempting her first pattern. She also shares her sewing journey, how she stays focused when social media is noisy, and how she overcame her fear or creating YouTube videos.  Jackie Rodriguez is a Latina content creator and dress maker.  She's been making dresses and costumes for over nine years.  Her favorites are upcycling older fabrics, such as bedsheets into wearable garments.  Disclaimer: This episode was recorded during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is why the month was mentioned in one of the questions.  Check out Jackie's pages: Etsy Shop: https://etsy.me/1tdib3g Instagram: VintageInspiredbyJackie (@vintageinspiredbyjackie) • Instagram photos and videos Tik Tok: Jackie (@vintageinspiredbyjackie) | TikTok

The knitting industry has come a long way, but there's still room for improvement. In this week's podcast episode, knitter and podcaster Liz Piatt candidly speaks about barriers within the knitting industry and why she started a podcast to educate minorities about unpleasant experiences with local yarn shops.  Dr. Liz Piatt is a Follower of the Way of Jesus and has a doctorate in Sociology. Her podcast, The Black Knitter, is a space where people can learn about the impact of race on the making industry while practicing Beloved Community. Her teacup Yorkie, Neeko, often makes an appearance.  Podcast Link: The Black Knitter - YouTube

Disclaimer: In this episode, I mispronounced a few words and there was a cell phone ring during the recording.  In this episode, Adrienne shares her journey of business, motherhood, crafting, and how she's helping other crafters become organized by creating systems.  About Ms. Singleton: Adrienne is a single mother to one daughter, a full-time corporate employee and a long-time lover of all crafts.  Youneak Designs was birthed after creating handmade bracelets for gifts and over the past 10 years it has evolved into a full-blown jewelry, accessory and stationery business.  Youneak Designs is a business that creates a luxury experience for every customer through quality products combined with custom packaging.  She also founded the School of Rock Paper Scissors where she teaches other women founders how to do different jewelry techniques as well as how to level up their customer experience using custom branded packaging.  Most recently she began educating small craft business owners on Standard Operating Procedures through her Ebook and workshop offerings. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyouneakdesigns/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/youneakdesigns Website:  www.youneakdesigns.com

Bernadette Smith is founder and CEO of Equality Institute and award-winning author of four books. Her fourth book is Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization. Bernadette has presented to enthusiastic audiences of CEOs, associations, entrepreneurs, leadership teams, sales professionals, account executives, marketing executives, human resource managers and more. Her expertise in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has been sought after by the New York Times, Forbes, the Washington Post, and Fast Company, among many others, and she’s appeared on the Today Show, the BBC, National Public Radio, and CNN. Bernadette has been named one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business. In this episode you'll learn: Ways to be inclusive The truth about building an inclusive culture Challenges with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices How to better serve others by asking the right questions Getting others to buy into your DEI vision Connect with Bernadette: http://www.theequalityinstitute.com/ LinkedIn

Are you a new Etsy Seller or thinking about starting a Etsy Shop? In this episode you'll learn: Leverage product photos to attract potential customers Use SEO to receive higher search rankings Build a brand on Etsy and Social Media Recent changes on Etsy platform  BIO: Taylor is a former teacher & co-owner of Studio Sisters, along with her sister Katie, which is a lifestyle brand for creative entrepreneurs that produces vinyl stickers. Her Etsy shop is ranked in the top 0.1% of all Etsy shops globally. Knowing that the business of making and selling handmade can be an incredible challenge, Studio Sisters also teach other small business owners how to get more sales and grow their businesses online, step-by-step, through their podcast and online courses. Website: www.shopstudiosisters.com Instagram: @shopstudiosisters  Podcast: The Studio Sisters Podcast

Judi Townsend, known as the "mannequin queen" is founder and CEO of Mannequin Madness. While seeking a mosaic mannequin for a home garden project, she had no luck. Instead, she discovered a Bay-area business, selling and renting mannequins was going out of business. As a result, she purchased 40 mannequins and started a side gig. Mannequin Madness sell new and used mannequins, dress forms and mannequin parts. Also teach zoom classes for Dress Form Christmas trees. Mannequin Madness is a multi-million dollar brand that's been featured in various publications and on television networks. Website: www.mannequinmadness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MannequinMadness/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannequinmadness/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mannequinmadnes/_shop/ In this interview, Judi spoke about grants for black owned businesses. Please see access to link information below: SF Bay Area Black Owned Businesses - https://sfbayblackbiz.com Grants for Black Owned Businesses - https://sfbayblackbiz.com/grants/

Seattle native, Nkese Lewis has been creative since a child. She made handmade gifts for family and friends. Even though she learned various crafts, she returned to crocheting. She's known for using granny square techniques along with vibrant colors in her crochet designs. Nkese is also a guest blogger, and pattern tester. In today's episode, she provide tips for beginner's to the world of crocheting, business advice, and how she's using social media to spread messages about current social issues. Connect with Nkese on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmic_crochet_creations/ 

As a business owner, you will find yourself faced with opportunities and demands. Sometimes, you will feel obligated to be available to everyone and everything. In today's podcast episode, you will learn why it's better to slow down, be selective, and still have a profitable business. Crafty Hands Club Magazine is an online platform for crafters from all walks of life. We feature stories of lifestyle crafters, crafters who want to turn their hobby into a business, and craft business owners. For more information, please visit www.craftyhandsclub.com 

No matter how many followers on social media or email subscribers you have, if they don't trust you, you aren't going to accomplish your sales goal. Are you more interested in growing your followers/subscribers instead of reaching out to your existing audience? Listen to today's episode, to learn the importance of establishing trust with your audience and ways to start building that trust. Crafty Hands Club help crafters connect with other crafters, make their crafts a lifestyle, and help crafters turn their hobby into a profitable side business, by helping them know and understand business numbers.  Website: www.craftyhandsclub.com Social Media Handles: FB/IG: @craftyhandsclubmag

Sales might be the lifeblood of a business, but it takes work.  You can't force it. You can't half-way go after sales. You have to spend time in knowing your audience, what they need or want, and how your product or service can help them. Crafty Hands Club Magazine help crafters turn their craft hobby into a profitable side business, by helping them know and understand business numbers. For more information about CHC Magazine: www.craftyhandsclub.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @craftyhandsclubmag