Send me a Text Message. In this episode, we explore the enchanting yet complex world of fiber advent calendars. These holiday treasures bring joy and nostalgia to makers, but they also pose challenges for small fiber businesses creating them. We discuss the potential for overconsumption among buyers and the heavy production burden on sellers, all while asking: Is the excitement worth the cost? I share insights on finding balance, sustainability, and profitability, plus some creative ideas for...

Send me a Text Message. Autumn's gentle embrace brings both warmth and wistfulness, a duality that mirrors the journey through age and identity. As the leaves change, so too does our perspective on self-image and creativity. Join me as I share my personal reflections on maintaining authenticity while confronting societal norms. From reconsidering bold hair colors of my younger days to finding solace in knitting and spinning, discover how embracing change is an art in itself. The cozy melancho...

Send me a Text Message. Ever wondered how a small business can disrupt an entire market? Anna pulls back the curtain on how Wundersie is shaking up the knitting accessory scene with sustainable products, including eco-friendly needle cases made from vegan "leather paper." Her personal brand on Instagram is a vibrant showcase of these unique creations and a lesson in conscious consumerism. Listen as Anna discusses the challenges of starting a business in Germany and the importance of focusing ...

Send me a Text Message. In this episode, I delve into my personal journey with social media, particularly Instagram.This is the first of a two part episode that introduces my reasons for leaving InstaGram, my reasons for coming back and my conclusions after 7 months.I discuss my decision to step away from the platform two years ago due to its impact on my health and well-being. I've decided to return, but with a new approach. I'm exploring how to maintain a minimalist brand presence, focusing...

Send me a Text Message. What if taking a break from Instagram could actually transform your business strategy? Join me as I share my personal journey of stepping away from Instagram for two years, only to return with a strategic vision and a clear purpose. SUMMARYIn this episode, I discuss my experiences with Instagram as a marketing tool for my business. I emphasize the importance of cultivating genuine connections over garnering thousands of followers and share my plans to limit my scr...

Send me a Text Message. Can you imagine turning your passion for textiles into a thriving business? On this episode of the Pattern Shift podcast, we transport you to the lively Wedding Wool Weekend festival in Berlin’s Wedding neighborhood. Joined by my friend Angela, we had the pleasure of talking with several brilliant textile business owners. Thanks to Ruta from Wollen Berlin, who organized this remarkable event, we're able to share their insightful journeys with you. Listen to our convers...

Send me a Text Message. Hey everyone, Ever feel like your day is a whirlwind and you wonder where all your time went by bedtime? In this episode, we're diving into the secrets of mastering your time with a holistic approach. Reflecting on my journey running an indie yarn shop, I realized the chaos of constant busy work and the importance of focused, mindful time management.I'll walk you through five steps to gain insight into your current time usage and practical exercises to improve it...

Send me a Text Message. I'll discuss balancing my craft business, personal health, and self-care. Venturing into video podcasting deepens my audience connection. COVID-19 reminded me to prioritize health over productivity. Crafting remains a source of relaxation and creativity amidst running a small business. I emphasize sustainable crafting and integrating it into my marketing. Join me as I share my journey.FULL SHOW-NOTES WITH TAKEAWAYS patternshift.fmGET MAILS HERE!BEST QUOTE FROM TH...

Send me a Text Message.  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...

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...