On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast I'm at Stitches United in Hartford, CT, talking with Benjamin Levisay, CEO of XRX, Inc., publishers of XRX Books as well as promoters of STITCHES Expos. Benjamin is a second-generation partner in this 31-year-old company originally started by his uncle, Alexis Xenakis, his father, David Xenakis, and their partner Elaine Rowley.
Benjamin has been a part of the fiber industry since his family opened a yarn shop in Sioux Falls, SD when he was a small boy, an enterprise that later evolved into XRX. We talk about the closure of Knitters Magazine last and the expansion of the STITCHES shows. Benjamin explains the friction that sometimes arises between STITCHES and local yarn shops and how that might be resolved. We also talk about Benjamin's former podcast, Fiber Hooligans, a new physical product for selling digital books, and more.
Learn more about the STITCHES shows on their website.
+++++
This episode is sponsored by Sew Surprised. Sew Surprised is a learn-to-sew subscription box that is delivered to your door every month. Each box will contain all the materials needed to make a complete project, along with a link to a video showing you exactly how to complete the project. Sew Surprised is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to sew, and we have boxes for boys, girls, and adults too! Visit us at Sew Surprised to get started.
+++++
Please note that this show used to be called the While She Naps podcast. The name has changed, but the content and host have stayed the same.
To get the full show notes for this episode, visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Meet with show host, Abby Glassenberg, each month for our Craft Business Roundtable, get access to courses and webinars taught by industry leaders, and much more.
Episode #174: Emily Reinhardt of The Object Enthusiast
Episode #173: Ellie Lum of Klum House
Episode #172: Stitch People
Episode #171: Amy Oxford
Episode #170: Allison Hoffman
Episode #169: Amy Smart
Episode #168: Toni Lipsey
Episode #167: Heather Ross
Episode #166: David and Holly Lesue of Stately Type and Maker Valley
Episode #165: Norma Loehr of Orange Lingerie
Episode #164: Kate Alarcon
Episode #163: Rose Pearlman
Episode #162: Windy Chien
Episode #161: Liz Gipson and Angela Smith
Episode #160: Abigail McMurray of Yeiou Paper Objects
Episode #159: The State of the Quilting Industry, Quilt Market Fall 2019
Episode #158: Felicia Lo
Episode #157: Elise Blaha Cripe
Episode #156: Melanie Falick
Episode #155: Social Justice Sewing Academy
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Check Your Thread
Crafting for Profit Live
Inappropriate Quilters
Seamwork Radio: Sewing and Creativity
Pardon My Stash