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 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...
Episode 26: Teaching Your Craft
December 03, 2015 14:00 - 55 minutes - 76.2 MBMore and more makers are beginning to look at diversifying their income streams and teaching their craft is one of those ways. BUT… Just because you can make something doesn’t mean you can teach someone else to make something. In this episode Delilah and Nicole talk to Lisa Solomon, an amazing Craftcation presenter, who is also a veteran teacher, artist and entrepreneur. They discuss what makes a good teacher and will help you determine if teaching is the right path for your business.
26: Teaching Your Craft
December 03, 2015 14:00 - 55 minutes - 76.2 MBMore and more makers are beginning to look at diversifying their income streams and teaching their craft is one of those ways. BUT… Just because you can make something doesn’t mean you can teach someone else to make something. In this episode Delilah and Nicole talk to Lisa Solomon, an amazing Craftcation presenter, who is also a veteran teacher, artist and entrepreneur. They discuss what makes a good teacher and will help you determine if teaching is the right path for your business.
25: The Value of Humor
November 19, 2015 14:00 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MBThis week Delilah and Nicole talk to Rosalie Gale, the inventor of Shower Art, about the value of humor in business and creativity. Rosalie shares her experience in stand up comedy, explains how humor can help anxiety, and why it's key in realizing when to move on from a project. Find the show notes at www.dearhandmadelife.com...
Episode 25: The Value of Humor
November 19, 2015 14:00 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MBThis week Delilah and Nicole talk to Rosalie Gale, the inventor of Shower Art, about the value of humor in business and creativity. Rosalie shares her experience in stand up comedy, explains how humor can help anxiety, and why it's key in realizing when to move on from a project. Find the show notes at www.dearhandmadelife.com...
24: Second Chances
November 05, 2015 14:00 - 46 minutes - 63.6 MBHave you ever done something and wished you could start over and do it a different way? It's possible but difficult, especially in business. Delilah and Nicole talk with Sé Reed, a regular Craftcation Conference presenter, business advisor and web designer about disbanding your business and starting again.
Episode 24: Second Chances
November 05, 2015 14:00 - 46 minutes - 63.6 MBHave you ever done something and wished you could start over and do it a different way? It's possible but difficult, especially in business. Delilah and Nicole talk with Sé Reed, a regular Craftcation Conference presenter, business advisor and web designer about disbanding your business and starting again.
23: The Art of Negotiation
October 22, 2015 13:00 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MBNegotiation seems like it ought to be reserved for corporate chats and board meetings, but just beccause you work with your hands doesn't mean there's no deal making. It's a skill we need in everyday life, but especially in business. In this episode, Delilah and Nicole talk to attorney Ayshea Mahapatra on the difficult to cultivate art form. See www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 23: The Art of Negotiation
October 22, 2015 13:00 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MBNegotiation seems like it ought to be reserved for corporate chats and board meetings, but just beccause you work with your hands doesn't mean there's no deal making. It's a skill we need in everyday life, but especially in business. In this episode, Delilah and Nicole talk to attorney Ayshea Mahapatra on the difficult to cultivate art form. See www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 22: Lessons from the Produce Aisle
October 08, 2015 13:00 - 54 minutes - 74.3 MBThis week Delilah and Nicole talk to Alfonso Cano, the produce director of Southern California-based Northgate Gonzalez Markets. It turns out we can learn a lot from the produce industry. The three discuss dream jobs, staying humble, working smarter not harder, consistent branding, pricing, and so much more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
22: Lessons from the Produce Aisle
October 08, 2015 13:00 - 54 minutes - 74.3 MBThis week Delilah and Nicole talk to Alfonso Cano, the produce director of Southern California-based Northgate Gonzalez Markets. It turns out we can learn a lot from the produce industry. The three discuss dream jobs, staying humble, working smarter not harder, consistent branding, pricing, and so much more. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes.
21: The Writing Life
September 24, 2015 13:00 - 52 minutes - 72.3 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to writer, journalist, and debut novelist of The Things We Tell Ourselves, Victoria Namkung. They explore the process of writing a novel and how it can take what feels like a lifetime to be prepared for. Even though Victoria is a working writer, the inspiration and challenges of a novel were completely different.
Episode 21: The Writing Life
September 24, 2015 13:00 - 52 minutes - 72.3 MBDelilah and Nicole talk to writer, journalist, and debut novelist of The Things We Tell Ourselves, Victoria Namkung. They explore the process of writing a novel and how it can take what feels like a lifetime to be prepared for. Even though Victoria is a working writer, the inspiration and challenges of a novel were completely different.
Episode 20: When Sh#t Hits the Fan
September 10, 2015 13:00 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBLife always throws us curve balls, and when you have a business things can go from 0-100 on the stress scale in seconds. How do you get through those tough times without losing it? In this episode, Delilah and Nicole talk to Erin Whitcomb of Front Porch Pops about the times when sh#t hit the fan for their businesses, and how they plan to prevent it from happening again.
20: When Sh#t Hits the Fan
September 10, 2015 13:00 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBLife always throws us curve balls, and when you have a business things can go from 0-100 on the stress scale in seconds. How do you get through those tough times without losing it? In this episode, Delilah and Nicole talk to Erin Whitcomb of Front Porch Pops about the times when sh#t hit the fan for their businesses, and how they plan to prevent it from happening again.
19: 15 Films Every Creative Business Owner Must See (Part 2)
August 27, 2015 13:00 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MBIn homage to one of Delilah's favorite podcasts, Filmspotting, the ladies decide to do their own episode on the top films and TV shows about business. Maybe you can learn valuable lessons just by vegging out with Netflix after all! This is part two of a two-part series. For the show notes, visit www.dearhanmadelife.com.
Episode 19: 15 Films Every Creative Business Owner Must See (Part 2)
August 27, 2015 13:00 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MBIn homage to one of Delilah's favorite podcasts, Filmspotting, the ladies decide to do their own episode on the top films and TV shows about business. Maybe you can learn valuable lessons just by vegging out with Netflix, afterall! This is part two of a two part series. For the show notes visit www.dearhandmadelife.com...
Episode 18: 15 Films Every Creative Business Owner Must See (Part 1)
August 13, 2015 13:00 - 46 minutes - 64 MBIn homage to one of Delilah's favorite podcasts, Filmspotting, the ladies decide to do their own episode on the top films and TV shows about business. Maybe you can learn valuable lessons just by vegging out with Netflix, afterall! This is part one of a two part series. For the show notes visit www.dearhandmadelife.com...
18: 15 Films Every Creative Business Owner Must See (Part 1)
August 13, 2015 13:00 - 46 minutes - 64 MBIn homage to one of Delilah's favorite podcasts, Filmspotting, the ladies decide to do their own episode on the top films and TV shows about business. Maybe you can learn valuable lessons just by vegging out with Netflix after all! This is part one of a two-part series. For the show notes, visit www.dearhanmadelife.com.
17: Brick and Mortar Adventures with Salvage Life
July 30, 2015 13:00 - 53 minutes - 72.8 MBDo you dream of having a retail store? In this episode, Delilah and Nicole chat with their friend Beth Giles of Salvage Life and share their stories, tips and experiences in running a brick and mortar business. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes.
Episode 17: Brick and Mortar Adventures with Salvage Life
July 30, 2015 13:00 - 53 minutes - 72.8 MBDo you dream of having a retail store? In this episode, Delilah and Nicole chat with their friend Beth Giles of Salvage Life and share their stories, tips and experiences in running a brick and mortar business. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 16: Preparing for Big
July 16, 2015 13:00 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MBPromotion is a crucial part of your business - but is selling part of your personality? Maybe you need to have someone do the selling for you. In this episode, Delilah and Nicole talk to author/editor/teacher and now consulting producer, Gustavo Arellano, about his experience with agents and what is required to get your name out there. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
16: Preparing for Big
July 16, 2015 13:00 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MBPromotion is a crucial part of your business - but is selling part of your personality? Maybe you need to have someone do the selling or you. In this episode, Delilah and Nicole talk to author/editor/teacher an now consulting producer, Gustavo Arellano, about his experience with agents and what is required to get your name out there. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes.
Episode 15: Living the Creative Life with Mark Brickey
July 02, 2015 13:00 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBWhen you run your own business, it seems to seep into every part of your life. Delilah and Nicole talk with designer and full-time podcaster Mark Brickey of Adventures in Design about how their businesses influence their personal lives in both good and bad ways. Sometimes we all have to remember that stepping away from the desk is the best thing for us. See the show notes at www.dearhandmadelife.com
15: Living the Creative Life
July 02, 2015 13:00 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MBWhen you run your own business, it seems to seep into every part of your life. Delilah and Nicole talk with designer and full-time podcaster Mark Brickey of Adventures in Design about how their businesses influence their personal lives in both good and bad ways. Sometimes we all have to remember that stepping away from the desk is the best thing for us. See the show notes at www.dearhandmadelife.com
14: Mastermind Group
June 18, 2015 13:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBDelilah and Nicole went to Portland at the beginning of the year for a mastermind retreat hosted by their friend, author, speaker, business connoisseur and all around rad human, Kari Chapin - author of The Handmade Marketplace and Grow Your Handmade Business. It was an eye-opening experience. In this episode, they talk to Kari about what exactly a mastermind group is, personal experiences from the retreat, and how to create a mastermind group from scratch.
Episode 14: Mastermind Group with Kari Chapin
June 18, 2015 13:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBDelilah and Nicole went to Portland at the beginning of the year for a mastermind retreat hosted by their friend, author, speaker, business connoisseur and all around rad human, Kari Chapin - author of The Handmade Marketplace and Grow Your Handmade Business. It was an eye-opening experience. In this episode, they talk to Kari about what exactly a mastermind group is, personal experiences from the retreat, and how to create a mastermind group from scratch.
Episode 13: Live! From Patchwork Show
June 04, 2015 13:00 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBPatchwork Show is Dear Handmade Life's maker and artisan food festival that takes place at multiple locations throughout California in the spring and fall. Every show brings different problems and experiences, but after many years of festivals Delilah and Nicole hit their stride and find time to reflect and visit with vendors and attendees. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
13: Live! From Patchwork Show
June 04, 2015 13:00 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBPatchwork Show is Dear Handmade Life's maker and artisan food festival that takes place at multiple locations throughout California in the spring and fall. Every show brings different problems and experiences, but after many years of festivals Delilah and Nicole hit their stride and find time to reflect and visit with vendors and attendees. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes...
Episode 12: Working on the Road
May 21, 2015 13:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBMost people dream of a job where they are paid to travel and explore different cities and countries, but in reality it's not all sidewalk cafes and poolside cocktails. Speaker, maker, and scrapbooker Amy Tangerine practically lives on the road for her career. She tells Delilah and Nicole about how she manages to do it while staying sane and enjoying the journey. See www.dearhandmadelife.com for show notes...
12: Working on the Road
May 21, 2015 13:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBMost people dream of a job where they are paid to travel and explore different cities and countries, but in reality it's not all sidewalk cafes and poolside cocktails. Speaker, maker, and scrapbooker Amy Tangerine practically lives on the road for her career. She tells Delilah and Nicole about how she manages to do it while staying sane and enjoying the journey. See www.dearhandmadelife.com for show notes...
11: The Rejection Letter
May 07, 2015 13:00 - 50 minutes - 46 MBRejection is not one of our favorite feelings but it's a part of life. Life and business coach, Tiffany Han, talks with Delilah and Nicole about why we should be happy for it, and how to embrace it through her 100 Rejection Letters project. The girls swap stories about times someone said "no" and find the bright side of taking risks. For show notes, visit www.dearhandmadelife.com
Episode 11: The Rejection Letter
May 07, 2015 13:00 - 50 minutes - 46 MBRejection is not one of our favorite feelings but it's a part of life. Life and business coach, Tiffany Han, talks with Delilah and Nicole about why we should be happy for it, and how to embrace it through her 100 Rejection Letters project. The girls swap stories about times someone said "no" and find the bright side of taking risks. Visit dearhandmadelife.com/podcast for the Show Notes...
10: Wheels to Bricks
April 23, 2015 13:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBTaco Maria is a food truck turned brick-and-mortar in Costa Mesa, Calif., and in less than two years they've become home to one of LA Time's Pultizer Prize winning food critic's, Jonathan Gold's, top 10 dishes. Then, chef Carlos Salgado was named one of Food & Wine's Best Chefs of 2015. Delilah and Nicole chat with Carlos about what it took to turn his food truck into one of the best restaurants in Southern California.
Episode 10: Wheels to Bricks
April 23, 2015 13:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBTaco Maria is a food truck turned brick-and-mortar in Costa Mesa, Calif., and in less than two years they've become home to one of LA Time's Pultizer Prize winning food critic's, Jonathan Gold's, top 10 dishes. Then, chef Carlos Salgado was named one of Food & Wine's Best Chefs of 2015. Delilah and Nicole chat with Carlos about what it took to turn his food truck into one of the best restaurants in Southern California.
Episode 9: Post-Craftcation
April 09, 2015 13:00 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBDelilah and Nicole put their feet up after two insane weeks prepping, running, and closing down Craftcation 2015. They remember favorite moments and plan for next year. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com to see the show notes.
9: Post-Craftcation
April 09, 2015 13:00 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBDelilah and Nicole put their feet up after two insane weeks prepping, running, and closing down Craftcation 2015. They remember favorite moments and plan for next year. Visit www.dearhandmadelife.com to see the show notes.
8: Non-Profits for Creatives
March 25, 2015 13:00 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBD + N talk to Angela Brown of the nonprofit organization Craft Lake City about nonprofits, the DIY scene in Utah and running an independent business. Angela explains why she decided to create a nonprofit, the negatives and positives to having this type of entity, and some important things to consider if you want to create your own. See www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes!
Episode 8: Non-Profits for Creatives
March 25, 2015 13:00 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBD + N talk to Angela Brown of the nonprofit organization Craft Lake City about nonprofits, the DIY scene in Utah and running an independent business. Angela explains why she decided to create a nonprofit, the negatives and positives to having this type of entity, and some important things to consider if you want to create your own. See www.dearhandmadelife.com for the show notes!
7: Competition
March 12, 2015 13:00 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MBJeanette Champion-Fanning makes snarky paper goods under Sweet Perversion, one of the first handmade card shops on Etsy. Things have grown much more crowded since then. Delilah+Nicole talk with Jeanette about what it feels like to have competition, comparing yourself to others, copying versus being inspired, and how to keep it all friendly. For show notes, visit www.dearhandmadelife.com
Episode 7: Competition
March 12, 2015 13:00 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MBJeanette Champion-Fanning makes snarky paper goods under Sweet Perversion, one of the first handmade card shops on Etsy. Things have grown much more crowded since then. Delilah+Nicole talk with Jeanette about what it feels like to have competition, comparing yourself to others, copying versus being inspired, and how to keep it all friendly. For show notes, visit www.dearhandmadelife.com
Episode 6: What's In Your Name
February 26, 2015 14:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBThis week on the Dear Handmade Life, Delilah+Nicole talk to director/curator/artist/teacher David Michael Lee about whether or not creatives need to define themselves, and if so, how they the heck do they do it?! For show notes, visit www.dearhandmadelife.com
6: What's In Your Name
February 26, 2015 14:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBThis week on the Dear Handmade Life, Delilah+Nicole talk to director/curator/artist/teacher David Michael Lee about whether or not creatives need to define themselves, and if so, how they the heck do they do it?! For show notes, visit www.dearhandmadelife.com
Episode 5: Food Trends of 2015
February 12, 2015 01:30 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MBWho doesn't want to talk about food!? In this episode Delilah+Nicole talk to author and food consultant, Susie Wyshak, as she returns from the 2015 Fancy Food Show. We hear about hits and misses from the gluttonous convention, including food trends on the rise and fads that were so last year. For show notes, visit www.dearhandmadelife.com
5: Food Trends of 2015
February 12, 2015 01:30 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MBWho doesn't want to talk about food!? In this episode Delilah+Nicole talk to author and food consultant, Susie Wyshak, as she returns from the 2015 Fancy Food Show. We hear about hits and misses from the gluttonous convention, including food trends on the rise and fads that were so last year. For show notes, visit www.dearhandmadelife.com
4: Breaking the Rules
February 01, 2015 14:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBDelilah+Nicole chat with Paige Wery, the owner of The Good Luck Gallery in Los Angeles. There's only one real criteria to be a candidate for wall space in this Chinatown spot - you must be an outsider artist or someone who has not received formal training. The girls break down what they've had to deal with when starting up creative businesses in which they never went to school for and why, in the end, sometimes breaking those rules in the best idea. For show notes, visit www.de...
3: Capsule Wardrobe
January 25, 2015 14:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBDelilah+Nicole talk to stylist and fashion expert Erin Barrow about the capsule wardrobe trend and how to create one of your own. The capsule wardrobe is all about having fewer pieces of clothing and better outfits. Instead of keeping clothes you don't wear (and shouldn't!) or just buying cheap trends, the capsule wardrobe chooses essential pieces that can be mixed and worn multiple times to achieve a unique, polished look. It's the perfect medium for the busy professional who ...
Episode 4: Breaking the Rules
January 24, 2015 05:22 - 49 minutes - 34 MBDelilah+Nicole chat with Paige Wery, the owner of The Good Luck Gallery in Los Angeles. There's only one real criteria to be a candidate for wall space in this Chinatown spot - you must be an outsider artist or someone who has not recieved formal training. The girls break down what they've had to deal with when starting up creative businesses in which they never went to school for and why, in the end, sometimes breaking those rules in the best idea. For show notes, visit www.dear...
Episode 3: Capsule Wardrobe
January 24, 2015 05:01 - 55 minutes - 38 MBDelilah+Nicole talk to stylist and fashion expert Erin Barrow about the capsule wardrobe trend and how to create one of your own. The capsule wardrobe is all about having fewer pieces of clothing and better outfits. Instead of keeping clothes you don't wear (and shouldn't!) or just buying cheap trends, the capsule wardrobe chooses essential pieces that can be mixed and worn multiple times to acheive a unique, polished look. It's the perfect medium for the busy professional who wan...
Episode 2: Show Organizers
January 24, 2015 04:47 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBDelilah+Nicole chat with Carrie Nardini of I Made It! Market and Neighborhood Flea in Pennsylvania and Brittany Charek of Pop Shop in Texas about their holiday shows in 2014. The conversation reveals the unique persective of an event organizer on everything from trends in makers, expectations in vendor applications, issues that arise while putting on an event and much more. Oh, and there's tequila. For show notes, visit www.dearhandmadelife.com