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The Hobby vs. Business Myth for Handmade Sellers
Business Tips

The Hobby vs. Business Myth for Handmade Sellers

ByGuest Contributor October 20, 2017October 20, 2017

Editor’s note: We’re excited to welcome Janet LeBlanc (an accountant and the founder of Paper + Spark) to the Dear Handmade Life blog. Check out Janet’s other posts: Income and Sales Tax Guide for Makers and Why Your Business Needs its own Bank Account…

Read More The Hobby vs. Business Myth for Handmade SellersContinue

Six tips for self-care success
Business Tips

Six tips for self-care success

ByNicole Stevenson September 6, 2017

When I hear the word self-care, I’m immediately transported back to my childhood bedroom in the early 80s. In that room with a full wall of collaged magazine images of River Phoenix, I spent countless hours teasing my bangs and…

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My 20% rule for accomplishing goals
Business Tips

My 20% rule for accomplishing goals

ByNicole Stevenson August 19, 2017August 20, 2017

Editor’s Note: Every month we send out a newsletter with info on upcoming events, giveaways and links to stuff we love. Late last year, I started writing a more personal note in the newsletter that ended up being a pep talk of…

Read More My 20% rule for accomplishing goalsContinue

Why your business needs its own bank account
Business Tips

Why your business needs its own bank account

ByGuest Contributor August 9, 2017August 5, 2017

Editor’s note: We’re excited to welcome Janet LeBlanc (an accountant and the founder of Paper + Spark) to the Dear Handmade Life blog. You can check out Janet’s first post, Income and Sales Tax Guide for Makers here. Janet has some great tips…

Read More Why your business needs its own bank accountContinue

What to do when your creative business is slow
Business Tips

What to do when your creative business is slow

ByNicole Stevenson July 26, 2017July 26, 2017

I grew up in a house with the only swimming pool on our block. This meant that my childhood summers at our house were busy. Backyard BBQ’s, Bocce ball tournaments on the lawn, swimming until our fingers resembled old prunes…

Read More What to do when your creative business is slowContinue

Video editing 101 for creative business owners + makers
Business Tips

Video editing 101 for creative business owners + makers

ByGuest Contributor July 14, 2017July 14, 2017

Editor’s Note: It’s no secret that more and more brands are using video as a part of their business and marketing strategy. Social media algorithms are loving video and technology has made it (fairly) simple to shoot and edit your…

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15 Must-Listen Creative Business Podcasts
Business Tips

15 Must-Listen Creative Business Podcasts

ByNicole Stevenson July 12, 2017July 12, 2017

Editor’s Note: Looking for more inspiring podcasts? Check out our post on 16 must-listen podcasts for creatives. Two years ago, I was driving alone for 10-hour stretches several times a year and I took a deep dive into the world of…

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Why worry doesn’t make risk less risky
Business Tips

Why worry doesn’t make risk less risky

ByNicole Stevenson July 11, 2017August 20, 2017

Editor’s Note: Every month we send out a newsletter with info on upcoming events, giveaways and links to stuff we love. Late last year, I started writing a more personal note in the newsletter that ended up being a pep talk of…

Read More Why worry doesn’t make risk less riskyContinue

Income and sales tax guide for makers
Business Tips

Income and sales tax guide for makers

ByGuest Contributor June 23, 2017June 23, 2017

Editor’s note: We’re excited to welcome Janet (an accountant and the founder of Paper + Spark) to the Dear Handmade Life blog. Janet has some great tips and a FREE downloadable quick tax guide for makers! P.S. – I can’t talk…

Read More Income and sales tax guide for makersContinue

How to set goals that you’ll actually accomplish
Business Tips

How to set goals that you’ll actually accomplish

ByNicole Stevenson June 10, 2017February 5, 2020

I was cleaning out our spare bedroom last week and found a super dusty vision board that I’d made three years ago… behind the dresser! (I wrote about making that vision board here). If you’re not familiar with how vision…

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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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