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Steph Cole Lewis Podcasts

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Whether you’re a complete beginner on Etsy, or want to scale your handmade business to multi-6 figures, the β€œHow 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 β€œHow can I make sales in my business ...
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Right. Meet Gemma from Wild & Gem – archaeologist-turned-jeweller capturing real bits of the outdoors and turning them into wearable moments. 🌿✨ In this chat we get practical, not precious: β€’ πŸ“Έ iPhone photos that actually sell – no fancy kit, just light and intention β€’ 🎯 Your niche is your flag – plant it, own it, stick to it β€’ πŸ’¬ Shout your standou…
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If you’re spinning plates, drowning in orders, and trying to post on Instagram while reheating your tea for the fourth time - this episode’s for you. Steph shares her real-life four-step system to stay consistent on social media even when life feels chaotic. No 5am alarms. No β€œjust push through” advice. Just a simple rhythm that actually works - es…
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If you’ve ever hit β€œpost” on Instagram and heard crickets… this one’s for you. In this episode, Steph breaks down a simple 15-minute visibility routine that’ll wake your account back up and get your posts seen again – without spending a penny on ads. You’ll learn exactly what to do before, during, and after you post so the algorithm knows you’re al…
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If you’ve ever found yourself spending hours in Canva, tweaking fonts and colours, only to post something that gets… crickets - this episode is for you. I’m walking you through a simple, six-step workflow to create scroll-stopping social posts in 20 minutes or less - that actually lead to sales. You’ll learn how to: ✨ Pin down the exact buyer momen…
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Are you secretly undercharging for your handmade products or terrified to raise your prices in case sales dry up? In this episode, Steph gets real about why so many makers struggle to charge what they’re worth. You’ll learn how self-esteem and pricing are deeply connected, why handmade buyers want to pay more, and how undercharging keeps you stuck …
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What if by Sunday night you could have 100 new subscribers on your list - real people who love your products and want to hear from you? In this episode, Steph walks you through her simple, no-tech, no-stress method to build your email list this weekend. Forget funnels, websites, or overthinking every detail. You’ll learn: ✨ How to pick a freebie th…
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Imagine waking up to new orders before you’ve even posted on Instagram or checked your Etsy stats. Sounds dreamy, right? That’s exactly what happens when your emails do the work while you sleep. In this episode, Steph dives into why skipping email marketing is one of the biggest (and most common) mistakes handmade sellers make and how even a list o…
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What do you do when chronic illness forces you to give up the craft you love? If you’re Gillian, you reinvent everything and end up with a jewellery business as unique as the pages it’s made from. πŸ’› In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Steph sits down with HBSA student Gillian, the creative mind behind Paper2Pearls, to talk about the unexpec…
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Ever 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: πŸ’‘ Find focus and stop β€œthrowing spaghetti at the wall” πŸ“ˆ Boost conve…
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Think 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: βœ… Why uploading random new products could actually be hurting your sho…
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Are 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 πŸ“‰ Understand why your to-d…
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Etsy 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. πŸ’› In this episode, I’m breaking it all down plain and simple: β†’ What’s actually changed β†’ What you need to know as a handmade seller β†’ And which updates will genuinely help you save time, reduce stress, and grow your shop t…
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You’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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If 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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πŸŽ„ 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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Ever 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 β€œhighlight reel” trap before it derails your momentum Turn jealousy into a learning tool (without copying a si…
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Running 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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Posting 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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If 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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Feeling 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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Sick 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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🍁 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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Struggling 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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In 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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Feel 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 β€œall the right things”)… and what to do if that’s you right now. You’ll learn: πŸ”Έ The illusion of growth that keeps you treading water πŸ”Έ Th…
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Ever 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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Welcome 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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Welcome 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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Welcome 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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Welcome 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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Welcome 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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Ever 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 β€œsafe”? 🫣 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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😩 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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Etsy 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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🎧 If you’ve ever thought β€œI 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 Β£1k in just 5 days… with less than 400 followers. The difference? Lydia had a plan. πŸ‘ In this episode, …
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🎒 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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If 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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In 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: πŸ’™ How she found the confidence to start selling πŸ’™ What helped her go from β€œI can’t do this” to β€œthis is actual…
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πŸ’™ Ever feel like you’re shouting into the void in your Facebook group? You’re not alone... and it’s not your fault. πŸŽ™οΈ 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. πŸ‘‰ Here’s what we cover: β€’ Why even your most valuable posts might get buried …
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Welcome 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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Hey handmade boss πŸ‘‹ 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 β€” and you’re definitely not doing anything wrong πŸ’› 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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πŸ” 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? πŸ‘‰ 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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πŸ’™ In this episode we hear directly from students of the HBSA about their experiences and whether the course has worked for them. β€’ 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 β€’ Pash highlights the expertise within the HBSA and emphasises the value o…
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πŸ’™ 'The perfect journey' for Heather and we want it to be for you too! πŸ’¬ 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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πŸ€” Have you always wanted to know how to use Pinterest effectively for your handmade business? πŸ₯³ We've got the answers, join Steph for an in-depth guide on how to use Pinterest to benefit a handmade business. πŸ’™ This episode covers everything you need to know including setting up a Pinterest business account, creating effective pins, optimising your …
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πŸ‘‹ Welcome back to the How To Be A Handmade Boss podcast! πŸŽ‰ 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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πŸ‘‹ 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. πŸ™‚β€β†•οΈ Join us as we guide you through a series of affirmations created to boost your creati…
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πŸ‘‹ 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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πŸ“± 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! πŸ›οΈ 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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🩡 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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