Quilting on the Side

Stickers, Shaking Hands, and Sewing Seeds: Authentic Networking for Quilting Industry Events

Send a textTaking your quilt business from a digital screen to a physical trade show booth can feel like a high-stakes challenge. In this episode, Tori and Andi pull back the curtain on the "messy middle" of booth prep and the vulnerability of being seen. You'll discover:The "Top-Down" Strategy: How to design for visibility so your brand is seen from across the room.Pro-Tips on a Budget: Why wooden crates and magnetic LEDs are a business owner’s best friend.The Introvert’s Secret Weapon: How sticker trading turns awkward networking into a fun connection.The Personalized Pitch: Why a "gift packet" lands better partnerships than a generic brochure.Perfect for any creative entrepreneur ready to step into the spotlight. Join us as we bridge the gap between digital magic and real-life connection.Mentioned in the Episode: Blog Post: Your h+h Roadmap  Craft to Career Episode with Darrin Stern  Our episode with Brandy, The Quilter on Fire  Register for h+h  Chapters[00:05] - Welcome & The "Why" Behind Booth Prep[01:46] - Navigating H&H Americas: B2B vs. B2C and Booth Basics[02:45] - The "Spotlight" Strategy: Why You Shouldn't Display Everything[03:20] - From Digital to Physical: Turning Marketing Concepts into "Thought Bubbles"[05:43] - The Booth as a Landing Page: Designing for the Customer Journey[07:39] - Andi’s Trade Show Past & Using "Top-Down" Visibility[10:09] - The Magic of Wooden Crates: Height, Storage, and Aesthetic[11:26] - Beyond the Business Card: Postcards, Brochures, and QR Codes[15:19] - The Trifold Truth: Focusing Your Message to Avoid Confusion[18:20] - The Personalized Pitch: Turning Partnerships into "Gifts"[23:18] - Sticker Culture: The Introvert’s Secret Weapon for Networking[28:06] - Strategic Lighting: Magnetic LEDs and Gallery Vibes[30:06] - Outro & Final ReflectionsWant More Quilting Business Content?🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts:Tori McElwain @heytori.techAndi Stanfield @truebluequiltsSupport the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Summit Prep Masterclass with Jamie Bright from Craft a Dream

Send a textIn this episode of Quilting on the Side, hosts Andi and Tori interview Jamie Bright with Craft a Dream, a successful quilter and entrepreneur. Jamie shares her journey from starting quilting at a young age to building a thriving business in the quilting industry. She discusses the importance of marketing, collaborations, and organic growth strategies for quilters looking to turn their passion into a business. Jamie also provides valuable insights on how to effectively participate in summits and leverage them for business growth, emphasizing the need for alignment between presentations, freebies, and products. The conversation highlights the joy of quilting and the supportive community within the quilting world.Watch the Quilters Paradise SummitQuilters Paradise Summit (Free ticket - Andi's allfilate link): Click Here!Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jamie Bright and Her Quilting Journey07:34 Transitioning from Photography to Quilting Business12:42 Marketing Tips for Quilters17:41 The Power of Collaborations and Summits24:40 Creating Effective Presentations for Summits25:37 Effective Presentation Techniques29:57 Maximizing Summit Engagement33:52 Promoting Your Summit Effectively36:59 Leveraging Affiliate Marketing39:50 Building Relationships and Community42:42 Creative Collaboration and Idea Sharing48:00 Upcoming Events and Opportunities49:21 Jamie Bright takeawaysConnect with Jamie!Quilters Playspace Community: Click Here! Quilt Patterns: Click Here!Join email list: Click Here! Instagram: Click Here!Facebook: Click Here!Want More Quilting Business Content?🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts:Tori McElwain @heytori.techAndi Stanfield @truebluequiltsSupport the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Let us Reintroduce Ourselves: Meet 2026 Andi & Tori

Send a textIn this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori reflect on their journey since the podcast's inception, discussing significant changes in their businesses, personal growth, and the evolution of their creative identities. Tori shares her transition to full-time coaching and the launch of her self-publishing incubator, while Andi highlights her success with YouTube and the development of her quilting patterns. They explore the realities of running a quilting business, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned along the way, culminating in advice to their past selves.Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Business Evolution03:46 Tori's Transition to Full-Time Business11:05 Andi's Journey and YouTube Success17:00 Tori's Rebranding and New Identity24:12 The Reality of Quilting as a Business29:43 Work-Life Balance and Daily Routines36:31 Reflections on Pattern Design42:32 Advice to Our Past SelvesWant More Quilting Business Content?🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts:Tori McElwain @heytori.techAndi Stanfield @truebluequiltsSupport the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Digital Marketing Basics for Quilting Businesses

Send a textIn this conversation, Andi and Tori McElwain delve into the essentials of digital marketing for business owners, focusing on how to effectively show up online. Tori shares her insights on the importance of building an email list, nurturing leads through content, and the critical role of launching products. They discuss strategies for managing multiple projects and the significance of documenting the creative process to engage audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for a structured approach to digital marketing, making it easier for entrepreneurs to connect with their audience and drive sales.If you need a community to bounce ideas off of, join our on Patreon!If you are looking for Digital Marketing help, join Tori's Digital Marketing Coaching Program. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Digital Marketing for Quilters03:44 Understanding the Lead Strategy08:42 Content Strategy: Building Trust and Authority12:11 The Launch Strategy: Converting Leads to Sales18:45 Adjusting Launch Strategies for Different Products23:33 Creating Content While Staying InspiredWant More Quilting Business Content?🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts:Tori McElwain @heytori.techAndi Stanfield @truebluequiltsSupport the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Navigating Conflict in a Chaotic World with Dara Tomasson

Send a textIn this engaging conversation, Andi and our guest Dara Tomasson explore the complexities of navigating conflict, overcoming self-sabotage, and finding joy in business. They discuss the importance of emotional resilience, the impact of imposter syndrome, and the necessity of taking control of one's reactions in a chaotic world. Dara shares her insights on personal growth, the creative process, and the significance of community support in achieving success. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous evolution and the power of choice in shaping one's path.Passed Episode mentioned on this episode: How to Handle Controversy, Difficult Conversations, & More with Dara TomassonDescript mentioned by Dara and AndiDon’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Navigating Conflict and Emotional Resilience14:41 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Sabotage26:14 Finding Joy and Purpose in Business36:06 Embracing Growth and Learning from SetbacksConnect with Dara Tomasson:On Instagram On her website: https://daratomasson.com/On YouTubeWant More Quilting Business Content?🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts:Tori McElwain @heytori.techAndi Stanfield @truebluequiltsSupport the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.