Craft To Career

In this episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell sits down with Cindy Cloward, owner of Riley Blake Designs , one of the largest and most influential fabric manufacturers in the world. Riley Blake is known for its high-quality quilting cottons, stunning designer collaborations, notions, patterns, and its iconic Garden of Quilts event. Cindy shares the inspiring story behind the c...

In this inspiring episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell chats with Kimberly Jolly , founder and CEO of Fat Quarter Shop , one of the most recognized quilting retailers in the world. Kimberly shares her journey from running a small eBay fabric store out of her home to leading a thriving business that serves quilters across the globe. She opens up about how the company began, wh...

Meet Jessica and Aiden , the creative duo and owners of Thimtec, a company that's redefining how quilters protect their fingers! Thimtec's signature fabric thimble has quickly gained attention in the quilting world for its comfort, innovation, and thoughtful design. Jessica and Aiden share how their year-old company came to life — from the spark of an idea to a thriving small business. You'll hear...

Discover how to mentor new quilt pattern designers, run a Halloween-themed sew-along, and navigate going viral on Instagram. Featuring Maggie Reno of Snug and Stitch on the Craft to Career podcast. In this episode of the  Craft to Career podcast, Elizabeth Chappell of Quilters Candy interviews Maggie Reno of Snug and Stitch , an experienced quilt pattern designer and mentor. Maggie, along with Mic...

✨ Episode Summary: I'm diving into a topic that's close to my heart and essential for long-term success:  how to make business friends . We often hear about marketing strategies and growth plans—but what about the relationships behind the scenes? Business friends can offer support, accountability, and even joy in a journey that can sometimes feel isolating. But making those connections isn't alwa...

🧵 Episode Summary / Intro: Ever wonder how to get thousands of people excited about your event—without burning out in the process? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my most recent Quilt Along that brought in over 5,000 sign-ups . Whether you're hosting a virtual event, workshop, or course, you'll learn practical strategies for planning, promoting, and delivering a high-impact exper...

What happens when you walk away from a dream career in fashion to pursue a life of freedom, creativity, and true joy? In this episode, I chat with  Christine Lindebak , a talented garment sewist, pattern designer, and upcycling advocate who left the high-end retail world of Rodeo Drive to build a more meaningful creative business—on her own terms. Christine shares her inspiring journey of transiti...

Do you love quilting and dream of teaching others—but feel unsure about where to start or whether you're even qualified? You're not alone, and today's guest is here to guide you through it all! In this episode, I'm joined by my friend and fellow quilterpreneur, Shannon Brinkley . Shannon has built a thriving career around teaching quilting, and she's passionate about helping others do the same. Wh...

What started as a college assignment turned into a viral business success. In this episode, I sit down with Monique Rapier of MMR Beauty, the powerhouse behind a hair oil brand that keeps selling out—again and again. After years of struggling with hair that wouldn't grow, bald spots, and breakage, Monique dove into research and trial-and-error to create a formula that completely transformed her ha...

In this heartfelt episode, I join Will Rogers, the editor of The Quilters — a Netflix short film that tells the moving story of incarcerated men in a Missouri prison who sew quilts for children in need. Will shares how he landed this unique editing role, the behind-the-scenes challenges and beauty of shaping such a powerful narrative, and what he discovered about the human spirit along the way — b...

In today's episode, I'm joined by Tori McElwain, quilter, educator, and author of Workshops Unleashed. We dive into Tori's journey into quilting and teaching, how she transitioned into leading workshops, and why sharing your skills with others can open amazing doors for your business. Links Mentioned: Workshops Unleashed Book by Tori McElwain Tori's Website: The Quilt Patch by Tori Kajabi - My go-...

Let's talk about email lists—why you need one, how to grow it, and what to actually send. I'll walk you through my best-performing opt-ins (including the one I keep sharing even though I think everyone already has it), ideas for what to say in your emails, and how to sound like a real human being—not a robot. Plus, I'll share the #1 rule when it comes to building your list: be kind to yourself. Sm...

If you're running a business—or dreaming of starting one—there's one thing that can make or break your success: solving a real problem. In this episode, I'm diving into why identifying the specific problem your business solves is so powerful, and how it shapes everything from your marketing to your products. We'll talk about: Why a "nice idea" isn't enough How to figure out the actual problem you...

Have business questions? You're not alone! In this episode, I'm sharing the most essential business tips that will help you streamline, grow, and succeed . Top Business Tips Covered in This Episode: ✅ Solve a problem – The foundation of a successful business starts with identifying and addressing a real need. ✅ Focus on ONE product – Selling multiple things at once can be overwhelming. Start wit...

If you've ever struggled with saying yes to new opportunities, this episode is for you! Tune in to hear how Christina Lee, of Sweet Potato Quilts, leans into her passions while balancing a busy, fulfilling creative life. 📢 Listen now and get inspired to embrace your own creative journey! Links From This Episode: Sweet Potato Quilts Website - CLICK HERE FloDesk  – Try my email marketing platform a...

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a creative passion into a thriving business? In this episode, I chat with Mike from Legit Kits , a Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) company that was recently featured on Shark Tank ! Mike shares his journey—from balancing his day job to scaling his FPP business and landing a spot on national television. He offers invaluable insights into growing a creative busines...

Struggling to keep your goals? In this episode, we'll break down the SMART goal method and share practical tips to help you set and achieve goals that stick. Stop comparing your progress to others and start making small, sustainable changes that lead to big results. Takeaways from this episode: Don't beat yourself up about seasons : There are times in life when goal setting just isn't the right se...

Have you ever thought about becoming a fabric designer? For years, that was a dream of mine, but I just couldn't seem to make it happen. I struggled to learn Adobe Illustrator in a way that made my designs look more polished—like something other than a kindergartner's doodles! 😅 That all changed when I discovered Bonnie Christine's Immersion Course . It was THE course that completely changed the...

Do you wonder if it's really possible to earn money as a quilter or creative entrepreneur? You're not alone! I recently came across this question in a Facebook group, and the answers shocked me—most people believed you could make a little money, but not a real income. Well, I'm here to tell you that's simply not true. Not only do I make a great income as a quilter, but so do many others in this in...

Now that you've learned about the thoughts holding you back (part one), you are ready to dive into part two, practical tips that will help you reshape your thoughts, navigate challenges, make tough decisions, and seek clarity on your creative journey.  Learn actionable skills to quiet the thoughts that are hurting your success. Tap into what's called your inner sage. If you feel like the words 'in...

In this insightful episode, Elizabeth Chappell shares the invaluable lessons she learned from her business coach, Lindsey White. These life-changing concepts, inspired by Shirzad Chamine's Positive Intelligence , reveal how our thoughts can sabotage our success and happiness—and how to regain control. Elizabeth delves into the 10 mental saboteurs that can undermine entrepreneurs and individuals al...

Running a business is no easy task, but when you add depression into the mix, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the  Craft to Career Podcast , I open up about my personal journey as an entrepreneur living with depression. Depression looks different for everyone, and I share what it looks like for me. I discuss why I decided to take medication, my experience trying to go off it, and ulti...

In this honest and heartfelt episode, I'm sharing the real reasons I decided to step away from fabric design and what's next for my business. If you've ever dreamt of designing or selling fabric, or if you're just curious about my journey, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at why I made this decision and what I've learned along the way. Key Takeaways: In this episode, I break down the t...

In this inspiring episode, Elizabeth Chappell interviews Linda Pacino, Director of Training and Education for Baby Lock, who brings over 20 years of experience in the sewing industry. Linda leads a team of professional trainers dedicated to empowering consumers and retailers with exceptional education and resources. Linda shares her incredible journey to landing her dream job, offering valuable in...

Have you ever thought about hosting a live event for your business? In this episode, Elizabeth Chappell reflects on her experiences organizing live events, sharing the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. From planning to execution, Elizabeth provides practical advice to help you create memorable and impactful events that leave your attendees inspired and engaged. Key Takeaways from This...