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When Your Confidence Takes a Vacation Without You
Business Tips

When Your Confidence Takes a Vacation Without You

ByNicole Stevenson May 29, 2025May 30, 2025

 Last month, I got on a plane by myself and flew to Seattle. That might not sound like a big deal—but for me, it was huge. For decades, flying meant months of therapy, a tightly clutched Xanax, and white-knuckling every…

Read More When Your Confidence Takes a Vacation Without YouContinue

Why We Keep Making (Even When Everything Sucks)
Business Tips

Why We Keep Making (Even When Everything Sucks)

ByNicole Stevenson March 4, 2025March 4, 2025

 Let’s put the cards on the table: This year has been a doozy, and we’re only two months into it. I know I’m not alone in feeling overwhelmed. I know I’m not the only one who wants to spend the…

Read More Why We Keep Making (Even When Everything Sucks)Continue

How Teaching Kids crafts transformed my creative business
Business Tips

How Teaching Kids crafts transformed my creative business

ByNicole Stevenson February 2, 2025February 3, 2025

you’ve built something amazing… ….a creative business fueled by your passion and talent. But have you ever wondered how your creativity could inspire the next generation? Or how sharing it with kids could unlock new opportunities for your business and…

Read More How Teaching Kids crafts transformed my creative businessContinue

FEAR TO FORWARD MOTION: WHY I’M REDEFINING DEAR HANDMADE LIFE
Business Tips

FEAR TO FORWARD MOTION: WHY I’M REDEFINING DEAR HANDMADE LIFE

ByNicole Stevenson November 26, 2024November 26, 2024

I have some pretty big news to share with you . . . but before I jump in, I’d like to explain the why behind it.   I’m writing this blog at the kitchen table in the house where my…

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HOW TO HAVE & DO IT ALL! (JUST KIDDING, THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE)
Business Tips

HOW TO HAVE & DO IT ALL! (JUST KIDDING, THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE)

ByNicole Stevenson October 1, 2024October 2, 2024

i’ve moved almost 20 times… You’d think I’d be an expert by now, but most of those moves happened before I turned 32. I’ve lived in the same place for 13 years—longer than I’ve ever called anywhere home. Tonight, I’m…

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HOW TO NAVIGATE THE MESSY MIDDLE
Business Tips

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE MESSY MIDDLE

ByNicole Stevenson August 21, 2024August 21, 2024

“Show your scars, not your wounds”. . . … a business coach told me as she explained how to share your transformation to inspire your community. Smart, I thought. Let everyone see how turbulent things were. Give them a path…

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HOW SITTING STILL AT THE BEACH CAN MAKE YOU A BETTER ARTIST
Business Tips

HOW SITTING STILL AT THE BEACH CAN MAKE YOU A BETTER ARTIST

ByNicole Stevenson July 8, 2024July 11, 2024

i’ve never been great at sitting still . . . As a kid, I didn’t just watch TV but created choreographed dance numbers to theme songs like Three’s Company. While others played in the schoolyard, I crafted tissue box houses…

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DO THIS WHEN PEOPLE HATE YOUR ART
Business Tips

DO THIS WHEN PEOPLE HATE YOUR ART

ByNicole Stevenson June 12, 2024June 12, 2024

over the years of being a creative, i’ve built up a thick skin… …OK, maybe just a little thicker than when I was getting started. But I did this as a way of protecting my self-worth – and the value…

Read More DO THIS WHEN PEOPLE HATE YOUR ARTContinue

my #1 tip for creatives just starting out
Business Tips

my #1 tip for creatives just starting out

ByNicole Stevenson May 20, 2024May 20, 2024

I was interviewed for a podcast today and the host asked…. “What advice do you have for someone who’s just starting out working towards their creative dream?”   I said, “Do it scared. Don’t wait until you’re ready or until…

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how breaking my rules is helping me get my goals in 2024
Business Tips

how breaking my rules is helping me get my goals in 2024

ByNicole Stevenson February 20, 2024

I have a confession to make… For the first time in maybe ever, I didn’t set specific goals for the new year in January. I KNOW! I preach so much about setting clear actionable goals and here I am, it’s…

Read More how breaking my rules is helping me get my goals in 2024Continue

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A few years ago, I couldn’t get on a plane witho A few years ago, I couldn’t get on a plane without spiraling into anxiety.

I’d find any excuse not to go anywhere that required flying—“Oh no, I already have plans that weekend” (I didn’t) or “I’m not really interested in going there” (I was).

Seriously, what kind of bananas person turns down a trip to Hawaii? Me. I was that person.

Eventually, I decided I didn’t want fear making my travel plans for me. So I did the work—therapy, breathing exercises, distraction crafts that fit on a tray table, overpacking snacks, and yes, a little Xanax. Baby steps. All the things.

Last month, I flew solo to Columbus, Ohio, to meet my mastermind group (@natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio) for our first in-person hangout after meeting virtually since February.

We balanced our time between deep business talks—what’s working, what’s not, what we’re dreaming up next—and exploring the best spots in Columbus.

Natalie—our host and unofficial Columbus spokesperson—planned the most thoughtful trip, and I fell completely in love with the city.

It felt so good to be in person with these brilliant women who constantly inspire and challenge me in the best ways. I’m grateful I stopped letting fear decide where I get to go—because this trip reminded me what’s waiting on the other side of it.

#smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesssupport #anxiousmind #mastermind #creativesupport
A few years ago, I couldn’t get on a plane witho A few years ago, I couldn’t get on a plane without spiraling into anxiety.

I’d find any excuse not to go anywhere that required flying—“Oh no, I already have plans that weekend” (I didn’t) or “I’m not really interested in going there” (I was).

Seriously, what kind of bananas person turns down a trip to Hawaii? Me. I was that person.

Eventually, I decided I didn’t want fear making my travel plans for me. So I did the work—therapy, breathing exercises, distraction crafts that fit on a tray table, overpacking snacks, and yes, a little Xanax. Baby steps. All the things.

Last month, I flew solo to Columbus, Ohio, to meet my mastermind group (@natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio) for our first in-person hangout after meeting virtually since February.

We balanced our time between deep business talks—what’s working, what’s not, what we’re dreaming up next—and exploring the best spots in Columbus.

Natalie—our host and unofficial Columbus spokesperson—planned the most thoughtful trip, and I fell completely in love with the city.

It felt so good to be in person with these brilliant women who constantly inspire and challenge me in the best ways. I’m grateful I stopped letting fear decide where I get to go—because this trip reminded me what’s waiting on the other side of it.

#smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesssupport #anxiousmind #mastermind #creativesupport
If you found this, you’re probably one of my peo If you found this, you’re probably one of my people.

I send monthly letters to folks like you — about creativity, self-trust, and what it really looks like to live a creative life that feels like yours.

To join the list comment: NICOLESNEWS
If you found this, you’re probably one of my peo If you found this, you’re probably one of my people.

I send monthly letters to folks like you — about creativity, self-trust, and what it really looks like to live a creative life that feels like yours.

To join the list comment: NICOLESNEWS
I took a stained glass workshop at @gooddeacraftsc I took a stained glass workshop at @gooddeacraftschool in Columbus, Ohio and had the best time.

Kara, the co-owner and instructor, was incredible—patient, clear, and so much fun to learn from. (Huge thanks to @natterdoodles for magically making this connection happen!)

I loved it so much that I immediately invited Kara to come teach at @craftcationconference —and she said yes! 🙌 This year we’ll have four stained glass workshops, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Want to make stained glass with us—and spend five days by the beach filled with 200+ craft and business workshops, inspiration, and community? Join me at Craftcation! Early bird registration is open now.

BTW: This stained glass workshop was part of a mastermind trip with @natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio, and it was exactly the creative adventure I didn’t know I needed. Natalie planned the entire trip—every stop, every meal, every detail—perfection.

I completely fell in love with Columbus: the people, the food, the creativity everywhere you look. I’ll be sharing a full recap soon, but let’s just say this trip filled my cup in all the best ways.

P.S. Thanks to @natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio for capturing some of the video clips!
I took a stained glass workshop at @gooddeacraftsc I took a stained glass workshop at @gooddeacraftschool in Columbus, Ohio and had the best time.

Kara, the co-owner and instructor, was incredible—patient, clear, and so much fun to learn from. (Huge thanks to @natterdoodles for magically making this connection happen!)

I loved it so much that I immediately invited Kara to come teach at @craftcationconference —and she said yes! 🙌 This year we’ll have four stained glass workshops, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Want to make stained glass with us—and spend five days by the beach filled with 200+ craft and business workshops, inspiration, and community? Join me at Craftcation! Early bird registration is open now.

BTW: This stained glass workshop was part of a mastermind trip with @natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio, and it was exactly the creative adventure I didn’t know I needed. Natalie planned the entire trip—every stop, every meal, every detail—perfection.

I completely fell in love with Columbus: the people, the food, the creativity everywhere you look. I’ll be sharing a full recap soon, but let’s just say this trip filled my cup in all the best ways.

P.S. Thanks to @natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio for capturing some of the video clips!

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