How To Be A Handmade Boss

Steph Cole-Lewis
  • 4.9 (12)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Whether you’re a complete beginner on Etsy, or want to scale your handmade business to multi-6 figures, the “How To Be A Handmade Boss” podcast gives you actionable advice and workshop style full length episodes to grow your handmade business on Etsy and beyond.We get it. Starting or growing a handmade business can be really overwhelming, and sometimes you feel like you have an expensive hobby rather than a profitable business. If you have questions like “How can I make sales in my business?” “How do I start a handmade shop?” “How can I make this passion my full-time gig?” or “How do I sell my crafts online” then you’re in the right place boss!I’m Steph, a multi 6-figure handmade business owner (in the top 0.1% of all shops on Etsy), bestselling author of “How to be a handmade boss”, visionary and coach behind Handmade Bosses. However, It wasn’t always rainbows and unicorns though. Today, my business(es) are bustling, but way back in 2014 when I started, it was HARD. Favourites but no sales, slow sales and low profits seemed in the beginning, like the trajectory of my business. Luckily following the system I’ve now curated, All of that changed and I went full-time in my handmade business in 2016.Let’s focus on turning your passion into profit, because the world really does need these special creations that you only bring to life.

  1. 14H AGO

    #102 - My 2026 Etsy Profit Playbook: How Six-Figure Shops Are Actually Built (Without Burnout)

    If you’re stuck around £100–£2k a month on Etsy and your current plan is “maybe I just need more products”… we need to talk. In this episode, I’m breaking down my 2026 Etsy profit playbook and how six-figure Etsy shops are actually built - quietly, calmly, and without burning yourself into the ground. This isn’t hustle advice. It’s structure, clarity, and knowing what actually moves the needle. We’ll cover: 👉Why more products usually stall growth (not scale it) 👉The difference between niche depth and niche hopping 👉How six-figure shops design product ranges for repeat buyers 👉Why “Reels and pray” is not a business model 👉Pricing in a way that supports a real human life 👉The systems that replace panic posting and guessing If your shop feels busy but not profitable, this episode is probably going to feel a bit personal - in a helpful way. I’m Steph. I’ve been selling and coaching handmade businesses since 2016, and I’ve seen exactly where sellers get stuck… and what actually helps them break through. 🔗 Want structure instead of more motivation? The Scalable Sales Engine System shows you how to build a calm, repeatable sales system without adding more chaos: 👉 https://www.handmadebosses.com/offers/GMuTvykb/checkout 👍 If this landed, like, subscribe, or leave a podcast review so more Etsy sellers can find this without screaming into Instagram. Insta CTA If social media currently feels like another unpaid job… listen up. The Social Media Sidekick is for handmade business owners who want structure without the stress. You get monthly content plans, captions that are already written, Canva templates, trend updates, and Lite Mode options for when life is heavy. So you can stay visible without spending every spare minute thinking about what to post. This isn’t about posting more. It’s about posting smarter. If you want your socials handled, not hanging over you like a to-do list, join us now. www.handmadebosses.com/sms

    20 min

  2. FEB 11

    #101 - Etsy Views But No Sales? Fix Your Listings So They Actually Convert (2026)

    Getting Etsy views but no sales can feel maddening. Because if people are clicking… why aren’t they buying? In this podcast, I’m breaking down why Etsy listings get views but don’t convert, and exactly how to fix it without: - more traffic - more posting - or weeks of faffing with SEO If your shop feels busy but not profitable, this is almost always a listing problem, not an algorithm problem. We’ll cover: - Why clicks ≠ sales (and what buyers actually need to feel safe buying) - The photo mistakes that quietly kill conversions - How to write descriptions that reduce doubt instead of waffling - What your pricing is really saying to buyers - The boring-but-profitable fixes that turn views into orders This is about conversion, not hustle. Clarity, not more noise. I’m Steph. I’ve been selling on Etsy since 2016 and coaching handmade business owners for years, and this is one of the biggest patterns I see again and again. 🎯 Want a step-by-step checklist to fix your listings properly? The Product Listing Makeover Kit walks you through exactly what to change (and what to leave alone): 👉 https://www.handmadebosses.com/offers/5dvmAqnD 👍 Like, subscribe, and listen to the next episode on what to fix when people favourite your listings but still don’t buy. Insta CTA If social media currently feels like another unpaid job… listen up. The Social Media Sidekick is for handmade business owners who want structure without the stress. You get monthly content plans, captions that are already written, Canva templates, trend updates, and Lite Mode options for when life is heavy. So you can stay visible without spending every spare minute thinking about what to post. This isn’t about posting more. It’s about posting smarter. If you want your socials handled, not hanging over you like a to-do list, join us now. www.handmadebosses.com/sms

    18 min

  3. FEB 4

    #100 - How Top 0.1% Etsy Sellers Got There And Why You're Falling Behind

    Ever look at another Etsy shop and think “How are they doing that… when I’m working just as hard?” Same platform. Same niche. Same handmade chaos. Yet some Etsy sellers quietly scale while others feel permanently behind. In this video, I’m breaking down how the top 0.1% of Etsy sellers actually got there and why you might feel like you’re falling behind, even though you’re doing all the things. Spoiler: It’s not luck. It’s not talent. And it’s not the Etsy algorithm hating you personally. We’ll talk about: The habits top Etsy sellers repeat (that no one puts in Reels) Why “overnight success” is a myth that keeps sellers stuck The difference between running a shop and running a business Why pricing, listings, and systems matter more than motivation How to stop guessing and start making calm, confident decisions If your Etsy shop feels busy but not productive, this video will probably hit a nerve. I’m Steph. I’ve been running my own handmade business since 2016 and have coached thousands of Etsy sellers. I’ve seen what actually moves the needle and what just creates noise. 🎯 Want help fixing listings without rewriting everything at midnight? The Product Listing Makeover Kit shows you exactly what to tweak (and what to leave alone): 👉 Click here  👍 If this helped, like, subscribe, and check the next video on what to fix first when Etsy sales stall. Insta CTA If social media currently feels like another unpaid job… listen up. The Social Media Sidekick is for handmade business owners who want structure without the stress. You get monthly content plans, captions that are already written, Canva templates, trend updates, and Lite Mode options for when life is heavy. So you can stay visible without spending every spare minute thinking about what to post. This isn’t about posting more. It’s about posting smarter. If you want your socials handled, not hanging over you like a to-do list, join us now. www.handmadebosses.com/sms

    23 min

  4. JAN 28

    #99 - How to Start Selling on Etsy in 5 Simple Steps (Etsy Shop for Beginners Step by Step Walk Through)

    Want to start selling on Etsy but feel completely overwhelmed by SEO, fees, rules, and everyone shouting different advice at you? In this video, I’m walking you through how to start selling on Etsy in 5 simple steps, without melting your brain, overthinking your shop, or feeling like you need a business degree to get started. This is a calm, beginner-friendly Etsy setup guide for 2026 and beyond, especially if you’re: Brand new to Etsy Stuck in research mode and not actually opening your shop Confused about what you’re allowed to sell Worried about SEO, pricing, or “doing it wrong” We’ll cover: What you can (and can’t) sell on Etsy How to set up the business basics without a massive faff Opening your Etsy shop without obsessing over perfection Creating products that actually have a chance of selling Writing listings and starting marketing so people can find you By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do next, instead of spinning in circles on Pinterest and Facebook groups. I’m Steph. I’ve been a full-time handmade business owner since 2016, and I now coach makers through Etsy, marketing, and turning side hustles into proper income. ☕ Grab a cuppa, hit play, and let’s get your Etsy shop open. 🔗 Need help keeping up with social media once your shop is live? My Social Media Sidekick membership gives you plug-and-post captions, Canva templates, hooks, hashtags, and a full content calendar built for handmade sellers: 👉 Join the SMS today  👍 Like, subscribe, and check the next podcast once your shop is open and ready to grow. Insta CTA If social media currently feels like another unpaid job… listen up. The Social Media Sidekick is for handmade business owners who want structure without the stress. You get monthly content plans, captions that are already written, Canva templates, trend updates, and Lite Mode options for when life is heavy. So you can stay visible without spending every spare minute thinking about what to post. This isn’t about posting more. It’s about posting smarter. If you want your socials handled, not hanging over you like a to-do list, join us now. www.handmadebosses.com/sms

    26 min

  5. JAN 21

    #98 -The Etsy 2026 Trend Report

    You keep hearing people talk about Etsy trends for 2026… but what does that actually mean for your Etsy shop, your products, and your income? In this video, I’m breaking down the handmade economy in 2026 and the trends that actually matter for handmade sellers. Not vague predictions. Not Pinterest aesthetics. Real shifts in buyer behaviour and how to turn them into products, listings, and content that sell. We’ll cover: What the handmade economy really looks like heading into 2026 The biggest consumer behaviour shifts affecting Etsy sellers Trend buckets you can plug your existing products into (without starting from scratch) How trends show up on Etsy search, Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok How to research Etsy trends yourself so you’re not guessing A simple, calm action plan to get your shop 2026-ready without overwhelm This is about positioning, not panic. Trends are seasoning, not a personality transplant. If you want your Etsy shop to feel relevant, useful, and desirable in 2026 (without burning yourself out), this one’s for you. 🔗 Need help turning trends into consistent content? The Social Media Sidekick gives you plug-and-post captions, Canva templates, hooks, hashtags, and a full content calendar designed for handmade businesses: 👉 https://www.handmadebosses.com/sms 👍 If this helped, hit like, subscribe, and check out the next video to future-proof your Etsy shop even further. Insta CTA If social media currently feels like another unpaid job… listen up. The Social Media Sidekick is for handmade business owners who want structure without the stress. You get monthly content plans, captions that are already written, Canva templates, trend updates, and Lite Mode options for when life is heavy. So you can stay visible without spending every spare minute thinking about what to post. This isn’t about posting more. It’s about posting smarter. If you want your socials handled, not hanging over you like a to-do list, join us now. www.handmadebosses.com/sms

    21 min

  6. JAN 14

    #97 - Future-Proofing Your Etsy Shop: Navigating 2026's Secret Unannounced Updates

    You keep hearing rumours about Etsy updates, fee changes, algorithm tweaks and “big changes coming in 2026”… and it’s enough to make any seller panic. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to future-proof your Etsy shop without trying to predict every update or burning yourself out in the process. We’ll talk honestly about why Etsy is always changing, what you can and can’t control, and how to build a business that doesn’t fall apart every time Etsy moves a button. You’ll learn: • Why waiting for Etsy to “settle down” is a trap • What future-proofing actually means (and what it doesn’t) • How to stop relying on Etsy search as your only traffic source • Simple ways to start owning your audience with email • Product and SEO strategies that survive algorithm changes • How to build a money safety net so slow months don’t derail you Helpful resources mentioned in this episode: 👉 The Makers List Kickstart Kit Learn how to build an email list that you actually own (without tech stress): https://www.handmadebosses.com/offers/KM79eUH7/checkout 👉 Social Media Sidekick (SMS) Done-for-you monthly content so you can show up consistently without overthinking: https://www.handmadebosses.com/sms This episode is for handmade sellers who want to move into 2026 feeling calmer, more prepared, and more in control of their business. 🎧 Plus, I’ll give you simple, practical homework you can actually do this week. If Etsy changes make you nervous, this one will steady your head. Insta CTA If social media currently feels like another unpaid job… listen up. The Social Media Sidekick is for handmade business owners who want structure without the stress. You get monthly content plans, captions that are already written, Canva templates, trend updates, and Lite Mode options for when life is heavy. So you can stay visible without spending every spare minute thinking about what to post. This isn’t about posting more. It’s about posting smarter. If you want your socials handled, not hanging over you like a to-do list, join us now. www.handmadebosses.com/sms

    26 min

  7. JAN 7

    #96 - Etsy's Post-Holiday Slump: Strategies to Thrive After Christmas Sales

    January hit… and your Etsy sales fell off a cliff? Before you spiral, open Indeed, or convince yourself your shop is doomed, take a breath. This episode is here to talk you down and give you a clear, calm plan for navigating the post-Christmas slump without burning everything to the ground. In this episode, Steph walks you through why January sales drops are completely normal for handmade businesses, how to read your December Etsy stats properly, and the small, practical tweaks that actually make a difference when things go quiet. You’ll learn how to:         •        Understand what’s really happening after Christmas (and why it’s not a failure)         •        Use your December data to make smarter decisions instead of emotional ones         •        Refresh best-selling products for the new year without creating new work         •        Set up simple January offers that don’t add to overwhelm         •        Choose one off-Etsy marketing channel to steady your sales         •        Build a realistic, calm January plan you can actually stick to This isn’t about hustling harder or reinventing your entire business. It’s about knowing which levers to pull when sales slow down… and pulling them with confidence. ✨ Helpful links mentioned in this episode: 📧 Build your email list properly (even if you’re starting from scratch): The Makers List Kickstart Kit 👉 https://www.handmadebosses.com/offers/KM79eUH7/checkout 📦 Increase your order value without making new products: Bundle It & Boost It Toolkit 👉 https://www.handmadebosses.com/offers/gCmz6VtE/checkout 📱 Struggling to stay consistent on social media? Social Media Sidekick (SMS) 👉 www.handmadebosses.com/sms If this episode helped you feel calmer and clearer, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Insta CTA If social media currently feels like another unpaid job… listen up. The Social Media Sidekick is for handmade business owners who want structure without the stress. You get monthly content plans, captions that are already written, Canva templates, trend updates, and Lite Mode options for when life is heavy. So you can stay visible without spending every spare minute thinking about what to post. This isn’t about posting more. It’s about posting smarter. If you want your socials handled, not hanging over you like a to-do list, join us now. www.handmadebosses.com/sms

    24 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    #95 - BEST OF 2025 - #7 Starting a new Etsy shop or Handmade business? This is your to-do list

    Holiday Replay: Our 2nd Most-Popular Episode of 2025 🤶 🎅 We’re rerunning the Start-Your-Shop Checklist because it helped a ton of makers stop faffing and finally launch. No waffle. No scare tactics. Just the order of steps that actually works. What you’ll learn: A simple setup that makes you want to sit down and createTarget market + niche, done without a headacheA USP that isn’t “I make it with love”Naming your shop (short, memorable, available everywhere)Legal bits + money basics without the panicYour first 10 products, priced so you actually make profitTest → tweak → photos (and a quick 15s video)Packaging that looks polished, not priceyShipping you can rely onA one-platform “home hub” so you’re not shouting into the voidA tidy launch plan with drafts ready to goPop in your earbuds, grab a cuppa, and let’s get you open without the overwhelm. Follow for more real-talk help for handmade sellers. - Steph 🎄 xoxo Insta CTA If social media currently feels like another unpaid job… listen up. The Social Media Sidekick is for handmade business owners who want structure without the stress. You get monthly content plans, captions that are already written, Canva templates, trend updates, and Lite Mode options for when life is heavy. So you can stay visible without spending every spare minute thinking about what to post. This isn’t about posting more. It’s about posting smarter. If you want your socials handled, not hanging over you like a to-do list, join us now. www.handmadebosses.com/sms

    55 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Whether you’re a complete beginner on Etsy, or want to scale your handmade business to multi-6 figures, the “How To Be A Handmade Boss” podcast gives you actionable advice and workshop style full length episodes to grow your handmade business on Etsy and beyond.We get it. Starting or growing a handmade business can be really overwhelming, and sometimes you feel like you have an expensive hobby rather than a profitable business. If you have questions like “How can I make sales in my business?” “How do I start a handmade shop?” “How can I make this passion my full-time gig?” or “How do I sell my crafts online” then you’re in the right place boss!I’m Steph, a multi 6-figure handmade business owner (in the top 0.1% of all shops on Etsy), bestselling author of “How to be a handmade boss”, visionary and coach behind Handmade Bosses. However, It wasn’t always rainbows and unicorns though. Today, my business(es) are bustling, but way back in 2014 when I started, it was HARD. Favourites but no sales, slow sales and low profits seemed in the beginning, like the trajectory of my business. Luckily following the system I’ve now curated, All of that changed and I went full-time in my handmade business in 2016.Let’s focus on turning your passion into profit, because the world really does need these special creations that you only bring to life.

Information

  • Creator
    Steph Cole-Lewis
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 How To Be A Handmade Boss
  • Show Website
    How To Be A Handmade Boss

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