Craft to Career

How to Build a Sustainable Creative Business with Abby Glassenberg of Craft Industry Alliance

In this episode of the Craft to Career Podcast, I'm joined by Abby Glassenberg, founder of the Craft Industry Alliance — an organization created to help makers, designers, teachers, and creative entrepreneurs build real, sustainable businesses. Many creatives start with a love of making, but quickly discover that success requires much more than talent. It requires education, connections, and support. Abby shares why she created the Craft Industry Alliance, what resources are available (both free and paid), and how makers can avoid common business mistakes by learning from others in the industry. We also talk about the changing craft industry, what opportunities exist right now, and why community may be one of the most valuable business tools a creative entrepreneur can have. Whether you want to publish quilt patterns, teach, design fabric, or grow a handmade business, this conversation will help you understand where to find support and how to move forward with confidence. What You'll Learn Why Abby started the Craft Industry Alliance The biggest struggles creative entrepreneurs face Why business education matters for makers Free resources available to creatives The benefits of joining the Craft Industry Alliance How networking helps grow a creative business What the future of the craft industry looks like About Abby Abby Glassenberg is the founder of the Craft Industry Alliance, a professional organization for craft professionals including designers, teachers, shop owners, writers, and manufacturers. She is also a long-time craft entrepreneur and podcast host dedicated to helping makers succeed in business.

Building a Creative Career That Pays: Inside Carina Gardner's University of Arts and Design

What if getting a degree in design didn't mean writing a thesis—but instead meant building a real, revenue-generating business? In this episode, I'm joined by Carina Gardner, who is doing something truly bold: she's opened her own university. The University of Arts and Design is unlike any traditional university experience. Think of it as a trade school for creatives, where students learn practical, real-world skills—like keeping their books with QuickBooks, pricing their work, and running a profitable business. Instead of writing a thesis for a master's degree, students are required to create and run a business. Carina knows both sides of the academic world. She holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota and spent years watching talented creatives hear the same discouraging messages: "You can't earn money as a creative." "Don't study art—you'll just be a starving artist." But Carina—and many of her peers—are living proof that those statements simply aren't true. In this conversation, Carina shares how creatives can build multiple six-figure businesses by selling their art and designs—not by teaching others how to be creative, but by doing the work themselves. This episode is an inspiring look at what's possible when creativity and business come together—with intention, structure, and confidence. In this episode, we talk about: Why Carina started the University of Arts and Design How this model differs from traditional art and design degrees What creatives actually need to learn to earn real income Why running a business replaces a thesis How artists and designers can build sustainable, profitable careers If you've ever loved creating—but wondered how to make it financially sustainable—this episode will open your eyes to a new way forward. 🎧 Come meet Carina and learn all about the university she's built—and the future she believes creatives deserve.

The Personalized Skincare Business Model That's Changing Results—and Why It Works

In this episode, I'm joined by Dawn Jett, founder of Spruce Micro, a company I truly love and personally use. Spruce Micro has one of the most compelling business models I've seen, and it solves a very real problem for so many people: stubborn skin concerns like dark spots, large pores, uneven skin tone, and texture issues that just don't respond to one-size-fits-all solutions. Dawn shares why she started Spruce Micro, how the business works, and what makes it so different from traditional skincare clinics. Here's the unique part: Spruce Micro doesn't rely on lasers or chemical peels. Instead, every client receives a fully customized skincare protocol, tailored specifically to their skin, lifestyle, and goals. No generic routines. Everything is done virtually. Clients send in high-quality photos of their skin, Dawn and her team carefully look at your skin concerns, then they create a personalized morning and evening routine you can do entirely from home. And the results? Truly impressive. Dawn has worked with thousands of clients across all skin tones and skin types, helping people achieve results that exceed what they thought was possible. I've personally been working with Dawn for several months now, and I'm beyond pleased with my own results, which is why I asked her to come on the podcast. Not just to talk about skincare, but to break down the business model behind Spruce Micro. In this conversation, we explore why Spruce Micro is such a strong, sustainable business: It solves a clear, specific problem It's membership-based, allowing flexibility while encouraging long-term loyalty It's highly personalized and difficult to replicate These are the ingredients of a business built to last. Whether you're interested in improving your complexion or you're a business owner looking for inspiration you can apply to your own work, this episode is packed with insight.

How to Make a Living Selling Quilts: A Unique Business Model with Sarah LoCascio of Caravan Quilts

Have you ever wondered whether you could truly make a living selling quilts? In this episode of the Craft to Career podcast, Sarah LoCascio, the creative entrepreneur behind Caravan Quilts, shares her answer. And it's a big, resounding YES. Sarah has built a quilting business that's unique in the industry. Her weekly quilt drops sell out quickly because her approach blends three powerful elements: Genuine product scarcity Deep education and storytelling A compelling focus on history and craftsmanship It's a recipe that not only delights her audience, but also proves that quilters can earn real income selling quilts. What You'll Learn in This Episode 1. How Caravan Quilts Started Sarah shares when and why she began her business, the inspiration behind her unique model, and how it took shape over time. 2. The Power of Scarcity in Handmade Goods Discover why having a limited number of quilts available each week actually increases demand and keeps customers excited. 3. Why Education Sets Her Business Apart Sarah explains how teaching her audience about quilt history, construction, care, and storytelling builds trust and connection. 4. A Day in the Life of a Quilt Seller Get an honest look at what her schedule, workflow, sourcing, and production timelines look like. 5. What Makes Her Business Different From Other Quilting Careers From sourcing vintage quilts to curating collections, Sarah's daily work looks very different from a typical quilter or designer. 6. Tips for Anyone Who Wants to Earn Money Selling Quilts Sarah offers advice for beginners, including what to focus on first, how to set yourself apart, and what pitfalls to avoid. Episode Highlights How Sarah discovered a market willing to pay premium prices for quilts Why storytelling can transform your product sales The systems she uses to manage inventory and weekly drops How she built a loyal, engaged customer base The role social media plays in showcasing her work What success looks like behind the scenes of a quilt-selling business Is Selling Quilts Actually Profitable? According to Sarah—yes. With intention, a strong brand voice, consistent storytelling, and a thoughtful business model, quilting can be a sustainable career. This episode is perfect for you if: You dream of selling quilts online or at markets You want to understand real-world business models in the quilting world You're curious how other quilters make a living You love hearing creative, entrepreneurial stories You want to learn from someone successfully doing what many assume isn't possible

How Ruthlessly Handmade Is Using Charity Quilts to Change Lives

In this inspiring episode, Sarah Morris, the creative behind Ruthlessly Handmade, shares the story of how she began hosting charity quilt events that have touched countless lives. What started as a single fundraiser two years ago has grown into an annual tradition, raising money each year for causes close to her heart: Isaiah 117 House and the Trevor Project. Her passion for helping others shines through as she talks about why she started this movement, how the quilting community shows up in powerful ways, and what's ahead as she expands her charity events to happen twice a year for two different organizations. From assembling quilt blocks to purchasing raffle tickets for the finished quilts, quilters everywhere can be part of something meaningful. What You'll Learn in This Episode How Sarah began her charity quilt journey and why Isaiah 117 House is meaningful to her The incredible growth of her fundraising efforts over the past two years Why quilting has become a powerful avenue for giving back How you can get involved in upcoming charity quilt projects Details about block-making sign-ups and quilt raffles The future of Ruthlessly Handmade's charity events, including plans to host them twice a year Get Involved Quilters can support these charity events in two main ways: Sign up to sew quilt blocks for upcoming charity quilts. Purchase raffle tickets when the completed quilts become available, all proceeds donated directly to the chosen organizations. 👉 CLICK HERE to join the newsletter and be notified when block-making opens and when finished quilts go up for raffle. Key Takeaways One person with a passion for service can spark a movement. Quilting isn't just a craft—it can be a powerful tool for helping others. The quilting community is generous, committed, and eager to give back. Sarah's story is a beautiful reminder of how creativity can create real change.