No, I'm not talking about your business 😂 - THAT, I hope is alive and thriving!  I'm talking about the Profitable Maker Podcast... if this is somewhat of a shock to you, let me explain myself.   I absolutely LOVE handmade business. I love the fact that we can do something we're passionate about and get financially supported in the process. I love helping you evolve in your business and seeing your success. I love the community of people helping one another.  There's this trend that's in full force through the online community that one size fits all when it comes to business strategy and I know 100%, that this isn't the case. There is no single system or online course that can guarantee your success - but they all seem to be marketed this way.  This, my dear makers is why I'm stepping away. I have given you tips, and tricks to make the process easier, but I'd be lying to you if I gave you a blueprint and told you that if you follow it, you'll be a success in three months from now because that's just not real. And I'm all about being real and honest with you.  It's been a tough few weeks for me, grappling with this and trying to figure out whether there was another way that I could do this, and create more conversation amongst us - but something else has been tapping on my shoulder, and I've gotta explore it!!!  Tears aside, it's been one amazing journey for me and I hope for you too.  The Facebook group will be archived and you'll be able to access it whenever you need to draw on information that's been previously discussed, and same with the Instagram profile.  I'm also keeping my one-on-one consulting open, because it's what I love to do, and I know that you can benefit so much more from personal guidance if you choose to do so - My business and lifestyle coach (yes I have one), has been amazing to bounce ideas off and ask the right questions me when I'm feeling too overwhelmed. I fired my husband from this position because he just didn't get it!  I wish you all the very best of success, thank you for all of you who have reached out, and helped this podcast evolve.  If you're interested in my next podcast, which is all about gaining a higher perspective, internal growth and all those good things, then keep your eyes peeled.  But for now...adios!  Krystle x

It's visually appealing, it's easy and it's got an incredibly long lifespan. I am a huge fan of Pinterest - especially if you're in the handmade market. I began the Pinterest journey a little while ago and went through some trial and error phases to see if it was worth adding another social media platform to my already way too long to-do list!  The outcome? - It was worth it.  It's an online catalogue that takes you straight to the source - completely free to use and honestly a whole lot more simple than you may think. So today we're gonna chat about how you can utilize Pinterest to gain traffic and benefit your biz!    01.21: Here’s why you should be using Pinterest as a marketing tool like…yesterday! 05.06: Long live your Pin! But seriously…the lifespan on your pin is by far the longest of all social media (correct me if I’m wrong). And this, my friends, is a HUGE advantage to your business.  07.17: Personal vs. Business account - which one should you go with? 09.14: How to gauge the traffic your pins are getting through your Etsy store. 11.40: I was relatively new to Pinterest, and have spent the past couple of months playing around with different strategies to see if it was beneficial to my time - Here’s what I took away from my experiment… 12.30: The foundation: Creating a board around your product and why you should be adding other products too.  16.30: How to share a pin from Instagram. 17.24: How to create a pin from any website. 17.46: Installing the Pinterest button (the most efficient way).  19.22: How to increase your traffic by creating graphics that are Pinterest specific - I love Canva! 22.41: Consistency is key! How many times should you be pinning?   If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the info, you can always set up your account, and come back to this podcast a little later. Take it step-by-step and it really could be a powerful tool for your handmade biz.  Happy Pinning!  Krystle x   Subscribe & Review Would you like weekly updates and any other podcast related info sent to your inbox? Click here to subscribe  I’d love for you to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and leave a review! This will have us touching base each week and you'll always be notified when there's a new episode and reviews let myself and others know about the value of the podcast.  Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Click here to subscribe on Android   Connect Have you joined The Profitable Maker Community yet? Connect and continue the conversation

If you're just starting out and you're wanting to find out how to send safe, effective and low-cost packaging - this one is for you. When I started my business, I got all my packaging from my husband's store! Yup - I would recycle those box's, cut them to size, tape them up myself and you know what? My customers loved it! - Was is time efficient, mmmm not really.  It wasn't fancy, it wasn't over the top in the slightest, but the orders kept rolling in so I was doing something right! If you're looking into creating a premium brand, then perhaps that wouldn't be the method that you use. So today we're unpacking (excuse the pun) methods that will help guide you on your brands packing and posting needs.     1.00: Your packaging will depend on what you’re making. Here are some ideas! 02.22: Let’s talk numbers! Bulk buying vs handmade packaging and how I started my business by recycling. 06.12: What’s your space occupier? Here are your options… 08.12: Business cards, stickers, wrapping - it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Put down that stress cap! The beauty’s in the extra love. 12.09: Got a packing station? Let’s get efficient.  13.18: Packaging = time and money. Don’t chuck it away with your shipping rates!!! 16.39: Overcoming the big, “Overseas Shipping” hurdle. 19.12: “Okay Krystle, so what about a national vs specific courier?” Well...I compare these to home loans. 23.12: The big debate! To ship free or not to ship free? - It’s just a gimmick that may be to your advantage.    I hope it’s been helpful for everyone new to selling. It’s been SO good to watch you take the leap in starting your own business and I hope this episode has made it that - little bit - easier. And if you haven't already don't forget to download my FREEBIES!   Krystle x   Subscribe & Review Would you like weekly updates and any other podcast related info sent to your inbox? Click here to subscribe  I’d love for you to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and leave a review! This will have us touching base each week and you'll always be notified when there's a new episode and reviews let myself and others know about the value of the podcast.  Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Click here to subscribe on Android   Connect Have you joined The Profitable Maker Community yet? Connect and continue the conversation        

This one goes out to all the mums and anyone else out there feeling guilty about doing the things they want to do or building the things they want to build.   This has been a HUGE hurdle for me to overcome in the past few years. I have always been maternal - even as a kid I'd envision myself as a mum, and this followed through into my twenties until finally, I actually became one.  But I had created this 'ideal Krystle' mum who would be the very BEST mother and be so completely fulfilled with motherhood, that she wouldn't need anything else in my life to keep her contented.  Ermmm.... you can imagine how this goes down right?  Just because I became a mother, the Krystle who had been me for my whole life didn't vanish... I began subconsciously feeling guilty about wanting things that weren't directly involved in nurturing my child. What I had perceived to be this awful truth, this selfish 'truth' about myself, I projected onto the people around me. All of a sudden I felt judged by my own mum and husband because I wasn't living up to this 'ideal Krystle' mum that I was meant to be (but it was all in my head!). If you've ever felt guilt surrounding your ambitions - then listen up, because I've got some first-hand experience with these nasty thoughts that are helping NOBODY!    01.25: Whether you feel like you can't work on something as a direct cost to a relationship or you feel as though theirs a limited capacity to doing both - there's a way out.  04.12: Holding yourself accountable to a perceived reality you made up years before? You're not the only one.  08.08: Chipping away at the layers of your own expectations and the what 'advice' others bring to the table... 12.07: Are you self sabotaging?  14.05: Is it actually an opinion or is it your perceived opinion - and how to distinguish the truth from an illusion.  17.13: Give yourself time, grace and space to think about this as my challenge to you!  20.03: Your yearning or want won't just go away...so let's find a way to include it in your life.  24.37: Do you feel like you're being supported? And if not...then as difficult as it is to come to terms with; maybe it's you! 31.30: Are you quick to jump on the defence? Me too! My poor mother-in-law...   So my last question to you is, how much do you respect your own internal decisions and trust that you're making the correct path for yourself? If that is minimal then you’re gonna be pulled left and right like a rag doll because there will always be someone out there that thinks differently. Sit with it and make peace with it, and realise you’re on your own path to figure out what’s best for you. I love hearing from you! So let me know how this episode resonated with you!  Krystle x   Subscribe & Review Would you like weekly updates and any other podcast related info sent to your inbox? Click here to subscribe  I’d love for you to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and leave a review! This will have us touching base each week and you'll always be notified when there's a new episode and reviews let myself and others know about the value of the podcast.  Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Click here to subscribe on Android   Connect Have you joined The Profitable Maker Community yet? Connect and continue the conversation  

Ok, so you've got some wild dreams and aspirations, but it feels like they are taking their sweet ass time, right? I get it, the frustration is REAL!  Waaaaa, why can't I have it all now already?! 😩 (that's me wingeing, not you... or maybe you can relate?) I hear you. You want evidence that you are going to get to your dream, but what happens to now? What happens when you've got an add-on to that dream? Most people that reach their goals don't even realize they've reached them because they're onto the next best thing.  The space within that you’re working from will dictate your future. There’s always going to be something more. So if you can’t reframe it now…then when will you? This weeks episode is an extension of the last week's episode - Comparison Mode - we're digging a little deeper into this negative space we're unintentionally putting ourselves in.     02.18: You’re seeing the potential in a handmade business (happy dance)! I want you to build and grow and much as you do, but hold those reigns - Don’t lose out on the magic which is the process.  03.12: Tired of hearing the word hustle? Me too! Prioritizing your mental health before your biz…  05.08: You may have the law of attraction upside down!   08.07: You, yourself are 100% perfect right now. Bask in it. Embrace it.  10.04: There will always be mountains to move. So if you’re not happy until the outcome, then does that mean you’ll delay happiness until you die? The power is in realizing that you’ve got a chose right now!  12.23: “Agh, I’m not even close to my goals / When will I be happy? / When is the money gonna start rolling in?”  Yes, I know that internal dialogue, but man it’s time to shift those gears because you’re not doing yourself any favours. 15.13: There are only 3 possible answers to your questions:  a) Yes. b) Not Yet.   c) I've got something bigger in store for you.  18.28: Stop trying to figure out the rules of the game! That's no fun... 21.17: Summarizing these words of wisdom! This is some powerful s*!t   We can want things that we don’t have now, that's totally okay, it's how we grow BUT we don’t need them right now to be happy and whole. If we’re feeling forward with any negative heavy feelings or trying to force it, it’s because we’re moving away from being happy now and being present. Be who you are in the moment, and if you can master that, there’s going to be less  room for heaviness and need and more room for alllll the good stuff 🙌🏽 Krystle x   Subscribe & Review Would you like weekly updates and any other podcast related info sent to your inbox? Click here to subscribe  I’d love for you to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and leave a review! This will have us touching base each week and you'll always be notified when there's a new episode and reviews let myself and others know about the value of the podcast.  Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Click here to subscribe on Android   Connect Have you joined The Profitable Maker Community yet? Connect and continue the conversation  

I found myself tinkering around, cleaning and doing everything BUT what I had mapped out for the day. When you're running a business, it's not exactly the brightest idea to put off an urgent task because you don't feel up to it (I'm pretty sure I've mentioned consistency once or twice before ☺️). I have a master list of podcast ideas, but for some reason, none of them felt right!    So I did what I always do - stared into the eyes of the beast as I walked into it. I wanted to honour my self-integrity (and YOU who listen in) and record my weekly podcast.  I wrote a list of everything that I needed to do and slowly began making my way through it because, at the end of the day, I was just prolonging something that needed to be done. More often than not there's an underlying cause as to why we're procrastinating. Do we fear what others will say? Should we even do it? "Maybe I'm not ready... I don't have all the answers".... "this could be way better"... We make up excuse after excuse as to how and why we should avoid it...but why are we holding ourselves back with this resistance? For me, it was feeling like "this could be way better"...  But we all know perfectionism is just a survival strategy for avoiding criticism yeah? When I cast away the nagging voice of procrastination...I realised that there was only one way to go from here - Create a podcast about it! Because it is a common struggle amongst us humans and it will have an impact on our businesses if we don't learn how to overcome it.  So here we go!   00.18: I think it’s safe to say that I’m always striving to be on top of my game, but when sneaky procrastination strikes, my shiny cutlery won’t exactly be the selling point of my business…will it? 02.08: Put down the cutlery! Getting down to why on earth I’m polishing cutlery when I’m meant to be creating a podcast. 03.45: On a scale of 0 -10 there’s really only zero or ten. It’s either going to get done or not, and let’s face it…its gotta get done!  05.23: The waves go on even if you don't. So let’s get you clear on why you’ve been procrastinating so you can get back up on that surf. 07.03: Focus on getting it done, not making it perfect!  08.37: Recognizing your fear of doing it.  12.25: Your Zone of Genius is what you’re good at, and what makes you thrive! So you’ve stepped outside of your Zone of Genius and things are getting pretty heavy - because that isn’t your space! 15.22: This is how you beat that procrastination! Get out your pen and paper. 16.21: What’s happening outside of my Zone of Genius? I get someone else to deal with it…get your time and motivation back.   17.29: Do you find yourself ping-ponging between tasks? Perfectionism and procrastination go hand in hand…so listen up because it’s time to let go. 19.16: 80% of results that you gain, comes from 20% of the work that you’ve put in. We’re spending way too much time on menial tasks. The font colour on the website is not the most important decision here!  20.54: There’s nothing like procrastination to keep you procrastinating so it’s very worthwhile to have a brain dump!   Krystle x   Subscribe & Review Would you like weekly updates and any other podcast related info sent to your inbox? Click here to subscribe  I’d love for you to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and leave a review! This will have us touching base each week and you'll always be notified when there's a new episode and reviews let myself and others know about the value of the podcast.  Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Click here to subscribe on Android   Connect Have you joined The Profitable Maker Community yet? Connect and continue the conversation

Okay, so if you haven't yet had to deal with an unhappy and potentially demanding customer than it's either one of two things: 1. You're a genius, so spill!  2. You haven't yet sold many things. 3. You're sacrificing yourself endlessly in order to please your customers.    Customers are the crux of our business and without them, we wouldn't have one (obviously!). In saying that though, some complaints/demands are over the top, and if you're bending over backwards in order to prevent one bad review, then I've got some tough love coming your way today. I've got 3 juicy stories to share that involve crossing a desert, a girls night ruined and learning to put my big girl pants on! I'm sharing exactly how I move forward with compassion and come to a solution without getting too emotionally attached (is this emotional attachment becoming a theme here? I think it may be....) Our initial instinct is to go over and above because we see our business as our baby and we want to please everyone that shows an interest in it/us... However, as I've said before, we must teach others how to treat us and if you are trying to please everyone, you'll likely end up pleasing no one (or eventually everyone but yourself!!).  YOU are your businesses finest asset - let's make sure we don't forget that.   01.02: If I received a customer complaint three years ago…I would be a total wreck! Just because I’ve been around the business block a few times, it’s still something I need to deal with. 02.47: Have a raging customer or two? Customer service goes both ways. Their response is totally out of your control. No-one is really the bad guy, not you nor the customer (most times). You’re just stuck in a service battle and you gotta realize that you’re the leader! 07.31: “Customers are always right.” Heard that one? Well, I’m coining a new phrase “Customers are always right....only in their response or feelings”. Sometimes we can forget that they’re real humans - especially if you're completely online. So it’s your job to put the emotions aside and move towards a solution without losing your self-respect.  11.13: Grumpy them or grumpy you! How much you need to allow your customers to dictate your policies, products and services…let’s make sure you’re not putting everything on the line just to please them.  14.03: The story of that one time I ruined, Girls Night. “Lady I’m sorry I ruined a girls night that I didn’t even know I was invited to!” (She didn’t get her pattern in time). Pretty certain that wasn't my fault.  Long story short, I defused the bomb. Here’s how… 19.51: The second story includes some Wool Roving travelling through deserts, past no man's land and perhaps took a little too long to reach my customer. There was a rapid escalation and a rapid (de-escalation?). Another issue resolved, and a little incentive thrown in. 25.41: Are you at fault? It’s cool…I’ve been there a few times myself. Although we don’t want to give them a whole arm, the customers are your business. These are some ways to avoid negative reviews. 27.19: And for the last story, well, I was asked for a refund on a digital product that was bought and downloaded. Um…definitely not! Why you should never refund on willy-nilly’s!  29.18: Don’t be scared about the effect that one person can have on your business…BUT… if you’re constantly getting complaints, they’re sending you a message and here’s how you can grow from being bashed down.  30.13: My rules of a ‘Made To Order’ product - We get super upfront about every detail the customer needs to know beforehand and how to avoid loss of revenue and long hours lost.  33.41: You’re one of two types of people. A bender over-er or a hard-arse. How to get you in between that sandwich.   We all need to learn how to throw a bucket on the flames before our entire business goes up in smoke - and still keep our heads held high!  Krystle x   Subscribe & Review Would you like weekly updates and any other podcast related info sent to your inbox? Click here to subscribe  I’d love for you to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and leave a review! This will have us touching base each week and you'll always be notified when there's a new episode and reviews let myself and others know about the value of the podcast.  Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Click here to subscribe on Android   Connect Have you joined The Profitable Maker Community yet? Connect and continue the conversation

This has been a long awaited podcast... I gather it's because you're feeling extremely nervous about either a) having your work copied, or b) copying someone else's...   This is as grey as a grey area can be! If you're banging out some pretty trendy macrame pieces, then it's probably going to look super similar to someone else's. There's only so many knots and types of cord we can use, right? There is a point when everything starts to blend in and become part of this "general pool" of macrame.  Today we chat about the emotional attachment behind copying/being copied, and what's the best route for you in order not to get in over your head with the fear of being copied or accidentally copying someone else. The key thing to remember is, that if you're working from your own creativity, it's yours!  Let's get into the juicy details. 1.56: Someones copying your work, and rightfully so, it’s pissing you off. It happens in every industry, and it’s not leaving anytime soon, so let's try to get past the looming emotional attachment! 02.47: Laws, rules and regulations on novel pieces (without all the confusing legalese), and how it is automatically applied as soon as you’ve created it. Yippee! 06.06: The social media grey space and how the temptation to copy is stronger in the handmade society because of it.   08.31: I often try and avoid telling you all that I got lucky with the timing of my business (I think its because it discounts the solid hard work I have put in over the years), but here’s how to keep on exploring your creativity without the outside influence.  09.33: Scared you’re going to be judged on a piece you’re 99.9% sure you haven’t copied?… don't worry!  11.48: There’s a massive difference between copying and something being similar. I’ve touch on it on the interview with Janis from Unfettered Co.  14.03: Put down the phone Susan!!! The less time you spend looking at others, the more you have time for experimenting.  15.22: If something is super unique, like Janis’s boobs…no one could copy it because it just wouldn’t work! 16.30: I know you don’t copy, because you’re committed to creating a business, but if you’re inclined, then why? Let's get you away from that icky self-doubt. 17.22: Fearful of being copied? Just adopt the “Back off, it’s mine,” attitude. Let’s scream it from the rooftops (not at them) but to make your audience know it’s yours through these methods… 23.57: Are you copying? It’s okay when you’re experimenting and learning, but girl…. don't sell it as your own.  26.24 Adulting! Giving them the benefit of the doubt and how to handle it through negotiation.  31.64: Worried about the competition on Insta? Here’s a little challenge…   We are probably all going to have our pieces copied at some point...there's a shop on Etsy at the moment that is selling my designs! But (sigh) I don't make them anymore! Hopefully this has cleared the fog somewhat - Keep an ear out for the episode about the all the super legal stuff!  For now, go forth and create! Krystle x   Subscribe & Review Would you like weekly updates and any other podcast related info sent to your inbox? Click here to subscribe  I’d love for you to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and leave a review! This will have us touching base each week and you'll always be notified when there's a new episode and reviews let myself and others know about the value of the podcast.  Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Click here to subscribe on Android   Connect Have you joined The Profitable Maker Community yet? Connect and continue the conversation

If you are just starting your selling journey, if your beautiful handmade goods are gathering dust because you are struggling to sell that at markets, OR if you are wondering if you're on the right track... This epsiode is for you!    The online world can be a big, scary place - but not if you know how to use it to your advantage.  If you want to catch up on ways to sell offline, then listen to the 3 Offline Methods episode. But today we're talking online! So here goes 3 ways to make your sales on the world wide webs...  00.18: The amazing thing about selling your products online is that it’s just so accessible! If you’re looking for more exposure than this is your ticket!  01.18: Yeeeew, thank you for all the support! It keeps me thriving. Here are this weeks shoutouts.  02.12: 3 Methods to the Online Madness. We're exploring Social Media, your own Website and an Online Market Place.  03.18: Social Media: You are one fish in that massive ocean, but that massive ocean will bring you some loyal fish.  06.40: People want to be entertained on social media, not really buy, and here’s why.  10.00: How to make the most of Instagram...if you want more here, listen to my Intentional Instagram episode!  13.08: Website vs. Etsy, why you may be limiting yourself based on where you’re selling. Part of the big Etsy debate? Well let's get you on the right track then…I recommend listening to my episode with Janis from UnfetteredCo for an awesome success story.  15.03: Website: We get techy! Things can get intense on this side, so if you’re scared about things like domains, web hosting, SEO, google analytics, custom URL and already you no longer want to read this paragraph, then maybe you should hang back. Unless you have the sweet nerdy skills down.  20.52: Here are the pros to having a website in your back pocket.  21.49: MY BIG SECRET! It might not be a secret, but I’m calling it that. Here’s what I did for the majority of my business, and why it's been the best of both worlds.  23.39: Online Market Place: Lets talk Etsy! I love Etsy, she’s like the friend with a bad reputation who is completely misjudged I might add.  Always remember...Where there is competition there is a market! 27.53: Fees, fees, fee!!! You cannot avoid necessary costs, it’s all about your strategy. You can’t bake a cake without the ingredients.  32.53: Summary of the 3 methods: Social media, great, but you shouldn’t use that as your sole selling place. A Website, super professional, but where is that traffic coming from? And good ol’ Etsy, I’m not trying to toot her horn, but I’m SO tooting that horn!  34.20: Come and get me! I’m offering one-on-one coaching, so if you’re feeling a little stuck, and there’s a little voice telling you to get some advice, pop me an email - [email protected] or click the contact tab below. As always, happy making!   Krystle x PS keep your eyes peeled for next weeks episode on COPYING!      Subscribe & Review Would you like weekly updates and any other podcast related info sent to your inbox? Click here to subscribe  I’d love for you to subscribe to my podcast on iTunes and leave a review! This will have us touching base each week and you'll always be notified when there's a new episode and reviews let myself and others know about the value of the podcast. Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Connect Have you joined The Profitable Maker Community yet? Connect and continue the conversation.