#92 - Scaling up Without losing your Creative Spark - ‘Handwerkbeurs Edition’

 

Welcome to Pattern Shift! In this episode, I share my journey to the Handwerk Beurs, a needlecraft fair in the Netherlands, where I interviewed inspiring small business owners in the fiber arts world. As someone passionate about supporting ethical and sustainable craft businesses, this was an opportunity to learn, connect, and share insights with you.

Meet the Makers:

  • de Handwerk Tempel offers 100% seaweed yarn and workshop spaces. Their challenge? Competing with large online retailers while maintaining their focus on quality and service.
  • Frog Mouse Studio’s Myrthe dyes yarn in bold, bright colors. Her dream is to expand into sweater quantities and eventually open a physical shop with workshops.
  • Wat Wollie’s Petra specializes in hand-dyed and hand-spun yarns, with a goal to focus on local, sustainable fibers. She’s grappling with educating customers about the value of her unique products.
  • Ingrid of Ik-Ke is carving a niche with vibrant, hand-dyed cotton yarns. As a new business owner, she’s finding her balance between creativity and customer needs.



Key Themes:
Throughout the episode, I discuss the joys and challenges of turning a passion into a business. These makers are driven by creativity, sustainability, and a love for their craft, but scaling up comes with its hurdles—balancing personal touch, pricing, and managing time effectively.

5 Main Takeaways:

  1. Sustainability is Key: Many fiber artists are embracing sustainable materials like seaweed and local wool to reduce environmental impact.
  2. Balancing Passion with Business: Starting as a hobby is common, but transitioning to a sustainable business requires strategy and planning.
  3. Educating Customers: Communicating the value of handmade, high-quality products is essential for small businesses.
  4. Building Community: Connections with other makers and supportive communities can fuel growth and creativity.
  5. Authenticity Matters: Ethical marketing and genuine relationships with customers are vital for long-term success.

 

I also share my thoughts on ethical marketing, using experiments to find what works, and focusing on authentic connections with customers. One of my favorite strategies is meeting people where they are—whether in their shops or at fairs—and building relationships that grow naturally.

Inspiration and Support:
This episode highlights the importance of community. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for ways to grow, connecting with like-minded makers can be transformative. That’s why I created the Ja, Wol community—to help craft entrepreneurs learn, share, and support one another.

As you listen to this episode, I hope you’re inspired by these stories and discover ideas you can apply to your own journey. Crafting a business is an evolving process, but with the right mindset, tools, and support, it’s possible to build something sustainable and meaningful.

 

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