Skip to content

About
Contact Us
My Cart
My Account

About
Contact Us
My Cart
My Account

Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter Envelope Phone-alt

Search for:

Blog
Podcast
Craftcation Conference
- Craftcation 2024
- Get Involved
The Club
- Member Login
Shop
Patchwork Show
- Upcoming Shows
- Application + Vendor Info
COURSES
- Instagram Branding Brilliance

Blog
Podcast
Craftcation Conference
- Craftcation 2024
- Get Involved
The Club
- Member Login
Shop
Patchwork Show
- Upcoming Shows
- Application + Vendor Info
COURSES
- Instagram Branding Brilliance

Embracing Balance not Busyness with Ciji Tatum Townsend Dear Handmade Life

Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter Envelope Phone-alt

Email

get started

Craftcation Conference
Patchwork Show
Podcast
About Us
MEDIA
Shop Online

BLOG posts

CRAFT & DIY
BUSINESS
RECIPES
ADVENTURES
INSPIRATION

instagram

That feels uncomfortable to share-but I’m doing

That feels uncomfortable to share-but I’m doing it anyway. Because my discomfort isn’t as important as the possibility that me being real with you could make you feel less alone. That maybe you’d feel like it’s OK not to have it all figured out. So, here goes.

👉 i’ve made things I didn’t love just to pay the bills. There were times I compromised my creativity because rent was due, and it made me feel like a sellout. But I’ve learned that survival isn’t failure-it’s resilience.

👉 I sometimes feel guilty about taking breaks.
Even when I know I need them, I feel like I should always be working. But I’m learning that rest isn’t lazy-It’s necessary.

👉 I didn’t want to take meds for my OCD.
I thought it made me weak. But after becoming a mom, I realized I couldn’t show up for my family without taking care of myself first. Starting meds was hard, but it gave me back the space to live fully.

👉 I’ve launched products and workshops that flopped.
One time, no one signed up for a workshop I spent weeks planning. Another time a line of clothing I designed flopped at a tradeshow. Both times, it stung. Now I see those moments as part of the process-not proof I should’ve quit.

👉 I have psoriasis. Most of the time, I don’t even think about it – until someone’s side-eyes my skin like it’s contagious. Over the years, I’ve learned to own it. It’s part of me, but it doesn’t define me.

👉 I’ve cried in my car after selling nothing at a craft show.
I’ve packed up my booth after zero sales and thought, “Why am I even doing this?” But I keep going, and eventually, I had shows where I sold nearly 5 figures. It’s all part of the journey.

Here’s the thing: being a creative isn’t all wins and inspiration. It’s messy, frustrating, and full of lessons you only learned the hard way.

And that’s why we created CAMP-a safe space for creatives to figure out who they are, where they want to be, and how to get there.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, know this: you’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re building something bigger than the doubts, the rejections, and the hard days.
Comment GOAL to join the waiting list.

Scared to start? Overwhelmed by ALL the things? Fe

Scared to start? Overwhelmed by ALL the things? Feeling stuck because you don’t have it all figured out?

Welcome to Camp—a six-week online mindful goal-getting bootcamp for creatives ready to get out of their own way and start making real progress.

Here’s what you’ll get:
✨ Clarity to set actionable, realistic goals
✨ Accountability with weekly check-ins to keep you on track
✨ Support from a cohort of like-minded creatives who just get it
✨ Guidance to build momentum without the overwhelm

You don’t need a perfect plan or a degree to chase your dreams. You just need the courage to take the first step—and Camp is here to help you do it. Ready to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward?

Let’s do it, together. 🏕️

Comment GOAL to join the waiting list for life-changing experience.

Welp! I pretty much said it all in the story... bu

Hello Chino Hills join us next weekend 12/1 and sh

Hello Chino Hills join us next weekend 12/1 and shop handmade and local goods from 50+ makers at @thepatchworkshow @theshoppesatchinohills a modern retail destination in the Inland Empire, a gorgeous setting amid scenic fountains and swaying palm trees. 🍔🍻Enjoy food and drinks from surrounding restaurants and cafes! Plus we have free craft activities. 🎨🧵

FREE to attend, family-friendly, and pet friendly! 🐕❤️🐩

BTW: We post more show info at @thepatchworkshow so be sure to follow us there if that’s what you’re looking for.

Comment SHOWS to get all the details.

P.S. Rolling applications are OPEN!

Fall 2024 Patchwork Show Locations:
🏞Chino Hills 12.1 @theshoppesatchinohills
🌳Redwood City 11.10 @cityofredwoodcity
🌉Oakland 11.16 @jacklondonsq
🏖 Long Beach 11.24 @marinestadium
🏙Tustin 12.8 @oldtowntustin
🏛Sacramento 12.15 @oldsac

@bandcampbuddies @kluvcrafting @ecoje

It takes time, like WAY more time than you probabl

It takes time, like WAY more time than you probably think it will to get where you dream of being. BUT, don’t give up! It took me a decade to have a sustainable business and after Covid, the backstep of everything I built was so bad I almost gave up.

But, I didn’t. I kept going and I keep going every day.

One of my favorite parts of what I do is sharing all the things I’ve learned about being a creative business owner so that you don’t have to spend as much time as I did struggling.

One of the best and most consistent ways to get that insight and support is through Dear Handmade Life: The Club.

The Club is our members-only community for creative small business owners to get:
💻Expert-led business classes
🥅Mentorship-focused group coaching
👯‍♀️Unlimited support via our members group & your accountability group
ALL of that & more for just over $1 a day!

Comment “MENTOR” and I’ll get you on the waiting list for when we open enrollment.

Hello Long Beach join us next weekend 11/24 and sh

Hello Long Beach join us next weekend 11/24 and shop handmade and local goods from 150+ makers at @thepatchworkshow @marinestadium a historic park by the water we fill to the brim with vendors, live music 🍔🌮 food trucks! Plus we have free craft activities.🎨

FREE to attend, family-friendly, and pet friendly! 🐕❤️🐩

BTW: We post more show info at @thepatchworkshow so be sure to follow us there if that’s what you’re looking for.

Comment SHOWS to get all the details.

P.S. Rolling applications are OPEN!

Fall 2024 Patchwork Show Locations:
🏞Chino Hills 12.1 @theshoppesatchinohills
🌳Redwood City 11.10 @cityofredwoodcity
🌉Oakland 11.16 @jacklondonsq
🏖 Long Beach 11.24 @marinestadium
🏙Tustin 12.8 @oldtowntustin
🏛Sacramento 12.15 @oldsac

© DEAR HANDMADE LIFE 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS SITE USES AFFILIATE LINKS. WE DISCLOSE ALL SPONSORED POSTS BY NAMING THE SPONSOR IN THE POST.

from our studio... to yours

Get our mostly monthly emails featuring event updates, secret deals, pep talks and inspiration to make every day awesome.

Email Address