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If you're a craftsperson or maker and looking to sell your craft then this is for you! This podcast will help guide you to creating a joyful and thriving business for your craft.
The Thriving Maker podcast is hosted by me, Sarah Kavanagh, with over 15 years experience as a fine jewellery maker and designer, entrepreneur and educator.
Tune in to each weekly episode to get business tips and strategies for handmade businesses along with insights and inspirations for growing a joyful and thriving business and a life you love.
23 Episodes
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Worried your creations are getting lost in the noise of social media and marketplaces? There's a better way to showcase your talent… In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on why having your own digital home (i.e. your own website) is crucial for your handmade business – even if you're just starting out. We'll explore why relying solely on social media or marketplaces might be holding you back, and how a simple website can become your most powerful tool for showcasing your work, connec...
Want to turn your creative passion into profit? Discover how mixing income sources can fund your craft business journey - starting with just a few hours a week! If you're a creative soul juggling your passion with life's responsibilities this episode is for you. Discover how to build multiple income streams without sacrificing stability or rushing your creative journey. Learn practical strategies to grow your handmade business at your own pace, including how to maximise just 2-4 hours a...
This episode focuses on where and how you as a maker and crafter can find the perfect place to sell your work by aligning your selling approaches with your personality and strengths. I share the story of my own journey of selling and how this has evolved. I share practical insights into various selling options, recognising the importance of authenticity in sales, and listening to your own wisdom and inner personality when it comes to choosing where to sell. We'll uncover strategies to a...
This episode centres around the art and importance of goal setting for your creative business, emphasising reflection on past achievements and understanding your future aspirations. Setting goals isn’t just for the start of the year. It's a flexible process that evolves with life's shifts and turns. Whether you’re planning for the coming year or the coming weeks, this episode offers a treasure trove of strategies and encouragement to transform your creative passion into a thriving busin...
The holiday season can sometimes feel like a whirlwind for makers and small business owners. In this essential episode of the Thriving Maker podcast, I share my expert strategies for managing time, balancing business and personal commitments, and avoiding burnout during the festive period. Learn how to strategically plan your schedule, use time-blocking techniques, set non-negotiable priorities, and most importantly—master the art of saying "no" to preserve your energy and joy.&nb...
As a small creative business the holiday season can be the time you make most of your sales - but how do you compete with large retailers offering all sorts of Black Friday discounts. Instead celebrate your creativity, unique designs, your skills and personal touch and look for alternative Christmas shopping events such as Colour Friday the campaign run by Holly Tucker MBE of Holly & Co to celebrate brilliant small businesses and bring joy to meaningful gift giving and uplift the t...
If you're ready to take your handmade business online with it's own website then there's some key decisions you need to make. Don't let not knowing where to start hold you back. This episode of The Thriving Maker podcast will help you make those key decisions such as: What do you actually want your website to do? What platform is best for your business? What do you need to include and where do you even start? Join me as I share insights on nailing down the essent...
What if every element of your handmade business, from customer communication to the unboxing experience, could set you apart from others? That's what exceptional customer service does! Join me as I guide you through practical strategies designed to elevate your customer service especially during peak selling seasons like Christmas and the holiday season. From using personal touches to crafting a memorable unpacking moment, every detail matters to create joy and satisfaction every ...
If you've ever struggled with decision paralysis in your creative business, you're not alone. In this episode of The Thriving Maker I talk all about the power of being able to make decisions and I promise you’ll gain practical strategies to sharpen your decision-making skills. How being able to make confident decisions and embracing imperfection can liberate your creative potential, drive your business forward, and bring a sense of calm. This episode sheds light on the art of embracing...
Your mindset plays a huge part in the growth and success of your business. Knowing and recognising your version of success and planning how you're going to get there. In this episode of The Thriving Maker I unpack what having a success mindset means, from defining your personal benchmarks of achievement to embracing feedback and continuous improvement. You'll understand how resilience, growth, and continuous learning are vital to building a thriving and profitable craft business. I sha...
Focusing on just one task at a time can really transform your craft business. In this episode of The Thriving Maker podcast, I share how the power of sustained focus can dramatically elevate your productivity and creative output. I know because I've been susceptible to chasing all the shiny new and exciting things in the past and fallen into the trap of multitasking. I'll debunk the multitasking myth and introduce the concept of deep work, which can be a game changer for achieving your ...
Ever wondered where you stand on your craft business journey and how to take it to the next level? This episode of the Thriving Maker podcast is a little more interactive as we explore the exciting transition from having a craft hobby to becoming full-time maker. Through a fun and insightful quiz, I'll help you pinpoint your current stage, whether you're enjoying crafting as a pastime, testing the waters with a side hustle, or running a full-time business. Get ready to discover actionable nex...
Can top-notch product photos really transform your handmade business? Join me on The Thriving Maker podcast to uncover the secrets of product photography that can elevate your work and your brand. Learn to craft images that not only showcase the quality and personality of your products but also tell your unique story. This episode is packed with practical tips for capturing your designs and craft pieces and the essential product and brand images you need to effectively market your work. ...
How do you know when your creative piece is truly complete? In this episode of The Thriving Maker I discuss my insights and experiences behind the finishing stages of the production process. How as a maker you need to instinctively assess your designs and ensure they embody the story you first envisioned. I discuss the importance of listening to your intuition and heart, reflecting back on your original inspiration, and making sure that every detail aligns with your creative visio...
Ever find yourself stuck staring at your materials, unsure of how to bring your design to life? In this episode of The Thriving Maker podcast, I share my tried-and-true strategies to help you transform your designs into tangible pieces. From planning your production steps to overcoming the dreaded procrastination, and recording your process for the future. This episode arms you with some practical techniques and tips, that I use and swear by, to streamline your design production workflo...
It's here! We're kicking off the first week of the August Design Challenge with a week of inspiration and nailing down your design. Step out of your usual workspace and get inspired? In this episode of the Thriving Maker podcast, hosted by me, Sarah Kavanagh, we kick off the August Design Challenge with a deep dive into finding creative sparks and crafting unique pieces of work. Capture those fleeting moments of inspiration by keeping a journal handy to sketch and jot down ideas without...
Getting ready for summer and getting your business ready for the holidays so you can take time out and still have your business moving forward so you don't come back working harder than ever! In this episode of the Thriving Maker podcast, we talk through essential strategies to manage work amidst the chaos of summer vacations. I'll share practical tips for meticulous planning and preparation that ensure productivity even with a packed schedule. From setting clear boundaries between work and h...
Could you and should you transform your craft hobby into a thriving business? This episode of The Thriving Maker podcast promises to provide you with the insights needed to make this crucial decision. I'll break down the allure and practicalities of monetising your passion, from setting achievable goals to developing essential business skills. Whether you're a craft enthusiast or already running a side hustle, you'll find actionable advice on aligning your business direction with your persona...
Stepping outside your comfort zone isn't just a cliché; it's also a journey of growth that can spark your creativity and grow your skills. In this episode of the Thriving Maker podcast, I share my stories of taking bold steps and how these experiences have profoundly boosted my confidence and craft. Discover the tangible benefits of exploring new design techniques and business practices, and learn the invaluable lesson that discomfort is often a precursor to growth. In the latter part of the...
In this episode I share actionable strategies to make your handmade business more sustainable and profitable. From recycling materials to repurposing packaging, we'll explore practical methods to reduce your environmental footprint. Find out more about the importance of knowing your supply chain and make choices that not only benefit the planet but also attract a loyal customer base. You'll walk away with insights on how adopting these sustainable practices can lead to increased profitability...
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