In this episode, Kara welcomes Abby Glassenberg, sewing pattern designer, craft book author, teacher, and writer. On her blog, WhileSheNaps.com, she writes about the sewing industry, running a creative business, and the online culture of craft. Abby has been blogging since 2005 and shares the value of a blogging, and how hers is at the heart of her crafting business. She's also the co-founder of the Craft Industry Alliance, a trade association for crafting professionals. Abby has an undergraduate degree in history from Johns Hopkins and a master’s degree in education from Harvard. She taught middle school social studies in Mississippi through Teach For America, and 6th grade in the Newton Public Schools before becoming a textile artist. She’s the author of three sewing books. Abby lives in Wellesley, Massachusetts with her husband and three daughters. “Pursue your interests as though it was your job - every day, on a regular schedule, thoroughly and professionally. That’s how you build a job doing what you love.” -Abby Glassenberg [Tweet "I'm listening to maker, #podcaster & sewing designer @AbbyGlassenberg on #PowerPurlsPodcast!"] Episode highlights: When she became a mom, Abby knew she wanted to figure out how to work from home Abby discovered blogging in 2004 at it's still the heart of her business Abby shares how she's always been intrigued in making and sewing and figured out how to combine this on her blog Back in 2005, Abby crafted while her daughter Roxanne was napping, and came up with the name While She Naps for her blog Abby soon entered the world of Etsy with her stuffed animals, which is what Abby is best known for Abby discusses how the blogging world has changed since she started Blogging tools are easier to use today then they were back in the early days, but harder to get noticed How she founded Craft Industry Alliance with Kristin Link of Sew Mama Sew The Alliance offers a digital journal twice per month with articles written by professional writers Abby explains Coffee Klatch - a monthly virtual meeting offered to members of the Alliance The future of Craft Industry Alliance includes live events for education and networking Why trade shows are essential especially for new designers starting out Importance of doing gut checks about your business and showing up every day The secret to Abby's success is inbox zero because when a new idea or offer arrives, she can jump on it! Mentioned in this episode: Sew Mama Sew Craft Industry Alliance - CraftIndustryAlliance.org The National NeedleArts Association - TNNA.org Association for Creative Industries (formerly Craft Hobby Association) - CraftAndHobby.org Learn more about Abby and WhileSheNaps.com: Website: whileshenaps.com Facebook: Facebook.com/AbbyGlassenbergDesign Instagram: Instagram.com/AbbyGlassenberg MOVE THE NEEDLE ON YOUR KNIT BIZ! Click here to sign up for a free 30-minute creative business strategy session with Kara!
view more