I have been running the Business Circle for a few years now and one topic stood out in the most recent Wins + Woes meeting. From this I feel the need to emphasize the importance of a mindset shift. So we talk about why a mindset shift is necessary to encourage you to get out of your comfort zone while still taking care of yourself. Because… if you don’t change anything, nothing will change. So unless you are happy and content where you are as a person and a business owner, this episode is...

In this episode, I discuss the importance of goal setting for creative entrepreneurship. Drawing parallels between goal setting and preparing soil for a garden, I emphasize the need for alignment with personal values and decision-making to drive business success. I introduce a step-by-step approach to goal setting, starting with personal goals before transitioning to business goals. Practical exercises and worksheets are provided to encourage entrepreneurs to integrate personal and business...

I wanted to do an episode about Etsy and if it is worth starting your own website, when I went to Threads to do a callout for craft business that have ideas about this, I saw a post by a printmaker. This post inspired my episode. Sometimes you don't know where to start and the business roadmap is completely unclear. I hope that I can make it a bit more simple with this basic roadmap.  I was moved and frustrated by the ever-returning struggles of small creative businesses. So in this episode,...

Hey lovely listeners! Today's episode is all about shifting the mindset in selling. I've got some nuggets of wisdom to share on making the whole process feel authentic and, dare I say, enjoyable! Stick around for tips, personal anecdotes, and a sprinkle of humor. I spill the tea on transforming your approach to selling. It's not about pushing for money; it's about serving and sharing your passion. The key is understanding your audience's needs and authentically connecting with them. From...

SUMMARY In this episode,  we explore the intricate world of establishing a unique business identity in the textile craft market. The key, I emphasize, is standing out authentically amid saturation. I advocate aligning personal values with business ethos and guide listeners through the transition from crafter to successful business owner. We focus on two vital aspects: your identity as a business owner and your customer's identity. Understanding the passion-driven nature of the textile craft...

SUMMARY Hey, it's Saskia de Feijter, your guide on Pattern Shift. In this episode, I share my 16 years of experience in textile crafts and marketing, taking you on a journey from crafter to empowered business owner. We dive deep into the importance of standing out authentically in the market, steering clear of trends, and embracing your unique identity. I highlight the need to align personal values, understand customer needs, and create a sustainable business model. Don't miss out on...

 SUMMARY In this episode, I'll be taking you through my three-step process to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the upcoming one. We'll delve into both personal and business aspects, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach. I'll be sharing insights into my use of the Year Compass, a practical tool guiding a deep dive into significant events and creating a compass for the new year. We'll then explore my daily practice as a bullet journalist, unraveling the mindfulness...

Returning to Instagram after a two-year hiatus was no easy task. Let me, Saskia de Feijter, guide you through my journey of finding my social media footing again, and how I managed to balance business goals with personal values. I'll share my reasons for initially disconnecting and the enlightening course that sparked my decision to experiment with Instagram again.  Ever thought about approaching marketing with minimalism? That's exactly what we'll explore in the second segment. By aligning...

 FUN FUNDS FRAMEWORK + COUNTDOWN TRACKER - FREE DOWNLOAD  SUMMARY  Ever wondered how much your business could save by adopting some simple yet super effective strategies? Well, I've got the lowdown for you in our latest episode, where we unravel the art of freeing up cash for your business in just three months. Trust me, it's a game-changer! In this episode, we're all about setting clear goals and celebrating even the tiniest wins. Join me as we explore how getting organized, connecting...

What happens when crafting collides with activism? Craftivism. Join Saskia de Vaiter and author Betsy Greer as we unravel this powerful concept and its effect on creative entrepreneurs. We dive into how craftivism is not only transformative for individuals but a vehicle for fostering sustainable connections and growth on both personal and business levels. We share real-life experiences of navigating the discomfort of marketing and selling, emphasizing authenticity as the beacon guiding us...

What if marketing wasn't about pushing sales, but about engaging and empowering your audience? Ponder that as you join Simon Batchelor and myself on this riveting journey down the road less taken in marketing strategies. Together, we'll uncover the secrets of ethical and effective marketing, painting a picture of a world where marketing is not only authentic and fun but also resonates deeply with the audience, encouraging them to become active participants in the buying process. Our...

Ready to unlock the secrets of optimizing creativity and productivity in your business? Brace yourself for a transformative journey with our special guest, Mark Steadman, the mastermind behind Creative Workflows. Together, we'll explore the labyrinth of the creative process, highlighting the challenges faced by creative entrepreneurs and shedding light on how they can thrive sustainably. You'll learn how to leverage your inherent creativity to manage your business, and how technology can be a...

Imagine being able to transform your small business into a powerhouse of engaging content, easily and without stress! This week, we dive into the world of content creation for small businesses, unraveling the mysteries of storytelling and its role in establishing a deeper connection with your customers. We'll walk you through the labyrinth of emails, blogs, and podcasts, coaching you on how to effectively discuss your products' benefits, why you chose them, and the values they...

"In my daily life, I play numerous roles, including that of a mom, spouse, entrepreneur, friend, student, teacher, and patient. Each of these personas demands specific attention and care. Without a clear plan of action, I would often feel overwhelmed, struggling to prioritize tasks effectively. I vividly recall a time when my daily routine left me feeling drained and unexcited about my business. I would open my shop, feeling weighed down and directionless. I took on tasks as they came,...

Ever been left picking up the pieces after chaos struck your business? Listen in as I, Saskia, share firsthand experiences of weathering the unpredictable storms of podcasting and running a business. From managing a bustling yarn shop to juggling multiple newsletters and a thriving community, I'm here to reveal the systems and strategies I've devised to navigate these hectic waters with calm and grace. Through tales of forgotten yarn orders and unexpected business hurdles, we'll uncover the...

Take Notes for Next Season Hey there, it's your host Saskia, and I'm back with another episode of Pattern Shift. Today, I'm excited to share some valuable insights from fellow creative entrepreneurs about how they approach their businesses during the summer months. Summer is often seen as a time to relax and take a break, but how does that translate into the world of business? Let's dive in and hear what some of our guests have to say. FULL SHOW-NOTES WITH...

Hey there, welcome to this awesome episode of our podcast! Today, we've got a burning question to tackle: "Is the Ja, Wol Business Circle program the right fit for you?" If you're thinking of joining the next cohort in September, we've got something super cool for you – two fantastic businesses that have been through the program will spill the beans on their experiences! So, let's meet our rockstar guests – Grace Whowell and Mariken Koning, both program alumni with totally different stories...

The big question on this episode is; How do we bend time our way? Can we make more of it so we can get out of overwhelm and stress. I’ve invited my friend and coach Kim Witten because she’s the perfect partner for a hilarious but insightful journey through linguistics and philosophy. Which are all fancy words for we have a lot of fun figuring out an the issue of never having enough time and how to deal with it.  In this episode Kim and I give you a three step process for getting out of the...

Ready to conquer that overwhelming clutter and skyrocket your small business productivity? Join me, Saskia de Feijter, as I reveal the secret to unlocking your mental clarity and focus through decluttering your workspace. Say goodbye to the myth that creative chaos fuels inspiration and discover how tidying up can actually boost your motivation and creativity.    In this PatternShift episode, we dive into the life-changing Konmari philosophy and William Morris's quote as powerful tools to...

Are you taking yourself seriously as a business owner, do you set boundaries, are you being professional, It’s time to start owning the tasks that come with running your business, to stop feeling icky around business terms and accepting what you need to know about your needs and applying business strategies in order to balance and grow your personal and business life. How business-y do you need to be? In this episode, I'm talking to designer, maker, and teacher Cal Patch who's specialising in...

As you might have heard in the last episode I did with my friend Zoe Edwards, A Smaller Life is evolving into a podcast that is similar but a bit different. I was always talking to and with crafters and business owners in the field, from now on I will focus more on providing business owners in the needlecraft industry with practical business insights and actionable tips to help you get out of the pull of the day-to-day swamp.  It will however still be interesting for crafters to see behind...

In this episode, podcast hosts Zoe Edwards of Check Your Thread and myself discuss how we approach our podcasts and how we make it work for our businesses. We talk about how we’ve shifted our focus over time and how our podcasts have evolved along with our businesses. We also discuss advertising and how it may or may not fit into our podcast and business models. And… there’s a big change a-commin’. I will reveal all in this episode. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH...

On this episode of A Smaller Life, Pilar and Saskia discuss several key aspects of running a creative business. They emphasize the importance of having a clear vision for your business, delegating tasks to others, and finding support from peers. They also address the fear of being copied by competitors and suggest owning your brand as the best way to combat this. Finally, they highlight the importance of having a strong sense of purpose and working towards it with passion and dedication. FULL...