The Crafty Mariana Podcast

In this solo episode, Mariana opens up about the part of business no one talks about: the prep phase. After months of quiet content, she shares why she's been building behind the scenes, what imposter syndrome looks like when you're "not doing the thing yet," and walks through the full rebuild of her workshop business ahead of the Europe launch in July, from decluttering the studio to rebranding,...

Do you want to learn how to turn your crafts into sold out workshops? Join the Crafts Workshops Academy IN THIS LINK In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Nodlaig Caffrey, founder of The Paper Petal Studio in Ireland. Nodlaig specialises in creating breathtaking small and large-scale crepe paper flowers — from delicate bridal pieces to giant six-foot installations —...

Do you want to learn how to turn your crafts into sold-out workshops? Join the Crafts Workshops Academy — LINK HERE In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Pru Raymond, a fiber artist, knitting educator, and author from South Australia. Pru has taught over 200 workshops across Australia and internationally, specializing in technique-based knitting classes that help st...

Do you want to learn how to turn your crafts into sold-out workshops? Join the Crafts Workshops Academy — LINK HERE In this episode of The Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Tyler (aka Dr. Lemco), a Montreal-based creative, entertainer, and founder of Dr. Lemco’s Creative Club. What started as an experiment in hosting art sessions in cafés and bars quickly evolved into a thriving creat...

In this solo episode, Mariana reflects on the biggest lessons from 2025 after opening a studio, navigating major health challenges, and rethinking how she runs her workshop business and the Crafts Workshop Academy. She shares three shifts: build for sustainability (not intensity), choose clarity over endless ideas, and remember that workshops are a community business. Plus, a glimpse into 2026: tr...

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Lucy Dujmovich, artist and founder of Studio Inner West in Sydney. In three years, Lucy has hosted 5,000 plus students, built a team of six, added mobile and corporate bookings, and launched a high-touch six-week program that teaches artists how to run profitable workshops. She shares the real numbers behind opening a studio aft...

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Kayla Jagusch, founder of Even Numbers, a Milan-based creative community known for vision boarding nights, “speed-date-in-art,” bag-charm labs, and their lush “linger longer” still-life sessions. What began as a four-person paint night in Kayla’s living room became 60-person gatherings across Milan, Paris, and New York, plus bra...

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Susan Schwager, the Sydney-based creator behind heart-led inner child workshops that blend craft, connection, and gentle facilitation. After a life-shaking accident in 2023, a family trip to Lapland and Disneyland reawakened Susan’s sense of wonder. Back home, she bottled that feeling into intimate women’s workshops that now sel...

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Liz Chick , founder of RecCreate Collective in New York City , a creative hospitality studio known for its club-style events, intentional facilitation, and community-first approach. What began as Liz experimenting with natural dyes in a tiny apartment became a beautiful, one-of-a-kind studio space and a growing team hosting 15–2...

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Tayler, co-founder of Happy Medium, a one-of-a-kind art experience studio in New York City. What started as a way to reconnect with creativity has grown into a vibrant art café where guests can “order” creative experiences the same way they’d order from a restaurant menu. Tayler opens up about the highs and lows of building a bu...

In this episode, I’m sharing something a little more personal — a mid-year reflection on my creative business journey so far in 2025. After signing the lease on my dream studio and planning to scale my workshop business, my health unexpectedly collapsed. What followed was three surgeries, a total pause, and eventually… a trip to the Amazon jungle for a plant-based retreat. 🌿 That time in stillnes...

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast , Mariana sits down with Janelle Widtfeldt , founder of the vibrant Salt Lake City Craft Club . From first-grade teacher to full-time creative entrepreneur, Janelle shares her inspiring journey of turning her love for crafting into a community-centered business that brings people together through creativity. They dive deep into the joys and realities o...

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most important — and overlooked — keys to running a profitable workshop business: knowing your lane. I’m breaking down the two most common workshop business models I’ve seen (and lived!), and how understanding which one you're in can help you set better prices, avoid burnout, and actually make money doing what you love. If you’ve ever felt stuck betw...

In this episode, I’m sharing the honest, behind-the-scenes breakdown of what it actually cost me to set up my own creative studio, Karma Creative Studios. If you’ve ever dreamed of opening your own space — or just want a real look at the numbers — this episode is for you. I’m walking you through everything from major setup expenses to the unexpected “little things” that added up fast, plus how I’m...

In this episode, I’m sharing the unexpected journey of how I went from planning a temporary pop-up space to opening a permanent studio much sooner than expected! I’ll walk you through the original plan, what made me pivot, the biggest challenges along the way, and how the studio is already impacting my business. In this episode, I talk about: ✎ My original plan for a two-month pop-up space and why...

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana interviews Eva Loudon from Craftiful, a creative studio based in Surrey, UK. Eva shares her journey from being a teacher to running a successful crafting business, offering insights into workshop demand, financial hurdles, and the importance of community. They discuss the realities of entrepreneurship—balancing passion with business, managing...

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast , Mariana interviews Miranda from Frøbel, a creative entrepreneur based in the Netherlands who transitioned from a corporate job to running her own workshop-based business. Miranda shares her inspiring journey, from hosting workshops in her living room to moving into a dedicated studio space. They dive into the realities of entrepreneurship—balancing b...

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana podcast, Mariana interviews Jessie Whealy, the owner of Jessie's Art Shed in Oxfordshire. Jessie shares her journey from starting her art studio in her parents' garage to expanding into a thriving business with multiple locations. She discusses the challenges and milestones she faced along the way, the importance of community and customer relationships, and th...

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, I sit down with Kenny Indenge, co-founder of Paintly, a fast-growing paint-and-sip workshop business that has expanded across multiple European countries. Kenny shares his journey of launching Paintly, the challenges of growing a creative business, and the unique approach they take to make art accessible and fun for everyone. What We Cover in This Epi...

In this episode, I’m joined by Meagan from art gurl to dive into the powerful connection between creativity and community. Meagan shares her journey from starting art gurl as a simple newsletter to building a thriving creative community focused on self-expression and wellness. We explore how art can be a tool for healing, the importance of fostering connections, and the lessons learned from naviga...

In this episode, I’m sharing my exciting plans for 2025! From major updates to my online business, Crafts Workshop Academy , to launching a pop-up studio and preparing for a permanent workshop space, this year is shaping up to be a game-changer. In this episode, I talk about: ✎ How 2024 taught me to simplify and focus on what matters most. ✎ The exciting changes coming to the Crafts Workshop Acade...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the journey of building a profitable workshop business! From making the leap to go full-time to uncovering the realities of commercial studio spaces, I’ll share my story, strategies, and insights to help you plan your next steps. In this episode, I talk about: ✎ The steps I took to transition to full-time workshops—and how you can plan your own journey. ✎ Ho...

Welcome to the very first episode of The Crafty Mariana Podcast! In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how I turned my love for crafting into a thriving business. From hitting major milestones like consistent 10K months to pivoting into mentorship and workshops, it’s been a journey full of lessons, challenges, and rewarding moments. Tune in to hear about my passion for making crafting fun agai...