Skip to content
Camera Pinterest Phone-alt Envelope
Search
  • HOME
  • ABOUT NICOLE
  • CLUB
  • CAMP
  • EVENTS
  • PODCAST
  • BLOG
  • HOME
  • ABOUT NICOLE
  • CLUB
  • CAMP
  • EVENTS
  • PODCAST
  • BLOG

Three Things About Me…

three things you may not know about me… For the first time ever I posted a public photo of me in a bikini. My hand

Read More »

Podcast Summer Break

Hello Friends! Patchwork season is over so we’re going to be taking a little summer break to focus on the rest of Camp Dear Handmade

Read More »

PODCAST 123: Creativity as a Way Through with Lisa Bardot

I haven’t touched a knitting needle or a skein of yarn since my water broke just over a year ago. The strange thing is that

Read More »

PODCAST 122: Building an Engaged Audience with Nica Tanaka

I can’t be the only one out there who despite knowing that it’s NOT all about the numbers (it’s about engagement, right?!) still has moments

Read More »

PODCAST 121: Three Business-Building Musts

I’ve been running my creative business for almost two decades and I’ll tell you, there have been some really high highs and some very lean

Read More »

THE THREE SECRETS TO GOAL-GETTING

ever SINCE I was in elementary school, I’VE HAD A DAY PLANNER…. I remember using my Pentel marker set to embellish my TO-DO list which

Read More »

PODCAST 120: Thinking like a CEO with Ana Manzano

“My dad is a buddhist, barber, biker, the unofficial family philosopher, the best advice giver and my favorite person on the planet to have a

Read More »

The #1 Biggest Growth Accelerator for My Business

for the past twenty years, i’ve been my own boss… I have started, sold and said goodbye to more than half a dozen businesses, from

Read More »

PODCAST 119: My Guide to Authentic Connections at an Online Event & Camp DHL Registration is Open

If you would have told me ten years ago that it was possible to make the same kind of intimate connections that you can make

Read More »

3 Things to Do Now to Build Your Business

Before I had my son, everyone told me that being a parent was the hardest and best job I’d ever have. And, they were right.

Read More »

Podcast episode 118: Discovering & loving your unique style with Katie Kortman

The other day I put my son Luca in his carseat and he looked up and got the biggest smile on his face. “What is

Read More »

Podcast episode 117: My Goal-getting secrets

In this solo episode I’m sharing four secrets to goal-getting that have helped me make big and small but meaningful transformations in my life and

Read More »

How to Make Meaningful Connections at an Online Event

you know that little voice of doubt in your head that shows up at all the wrong times? sometimes you need to tell her to

Read More »

Podcast Episode 116: Embracing Fear with Meera Lee Patel

Embracing Fear in Your Life, Business, & Creativity with Meera Lee Patel. I had a long chat with artist & writer @meeraleepatel about using fear

Read More »

Podcast Episode 115: The Biggest Growth Accelerator for my Business & The Secret I’ve Been Keeping (Bonus Episode)

In this solo episode, I’m sharing about how attending events has impacted my life and business , and how this has been my biggest growth

Read More »
What is Camp DHL

What is Camp Dear Handmade Life?

ON APRIL 1ST, REGISTRATION OPENS FOR CAMP DEAR HANDMADE LIFE, OUR 6-WEEK AT-HOME BUSINESS, CRAFT AND GOAL-GETTING RETREAT! Camp Dear Handmade Life is a dream

Read More »

Podcast Episode 114: Diversity & Cultural Transformation in the Maker Community with Monica Tetteh

Diversity & Cultural Transformation in the Maker Community with Monica Tetteh of Black Makers Matter and That’s Sew Monica. Monica and I talk about her

Read More »
Nicole Spaulding

Podcast Episode 113: Marketing for Makers: Starting from Square One with Nicole Spaulding

Veering off from our usual interview format, this unique episode is a LIVE unscripted coaching session with our Operations Manager, Nicole Spaulding. I brought in

Read More »

Lots of Love: Our February Playlist

Ready for the February playlist that I curated just for you? I’ve gathered up some perfect tunes to set the tone on Valentine’s Day. They’re

Read More »

Podcast Episode 112: Uncovering Your Brand Story & Expertise with Maya Elious

Uncovering your Brand Story & Expertise with personal branding strategist Maya Elious. I talk with Maya about discovering your impact zone, where your natural abilities converge

Read More »

Podcast Episode 111: Money Mindset & Management with Ean Price Murphy

Why is talking about money frowned upon? How can we improve our relationship with our finances? How can we talk about money in a way

Read More »

Community Over Competition: A Bonus Playlist

That’s right! I have a bonus playlist for you this month! This is your soundtrack as you join us for our events and activities during

Read More »
4 Ways to Build Your Brand by Embodying Community over Competition

4 Ways to Build Your Brand by Embodying Community Over Competition

The spirit of community over competition became ingrained in me two decades ago as I shared my experiences starting my first business with my group

Read More »

Rainy Day Drives in January: Our January Playlist

When I was young, I was constantly introduced to new music from my friends, people I dated, spending hours flipping through CD’s at Amoeba Music

Read More »
« Previous Next »
Camera Pinterest Phone-alt Envelope

get started

  • MEET NICOLE
  • Podcast
  • MEDIA
  • CAMP
  • CLUB
  • IN-PERSON EVENTS
  • BLOG

instagram

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!

© DEAR HANDMADE LIFE 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS SITE USES AFFILIATE LINKS. WE DISCLOSE ALL SPONSORED POSTS BY NAMING THE SPONSOR IN THE POST.

Scroll to top

from our studio... to yours

Get our mostly monthly emails featuring event updates, secret deals, pep talks and inspiration to make every day awesome.