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  • 7 Ways To Jumpstart Your Creative Business With Social Media
    Business Tips

    7 Ways To Jumpstart Your Creative Business With Social Media

    ByCaitlin Bacher August 21, 2015September 3, 2015

    If you have been running your creative business for more than a year, then you already know that there is an ebb and flow to sales. Summer in particular is a natural time for many creative biz owners to see…

    Read More 7 Ways To Jumpstart Your Creative Business With Social MediaContinue

  • How to handle social media copycats
    Business Tips

    How to handle social media copycats

    ByCaitlin Bacher May 22, 2015August 1, 2015

    We have all been there before. You may be scrolling through your Instagram feed and suddenly notice that your photo has been used without your permission. Or maybe you notice that one of your followers is now advertising a product…

    Read More How to handle social media copycatsContinue

  • The five things I wish I knew when I started my creative business
    Business Tips

    The five things I wish I knew when I started my creative business

    ByCaitlin Bacher April 16, 2015August 1, 2015

    This year at Craftcation one of the most talked about panels was Confessions Of An Entrepreneur, moderated by Tiffany Han. Unfortunately, I was taking a nap in my hotel room and missed the whole thing. Boo. Luckily, one of the…

    Read More The five things I wish I knew when I started my creative businessContinue

  • How to Stop Comparing Yourself To Others On Social Media
    Business Tips

    How to Stop Comparing Yourself To Others On Social Media

    ByCaitlin Bacher March 19, 2015March 13, 2015

    Let’s have some real talk about social media. If you aren’t careful, you could spend all your time staring at other people’s accounts and feeling like crap about yourself. This is no good for you or your business. As a social media…

    Read More How to Stop Comparing Yourself To Others On Social MediaContinue

  • Networking for Introverts: 6 Ways To Work A Room
    Business Tips

    Networking for Introverts: 6 Ways To Work A Room

    ByCaitlin Bacher February 19, 2015February 26, 2015

    Editor’s Note: Remember Caitlin’s awesome series on How to grow your business with Instagram? We loved it as much as you did which is why we invited her to be a regular contributor on the Dear Handmade Life blog! Look…

    Read More Networking for Introverts: 6 Ways To Work A RoomContinue

  • Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part Three
    Business Tips

    Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part Three

    ByCaitlin Bacher January 22, 2015January 23, 2015

    Editor’s Note: We’re super happy to welcome Caitlin Bacher of Little Farm Media to Dear Handmade Life for her three-part series on how creative entrepreneurs can use Instagram to grow their businesses. Caitlin is breaking it down into three categories:…

    Read More Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part ThreeContinue

  • Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part Two
    Business Tips

    Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part Two

    ByCaitlin Bacher January 15, 2015January 15, 2015

    Editor’s Note: We’re super happy to welcome Caitlin Bacher of Little Farm Media to Dear Handmade Life for her three part series on how creative entrepreneurs can use Instagram to grow their businesses. Caitlin is breaking it down into three…

    Read More Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part TwoContinue

  • Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part One
    Business Tips

    Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part One

    ByCaitlin Bacher January 9, 2015January 4, 2015

    Editor’s Note: We’re super happy to welcome Caitlin Bacher of Little Farm Media to Dear Handmade Life for her three part series on how creative entrepreneurs can use Instagram to grow their businesses. Caitlin is breaking it down into three…

    Read More Instagram Tips for Creative Businesses: Part OneContinue

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A few years ago, I couldn’t get on a plane without A few years ago, I couldn’t get on a plane without spiraling into anxiety.

I’d find any excuse not to go anywhere that required flying—“Oh no, I already have plans that weekend” (I didn’t) or “I’m not really interested in going there” (I was).

Seriously, what kind of bananas person turns down a trip to Hawaii? Me. I was that person.

Eventually, I decided I didn’t want fear making my travel plans for me. So I did the work—therapy, breathing exercises, distraction crafts that fit on a tray table, overpacking snacks, and yes, a little Xanax. Baby steps. All the things.

Last month, I flew solo to Columbus, Ohio, to meet my mastermind group (@natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio) for our first in-person hangout after meeting virtually since February.

We balanced our time between deep business talks—what’s working, what’s not, what we’re dreaming up next—and exploring the best spots in Columbus.

Natalie—our host and unofficial Columbus spokesperson—planned the most thoughtful trip, and I fell completely in love with the city.

It felt so good to be in person with these brilliant women who constantly inspire and challenge me in the best ways. I’m grateful I stopped letting fear decide where I get to go—because this trip reminded me what’s waiting on the other side of it.

#smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesssupport #anxiousmind #mastermind #creativesupport
If you found this, you’re probably one of my peopl If you found this, you’re probably one of my people.

I send monthly letters to folks like you — about creativity, self-trust, and what it really looks like to live a creative life that feels like yours.

To join the list comment: NICOLESNEWS
I took a stained glass workshop at @gooddeacraftsc I took a stained glass workshop at @gooddeacraftschool in Columbus, Ohio and had the best time.

Kara, the co-owner and instructor, was incredible—patient, clear, and so much fun to learn from. (Huge thanks to @natterdoodles for magically making this connection happen!)

I loved it so much that I immediately invited Kara to come teach at @craftcationconference —and she said yes! 🙌 This year we’ll have four stained glass workshops, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Want to make stained glass with us—and spend five days by the beach filled with 200+ craft and business workshops, inspiration, and community? Join me at Craftcation! Early bird registration is open now.

BTW: This stained glass workshop was part of a mastermind trip with @natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio, and it was exactly the creative adventure I didn’t know I needed. Natalie planned the entire trip—every stop, every meal, every detail—perfection.

I completely fell in love with Columbus: the people, the food, the creativity everywhere you look. I’ll be sharing a full recap soon, but let’s just say this trip filled my cup in all the best ways.

P.S. Thanks to @natterdoodles and @bobodesignstudio for capturing some of the video clips!
Full offense, but I built my creative business fro Full offense, but I built my creative business from the ground up — through craft fairs, workshops, launches, and late nights.

That’s why The Club isn’t about quick fixes or “six-figure secrets.” It’s about steady progress, creative growth, and support from people who actually get what it’s like to build something real.

Inside The Club you’ll get:
 ✨ 100+ on-demand workshops & mentorship replays
 ✨ 4 live monthly Zoom sessions (business class, mentorship, crafty hour, co-working)
 ✨ Goal-planning tools & accountability
 ✨ A supportive creative community that actually gets you

💬 Comment CLUB to take a tour or MENTOR to get on the waitlist so you’re first in line when doors open tomorrow.

#makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #craftbusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur
Ventura isn’t just the home of @craftcationconfere Ventura isn’t just the home of @craftcationconference 🌊✨ — it’s also home to one of my all-time favorite fabric + craft shops: @superbuzzy.

Kelly, the owner, was an early supporter of Craftcation and has built a magical spot full of thoughtfully curated fabrics, tools, and supplies. Every time I walk in, I leave inspired (and usually with a bag full of goodies).

If you’re coming to Craftcation, add Superbuzzy to your must-visit list—you’ll be amazed. 

My list is growing fast, but I’m always up for an adventure. What hidden gem should I put on my map next? Tag your favorite fabric store so I can add it to my route!

#fabricstore #craftsupplies #venturacounty #shoplocal
🚨 Last call! 🚨 Today’s your final chance to join T 🚨 Last call! 🚨
Today’s your final chance to join The Club before doors close at midnight (9.15.25). After today, enrollment won’t open again until 2026.

Inside The Club, you’ll get:
 ✨ Mentorship from someone who’s been in your shoes
 ✨ A supportive creative business community
 ✨ Accountability to follow through on your goals
 ✨ Expert-led workshops & resources you can actually use

If you’ve been thinking, “I’ll do it later,” this is it—there is no later.

Comment CLUB and I’ll send you a link to tour and join. 

You don’t have to do this creative business thing alone. 🧡

#mentorshipcommunity #theclub #creativesmallbusiness #creativeentrepreneur #craftbusiness #crafterofinstagram #maker #makersofinstagram

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