Hi! My name is Saskia de Feijter and welcome to the Pattern Shift podcast. In this podcast, I support overwhelmed small business owners in the fiber and needlecraft industry, helping them set up and organize their businesses for growth and personal well-being. Together, we can be a force for good and a counterbalance to fast fashion, helping makers craft garments and accessories slowly and more sustainably. You can be part of that change and make a profit in the process.
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#96 - Big Life Changes, Small Business Shifts
19:06
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19:06Send me a Text Message. SUMMARY When big life changes come along—like, say, getting a new puppy—our business rhythm often needs to shift too. In this warm and reflective episode, I talk about how I’m preparing for a new season that will require more flexibility and care. I share what went into the decision to welcome a Finnish Lapphund puppy into o…
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#95 - Road Trip Diaries: Weaving Linen, Slow Marketing & Crafting a Brand
1:12:10
1:12:10
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1:12:10Send me a Text Message. In this episode, recorded on the go, I take you through a fiber-filled weekend, exploring the world of weaving with linen, learning about its rich history, and navigating the craft of slow marketing at a creative fair. From her experience in a weaving workshop with Eva Klee at Clay Handwoven to networking with fellow busines…
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#94 - Navigate Around the Creeps - Why Your Business Needs an Email List More Than Ever
40:47
40:47
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40:47Send me a Text Message. SUMMARY Social media keeps shifting, but email? It’s still one of the most reliable ways to connect with your audience—without fighting algorithms or creepy tech billionaires. In this episode, I talk about how I’m simplifying my own email strategy and how you can make email work for you. From essential sequences to making em…
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#93 - How to Use the Business Model Canvas to Grow Your Creative Business
20:59
20:59
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20:59Send me a Text Message. The Business Model Canvas is a creative, visual tool that helps makers and indie business owners gain clarity and structure in their business. In this episode, I explore how yarn dyers, pattern designers, and shop owners can use it to grow sustainably. Tune in now and start crafting your business with confidence! 🚀 Go to ful…
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#92 - Scaling up Without losing your Creative Spark - ‘Handwerkbeurs Edition'
43:51
43:51
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43:51Send me a Text Message. Textile crafting is not just a creative outlet; it’s a growing industry filled with passionate entrepreneurs navigating sustainability and market challenges. From unique yarn offerings to balancing day jobs, these makers share their stories of perseverance and ambition. • Importance of sustainability in textile crafts • The …
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#91 - A Year in Business and Craft; my Tools for Reflection
39:20
39:20
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39:20Send me a Text Message. SUMMARY Hi friends! I’m wrapping up the year with a heartfelt reflection on growth, creativity, and intentional living. I share how tools like Bullet Journaling and the Year Compass help me process my year, lessons I’ve learned about overcoming self-doubt, and the joy I’ve found in crafting as therapy. Looking to 2025, I’m e…
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#90 - Show Yourself: Elevating Your Brand with Professional Photography
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41:44
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41:44Send me a Text Message. DOWNLOAD the Photoshoot Checklist HERE!! SUMMARY In this episode, I’m diving into why professional photos are a must-have for your business, how to prepare for a successful photo shoot, and how to overcome any nerves you might have about being in front of the camera. If you’ve been thinking about having a photo shoot but don…
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#89 - Is the Fiber Advent Craze Worth It for Small Businesses?
25:37
25:37
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25:37Send 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 w…
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#88 - From Trachtenjakke to Ski Pants: Making what you need AND want
50:00
50:00
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50:00Send 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 b…
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#87 - Wundersie's Impact: Eco-Friendly Creations and Market Transformation with Anna Allers
1:00:22
1:00:22
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1:00:22Send 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 creatio…
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#85 - From Full InstaGram Breakup to Reconnection - Pt 1. The Experiment
46:24
46:24
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46:24Send 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 imp…
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#86 - From Full InstaGram Breakup to Reconnection - Pt 2. The Execution
48:20
48:20
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48:20Send 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. SUMMARY In this episode, I discuss my experiences with Instagram as a marketing tool for my b…
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#84 - Learning by Doing: Insights and Stories from Textile Entrepreneurs at Berlin's Wedding Wool Weekend
1:10:34
1:10:34
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1:10:34Send 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. Th…
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#83 - Practical Exercises for Better and Holistic Time Management
32:14
32:14
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32:14Send 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…
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#82 - Casually chatting about travel, craft projects and current obsessions
1:00:24
1:00:24
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1:00:24Send 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 in…
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#81 - You Need a Mindset Shift! - Let’s Talk Change, Comfort Zones and Taking Action
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26:01
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26:01Send 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 yo…
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#80 - Sewing the Seeds of Love - Set Business Goals to Match Your Values
31:48
31:48
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31:48Send me a Text Message. 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 …
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#79 - Behind the Filter: The Reality of Creative Entrepreneurship, a Roadmap to Navigate Challenges
52:21
52:21
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52:21Send me a Text Message. 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 t…
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#78 - How to Sell Your Products Without Feeling Gross
44:41
44:41
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44:41Send me a Text Message. 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…
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#77 - Unraveling your Business Identity pt 2. Your Customer’s Identity
38:16
38:16
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38:16Send me a Text Message. 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 bus…
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#76 - Unraveling your Business Identity - pt 1. Your Identity
30:11
30:11
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30:11Send me a Text Message. 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 em…
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#75 - Threaded Intentions: A 3 Step Plan to Launch Your Year with Focus
31:52
31:52
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31:52Send me a Text Message. 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 guid…
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Bonus episode - Why I'm Returning to Instagram after breaking the chain 2 years ago...
44:50
44:50
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44:50Send me a Text Message. 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 dec…
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#74 - Fun Funds Framework; Quick Cash Hacks for Crafting a Growth Budget in the New Year
43:34
43:34
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43:34Send me a Text Message. 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…
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#73 - Crafting Revolution: A Conversation with Betsy Greer on Craftivism and Intentional Business
54:00
54:00
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54:00Send me a Text Message. 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 bot…
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#72 Reframing Your Marketing with Simon Batchelar: Ethical and Unconventional Approaches for Crafters
53:11
53:11
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53:11Send me a Text Message. 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 whe…
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#71 From Hobbyist to Professional: Embracing Your Weirdness for Creative Growth with Mark Steadman
58:28
58:28
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58:28Send me a Text Message. 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 entr…
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#70 Crafting Connections: The Power of Content Creation for Small Businesses
33:23
33:23
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33:23Send me a Text Message. 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 throug…
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#69 - Prioritise You: Crafting a Healthy Business with Personal Intentions
17:37
17:37
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17:37Send me a Text Message. "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 m…
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#68 - Creatively Navigating Storms: Managing Small Business Stress
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39:38
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39:38Send me a Text Message. 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 a…
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#67 - Striking the Perfect Balance: Business and Personal Life in the Summer Season
52:23
52:23
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52:23Send me a Text Message. 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, bu…
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#66 - Level Up Your Business: Insights from Program Alumni
46:20
46:20
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46:20Send me a Text Message. 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 pro…
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#65 - Bending Time: How to Manage Energy for Productivity with Kim Witten
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48:30
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48:30Send me a Text Message. 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 l…
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#64 - Transform Your Small Business Mindset with the Power of Decluttering
30:44
30:44
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30:44Send me a Text Message. 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 b…
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#63 - Taking yourself seriously as a business owner, with Cal Patch
52:48
52:48
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52:48Send me a Text Message. 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 balan…
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Send me a Text Message. 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 p…
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#61 - “Our podcast evolution: How Zoe and Saskia support their business and listeners + BIG NEWS”
36:14
36:14
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36:14Send me a Text Message. 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…
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#60 - Pilar Letelier of Cabeza de Alfiler - Overcoming the fear of Copy Cats, using the Power of Branding and Peer Support
56:51
56:51
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56:51Send me a Text Message. 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 you…
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#59 - "The Art of Deliberate Choice: Crafting a more Sustainable Wardrobe with a Philosophical Mindset"
41:07
41:07
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41:07Send me a Text Message. You know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching gets a bad rep sometimes, but when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to …
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#58 - ‘In Conversation with Kathleen’ Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Success: A Journey of Mindfulness and Crafting
37:58
37:58
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37:58Send me a Text Message. In this episode we’re flipping things around. Kathleen Kettles, one of the most enthusiastic members of the Ja, Wol community and a podcaster herself is interviewing me. Her podcast ‘In conversation with Kathleen’ is all about how her guests define success. I was invited and I loved the atmosphere of this conversation so muc…
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#57 - Maaike van Geijn's Rocket Launch: insights from a successful beginning knitwear designer
58:24
58:24
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58:24Send me a Text Message. In this podcast episode upcoming knitwear designer Maaike van Geijn, shares her ideas, processes, hiccups, and successes as a designer like how her first three designs were immediately published by Laine Magazine, Kate Davies and la Bien Aimée. We’re discussing topics such as her daily routine, submitting patterns to magazin…
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#56 - Pockets and Planet: a conversation about inclusivity and denim innovation with Marshall Conley
44:38
44:38
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44:38Send me a Text Message. In this episode of A Smaller Life, Marshall Conley of Slø Jeans, joins the show to discuss how this sustainable fashion brand started. The values and steps they had to make before they could start selling inclusive and sustainable jeans. Marshall discusses the challenges of starting a sustainable fashion brand and the import…
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#55 - Leigh Metcalf @ Top Stitch Makers on starting a business with no formal business education and pivoting from sewing studio to online community
1:04:44
1:04:44
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1:04:44Send me a Text Message. In this episode, Saskia and Leigh Metcalf, founder of Top Stitch Makers Social Community, discuss the importance of building a safe and valuable space for garment sewers. Leigh shares her journey of finding her ideal customer, reaching them through various channels, and how she puts aside the financial treadmill of retail to…
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#54 - Gillian Caughey @ Fearless Financials on how to be brave and fearless about your finances
1:10:02
1:10:02
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1:10:02Send me a Text Message. In this amazing episode full of gold nuggets, you’ll hear from Gillian Caughey Gillian is the founder of Fearless Financials, an accountancy business that offers life centered accounting for folks that dare to be themselves in business. They love to work with creatives businesses and help them achieve their financial goals. …
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#53 - Zoe Edwards helps me with the foundation for a more sustainable sewing practice
51:51
51:51
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51:51Send me a Text Message. Zoe Edwards joins us again! This time, we covered sustainable sewing and lots of things in between. I've asked Zoe to help me while I'm still quite new to sewing, to get a good foundation to a more sustainable sewing practice. From learning how to choose patterns to fit your body so you will get the most wear out of them -al…
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#52 - Kim Witten: Yarn Over-thinking, create succes with the help of coaching, mentoring and craft
55:06
55:06
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55:06Send me a Text Message. My coach, Kim Witten, teaches us the difference between coaching, mentoring and therapy. Then, we move on to topics such as the struggle we creatives have balancing structure and freedom (for our craft), and also have an enlightening conversation about “imposter syndrome”. Kim shares a comforting perspective and cites the tw…
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#51 - New Year's Shortie Episode - taking a pledge
31:24
31:24
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31:24Send me a Text Message. In this episode I talk about the Ja Wol Community pledge that has been spontaneously started by our member Kathleen. I jumped on her idea and we had a zoom call together and made it happen. In the episode I share my personal pledge and invite you to join us to see how you can make the curating and creating of your wardrobe i…
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#50 - Milestones: Maya @ Knit With Attitude goes Big + A Smaller Life's 50th Episode
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1:01:21Send me a Text Message. May Lin Bang (Maya) joins us from Knit With Attitude in High Street London, but not before we do a little celebrating for our 50th episode! Tune in to hear shout outs and interesting stats in the first 10 minutes, and then get cozy for our 50 minute conversation. Maya is an inspiration who has run a successful ecological yar…
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#49 - Reporting from the Faroe Islands Gudrun & Gudrun & Snaeldan Spinnery
58:04
58:04
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58:04Send me a Text Message. In this cinematic, on-the-road episode, you’ll hear all about the wool and shepherding industry in the Faroese Islands or Faroes (Føroyar). You’ll get to hear a spinning machine, special background music from the feat-of-modern-egineering underwater tunnels, reports from the traveler’s log in the ferry cabin, and spontaneous…
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#48- Elizabeth Joy of Conscious Style explaining conscious and sustainability lingo
1:02:52
1:02:52
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1:02:52Send me a Text Message. In this episode, you’ll hear from Elizabeth Joy of Conscious Style. Elizabeth is a content creator that cares about fashion and style in a conscious way. We talk about green washing, the use of wording and descriptions in the field of conscious fashion and educating through podcasts and other channels. Elizabeth Joy MAIN TAK…
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