How To Be A Handmade Boss

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 “just push through” advice. Just a simple rhythm that actually works - especially if your energy and focus fluctuate (hello, ADHD friends 👋).

You’ll learn:
💡 The 4P framework: Plan, Prepare, Post, Protect
🧠 How to create content around your energy, not the clock
📅 The five-minute monthly ma...

If you’ve ever hit “post” 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 alive and active, not just shouting into the void.

No hacks, no fluff – just a proven rhythm that warms up your audience, boosts your reach, and brings your posts back to life (fast).
...

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 moment your post needs to speak to
✨ Choose the right angle (pain, feeling, or transformation)
✨ Write a hook that stops the scroll in 3 seconds flat
✨ Use the REI method to write your captions faster<...

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 in burnout mode.

Steph shares real coaching insights, simple mindset shifts, and practical next steps to help you price with confidence (and stop apologising for your worth).

If you’ve ever though...

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 that your ideal customer actually wants

✨ The quickest way to create a landing page (even without a website)

✨ Where to share it so people actually sign up

✨ Why...

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 of 100 subscribers can become a steady income stream.

You’ll learn:
💌 The simple maths behind email ROI (and how it adds up fast)
📉 Why relying only on Etsy...

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. 💛

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Steph sits down with HBSA student Gillian, the creative mind behind Paper2Pearls, to talk about the unexpected journey from patchwork quilts to paper jewellery, the challenges of crafting with arthritis, and how she’s used the Handmade Business Success Academy to bring structure, strategy, and new energy to her handmade business.

...

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:

💡 Find focus and stop “throwing spaghetti at the wall”

📈 Boost conversion rates and sales (some hit 2,000+ Etsy orders!)

💬 Build real confidence in marketing and SEO

🤝 Join a supportive community that keeps them going when business feels tough

If you’ve ever tho...

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:
✅ Why uploading random new products could actually be hurting your shop
✅ The real reason Etsy rewards certain listings (hint: it’s not how many you have)
✅ What to do instead: smarter product variations, giftable bundles, and clarity around your niche
✅ Real-life examples...

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
📉 Understand why your to-do list isn’t growing your business
🧠 Make small, strategic shifts that lead to actual progress
✨ AND stop wasting time on things that feel productive, but don’t move the needle Duration: 00:22:02

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. 💛

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 this holiday season 🎄

From AI listing tools and post-purchase automation to real-time keyword insights and a totally redesigned dashboard, this is the update episode that helps you take action...

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:
        1.        Getting found in search (hello, buyer keywords!)
        2.        Getting clicked (your thumbnail matters more than you think)
        3.        Getting purchased (because a nice listing isn’t enough)

This is a must-listen if you’ve ever said:
        •...

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 marketplace.

I’ve done the research for something I’m working on behind the scenes (👀), and let me tell you - these niches are absolute gems. From sensory-friendly fashion to grief support gifts...

🎄 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 holiday promotion tweaks you can make today. If you’re a handmade seller on Etsy or your own site, this 5-minute check will help you feel more confident and less scrambled heading into the busiest sales season of the...

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:

Whether you’re a part-time maker or dreaming o...

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, she opens up about:
        •        How personal loss inspired her to chase her creative dream
        •        The shift from fresh flowers to artificial designs (and why it worked)
        •        The behind-the-scenes process of designing wreaths and bouquets
        •        The ups and downs of social media and growing an online sho...

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:

Whether you sell on Etsy, Shopify, or your own website, these Instagram tips are perfect for handmade sellers who want to post with purpose and actually see results...

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 get your products seen 👀

Inside this episode:

✅ How to write a scroll-stopping hook

✅ What to film if you feel awkward or unsure

✅ Real-life examples for can...

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’s push toward AI and personalisation... all without the corporate waffle.

But more importantly, I’ll walk you through what to actually do about it. Whether you’re on Et...

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:

🍁 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’m covering what’s going to be everywhere (and how to make it work for your handmade business).

🍂 Whether you sell on Etsy, your own site, or at markets - this episode is your seasonal trend cheat sheet. Grab a notebook a...

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 Etsy listings for more visibility, better conversion, and sustainable growth.

We’re covering:

✅ Etsy SEO tips for beginners

✅ How to write titles that actually get found

✅ Wha...

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, and why community matters more than ever (especially when you're not a fan of working solo).

Fran also opens up about leaving behind a business that didn’t light her up, starting again with a friend a...

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 “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
🔸 The real cost of DIY-ing everything alone
🔸 Why your fear of investing might be costing you more than you think
🔸 How to know when you’re ready to get real suppor...

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 - and exactly how to thrive in each one without forcing yourself to keep pushing all year round. You’ll learn:

🌱 What each busin...

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, embrace systems that work for you, and welcome growth with ease (and joy!). Whether you listen once or on repeat all week, let this episode remind you that success is already in motion and you are ready to receive it. Duration: 00:09:25

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 and impact.

Whether you listen on repeat for a week or weave it into your challenge journey, let this audio help you feel more open, seen, and magnetic in your marketing. Your people are out there and they’re ready for you...

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, and trust that your creativity and care naturally attract the right customers.

Whether you’re tidying your workspace, packing orders, or simply sitting with a cup of tea, let these words remind you: y...

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.

These affirmations will help you reconnect with the joy, meaning, and impact behind what you create, and remind you that your work deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated. Whether you’re rep...

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 orders, let this short audio set you up for a day filled with clarity, intention, and courage.

You are powerful. You are ready. And your dreams are worth show...

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 “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 second-guessing every listing. 😌

💻 We’ll walk through the real reasons Etsy updates its rules, the most common mistakes sellers make (yep, even without realising it), and what Etsy’s new focus on transparency means for you. 🕵️‍♀️✨

You’ll learn:
✅ What Etsy’...

😩 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 once you fix it, everything shifts. 👩‍🔧

We’ll cover:
        •        What your customer really needs to hear before they buy
        •        The 3-part messaging fix that turns browsers into buyers
        •        Real-life examples to help you reframe your product description...

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 how Etsy decides who gets seen (and who doesn’t), this episode is your spotlight. The Q Score isn’t brand new, but it’s now a named, structured part of...

🎧 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, we’re diving into:
        •        Why engagement is the real currency on social media (not your follower count)
        •        How to actually show up in stories and reels without sounding like a pushy salesperson
        •        The 3-step sales content system you can use rig...

🎢 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 lack of a proper sales system. If you’ve been winging it and hoping for the best, this one’s for you.

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 engagement actually matters) and why posting more isn’t necessarily the answer.

I’m also sharing simple, practical tips you can use right now to boost you...

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:
💙 How she found the confidence to start selling
💙 What helped her go from “I can’t do this” to “this is actually working!”
💙 The juggle of life, work, and creativity
💙 Her favourite HBSA lesson (and how it changed everything)
💙 Why she’s now excited for the future of her handmade bi...

💙 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
        •        The algorithm signals Facebook is actually looking for in groups
        •        How to train the algorithm to show your posts to more members
        •        The surprising reason engagement isn’t always what you think it is
        •        What you can d...

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 unlock the secrets to turning your passion into profit. We’ll cover:

✨ What the algorithm actually looks for (spoiler: it’s not follower...

Hey 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 you. Whether you sell on Etsy, your own website, or at markets and fairs, this is the behind-the-scenes peek you’ve been waiting for 🔍✨

We’re chatting about:

📌 What Instagram is focusing on...

🔐 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's Facebook!) and discover what actually works in 2025 to get your creations seen.

🧭 We'll explore how Facebook decides who sees your posts, breaking down the four key factors: engagement, relevance, recency, and relationships. Understand why organi...

💙 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 of investing in yourself. She calls joining the HBSA the best thing she has done this year

• Eric shares how the HBSA helped him set up his business properly from the start...

💙 '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 knitting is too difficult by providing all the necessary tools, materials, and learning resources you need.

💪 Heather's advice to new handmade business owners is to "just go for it, believe in yourself, do it" and believe in yourself. The worst tha...

🤔 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 account for your target audience, the type of boards to create and understanding key metrics to watch.

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