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
Episode 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...
Episode 48: Creating Lifelong Customers
March 09, 2017 14:00 - 55 minutes - 102 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with Todd and Anthony of T & A LeatherWorks about how they have created a community of regular customers that have been an integral part of the success of their business. We chat about techniques to connect with your customers and keep them coming back for more whether it's in-person sales or online. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
48: Creating Lifelong Customers
March 09, 2017 14:00 - 55 minutes - 102 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with Todd and Anthony of T & A LeatherWorks about how they have created a community of regular customers that have been an integral part of the success of their business. We chat about techniques to connect with your customers and keep them coming back for more whether it's in-person sales or online. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
47: Diversifying Freelance Income Streams
February 24, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 117 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to artist, designer and Craftcation 2017 presenter Robert Mahar about diversifying your income streams as a freelancer in the DIY world. They discuss Robert’s path to making a living through juggling several different projects, saying yes or no to prospective opportunities, keeping your eyes open to new possibilities, the importance of finding your own way to hustle, and never being bored! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 47: Diversifying Freelance Income Streams
February 24, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 117 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to artist, designer and Craftcation 2017 presenter Robert Mahar about diversifying your income streams as a freelancer in the DIY world. They discuss Robert’s path to making a living through juggling several different projects, saying yes or no to prospective opportunities, keeping your eyes open to new possibilities, the importance of finding your own way to hustle, and never being bored! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
46: Personal Politics and Your Business
February 09, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 130 MBDelilah and Nicole discuss a heated subject: sharing about your personal beliefs and politics in your business. We know this is a sensitive topic for many people. While our goal in this episode is to address balancing your personal beliefs and politics with your business, some political ideas emerged during our unscripted conversation. If you’re feeling emotionally raw or don’t want to potentially hear views that may be different than your own, we urge you to skip this episode. The views sha...
Episode 45: What's the Forecast?
February 09, 2017 14:00 - 43 minutes - 79.6 MBDelilah and Nicole talk about the trends of 2017. They make predictions about what lies ahead in DIY, crafts, lifestyle, design, fashion, business, social media, décor and more! A few surprise guests make appearances with their own predictions too! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 46: Personal Politics and Your Business
February 09, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 130 MBDelilah and Nicole discuss a heated subject: sharing about your personal beliefs and politics in your business. We know this is a sensitive topic for many people. While our goal in this episode is to address balancing your personal beliefs and politics with your business, some political ideas emerged during our unscripted conversation. If you’re feeling emotionally raw or don’t want to potentially hear views that may be different than your own, we urge you to skip this episode. The views sha...
45: What's the Forecast?
January 26, 2017 14:00 - 43 minutes - 79.6 MBDelilah and Nicole talk about the trends of 2017. They make predictions about what lies ahead in DIY, crafts, lifestyle, design, fashion, business, social media, décor and more! A few surprise guests make appearances with their own predictions too! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 44: Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017
January 12, 2017 14:00 - 48 minutes - 112 MBNicole and Delilah are saying goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017. They talk about the notion of being and doing enough, success, gratitude, transitions in their businesses that they went through this year and they share some of the best and worst moments of 2016 submitted by listeners. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
44: Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017
January 12, 2017 14:00 - 48 minutes - 112 MBNicole and Delilah are saying goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017. They talk about the notion of being and doing enough, success, gratitude, transitions in their businesses that they went through this year and they share some of the best and worst moments of 2016 submitted by listeners. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Winter Break 2016
December 15, 2016 14:00 - 1 minute - 4.49 MBDelilah and Nicole send their warmest wishes to you for a lovely and drama free holiday season. Catch up with them and a new batch of episodes on January 7th. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the full archive and blog posts on everything business and creative.
43-1/2: Winter Break 2016
December 15, 2016 14:00 - 1 minute - 4.49 MBDelilah and Nicole send their warmest wishes to you for a lovely and drama free holiday season. Catch up with them and a new batch of episodes on January 7th. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the full archive and blog posts on everything business and creative.
43: Upscaling Your Business Without Compromising Yourself
December 01, 2016 14:00 - 56 minutes - 130 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with the creator of Oodle Ba Doodle pillows and the co-leader of the San Francisco Etsy group, Rebecca Saylor. The ladies discuss how we can grow our businesses without compromising our original mission statement. They chat about growing through people vs. technology, being realistic with growth, and about how overnight success can turn into a nightmare. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 43: Upscaling Your Business Without Compromising Yourself
December 01, 2016 14:00 - 56 minutes - 130 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with the creator of Oodle Ba Doodle pillows and the co-leader of the San Francisco Etsy group, Rebecca Saylor. The ladies discuss how we can grow our businesses without compromising our original mission statement. They chat about growing through people vs. technology, being realistic with growth, and about how overnight success can turn into a nightmare. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
42: Balancing an Entrepreneurial Household
November 17, 2016 14:00 - 53 minutes - 121 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to the owner of Epheriell Designs jewelry and Create & Thrive consulting, Jess Van Den. They discuss navigating the waters of living with someone and being business partners. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes.
Episode 42: Balancing an Entrepreneurial Household
November 17, 2016 14:00 - 53 minutes - 121 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to the owner of Epheriell Designs jewelry and Create & Thrive consulting, Jess Van Den. They discuss navigating the waters of living with someone and being business partners. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
41: Creating a Business with Staying Power
November 03, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 158 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to the insanely successful and charming women behind Bella Lucce Skincare and Lucky Break Consulting, Miss Lela Barker. They discuss ways to set up your business so that it stays for the long haul, how to streamline tasks, and why you shouldn't feel bad about your business mistakes. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes and Lela's special offer to listeners...
Episode 41: Creating a Business with Staying Power
November 03, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 158 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to the insanely successful and charming women behind Bella Lucce Skincare and Lucky Break Consulting, Miss Lela Barker. They discuss ways to set up your business so that it stays for the long haul, how to streamline tasks, and why you shouldn't feel bad about your business mistakes. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes and Lela's special offer to listeners...
40: The Reality of Running a Business
October 20, 2016 13:00 - 56 minutes - 77.4 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Abby Glassenberg of While She Naps and Craft Industry Alliance about the reality of running your own business. Surprise - it's not as easy as opening an Etsy shop. They discuss the rise in creative businesses, the role technology plays, and how to decide if you’re ready to turn your passion into a job. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 40: The Reality of Running a Business
October 20, 2016 13:00 - 56 minutes - 77.4 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Abby Glassenberg of While She Naps and Craft Industry Alliance about the reality of running your own business. Surprise - it's not as easy as opening an Etsy shop. They discuss the rise in creative businesses, the role technology plays, and how to decide if you’re ready to turn your passion into a job. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 39: Burnout and Balance
October 06, 2016 13:00 - 57 minutes - 79.5 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Sharon Fain of Academy of Handmade about burn-out and balancing work life. They discuss how to recognize when you’re burnt out, distinguishing it from regular work stress, taking care of yourself, and why we need to stop glorifying busyness. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
39: Burnout and Balance
October 06, 2016 13:00 - 57 minutes - 79.5 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to Sharon Fain of Academy of Handmade about burn-out and balancing work life. They discuss how to recognize when you’re burnt out, distinguishing it from regular work stress, taking care of yourself, and why we need to stop glorifying busyness. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 38: Comparison and Authenticity Online
September 22, 2016 13:00 - 55 minutes - 76.3 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with Rachel Smith of The Crafted Life about comparison and authenticity online. The ladies share times when they’ve fallen into the comparison game as well as tips for dealing with moments when you’re feeling less-than. They also touch on how much to share about your personal life with your online audience and stay authentic when working with sponsors. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
38: Comparison and Authenticity Online
September 22, 2016 13:00 - 55 minutes - 76.3 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with Rachel Smith of The Crafted Life about comparison and authenticity online. The ladies share times when they’ve fallen into the comparison game as well as tips for dealing with moments when you’re feeling less-than. They also touch on how much to share about your personal life with your online audience and stay authentic when working with sponsors. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
37: The True Cost of Running a Creative Business
September 08, 2016 13:00 - 43 minutes - 80.4 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with Lisa Cherry, the owner of The Makery Craft Co, a studio in Anaheim that offers creative workshops for adult makers. The ladies discuss adjusting your money mindset, the importance of financial goals, starving artist syndrome, diversifying your income, and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes.
Episode 37: The True Cost of Running a Creative Business
September 08, 2016 13:00 - 43 minutes - 80.4 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with Lisa Cherry, the owner of The Makery Craft Co, a studio in Anaheim that offers creative workshops for adult makers. The ladies discuss adjusting your money mindset, the importance of financial goals, starving artist syndrome, diversifying your income, and more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 36: Creating for a Positive Body Image
August 25, 2016 13:00 - 56 minutes - 78.3 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with maker, sewist, creative entrepreneur and Craftcation presenter Sonya Phillip about crafting a wardrobe that fits your style and body. We discuss how Sonya created an ‘accidental business,' breaking the rules of sewing and fashion, and learning to love your body as it is right now. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
36: Creating for a Positive Body Image
August 25, 2016 13:00 - 56 minutes - 78.3 MBDelilah and Nicole talk with maker, sewist, creative entrepreneur and Craftcation presenter Sonya Phillip about crafting a wardrobe that fits your style and body. We discuss how Sonya created an “accidental business,”breaking the rules of sewing and fashion, and learning to love your body as it is right now. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes.
35: Letting Go of Perfection
August 11, 2016 13:00 - 55 minutes - 76.1 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to writer, editor, maker and speaker Kim Werker. They discuss the culture of perfection online and in the artistic process. Kim explains how her book, Mighty Ugly, helps people let go of that unnecessary need to be perfect. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 35: Letting Go of Perfection
August 11, 2016 13:00 - 55 minutes - 76.1 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to writer, editor, maker and speaker Kim Werker. They discuss the culture of perfection online and in the artistic process. Kim explains how her book, Mighty Ugly, helps people let go of that unnecessary need to be perfect. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Summer Intermission
July 29, 2016 05:30 - 1 minute - 2.33 MBA quick update for our podcast listeners. The Dear Handmade Life podcast will return after a summer intermission on August 11th. We cannot wait to connect with you again. Cheers!
34-1/2: Summer Intermission
July 29, 2016 05:30 - 1 minute - 2.33 MBA quick update for our podcast listeners. The Dear Handmade Life podcast will return after a summer intermission on August 11th. We cannot wait to connect with you again. Cheers!
Episode 34: Awesome Visual Design
June 16, 2016 13:00 - 49 minutes - 68.3 MBWe've all heard it, and it's still true: how you display your products is just as important as the products themselves. On this episode of DHL, Delilah and Nicole talk to Jessica Pohl, an expert visual merchandiser and owner of Crochet Magic. They ladies discuss Jessica's journey from being a high-fashion merchandiser to hitting rock bottom and rising again with her own business, all with the help of what she learned in retail. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
34: Awesome Visual Design
June 16, 2016 13:00 - 49 minutes - 68.3 MBWe've all heard it, and it's still true: how you display your products is just as important as the products themselves. On this episode of DHL, Delilah and Nicole talk to Jessica Pohl, an expert visual merchandiser and owner of Crochet Magic. They ladies discuss Jessica's journey from being a high-fashion merchandiser to hitting rock bottom and rising again with her own business, all with the help of what she learned in retail. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
33: Legal Basics for Creatives
June 02, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 91.4 MBDealing with legal jargon and product laws is one of our least favorites parts of owning a creative business. Unfortunately, operating in the dark and without knowledge of these laws can come back to bite you - and hard! Delilah and Nicole talk to lawyer and artist consultant Kiffanie Stahle about trademarks, copyright, and how personal ethics fit into both. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 33: Legal Basics for Creatives
June 02, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 91.4 MBDealing with legal jargon and product laws is one of our least favorites parts of owning a creative business. Unfortunately, operating in the dark and without knowledge of these laws can come back to bite you - and hard! Delilah and Nicole talk to lawyer and artist consultant Kiffanie Stahle about trademarks, copyright, and how personal ethics fit into both. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 32: Marketing to the Next Generation
May 19, 2016 13:00 - 43 minutes - 59.5 MBLike it or not, a new generation of creators and consumers are entering the marketplace. This week, Delilah and Nicole talk to local university Publications Manager and Events Coordinator for student media, Natasha Monnereau and freelance Graphic Designer & Marketing Manager, Nancy Herrera, about how to market your products to this next generation. It turns out these young things are not just on their phones all the time. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
32: Marketing to the Next Generation
May 19, 2016 13:00 - 43 minutes - 59.5 MBLike it or not, a new generation of creators and consumers are entering the marketplace. This week, Delilah and Nicole talk to local university Publications Manager and Events Coordinator for student media, Natasha Monnereau and freelance Graphic Designer & Marketing Manager, Nancy Herrera, about how to market your products to this next generation. It turns out these young things are not just on their phones all the time. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 31: Craftcation 2016
May 05, 2016 13:00 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBDelilah and Nicole return to the podcast after a long break. The ladies talk about how this year's Craftcation Conference went, what they've been doing to decompress, and begin planning for next year already! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
31: Craftcation 2016
May 05, 2016 13:00 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBDelilah and Nicole return to the podcast after a long break. The ladies talk about how this year's Craftcation Conference went, what they've been doing to decompress, and begin planning for next year already! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
30-1/2: Spring Intermission
March 10, 2016 14:00 - 19 minutes - 27 MBThings are gettin' crazy over here at Dear Handmade Life - we're preparing for Craftcation, Spring Patchwork Shows and Delilah is opening her new store! We're so excited to share these experiences with you, but we have to take a quick break beforehand. We'll be back on April 21st and this Intermission Show will give you some rich content to check out in the meantime. Happy Spring!
Spring Intermission
March 10, 2016 14:00 - 19 minutes - 27 MBThings are gettin' crazy over here at Dear Handmade Life - we're preparing for Craftcation, Spring Patchwork Shows and Delilah is opening her new store! We're so excited to share these experiences with you, but we have to take a quick break beforehand. We'll be back on April 21st and this Intermission Show will give you some rich content to check out in the meantime. Happy Spring!
Episode 30: Destinations for Creatives
February 25, 2016 14:00 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MBThis week, Delilah and Nicole talk to chef, television personality and food writer Aida Mollenkamp. Aida’s resume includes being the Food Editor at CHOW magazine, hosting the Food Network’s Ask Aida and the Cooking Channel’s foodCrafters and writing the cookbook Keys To The Kitchen. The ladies discuss the importance of support from your creative community, how life is better when you talk to a new person everyday, and tips and destinations for travelers on a budget. Visit www.dearhandmadeli...
30: Destinations for Creatives
February 25, 2016 14:00 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MBThis week, Delilah and Nicole talk to chef, television personality and food writer Aida Mollenkamp. Aida’s resume includes being the Food Editor at CHOW magazine, hosting the Food Network’s Ask Aida and the Cooking Channel’s foodCrafters and writing the cookbook Keys To The Kitchen. The ladies discuss the importance of support from your creative community, how life is better when you talk to a new person everyday, and tips and destinations for travelers on a budget. Visit www.dearhandmadel...
Episode 29: Social Media 2016
February 11, 2016 14:00 - 56 minutes - 76.9 MBDelilah and Nicole get deep with Meighan O'Toole on all things social media in 2016. Meighan is a seasoned independent business owner who has over a decade of experience working for heavy hitters like Yahoo, Wikia (Wikipedia’s sister community website) and Silicon Valley’s Wired Magazine - that's just to name a few! The ladies discuss why your social media numbers are less important than your engagement, trends, Periscope tips, the culture of perfection, and much more! Visit www.dearhandma...
29: Social Media 2016
February 11, 2016 14:00 - 56 minutes - 76.9 MBDelilah and Nicole get deep with Meighan O'Toole on all things social media in 2016. Meighan is a seasoned independent business owner who has over a decade of experience working for heavy hitters like Yahoo, Wikia (Wikipedia’s sister community website) and Silicon Valley’s Wired Magazine - that's just to name a few! The ladies discuss why your social media numbers are less important than your engagement, trends, Periscope tips, the culture of perfection, and much more! Visit www.dearhandma...
Episode 28: Motivation, Management, and the Creative Process
January 28, 2016 14:00 - 47 minutes - 65.4 MBIn the first episode of 2016 Delilah + Nicole talk to Mark Hentemann, an illustrator, Family Guy writer, and creator of Bordertown, a new animated series on FOX. Mark shares his tips for managing a team of creatives and how he keeps them, and himself, motivated to work those long hours in show business.
28: Motivation, Management, and the Creative Process
January 28, 2016 14:00 - 47 minutes - 65.4 MBIn the first episode of 2016 Delilah + Nicole talk to Mark Hentemann, an illustrator, Family Guy writer, and creator of Bordertown, a new animated series on FOX. Mark shares his tips for managing a team of creatives and how he keeps them, and himself, motivated to work those long hours in show business.
27: End of the Year Round-Up
December 18, 2015 00:34 - 1 hour - 93.5 MB2015 is coming to a close so Delilah + Nicole remember all of their favorites things from the year. Whether it's technology, books, movies, or business, this episode will give you some great things to check out while you're writing those New Years resolutions. Plus, Delilah and Nicole bring on some friends to give their trend forecasts for 2016. We'll see you next year! Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...