Whether you’re a complete beginner on Etsy, or want to scale your handmade business to multi-6 figures, the “How To Be A Handmade Boss” podcast gives you actionable advice and workshop style full length episodes to grow your handmade business on Etsy and beyond. We get it. Starting or growing a handmade business can be really overwhelming, and sometimes you feel like you have an expensive hobby rather than a profitable business. If you have questions like “How can I make sales in my business ...
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Steph Cole Lewis Podcasts
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#85 - From Stuck to Sold-Out: Real HBSA Student Success Stories You Need to Hear
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14:09Ever wondered if the Handmade Business Success Academy actually works? In this episode, you’ll hear straight from HBSA students who’ve gone from stuck, overwhelmed, and doubting themselves - to confident, consistent handmade business owners. They share how the Academy helped them: 💡 Find focus and stop “throwing spaghetti at the wall” 📈 Boost conve…
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#84 - Why More Etsy Listings Won’t Fix Your Sales Problem
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14:59Think slow sales mean you need to add more products? Think again. In this episode, I’m busting one of the biggest myths in the handmade world: that more listings = more sales. Spoiler alert - it’s not about quantity. It’s about quality, clarity, and conversion. We’ll talk about: ✅ Why uploading random new products could actually be hurting your sho…
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#83 - Here's why your Etsy shop is stuck.
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22:27
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22:27Are you working harder than ever, but your sales graph just… won’t budge? 😩 You’re not lazy. You’re not failing. You might just be stuck in what I call the Plateau of Busywork and it happens to almost every handmade seller at some point. In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to: ⚠ Spot the 3 most common plateau signs 📉 Understand why your to-d…
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#82 - Etsy’s 2025 Updates Explained: What Handmade Sellers Need to Know
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20:19Etsy just dropped a whole bunch of updates for 2025 and if you’re feeling a bit lost in the jargon, don’t panic. I’ve got you. 💛 In this episode, I’m breaking it all down plain and simple: → What’s actually changed → What you need to know as a handmade seller → And which updates will genuinely help you save time, reduce stress, and grow your shop t…
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#81 - Why Your Etsy Listings Aren’t Selling (and What’s Really Going On)
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21:00You’ve poured time into your products, uploaded them to Etsy, and maybe you’re even getting some traffic and a few favourites… but sales? Crickets. 😬 In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the real reason why your Etsy listings aren’t converting and no, it’s not just the algorithm. I’m breaking down the 3 essential layers of a high-converting listing:…
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#80 - 20 Niche Etsy Ideas with High Demand and Low Competition
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22:16
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22:16If you’ve been scratching your head wondering what to sell or how to stand out on Etsy in 2026, this episode is your treasure map. 🎯 I’m sharing 20 real Etsy niche ideas that are high in demand, low in competition, and full of opportunity - perfect for handmade sellers who want to stop blending in and start carving out their own corner of the marke…
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#79 - Is Your Shop Holiday-Ready? Take This 5-Minute Check (Handmade Sellers)
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15:00🎄 Are you really ready for the Christmas rush... or just hoping it’ll all come together in time? In this episode, I’m walking you through a super quick 5-point checklist that’ll help you give your handmade shop a festive glow-up without the stress. We’re talking banners, giftable products, delivery cut-off clarity, festive upsells, and simple holid…
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#78 - Stop Comparing Your Handmade Business to Others (and Do This Instead)
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12:34
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12:34Ever find yourself doomscrolling through Instagram wondering why that handmade shop has more sales, more followers, or just seems further ahead? In this episode, we’re flipping the comparison trap on its head. You’ll learn how to: Spot the “highlight reel” trap before it derails your momentum Turn jealousy into a learning tool (without copying a si…
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#77 - From Fresh Flowers to Thriving Wreath Business: Claire's Handmade Journey
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26:09Running a handmade business isn’t always a straight line and today’s guest, Claire, proves it beautifully. 🌸 After starting with fresh flowers and even pedalling around town on a trike (yes, really!), Claire found her passion and success in creating stunning artificial wreaths and arrangements through her business Jamesia Blooms. In this episode, s…
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#76 - Instagram Not Converting? Here’s Why (+ How to Fix It as a Handmade Seller)
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8:55Posting consistently on Instagram but still not getting sales? In this episode, I’m breaking down the three biggest reasons your content isn’t converting and how to fix it. You’ll discover: Why likes and views don’t always mean product interest How to guide your followers from scrolling to shopping A simple content plan that works without eating up…
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#75 - Instagram Reels That Sell: Step-by-Step for Handmade Sellers
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12:03If your Reels are getting crickets (or you’re too nervous to even post one 🫣), this episode is for you. I’m walking you through my simple step-by-step Reels formula made specifically for handmade sellers - no dancing, no lip syncing, no pointing at floating bubbles. Just clear, doable tips to help you finally feel confident on camera and actually g…
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#74 - Etsy’s Latest Earnings: What It Really Means for Your Shop (And How to Respond)
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13:20Feeling like your Etsy sales have dipped recently? You’re not imagining it and Etsy’s Q2 2025 earnings report confirms it. In this episode, I break down exactly what’s going on behind the scenes at Etsy, why sales are down platform-wide, and what it means for you as a handmade business owner. We’ll talk about rising fees, buyer hesitation, and Etsy…
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#73 - How to Market Your Handmade Products on Instagram (Step-by-Step Free Training for 2025)
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14:20Sick of posting on Instagram and getting crickets? This episode is your full, step-by-step training on how to turn your handmade Instagram into a sales-driving machine - without feeling salesy or spending all day online. Steph breaks down the exact strategy that handmade business owners need in 2025, including: What to post (and why!) using the 4 V…
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#72 - 15 Autumn Trends for 2025 Handmade Sellers Need to Know
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9:53🍁 Want to get ahead with your autumn product ideas and boost your handmade sales this season? In this trend-packed episode, I’m breaking down 15 of the biggest autumn trends set to dominate in 2025... with real, practical examples you can turn into products today. From modern rustic to miniature scenes, dupe-it-yourself decor to cosy accessories, I…
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#71 - Proven Etsy Listing Tips to Boost Your Sales and Get Found in Search
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29:14Struggling to get sales on Etsy? In this episode of How to Be a Handmade Boss, Steph shares 5 powerful tips to help your Etsy listings get found, get clicked, and get bought. Whether you’re brand new to selling handmade products online or you’ve been on Etsy for a while with little traction, this episode will show you exactly how to optimise your E…
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#70 - Building a Brand Around What You Actually Love: Fran’s Story
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25:29In this feel-good episode of How To Be A Handmade Boss, I’m joined by the lovely Fran from Born to Shop Designs – and we’re diving into how she turned hobbies like gardening, crafting and music into a heart-led clothing brand that connects people through what they love. We chat about navigating business pivots, building a brand that feels like you,…
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#69 - Why Some Makers Stay Stuck (and How to Finally Move Forward)
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17:16Feel like your handmade business is stuck in the same place month after month - no matter how hard you try? 😩 In this episode, we’re getting honest about why so many makers hit a plateau (even when they’re doing “all the right things”)… and what to do if that’s you right now. You’ll learn: 🔸 The illusion of growth that keeps you treading water 🔸 Th…
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#68 - Understanding the Seasons of Your Handmade Business (And How to Thrive in Each One)
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13:48Ever feel like your business is all over the place? One minute you’re buzzing with ideas, and the next… totally burnt out? You’re not doing anything wrong - you’re just in a different season of business. In this uplifting episode, I’m walking you through the 4 natural seasons your handmade business cycles through - winter, spring, summer and autumn…
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#67 - Day 5 Affirmation: Abundance & Repeatable Success
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8:34Welcome to Day 5, the final episode in this affirmation series! Today, we’re focusing on abundance and repeatable success because thriving in your handmade business isn’t just a lucky break, it’s the result of aligned action, consistency, and belief in your own power. These affirmations will help you step into the role of CEO with confidence, embra…
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#66 - Day 4 Affirmation: Embracing Visibility & Magnetic Energy
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8:26Welcome to Day 4 of our affirmation series! Today we’re diving into visibility... showing up, shining bright, and calling in your dream customers with confidence and authenticity. These affirmations will help you shake off self-doubt, embrace your unique voice, and remind you that every post, story, and conversation is planting seeds of connection …
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#65 - Day 3 Affirmation: Selling with Ease and Authenticity
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8:53Welcome to Day 3 of our 5-day Affirmation Series, created to help you stay focused, inspired ✨, and energised as you move through the Sellathon. Today, we’re leaning into ease, authenticity, and creating a shop experience that feels as good to run as it does to buy from. These affirmations will help you release pressure, build genuine connections, …
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#64 - Day 2 Affirmation: Believing in Your Products and Your Worth
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9:02Welcome to Day 2 of our 5-day Affirmation Series, designed to help you stay positive, motivated ✨, and focused as you build momentum during the Sellathon. Today, we’re focusing on something so many makers struggle with: truly believing in the value of your products and in your worth as a business owner, creative, and CEO of your handmade brand. The…
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#63 - Day 1 Affirmation: Stepping Into Your Power as a Handmade Business Owner
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8:58Welcome to Day 1 of our affirmation series! This episode is your gentle reminder that you already have everything you need to succeed in your handmade business. Together, we’ll ground ourselves, release fear, and focus on the small but mighty actions that create momentum and growth. Whether you’re listening in the car, on a walk, or while wrapping …
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#62 - The Truth About Etsy Policies (And How to Stay Out of Trouble)
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11:34Ever had a listing randomly vanish from Etsy with no explanation? 😳 Or maybe you’ve heard whispers about copyright crackdowns and policy changes that left you wondering if your shop is truly “safe”? 🫣 In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how Etsy’s policies work in 2025 and how you can protect your handmade business without losing sleep or se…
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#61 - The Real Reason You're Not Getting Sales (And It's Not What You Think)
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15:56😩 You’re posting on socials, updating your Etsy listings, and maybe even running the occasional sale... but still not seeing consistent orders? Let’s clear this up once and for all. In this episode, Steph breaks down the real reason you’re not getting sales and no, it’s not the algorithm, your branding, or even your prices. It’s your messaging and …
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#60 - Etsy's Algorithm Change (Etsy Q Score) + Etsy’s Q1 Results: What Handmade Sellers Need to Know
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16:21Etsy just dropped their Q1 2025 financial report… and there’s more to it than just numbers. In this episode, I’m breaking down what the latest earnings reveal about where Etsy is heading, how it’s affecting sellers like you, and the big changes to Etsy’s search algorithm - including the now-official Q Score. If you’ve ever felt in the dark about ho…
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#59 - How Handmade Sellers Are Making £1k in Just 7 Days (Without a Huge Audience)
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18:24🎧 If you’ve ever thought “I just need more followers to start making decent sales,” this episode is your wake-up call. Meet Sam and Lydia - two handmade business owners using the same platform, same tools, even similar products. But one made over £1k in just 5 days… with less than 400 followers. The difference? Lydia had a plan. 👏 In this episode, …
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#58 - Why Your Sales Are Inconsistent (And How to Fix It for Good)
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17:51🎢 Feel like your sales are on a constant rollercoaster? One week you’re rushed off your feet with orders, the next… total crickets? You’re not alone – and the good news? It’s completely fixable. In this episode, we’re breaking down why your sales feel so up and down – and spoiler alert: it’s not your product, pricing, or even your views. It’s your …
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#57 - How the Threads Algorithm REALLY Works (And What to Do About It)
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11:35If you’ve been posting on Threads and wondering why some posts take off while others flop... you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how the Threads algorithm works (spoiler: it’s NOT just a copy of Instagram’s). We’ll chat about what Threads looks for when deciding what to show people, the role of engagement (and what kind of …
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#56 - How Jen Turned Her Craft Hobby Into a Real Business – The Honest Journey of Indy Bee Crafts
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32:50In this uplifting episode, I’m chatting with the lovely Jen from Indy Bee Crafts, one of our Handmade Business Success Academy (HBSA) students, about her real and raw journey from craft hobbyist to small business owner. Jen opens up about: 💙 How she found the confidence to start selling 💙 What helped her go from “I can’t do this” to “this is actual…
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#55 - Cracking the Code: How the Facebook Group Algorithm Really Works
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11:13💙 Ever feel like you’re shouting into the void in your Facebook group? You’re not alone... and it’s not your fault. 🎙️ In this episode, we break down exactly how the Facebook group algorithm works in 2025, and why your posts might not be getting the traction they deserve. 👉 Here’s what we cover: • Why even your most valuable posts might get buried …
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#54 - How the Pinterest Algorithm Really Works (and How to Use It to Boost Sales)
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10:42Welcome back to How to Be a Handmade Boss! If you’ve been sleeping on Pinterest, it’s time to wake up because this visual search engine is a goldmine for handmade business owners who want consistent, long-term traffic and sales. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how the Pinterest algorithm works and how you can make it work for you and unl…
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53 - How the Instagram Algorithm Really Works in 2025 (for Handmade Business Owners)
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14:36Hey handmade boss 👋 Feeling like you’re doing all the right things on Instagram but still not getting the reach or engagement you hoped for? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not doing anything wrong 💛 In this episode, I’m lifting the lid on how the Instagram algorithm actually works in 2025... in simple, no-fluff terms, just for makers like…
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#52 How the Facebook page algorithm works
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17:13🔐 Unlock the secrets to Facebook success for your handmade business! Are you pouring your heart into your Facebook business page only to be met with silence? 👉 This episode of the podcast dives deep into the Facebook page algorithm, specifically for handmade businesses like yours. Learn why your posts aren't reaching your audience (it's not you, it…
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#51 - REAL TALK Does the HBSA actually work?
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14:42💙 In this episode we hear directly from students of the HBSA about their experiences and whether the course has worked for them. • Karen tells us how the course has helped her with marketing and identifying her target audience, as well as achieving a better work-life balance • Pash highlights the expertise within the HBSA and emphasises the value o…
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#50 - 'The perfect journey' for our HBSA Student Heather
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47:24💙 'The perfect journey' for Heather and we want it to be for you too! 💬 Steph chats with Heather, the creator of Arthur's Knitting Business, about knitting, teaching, and entrepreneurship.... Heather's business focuses on providing kits and educational resources to help people learn to knit. 🧶 She's on a mission to remove the misconception that kni…
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#49 The beginners guide to Pinterest for handmade business owners
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29:29🤔 Have you always wanted to know how to use Pinterest effectively for your handmade business? 🥳 We've got the answers, join Steph for an in-depth guide on how to use Pinterest to benefit a handmade business. 💙 This episode covers everything you need to know including setting up a Pinterest business account, creating effective pins, optimising your …
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#48 - How to keep going when you're not seeing results - AMA (Ask Me Anything)
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22:43👋 Welcome back to the How To Be A Handmade Boss podcast! 🎉 In this episode, we tackle a common struggle for many handmade business owners: staying motivated to complete those essential but less enjoyable tasks, like bookkeeping, PR activities, and business development. ❓ Join me as I answer a listener's question from Soul Seed Jewellery about shift…
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👋 Welcome to the How To Be A Handmade Boss podcast! In this episode, we're diving into the transformative power of affirmations for your handmade business. If you've been feeling stuck or unmotivated, this episode is for you! Don't worry it's not too woo-woo. 🙂↕️ Join us as we guide you through a series of affirmations created to boost your creati…
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#46 - Learn how HBSA student Laura turned her passion into a business
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29:44👋 Welcome back to another episode of the How To Be A Handmade Boss podcast! 🎨 In this episode, I chat with HBSA student and fantasy artist Laura, from The Daydream Emporium, who draws inspiration from the beauty of nature and the quirky creatures that inhabit it. We discuss Laura's creative journey, her unique approach to art, and how she turned he…
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#45 - Marketing has changed since 2020. Here's what's working now (backed by research)
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16:43📱 Marketing as we used to know it has changed! If you've noticed a decline in sales or you're struggling to connect with your audience, this episode is for you! 🛍️ Steph discusses how the pandemic has change the shopping habits of our customers and why understanding your target audience is more crucial than ever. She highlights the importance of no…
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#44 - The Communication Game: Should You Speak with 'We' or 'I'?
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21:34🩵 In this episode Handmade Bosses founder, Steph, dives into the great "I vs. We" debate that many handmade business owners face. ❓ Should you present your brand as a solo handmade business or as a team? Steph shares talks about the pros and cons of using "I" versus "we," helping you decide which approach aligns best with your business. Join Steph …
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#43 - Unlock Effortless Social Media Growth: Proven Strategies that Work
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22:08Insta CTA If you’ve been dreaming of turning your handmade shop into a thriving business, this is for you! Right now, doors to the Handmade Business Success Academy (HBSA) are open until 8pm on 23rd October – your step-by-step system to grow consistent sales, feel confident in your marketing, and finally know what to focus on next. Inside the HBSA,…
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#42 - Here's how to have a calm marketing strategy for your handmade business
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23:58🩵 Does social media feel heavy and something you just don't need piled on your to-do list? 😤 Do you feel like you're not doing your best, you don't know what to do on social media and it's all a bit too much? 🥰 Today I'm going to teach you how to grow your handmade business all whilst keeping your social media serene AF. 📋 I'll help you find your r…
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#41 - Unlock Peak Sales After Christmas: Tips to Thrive in the New Year
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34:24🩵 Join me in this episode of "How to Be a Handmade Boss," as I talk about a common challenge faced by many handmade business owners: the post-Christmas sales slump. 🎄 As the holiday season winds down, many entrepreneurs notice a significant dip in sales, you're not alone in this experience. I share valuable insights and actionable strategies to com…
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#40 - Unlock Extraordinary Business and Personal Growth with My Proven Dream Board Method
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32:40🎉 Kick off the New Year with an inspiring episode of the How to Be a Handmade Boss podcast! ⚡️ In this electrifying episode, "Unlock Extraordinary Business and Personal Growth with My Proven Dream Board Method," Steph reveals how dream boarding can be a game-changer for achieving your business goals. 🤫 Join her as she shares the secrets behind her …
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#39 - I Failed. How Ignoring My Own Advice Led to Burnout — Lessons Learned
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41:09💙 In this episode of the "How To Be A Handmade Boss" podcast, I dive deep into a topic that many of us face but often shy away from discussing: burnout and mental health. ✋ Before we get started, I offer a trigger warning for those who may not be in a place to hear about these struggles. If you're feeling overwhelmed or prefer to skip this episode,…
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#38 - Crafting Success: Charly's Journey to Niche Mastery and Business Resilience
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40:57💙 Join Steph in this episode of the "How to Be a Handmade Boss" podcast, as she chats with the inspiring Charlotte, known as Charly from Charly Bee Designs. 💡 Discover how Charly transformed her passion for crafting into a thriving full-time business, focusing on personalised paracord bracelets designed specifically for men and families. 💬 Charly o…
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#37 - GPSR, Is Etsy's $£ down? Instagram scams and things you need to know - The BIG Update
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27:01💙 The BIG update episode - I dive into some significant updates that every handmade business owner needs to be aware of, especially as we approach the holiday season. 🎄 With Christmas orders piling up, I wanted to ensure that you have all the essential information in one place, without the hassle of sifting through misleading clickbait or lengthy a…
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#36 - Unlock Your Handmade Business Potential: What’s Holding You Back?
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26:18💙 Are you unknowingly standing in the way of your own success? In our latest episode of "How to Be a Handmade Boss," we dive deep into the common pitfalls that can derail your progress. 🤯 Every time something amazing happens in your business, do you find yourself getting in your own way? Whether it’s splurging all your profits on shiny new material…
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