Quilting on the Side

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Quilting on the Side, host Tori takes the podcast on the road with her to H&H Americas! She spends time doing rapid fire questions with seven amazing special guests and gets some surprising answers from each one. Interview questions Special Guests Monika Henry with Penny Spool Quilts found at https://www.pennyspoolquilts.com/ Annie Unrein with By Annie found at https://www.byannie.com/ Kate Colleran with Kate Colleran Designs found at https://katecollerandesigns.com/ Heather Valentine with the Sewing Loft found at https://thesewingloftblog.com/ Dara Tomasson with Dara Tomasson Coaching found at https://daratomasson.com/ Stephanie Theisen with Crosscut Sewing Co. found at https://crosscutsewingco.com/ TJ Wright with TJ Wright Quilts found at https://tjwrightquilts.com/ Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this podcast episode, hosts Andi & Tori discuss Tori’s preparations for attending the H&H Americas trade show. She shares details about the show, her planning process, and her goals for the event. She emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, conserving energy, and having merchandise as marketing tools. There is also some discussion around her strategies for taking notes and documenting her experiences at the trade show. Takeaways Networking with both vendors and other attendees at the trade show can lead to valuable connections and opportunities. Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori chat with their guest Ashli Montgomery about her journey as a quilter and author. Ashli discusses her diverse interests, including her writing career and her non-profit business, Quilt to End Alzheimer's. She explains how she balances her various pursuits and the importance of time blocking. She also shares the inspiration behind starting Quilt to End ALZ and the different ways people can get involved. Plus Ashli discusses the benefits of being a published author and how it lends expertise and authority to her work. This conversation really gets you thinking about all the possibilities in your business. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this two part episode, Tori and Andi interview Julia Wachs, a quilter and pattern designer, about her recent successful launch of a Row of the Month program. Julia shares her background in foundation paper piecing and her goals for the launch. She discusses her marketing strategies, including email and social media, and the collaborations she formed with quilt shops. Julia also talks about the challenges she faced in customer service and her plans for future projects. Then in part two Tori interviews Andi! Andi shares her experience with a recent launch that did not go as expected. She discusses her introduction to quilting and half rectangle triangles, as well as the program she launched. Despite having goals and expectations for the launch, Andi did not receive any sign-ups for her workshop. She emphasizes the importance of sharing failures and learning from them. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. Darla Hall shares her journey in the quilting world, from learning to quilt as a child to starting her own long arm quilting business. She discusses the transition from quilting as a hobby to turning it into a business, and the various components of her quilt business, including teaching classes and creating online content. Darla also talks about the challenges and rewards of sharing her favorite hobby with her daughters. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of building relationships with fellow quilters and finding inspiration in the quilting community. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this engaging episode, Andi and Tori delve into the crucial role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics in assessing the vitality and success of a quilting or craft business. They clarify the distinction between revenue and profit, highlighting profit's paramount importance as a business health indicator. The conversation further explores the concept of return on investment (ROI), emphasizing the need to account for indirect costs when calculating ROI. The hosts examine essential KPIs for email lists, such as open rates and engagement levels, and offer actionable advice for refining email marketing efforts. The episode wraps up with a call to consistently monitor and analyze metrics, urging a long-term view in gauging business success. Takeaways Consistency in tracking metrics and maintaining a long-term perspective are essential for evaluating business success. Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this week's episode, Lyric Montgomery-Kinard shares her quilting adventures, from traditional quilting to art quilts and teaching with our hosts Andi and Tori. She discusses the benefits of teaching as a way to travel and have a flexible career. Lyric also talks about the challenges of teaching online and the importance of owning intellectual property. Lyric offers insights into finding one's voice as a quilt artist and the pros and cons of writing a book. She concludes with tips for marketing and getting students into workshops. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori discuss the power of collaborations in growing a quilting business. They explore different types of collaborations, such as summits, podcasts, Instagram collaborations, and blog hops. The hosts emphasize the importance of finding collaborators with similar goals and values. They also provide tips for starting a collaboration, including presenting value to the audience and reaching out with a clear purpose. The conversation highlights the need for effective communication and organization in collaborations, as well as setting realistic expectations. Plus they explore various ways to collaborate in the quilting industry. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this conversation, our hosts Tori and Andi chat with Kris O'Neill who shares her journey from being a hobby quilter to building a successful business on YouTube. She discusses the importance of joining a quilt guild and learning from other quilters. Kris explains how she started her YouTube channel and the strategies she used to grow her audience and monetize her content. She also talks about her collaborations with other quilting companies. Kris emphasizes the importance of understanding and engaging with her target audience, as well as staying true to her personal style and preferences. She also discusses her plans for expanding her online presence and reaching new markets. Takeaways Mentioned inside this episode Sew Yeah Missouri Star Quilt Company Fallon from Sew Be It Quilts Charisma Horton Notion: Sew Line Pencil, Easy Press Pen, Mini Vac (Affiliate link to Fat Quarter Shop) Allison Glass Atomic Habits by James Clear Sherri McConnell Mystery Quilts from Cotton Cuts Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Andi and Tori dive into e-commerce platforms, with a spotlight on Etsy and having your own site. They chat about kicking off their businesses on Etsy, what was great about it, and the not-so-great parts. They also touch on how crucial customer service is and the tricky bits that come with it. Then, they switch gears to talk about picking an e-commerce platform and what you should keep in mind. They wrap up by stressing the need to drive traffic to your site and give a shoutout to their upcoming quarterly planning session. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this week’s episode, Becky Campbell joins our hosts Andi and Tori and shares her journey into quilting and how it evolved into a successful business. Becky's business began with designing and selling quilt storage sleeves. She then developed innovative applique techniques and started teaching. She also ventured into pattern design and published two books. Becky discusses her marketing strategies and favorite tools, as well as recommended classes and courses for aspiring quilters. Takeaways Click here to check out Sew Forever Quilting by Becky Campbell Connect with Beck on Instagram here. Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. This episode of Quilting on the Side explores the process of launching a product or service in the quilting industry. Andi and Tori discuss the different phases of a launch, including the pre-launch period, the actual launch, and the post-launch follow-up. They provide insights into the activities and strategies involved in each phase, such as surveying customers, creating content, and utilizing affiliates. This episode offers valuable guidance for quilters looking to successfully launch their products or services. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Quilting on the Side, our podcast hosts, Andi and Tori, sit down with Sherri Noel from Rebecca Mae Designs who shares her journey in the quilting business, starting from selling mittens to writing quilt patterns. She discusses the popularity of block of the month programs and how she built her following through blogs and collaborations. Sherri also talks about her quilting cruises and retreats, where she combines culture, creativity, and wellness. She shares the most rewarding part of her business is the connections she makes with people. Sherri shares her journey as a quilter and how her family has inspired her in both her quilting life and business ventures. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Tori's husband Ryan joins the podcast to provide a family perspective on supporting a small business owner. Ryan shares his experience as an entrepreneur himself and how it helps him understand Tori's journey. They discuss the pros and cons of having a partner with a side business, including the startup costs and adjustments to routines. Ryan also talks about the impact on their family and the importance of supporting each other's hobbies and passions. They touch on controversies in the quilt world and offer advice for spouses of business owners. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Andi chats with Julie Loma from Off the Wall Quilt, discussing her transition from quilt hobbyist to quilt business owner. They delve into Julie's coincidental journey into quilting, her experiences in vending at quilt shows, and her passion for business growth and customer success. The conversation highlights how Julie manages different facets of her business, including the creation of custom rulers and templates, puzzle design, and vending at quilt shows. Strewn along the conversation are Julie's personal anecdotes and valuable advice for potential quilt business owners. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of 'Quilting on the Side', Tori & Andi share tips on transitioning from quilting as a hobby to a serious business. Important steps discussed include setting up a legal entity, establishing a business bank account, preparing for sales tax obligations, and starting an email list. They also emphasize the importance of separating personal and business personas, particularly on social media, to create a cohesive brand image. Takeaways Episode References: Season 1 Episode 10 of Quilting on the Side Paper and Spark Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of 'Quilting on the Side', co-hosts Tori and Andi talk with special guest, Brandie Nelson, about her journey as a long arm quilter and the business she started around her passion. Brandie shares her unique experience of transitioning from cross-stitching to long arm quilting. Brandie shares strategies on managing customer interactions, deciding pricing, marketing techniques, and efficient business models based on volume rather than profit margin. She also mentions the usefulness of having business cards, the unique opportunities in her location, and the importance of word-of-mouth marketing. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Andi and Tori discuss the importance of setting goals in your business. They emphasize the benefits of working with shorter timeframes for business goals and planning around big events and launches. They also discuss the importance of setting realistic revenue goals and focusing on goals that you can control. They provide tips for reflecting and dreaming for goal setting, as well as curating and measuring goals. Finally, they discuss the importance of rewarding yourself and celebrating wins along the way. Takeaways Learn more about Tori & Andi here. Click here to sign up for their weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Quilting on the Side. If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. We asked all our guests to share their favorite notions and quilting tools that they cannot live without. In this recap, we have compiled all the answers from our Season 1 interviews. Do you agree with these choices for indespensible items? Please share in the comments what your favorite quilting notion is! You can find most of these items at your local quilt shop, or purchase online with our affiliate link to the Fat Quarter Shop. https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=929603&u=2757933&m=68500&urllink=&afftrack= For more details about our guests, please visit https://quiltingontheside.com If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Send us a Text Message. S1E18 Woo Hoo! Episode 18 - it's been an amazing first season for the Quilting on the Side podcast. Andi and Tori share the highs and lows of starting and producing a weekly podcast focused on the quilting industry. We'd love to hear who your favorite guests were and what topics we should tackle next. Find us online at http:quiltingontheside.com If you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.