Making Magic: Recent Episodes
Anastasia Williams
Abby Glassenberg of the Craft Industry Alliance joins me to discuss how micro business owners can take advantage of industry trade shows and what tips and tricks they can use to make the most of their time and energy.
Connect with Abby:
- Craft Industry Alliance website
- Craft Industry Alliance Instagram
Other links mentioned:
- hh Americas (June 20 - 23, 2023)
- New York Sheep & Wool Festival (Rhinebeck)
Helpful resources:
- Make Your Business Card Stand Out: Essential Elements to Include (m1rmarketing.com)
In this episode, Sarah Barca of Strung Out Knits and I are working through how to merge her two ideal customers into one, what kind of messaging will appeal to that customer, and how she can leverage her existing marketing to be more effective.
Connect with Sarah:
- Sign up for her newsletter!
- Check out her patterns
- Follow her on Instagram
- Check out her website
- Shop on her Etsy
Other things mentioned:
- My secondhand online yarn shop
- Kristina McGrath
- Join Book Club & do Scary Bingo with us in the Fiber Business Collective
- Omnivore App (keep all your newsletters in one place)
- Eli Trier
- Eli's newsletter signup
- Bird Collective
- Olive & June
- ManiMe
- Emily Lymm - Wool & Palette
Newsletter Provider:
- MailerLite
- MailChimp
- Flodesk (affiliate link)
Even if you don't find newsletters intimidating, writing them can be a world of their own. In this episode, I'm sharing some of my top/favorite tips for writing a newsletter that actually gets opened (and hopefully will convert!).
Past Episodes Mentioned:
- Interview Episode - There is No Such Thing as Competition with Eli Trier
- Coaching Episode - There's Still Value in Newsletters with Emily Wool
Newsletter Providers Mentioned:
- Mailerlite
- Flodesk (affiliate link)
- MailChimp
- ConvertKit
- Klaviyo
AI Bots Mentioned:
- ChatGPT
- Rytr
- Bard
Other Links Mentioned:
- Bird Collective
- For the Birds Rehab: Secondhand Yarn Shop
Join the Fiber Business Collective
(I mentioned a workshop hosted by Eli Trier - you can check her out here if you'd like to learn more about what she teaches)
Big statement, huh? I'm diving into why I think we actually knit and how we can use that information to tap into our audiences when marketing.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Alchemy: The Curious Science & Dark Art of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life by Rory Sutherland
- Fiber Business Collective
Julie has been a trendwatcher for years and has created her own trend reports in 2022 and 2023 for fiber artists. Today we're talking about how trends work, why they matter, and how you can incorporate them into your work in the fiber arts industry.
Connect with Julie:
- Julie's Instagram
- Julie's Website
Other links mentioned in this episode:
- Brianna Capelet
- Julie Hoover
- Levi's 501 Jeans
- Our Maker Life
- h+h Americas
- Allison P. Davis's article: A Vibe Shift is Coming - Will any of us survive it?
Connect with Lily:
- Lily’s Instagram
- The Curatorial Knits Podcast
Other links mentioned in this episode:
- To Have and To Hold book by Philipp Blom (thriftbooks.com)
- Lily’s gallery: Hosfelt Gallery
- René Magritte | MoMA
- Andrea Higgins
- Suzusan
- Paul McCartney and His Creative Practice: The Beatles and Beyond by Phillip McIntyre, Paul Thompson, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Emily’s website: www.woolandpalette.comEmily’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/wool.and.paletteEmily’s guide on Color Theory: Going Beyond the Rainbow
Links mentioned in this episode:
- TSA Instagram - www.instagram.com/tsa
- Who Gives a Crap - Home | Who Gives A Crap USA
- Squatty Potty - https://www.squattypotty.com
- Hilda TV Series - Watch Hilda | Netflix Official Site
Stacy & I work through the general loathing of social media, figuring out where her people are, and how to build her newsletter.
Connect with Stacy:
- Website
Join the Fiber Business Collective.
This week's episode is supported by White Rose Fiber Company.
Danielle from the Merriweather Council & I discuss all the fun things like star seller, whether you should really leave Etsy once you’re established, and our favorite Backstreet Boys.
This episode's supporter is the Knitting Witchling:
- The Knitting Witchling's website
- The Knitting Witchling's Instagram
Don’t think of it as selling - think of it as inviting your customers to spend time with you in your business “home”.
Join the Fiber Business Collective for access to my signature marketing course, Homecoming.
This episode is supported by Emily C Gilles:
- Emily's Discord Server
- Emily's Instagram
- Emily's Website
Emily Wool of Emily Ruth Prints and I talk about content ideation, repurposing, and dive deep into ways a newsletter can successfully function in a business.
Connect with Emily:
- Emily's Website
- Emily's Instagram
- Emily's Patreon
This episode was supported by The Knitting Witchling:
- Etsy
Learn more about Your Epic Business.
I talk to Eli today about her journey as a neurodivergent business owner, making relationship marketing work for you, and being okay with not doing things the way you’ve been told to.
When it comes to starting a business, there are so many options for tools and apps. If you're starting from scratch and you've got minimal income to invest, where should you be focusing your energies? Today, we're talking about just that.
Today's episode was sponsored by tech editor and consultant, Kristina McGrath:
- Kristina's website
- Kristina's Instagram
- Book a free chat with Kristina
Payment systems:
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Square
- Stripe
Online storefronts & websites:
- Etsy
- Wix
- Shopify
- Squarespace
Free newsletter options
- MailChimp
- MailerLite
SEO Tools:
- Free google SEO course
Abby was initially not a fan of ideal customer work. Today, we work together to discuss how she can utilize the ideal customer profile as a tool in her business to help her focus her marketing efforts.
Connect with Abby:
- Abby's website
- Abby's Instagram
- Abby's Ravelry page
This episode was originally aired in February 2021.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Wing and a Prayer Farm
- Interview with Tammy from Wing and a Prayer Farm (from former Local Wool podcast)
- Cecilia Campochiaro
- The Gentle Knitter Podcast
- Jamieson's Wool Yarn
I think you and I both know that I'm going to say "yes, you need an ideal customer". But I promise that I have very good reasons for believing this. Today we are tackling why you need one, how to start one, if you can have more than one, and how much detail your profile needs to have.
This episode is supported by tech editor, Jenna Sargent.
Jenna's Website
Jenna's Instagram
Additionally, if you are interested in private coaching, you can book with me at www.anastasiacreates.co. If you are interested in learning more about the Fiber Business Collective, you can check that out at www.fiberbusinesscollective.com.
You hear it all the time - "you need to have a 'why'". Really? Sorry, but yes, really. Today, I'm going to walk you through the two types of why's you need to have nailed down and some ways of finding those. This episode was supported by:
Emily Wool of Emily Ruth Prints
- Emily's Website
- Emily's Instagram
Asia of Yarn Fixation
- Asia's Etsy Shop
- Asia's Instagram
Resources mentioned:
- Simon Sinek's TED Talk
- Erin Clayton (Designer, Consultant, and Graphic Designer)
- Pela Case
The reality is that most of us tend to fall into our businesses or throw them together a little haphazardly... instead of having a plan. While this is common, it's not recommended. Today, I'm going through the six primary questions you should be asking yourself before you start your business. Don't worry if you've already started one - it's never too late to reassess where you're at!
This episode was sponsored by Aimee Sher Makes
Aimee's Website
Aimee's Instagram
Book Recommendation: Validating Product Ideas Through Lean User Research
Want to sponsor a podcast episode? Get more information here.
If you're ready to book some personalized help or join the Fiber Business Collective, head to https://www.anastasiacreates.co.
Today, I’m speaking with tech editor, Sarah Walworth, about how mindset impacts your work and what you need to just start.
Amy Small of Knit Collage speaks with me today as part of June's Community Project. We talk about her own journey, what she sees other business owners struggling with, and a fab lineup of book recommendations!
Books mentioned: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
Launch by Jeff Walker
You are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter by Joe Dispenza
Françoise of Aroha Knits joins me to discuss her business journey, how she’s dealt with a large social media following, and why we all need boundaries.
Running a business is 50% mindset, 45% marketing, and 5% product creation. But if our mindset is working against us, how can we make progress in any other way?
I've ranted about discounts, but I'm not sure we've gotten focused on pricing. Well, after this episode, we will have.
Join the Fiber Business Collective
I talk to Eli today about her journey as a neurodivergent business owner, making relationship marketing work for you, and being okay with not doing things the way you’ve been told to.
Who do you reach out to? How do you know if you’re offering value to your co-collaborator? How do collaborations even work? Don’t worry - I’ve got you covered today.
Leanna of alone Sequoia Ranch and I discuss whether or not a website is really necessary, if Etsy is the devil, and how a newsletter can bring her audience closer.
Which works best for you? A concentrated effort in a short term burst or a longer, more nurturing process? I’m running through the details of both today.
Join the Business Homeowners Association
Bloom & Create's email list
Kristina & Sarah are the brilliant minds behind the YouTube channel, Tech Tip Talks. Today we talk about what it takes to run a business when you have no idea how to run a business, the value issues within the fiber arts industry, why tech editing is a smart investment, and which Pride & Prejudice is the best one.
What happens if you’re really limited on time for marketing? And you also feel uncomfortable talking about yourself? Anne of Leaf Livestock Wool Co & I work through some of these challenges.
Running a business alone is a challenge within itself, but what happens when you feel overwhelmed with big feelings?
Alanna & I discuss her revolutionary dye formulas, how she's turning her process into a course & textbook, and how she can both work with her warmest and new audiences in her upcoming launch.
Danielle from the Merriweather Council & I discuss all the fun things like star seller, whether you should really leave Etsy once you’re established, and our favorite Backstreet Boys.
You’ve heard it before - “community over competition”. Did you know that we aren’t programmed to automatically think this way? But it doesn’t mean all is lost and that you can’t change it.
Josephine is MY coach/mentor and today we are speaking about the things you need to have in place before making the transition to full-time, how money impacts our mindset, and the importance of having mental and emotional support.
Whoa there are some deep ones today. How to support the tertiary roles in the knitting industry, how to determine your strengths, what exactly is a “strategy”, and how can you get loads of view on your Reels (spoiler alert: no idea on that one!).
We have found ourselves in this weird cycle of discounts and undercharging in this industry and it’s hard to not continue to perpetuate it. But what if we chose to STOP perpetuating it?
Today I’m speaking with Jen Parroccini of JP Knits Things about building community and choosing positive collaborations. She is an absolute icon when it comes to really finding the best parts of people and shining a light on them.
This unique coaching episode delves into the world of brainstorming. Alexandra of November Woods Fiber Co & I work to try to find the perfect words to put to the feelings she’s trying to evoke in her customers.
Sharon of Flora Adora Fibers joins me today as we talk through many aspects of her marketing - how she shows up in person and how she can bring more of that to her online space, who really is her customer, and what really drives her.
If you have anxiety around asking other business owners to collaborate, or you’ve pitched before and it hasn’t gone well, this is the episode for you. I’ll talk how to start a relationship with a potential collaborator and how to structure your pitch in a way that grabs attention (and holds it!).
Janet LeBlanc of Paper + Spark joins me today to discuss business finances, common misconceptions, and how she pivoted from making to helping makers.
Have you ever tried to sell your products/services in-person before? At a festival? Trunk show? Pop-up shop? There are a lot of benefits but also a lot of details to consider. Let’s talk them through!
Alison & Andrea are the brilliant sisters behind the Knitrino knitting app. They’ve worked tirelessly for over 3 years to bring a product to the table that the fiber community desperately wants. We talk market research, the fiber industry overall, and why you should be charging more for your work.
This is a biiiig question and I’m here to drive a little controversy and ruffle a few feathers. Even if you’re not a pattern designer!
What’s really the best way to figure out whether or not to start a business? Today I’ll walk you through 6 questions to ask yourself before moving forward with the more practical aspects (business plans, logo, etc).
Maybe this sounds cheesy, but I love a kitchen table for the people it connects, the conversations it sparks, and the inclusion it invites. Listen today to find out how you can apply that to the way you interact with others as a business owner.
Lindsey and I dive deep into the aspects of business that can be unique when maybe the product itself isn’t and how to infuse yourself into your business.
Today, I share a little bit about my experience with grief and what I’ve learned while running my business simultaneously.
Today, I talk with yarn dyer, Elise of Sunday Fibre Co, about inviting people to both come into our online spaces as well as freely leave them, and we even touch on how frequently you “should” be posting on Instagram.
We all experience fear as business owners and humans. When you’re starting to find yourself going down a rabbit hole of anxious thoughts, you can use any of these tips to snap yourself out of it.
In the second part of our interview, Hannah speaks about her experiences writing two books, building out her wool directory, and how she protects baby birds from the lawnmower.
In this first half of my interview with Hannah, we discuss her very detailed journey into the fiber arts industry and what it takes for business owners today to find their own path.
Emily Wool of Emily Ruth Prints and I talk about content ideation, repurposing, and dive deep into ways a newsletter can successfully function in a business.
Today, I’m bringing on Lisa Surber of LM Livestock Services to talk about some of the elements of marketing that wool growers need to navigate in order to sell both parts of their product (both wool & meat).
This is an amazingly meaty coaching episode! We discuss recognizing your authority, content pillars, building a captivating newsletter, and making your audience feel important.
Sometimes when it seems like we aren’t making sales, it’s important to look at what makes us (and our products/services) unique. But really, what DOES make your business unique?
Erin Bartel of Coast to Coast Yarn Co dives into her experience with rapid Instagram growth, finding light for her photography, and becoming a full-time dyer.
Jessica & I discuss the many arms of her business and her nonstop creative mind. We also talk about how to start bringing more of herself into her overall narrative.
Please visit www.williamsanastasia.com for hyperlinks:
Jessica's Instagram: @snickerdoodleknits
Jessica's Website: www.snickerdoodleknits.com
Join me as I answer your questions on overcoming fear, finding your people on Instagram, and how to use stories to grow your account (rather than just the grid).
We’ve all heard that our audience needs to “know, like, and trust” us, but how do we start to build that trust? By becoming an authority or an expert in our field! You don’t have to be THE authority but you can still be one in your own way. I’ll discuss three ways in which you can get started.
Sometimes we don’t even realize how often we internalize the things we think we “should” do in our business. Let me help you move past those things and focus on what works best for YOU.
Links mentioned in this episode (hyperlinks can be access on www.williamsanastasia.com):
Shilasdair Yarns
Stacy & I work through the general loathing of social media, figuring out where her people are, and how to build her newsletter.
Emma Janet of Bloom & Create has done an amazing job of growing her online community over the last year. Join us as we discuss her road to growth, the choice of starting a Patreon, and how she guides engagement on Instagram.
Don’t think of it as selling - think of it as inviting your customers to spend time with you in your business “home”.
This week, I talk with Abby Goodman of Abby Goodman Knits about her journey as a pattern designer, her hesitations around building an ideal customer profile, and how she can use that profile as a tool in her business.
Let’s talk about why you might be worried about finding your ideal customer, why it’s really quite easy, and how you can get started.
Mentioned in this episode (go to www.williamsanastasia.com to access hyperlinks):
- My journaling prompts in my "Finding Your Roots" download can help you build your ideal customer profile.
What’s the most important thing you can do for your business? Figuring out your why! This episode discusses the two different “why”s of your business and how to help you find yours.
Mentioned in this episode (go to www.williamsanastasia.com to access hyperlinks):
- Simon Sinek's TED Talk "How great leaders inspire action"
- Pela Case
- My journaling prompts in my "Finding Your Roots" download can help you discover your why