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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…

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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…

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The Truth About Vision Boards
Business Tips

The Truth About Vision Boards

ByNicole Stevenson September 12, 2014September 12, 2014

If I hadn’t gotten a really bad case of the flu five years ago I probably wouldn’t have heard the term vision board until a few years later. I’d been living out of my parent’s house for well over a…

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Should you crowdfund for your handmade business?
Business Tips

Should you crowdfund for your handmade business?

ByEleanor Whitney August 20, 2014August 20, 2014

As independent creatives, most of us had the opportunity to support, or even run, a crowdfunding campaign for a creative project. Mustering up support from the community for our ambitious, creative projects is a big part of how creative projects…

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Before I get into it, just a quick reminder that @ Before I get into it, just a quick reminder that @craftcationconference registration is closing soon! Trust me... it’s the best place on earth for creatives to try new things. Comment “CRAFTY” and I’ll send you more info. When was the last time you tried something totally new? I’m talking about the kind of thing that makes you feel awkward, unsure, and maybe even a little ridiculous—like learning a new skill, picking up a hobby outside your comfort zone, or saying yes to something that scares you just a little. Here’s the thing: trying new things isn’t just fun (though it can be); it’s also a secret weapon for your creative practice, business, and life. ✨ It rewires your brain. New experiences spark creative problem-solving and help you see challenges in a fresh way. ✨ It teaches resilience. Being bad at something (and doing it anyway) reminds you that mistakes aren’t failures—they’re how we learn and grow. ✨ It fuels your creativity. Exploring something outside your usual world can inspire new ideas and breakthroughs in your art, work, and life. So, here’s your nudge: try something new this week. Let it be messy, imperfect, and a little scary. You never know how it might spark your next big idea—or just remind you how fun it is to experiment without worrying about the outcome. What’s something new you’ve been wanting to try? Drop it below—I want to cheer you on! 🎉✨ #makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #craftcation #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessowner #craftbusinessowner #trynewthings
📌 Save this to kickstart your 2025 goals in jus 📌 Save this to kickstart your 2025 goals in just a few minutes! Before I get into it, comment “CLASS” to join my FREE goal-getting class & and I’ll send you the details! 1️⃣ What’s one thing I actually want to focus on next year? Not all the things—just one. Maybe it’s finally launching that online course, saying “no” to projects that don’t excite you, or carving out time to create just for fun again. 2️⃣ What’s been holding me back this year? Is it your perfectionism? That never-ending scroll on Instagram? Trying to do everything yourself instead of asking for help? Naming it is the first step to overcoming it. 3️⃣ What’s one small step I can take now to make 2025 easier? Organize that chaos of a workspace, update your website, schedule your social posts for January, or even just buy the planner you’ve been eyeing (and actually use it). Progress doesn’t have to be huge to be impactful. 💡 These questions might not fix everything overnight, but they’ll help you step into 2025 with clarity—and maybe a little less chaos. What’s your answer to #2? Drop it below—and I’ll give a tip to help you overcome it. #makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessowner #craftbusinessowner #mentor #goalsetting #goalgetter #newyeargoals
Not that you need validation from me or anyone els Not that you need validation from me or anyone else BUT in case you need to hear it today, if you make art (of any kind), even if you lock it in a closet and no one ever sees it, even if you don’t make a living from it, and even if you think it’s awful. If you make art, you’re a REAL artist. Want to hang out with other people who get it. Come to Craftcation, our annual conference packed with workshops and inspiration. Want to get to know Craftcation? Comment CRAFTY and I’ll send you a link to take a tour of your future favorite place. 🎟️ Here’s the scoop: • Discounted early bird registration is live now, but tickets are limited! • We’ve got a flexible PAYMENT PLAN where you decide the amount and timing of your payments. 💸🗓️ Craftcation highlights: • Five incredible days with 200+ craft classes, business workshops, social events, and wellness activities, all at the beautiful California beach. If this sounds like your jam, check it out and register ASAP (we sell out every year)! 🤗 We can’t wait to welcome you to our amazing community! #craftersofinstagram #makersofinstagram #artistsoninstagram #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessowner #mentoring
🎯 You know what’s scarier than failing? Waiti 🎯 You know what’s scarier than failing? Waiting for the perfect time that never comes. When I started my business, the timing was far from perfect. I barely knew how to sew (and started a clothing line 🤦‍♀️), had no clue what a spreadsheet was, and my confidence was at an all-time low while my anxiety was at an all-time high. And yet…I did it anyway. Why? Because the ‘perfect time’ doesn’t exist. The moment I decided to make a living with my art—and refused to stop until I did—it became the right time. Was it easy? HA! Not even close. But it was worth it. I learned, I grew, I shared my art with the world, and I even paid my rent doing it. ✨ Waiting for the perfect time = waiting forever. Start small. Start messy. Just start. That’s what CAMP is all about—helping you not just start but finish those big dreams you’ve been carrying around. 💪 🏕️ CAMP is our six-week online goal-getting bootcamp designed to help you take your goals from ‘someday’ to done. With weekly modules, accountability cabins, and practical, actionable steps, CAMP is here to give you the tools, support, and momentum to make it happen. Because starting is hard, but finishing? That’s where the magic happens. Drop “GOAL” in the comments to join the waiting list and let’s do this together. 💥 #makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessowner #craftbusinessowner #mentor #entrepreneur
One of the biggest mistakes I made in my creative One of the biggest mistakes I made in my creative business? Trying to water down my unique creative vision to fit what I thought buyers wanted. I remember second-guessing every design, thinking, “Would this sell? Is this what people want?” I ended up creating work that wasn’t true to me—and surprise, it didn’t connect with buyers either. Why? Because it lacked authenticity. The moment I stopped trying to be what I thought people wanted and started creating from my heart, things shifted. Buyers showed up. My work resonated. And most importantly, I felt good about what I was putting into the world. So here’s my advice: Stay true to your creative vision. Don’t let fear of rejection or outside expectations water down your magic. The right people—the ones who resonate with your work—will find you. Your uniqueness is your strength. Lean into it. Have you ever struggled with this? I’d love to hear your story—drop it below and let’s chat. 💛 And if you’re looking for a place to reconnect with your creative vision, Craftcation is the perfect space to do it. From inspiring workshops to supportive conversations with fellow creatives, it’s where you can dig into what makes your work yours and find the confidence to share it with the world. 🎟 Ready to grab your ticket? Comment TICKET and I’ll send you a direct link. Still thinking? Comment CRAFTY, and I’ll help you take a tour of all things Craftcation. 🧡 #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessadvice #reframingthoughts #creativementor
Craftcation = beach days, crafting all the things, Craftcation = beach days, crafting all the things, business workshops, yoga, dancing, late-night hang outs... basically, it’s a choose your own adventure for creatives. 🌟 Want to level up your business? Done. Need a creative recharge? Got you. Just want to hang with fellow crafty weirdos and make stuff? Perfect. At Craftcation, you do it your way. But heads up: Early Bird registration is closing soon. Don’t wait and end up crying into your coffee (or margarita) when tickets sell out. 🎟 Ready to grab your ticket? Comment TICKET and I’ll send you a direct link. Still thinking? Comment CRAFTY, and I’ll help you take a tour of all things Craftcation. 🧡 Your creative, quirky community is already here, waiting for you. #craftersofinstagram #makersofinstagram #craft #crafter #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinesssupport

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