Dear Handmade Life
253 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 174 ratingsWith over 20 years of experience running creative businesses, your host, Nicole Stevenson knows the joy and the struggles of being your own boss. Join her and her guests for business insights, life lessons and the stories behind their successes and lessons of their missteps so you can work smart, get creative inspiration, live joyfully and feel connected.
Nicole is the CEO and Creative Director of Dear Handmade Life which produces Patchwork Show: Makers Festival and Craftcation Conference as well as a blog, online learning and this podcast.
If you’re a creative misfit or a passionate small business owner, grab a drink and take a seat because you’re exactly where you need to be!
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Episodes
73: Your Body and Your Business
August 16, 2018 13:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBNicole talks to beauty and wellness expert and owner of natural skincare line Dame Body Butters and Scrubs, Sannae Hopson. They discuss why we should aim to build work-life harmony (not balance), how to discover and stick to your own personalized wellness routine, why you shouldn’t aim for perfect, and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
72: Gaining Brand Clarity
August 02, 2018 13:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBOn this episode of the Dear Handmade Life podcast Nicole talks to business coach, author and founder of the digital media company, Living Over Existing, Alisha Robertson. The women discuss keeping your brand fresh, finding your niche, pushing past fear and anxiety, discovering your values and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 72: Gaining Brand Clarity
August 02, 2018 13:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBOn this episode of the Dear Handmade Life podcast Nicole talks to business coach, author and founder of the digital media company, Living Over Existing, Alisha Robertson. The women discuss keeping your brand fresh, finding your niche, pushing past fear and anxiety, discovering your values and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
71-1/2: Summer Break
May 10, 2018 13:00 - 2 minutes - 5.27 MBDear Handmade Life Podcast will be on a hiatus until mid-summer after Patchwork Shows are wrapped up. Until then, visit dearhandmadelife.com for more episodes.
Summer Break
May 10, 2018 13:00 - 2 minutes - 5.27 MBDear Handmade Life Podcast will be on a hiatus until mid-summer after Patchwork Shows are wrapped up. Until then, visit dearhandmadelife.com for more episodes.
Episode 71: Prioritizing Yourself and Your Business
March 22, 2018 13:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to fine artist, illustrator and author Lisa Congdon about prioritizing yourself in your business. They chat about busyness, being a workaholic, the process of relearning how to relax, why downtime is key for creativity and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
71: Prioritizing Yourself and Your Business
March 22, 2018 13:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to fine artist, illustrator and author Lisa Congdon about prioritizing yourself in your business. They chat about busyness, being a workaholic, the process of relearning how to relax, why downtime is key for creativity and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes.
70: Discover Your Dream Business
March 08, 2018 14:00 - 53 minutes - 98.2 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Michelle Ward, the When I Grow Up Coach. They discuss how to recognize the signs that you’re not in your ideal job or business, how to figure out if your standards aren’t high enough, the extreme importance of authenticity, zeroing in on your niche, and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 70: Discover Your Dream Business
March 08, 2018 14:00 - 53 minutes - 98.2 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Michelle Ward, the When I Grow Up Coach. They discuss how to recognize the signs that you’re not in your ideal job or business, how to figure out if your standards aren’t high enough, the extreme importance of authenticity, zeroing in on your niche, and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 69: Getting Honest About Yourself and Your Business
February 22, 2018 14:00 - 57 minutes - 105 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to experienced marketing strategist and business coach Linsi Brownson of Spark Collaborative. They discuss Linsi's belief that everyone is born creative, how to tap into that natural creativity if you’ve lost your connection to it, what areas of your business and life you need to evaluate, the importance of starting small, and more! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes. If you'd like to enter to win one of Linsi's five free coaching sessions just leave ...
69: Getting Honest About Yourself and Your Business
February 22, 2018 14:00 - 57 minutes - 105 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to experienced marketing strategist and business coach Linsi Brownson of Spark Collaborative. They discuss Linsi's belief that everyone is born creative, how to tap into that natural creativity if you’ve lost your connection to it, what areas of your business and life you need to evaluate, the importance of starting small, and more! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes. If you'd like to enter to win one of Linsi's five free coaching sessions just leave ...
68: The Elusive Glamour of Quitting Your Day Job
February 08, 2018 08:43 - 50 minutes - 93.4 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Mallory Whitfield of Badass Creatives. They discuss how to combine a 9-5 type job with your passion, negotiating the hours your want, balancing a full or part time job with a creative business, the ever-evolving definition of success, and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 68: The Elusive Glamour of Quitting Your Day Job
February 08, 2018 08:43 - 50 minutes - 93.4 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Mallory Whitfield of Badass Creatives. They discuss how to combine a 9-5 type job with your passion, negotiating the hours your want, balancing a full or part time job with a creative business, the ever-evolving definition of success, and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 67: Making Etsy Work for You in 2018
January 25, 2018 14:00 - 55 minutes - 101 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Danielle Spurge of The Merriweather Council about how to make Etsy work for your business. They discuss the relevance of Etsy in 2018, the role of trends on the platform, tips for standing out in a sea of competition and more! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
67: Making Etsy Work for You in 2018
January 25, 2018 14:00 - 55 minutes - 101 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Danielle Spurge of The Merriweather Council about how to make Etsy work for your business. They discuss the relevance of Etsy in 2018, the role of trends on the platform, tips for standing out in a sea of competition and more! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
66: The Evolution of the Handmade Movement
January 11, 2018 14:00 - 1 hour - 121 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to fine artist and embroidery designer Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching about the evolution of the handmade movement. The ladies discuss what the DIY movement looked like two decades ago, how it has changed, and what is easier and harder about being a maker today. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 66: The Evolution of the Handmade Movement
January 11, 2018 14:00 - 1 hour - 121 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to fine artist and embroidery designer Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching about the evolution of the handmade movement. The ladies discuss what the DIY movement looked like two decades ago, how it has changed, and what is easier and harder about being a maker today. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
65: Honoring the Environment with Your Business
December 07, 2017 14:00 - 48 minutes - 89.2 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Shae Whitney of DRAM Apothecary about how she she built her business to be environmentally conscious from the very beginning. They discuss how sustainability can be chosen at every level from sourcing to packaging, the importance of knowing yourself before knowing your brand, how raising your prices for the right reason can create more business, and why our demand for convenience gives us inferior products. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 65: Honoring the Environment with Your Business
December 07, 2017 14:00 - 48 minutes - 89.2 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Shae Whitney of DRAM Apothecary about how she she built her business to be environmentally conscious from the very beginning. They discuss how sustainability can be chosen at every level from sourcing to packaging, the importance of knowing yourself before knowing your brand, how raising your prices for the right reason can create more business, and why our demand for convenience gives us inferior products. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 64: Collaboration Above Competition
November 23, 2017 14:00 - 56 minutes - 103 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Megan Green of Craftin' Outlaws, Midwest Craft Con and Stinky Bomb Soap. They discuss positive and negative experiences while reaching out to competitors to collaborate, getting through the fear of pitching, dealing with copycats, and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
64: Collaboration Above Competition
November 23, 2017 14:00 - 56 minutes - 103 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Megan Green of Craftin' Outlaws, Midwest Craft Con and Stinky Bomb Soap. They discuss positive and negative experiences while reaching out to competitors to collaborate, getting through the fear of pitching, dealing with copycats, and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 63: Marketing Your Business Through Storytelling
November 09, 2017 14:00 - 52 minutes - 95.6 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to storyteller and coach Michelle Khouri about how successful marketing weaves a story into branding. The ladies chat about brand narrative, implementing it into a marketing strategy, metrics, the trend of imperfection on social media, authenticity and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
63: Marketing Your Business Through Storytelling
November 09, 2017 14:00 - 52 minutes - 95.6 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to storyteller and coach Michelle Khouri about how successful marketing weaves a story into branding. The ladies chat about brand narrative, implementing it into a marketing strategy, metrics, the trend of imperfection on social media, authenticity and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
62: Wholesale Tips for Makers
October 26, 2017 13:00 - 54 minutes - 100 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Craftcation Conference presenter Adrienne Wiley of Frolick Jewelry and brick-and-mortar shop, Covet, in San Francisco. The ladies share tips for makers to start wholesaling their products, the importance of diversifying income streams, the evolution of tradeshows, what retailers are looking for and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 62: Wholesale Tips for Makers
October 26, 2017 13:00 - 54 minutes - 100 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Craftcation Conference presenter Adrienne Wiley of Frolick Jewelry and brick-and-mortar shop, Covet, in San Francisco. The ladies share tips for makers to start wholesaling their products, the importance of diversifying income streams, the evolution of tradeshows, what retailers are looking for and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
61: Work-Life Balance and A Craftsman's Legacy
October 13, 2017 03:09 - 59 minutes - 110 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Eric Gorges, host of the Create channel's 'A Craftsman's Legacy' and owner of motorcycle shop, Voodoo Choppers. They discuss work-life balance, learning how to say no, apprenticeships, the importance of traditional craftsmanship, transitions and much more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes and check out 'A Craftsman's Legacy' on the Create channel in early 2018...
Episode 61: Work-Life Balance and A Craftsman's Legacy
October 13, 2017 03:09 - 59 minutes - 110 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Eric Gorges, host of the Create channel's 'A Craftsman's Legacy' and owner of motorcycle shop, Voodoo Choppers. They discuss work-life balance, learning how to say no, apprenticeships, the importance of traditional craftsmanship, transitions and much more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes and check out 'A Craftsman's Legacy' on the Create channel in early 2018...
60: Rebranding Your Business
September 28, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 115 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Arianne Foulks of branding and design company, Aeolidia. They discuss how to know when it’s time to rebrand, creating long-lasting branding, the importance of good design, why packaging is important and more! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 60: Rebranding Your Business
September 28, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 115 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Arianne Foulks of branding and design company, Aeolidia. They discuss how to know when it’s time to rebrand, creating long-lasting branding, the importance of good design, why packaging is important and more! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 59: Finding Your Ideal Customer
September 14, 2017 13:00 - 54 minutes - 99.2 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with brand strategist Olivia Omega about the value of analytics and going with your gut, demographics vs. psychographics, researching ideal customers, and being authentic in your marketing message. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
59: Finding Your Ideal Customer
September 14, 2017 13:00 - 54 minutes - 99.2 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with brand strategist Olivia Omega about the value of analytics and going with your gut, demographics vs. psychographics, researching ideal customers, and being authentic in your marketing message. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
58: The Realities of Passive Income
August 31, 2017 13:00 - 49 minutes - 90.2 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with Megan Eckman of Studio MME about how she created some passive income streams which have not only brought in money, but also helped her grow her brand and business. They discuss that sometimes, from marketing, to bookkeeping to creating the original products, passive income can feel like anything but passive. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 58: The Realities of Passive Income
August 31, 2017 13:00 - 49 minutes - 90.2 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with Megan Eckman of Studio MME about how she created some passive income streams which have not only brought in money, but also helped her grow her brand and business. They discuss that sometimes, from marketing, to bookkeeping to creating the original products, passive income can feel like anything but passive. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
57: When Business is Slow
August 17, 2017 13:00 - 41 minutes - 76.4 MBDelilah and Nicole talk just the two of them about how to utilize your time when business is slow. They discuss getting your finances in order, planning, goal setting, building community, self-care and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 57: When Business is Slow
August 17, 2017 13:00 - 41 minutes - 76.4 MBDelilah and Nicole talk just the two of them about how to utilize your time when business is slow. They discuss getting your finances in order, planning, goal setting, building community, self-care and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
56: PR, Pitching, and Getting Publicity
August 03, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Mei Pak of Tiny Hands Jewelry and Creative Hive Co. about how to pitch, preparing your business before you pitch, the do's and dont's of pitching, following up, combating the fear of rejection and more! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 56: PR, Pitching, and Getting Publicity
August 03, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Mei Pak of Tiny Hands Jewelry and Creative Hive Co. about how to pitch, preparing your business before you pitch, the do's and dont's of pitching, following up, combating the fear of rejection and more! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 55: Standing Out in a Crowded Industry
July 20, 2017 13:00 - 56 minutes - 103 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with professional portrait photographer Sarah Deragon of Portraits to the People about standing out in a crowded industry. They discuss Sarah's journey to being a full-time creative entrepreneur, how she booked a years worth of clients from one press mention, the importance of designing your business with your client in mind, passion projects, staying current and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
55: Standing Out in a Crowded Industry
July 20, 2017 13:00 - 56 minutes - 103 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with professional portrait photographer Sarah Deragon of Portraits to the People about standing out in a crowded industry. They discuss Sarah's journey to being a full-time creative entrepreneur, how she booked a years worth of clients from one press mention, the importance of designing your business with your client in mind, passion projects, staying current and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
54: Going Against the Grain
July 06, 2017 13:00 - 55 minutes - 101 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Robin Christenson, co-owner of the Blinking Owl Distillery. They discuss how she and her husband started the first craft distillery in Orange County, how she translated her skills from running a successful medical business, the process of getting investors, and what it means to create a business - not a job. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 54: Going Against the Grain
July 06, 2017 13:00 - 55 minutes - 101 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Robin Christenson, co-owner of the Blinking Owl Distillery. They discuss how she and her husband started the first craft distillery in Orange County, how she translated her skills from running a successful medical business, the process of getting investors, and what it means to create a business - not a job. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 53: Ten Things We've Learned About Running a Business
June 22, 2017 13:00 - 59 minutes - 110 MBDelilah and Nicole have 25 years of experience running businesses between the two of them. And there’s so much they wish they knew at the beginning. The ladies share their top ten lessons they've learned while running all sorts of businesses. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes....
53: Ten Things We've Learned About Running a Business
June 22, 2017 13:00 - 59 minutes - 110 MBDelilah and Nicole have 25 years of experience running businesses between the two of them. And there’s so much they wish they knew at the beginning. The ladies share their top ten lessons they've learned while running all sorts of businesses. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes....
52: The Freelance Life
June 08, 2017 13:00 - 48 minutes - 89.7 MBDelilah and Nicole chat with photographer, videographer, and their podcast producer, LP Hastings, about the freelance life. They discuss having a safety net, how to know what to charge for your services and products, determining your ideal work schedule, productivity tips, how to find the right clients, the myth of instant social media fame and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 52: The Freelance Life
June 08, 2017 13:00 - 48 minutes - 89.7 MBDelilah and Nicole chat with photographer, videographer, and their podcast producer, LP Hastings, about the freelance life. They discuss having a safety net, how to know what to charge for your services and products, determining your ideal work schedule, productivity tips, how to find the right clients, the myth of instant social media fame and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 51: Craftcation 2017 Recap + Event Planning Tips
May 25, 2017 13:00 - 47 minutes - 87.3 MBDelilah and Nicole discuss a few of their favorite moments from Craftcation Business + Makers Conference 2017 and share what they've learned during 10+ years of event production. Topics include building a solid team, scheduling downtime, putting your customer's happiness ahead of your own and more. To view photos, read our Craftcation recap, or for the show notes visit www.dearhandmadelife.com
51: Craftcation 2017 Recap + Event Planning Tips
May 25, 2017 13:00 - 47 minutes - 87.3 MBDelilah and Nicole discuss a few of their favorite moments from Craftcation Business + Makers Conference 2017 and share what they've learned during 10+ years of event production. Topics include building a solid team, scheduling downtime, putting your customer's happiness ahead of your own and more. To view photos, read our Craftcation recap, or for the show notes visit www.dearhandmadelife.com
50: The Importance of In-Person Connections in an Online World
April 06, 2017 13:00 - 57 minutes - 106 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Portland-based community organizer and event planner Isaac Watson of the Academy of Handmade about the importance of in-person connections in an online world. They offer advice to help introverts make connections, share how they maintain those relationships, chat about places to meet fellow creatives, and more. PLUS - In celebration of their 50th episode they're giving away access to ALL FOUR of their online workshops to a couple lucky winners. If you love the po...
Episode 50: The Importance of In-Person Connections in an Online World
April 06, 2017 13:00 - 57 minutes - 106 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Portland-based community organizer and event planner Isaac Watson of the Academy of Handmade about the importance of in-person connections in an online world. They offer advice to help introverts make connections, share how they maintain those relationships, chat about places to meet fellow creatives, and more. PLUS - In celebration of their 50th episode they're giving away access to ALL FOUR of their online workshops to a couple lucky winners. If you love the po...
49: How to Hire Help for Your Creative Business
March 23, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 138 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with Katie Hunt of Tradeshow Bootcamp about hiring help for your creative business. They discuss how to determine when you need to hire help, how to find help, how to train employees, and share some positive and negative experiences on finding and maintaining help. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...