How To Be A Handmade Boss

Steph Cole-Lewis
How To Be A Handmade Boss

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. 1H AGO

    #66 - Day 4 Affirmation: Embracing Visibility & Magnetic Energy

    Welcome to Day 4 of our affirmation series! Today we’re diving into visibility... showing up, shining bright, and calling in your dream customers with confidence and authenticity. These affirmations will help you shake off self-doubt, embrace your unique voice, and remind you that every post, story, and conversation is planting seeds of connection and impact. Whether you listen on repeat for a week or weave it into your challenge journey, let this audio help you feel more open, seen, and magnetic in your marketing. Your people are out there and they’re ready for you. Let’s take a deep breath, release the tension, and step into the spotlight together. The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it’s not too late to join us! 🗓️ Challenge runs 16–20 June 💬 Free live trainings inside our private Facebook group 🎯 And the best part? Doors to HBSA (Handmade Business Success Academy) are now OFFICIALLY OPEN until 2nd July at 8pm UK time! ✨ Come learn the step-by-step sales system that’s helped over 770 handmade sellers go from ‘stuck’ to sold out ✨ Get real-time support, daily tasks, and a personalised plan ✨ And see how you can turn this challenge into repeatable results all year long 📥 Sign up free here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/sellathonsprint 🔥 Join HBSA here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/summer 🌟 PS: Love the podcast? Please leave a review, it helps more handmade sellers find our community and resources! ✨ Free resources: Want to move forward without paying yet? ✨ Work with us for deeper, transformative support ✨ Join my free live mini workshops on YouTube + Facebook most Mondays!

    8 min
  2. 1D AGO

    #65 - Day 3 Affirmation: Selling with Ease and Authenticity

    Welcome to Day 3 of our 5-day Affirmation Series, created to help you stay focused, inspired ✨, and energised as you move through the Sellathon. Today, we’re leaning into ease, authenticity, and creating a shop experience that feels as good to run as it does to buy from. These affirmations will help you release pressure, build genuine connections, and trust that your creativity and care naturally attract the right customers. Whether you’re tidying your workspace, packing orders, or simply sitting with a cup of tea, let these words remind you: you don’t have to chase or force success - you’re here to invite it in. Selling can feel joyful, aligned, and true to who you are. Let’s take a deep breath and step into that calm, magnetic energy together. The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it’s not too late to join us! 🗓️ Challenge runs 16–20 June 💬 Free live trainings inside our private Facebook group 🎯 And the best part? Doors to HBSA (Handmade Business Success Academy) are now OFFICIALLY OPEN until 2nd July at 8pm UK time! ✨ Come learn the step-by-step sales system that’s helped over 770 handmade sellers go from ‘stuck’ to sold out ✨ Get real-time support, daily tasks, and a personalised plan ✨ And see how you can turn this challenge into repeatable results all year long 📥 Sign up free here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/sellathonsprint 🔥 Join HBSA here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/summer 🌟 PS: Love the podcast? Please leave a review, it helps more handmade sellers find our community and resources! ✨ Free resources: Want to move forward without paying yet? ✨ Work with us for deeper, transformative support ✨ Join my free live mini workshops on YouTube + Facebook most Mondays!

    8 min
  3. 2D AGO

    #64 - Day 2 Affirmation: Believing in Your Products and Your Worth

    Welcome to Day 2 of our 5-day Affirmation Series, designed to help you stay positive, motivated ✨, and focused as you build momentum during the Sellathon. Today, we’re focusing on something so many makers struggle with: truly believing in the value of your products and in your worth as a business owner, creative, and CEO of your handmade brand. These affirmations will help you reconnect with the joy, meaning, and impact behind what you create, and remind you that your work deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated. Whether you’re repeating them out loud or just letting the words soak in, let this be a powerful reset for your confidence and mindset. Your creativity is your superpower and the world is lucky to experience it. Let’s dive in and light that spark today! The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it’s not too late to join us! 🗓️ Challenge runs 16–20 June 💬 Free live trainings inside our private Facebook group 🎯 And the best part? Doors to HBSA (Handmade Business Success Academy) are now OFFICIALLY OPEN until 2nd July at 8pm UK time! ✨ Come learn the step-by-step sales system that’s helped over 770 handmade sellers go from ‘stuck’ to sold out ✨ Get real-time support, daily tasks, and a personalised plan ✨ And see how you can turn this challenge into repeatable results all year long 📥 Sign up free here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/sellathonsprint 🔥 Join HBSA here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/summer 🌟 PS: Love the podcast? Please leave a review, it helps more handmade sellers find our community and resources! ✨ Free resources: Want to move forward without paying yet? ✨ Work with us for deeper, transformative support ✨ Join my free live mini workshops on YouTube + Facebook most Mondays!

    8 min
  4. 3D AGO

    #63 - Day 1 Affirmation: Stepping Into Your Power as a Handmade Business Owner

    Welcome to Day 1 of our affirmation series! This episode is your gentle reminder that you already have everything you need to succeed in your handmade business. Together, we’ll ground ourselves, release fear, and focus on the small but mighty actions that create momentum and growth. Whether you’re listening in the car, on a walk, or while wrapping orders, let this short audio set you up for a day filled with clarity, intention, and courage. You are powerful. You are ready. And your dreams are worth showing up for — today and every day. Let’s dive in! The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it’s not too late to join us! 🗓️ Challenge runs 16–20 June 💬 Free live trainings inside our private Facebook group 🎯 And the best part? Doors to HBSA (Handmade Business Success Academy) are now OFFICIALLY OPEN until 2nd July at 8pm UK time! ✨ Come learn the step-by-step sales system that’s helped over 770 handmade sellers go from ‘stuck’ to sold out ✨ Get real-time support, daily tasks, and a personalised plan ✨ And see how you can turn this challenge into repeatable results all year long 📥 Sign up free here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/sellathonsprint 🔥 Join HBSA here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/summer 🌟 PS: Love the podcast? Please leave a review, it helps more handmade sellers find our community and resources! ✨ Free resources: Want to move forward without paying yet? ✨ Work with us for deeper, transformative support ✨ Join my free live mini workshops on YouTube + Facebook most Mondays!

    8 min
  5. JUN 11

    #62 - The Truth About Etsy Policies (And How to Stay Out of Trouble)

    Ever had a listing randomly vanish from Etsy with no explanation? 😳 Or maybe you’ve heard whispers about copyright crackdowns and policy changes that left you wondering if your shop is truly “safe”? 🫣 In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how Etsy’s policies work in 2025 and how you can protect your handmade business without losing sleep or second-guessing every listing. 😌 💻 We’ll walk through the real reasons Etsy updates its rules, the most common mistakes sellers make (yep, even without realising it), and what Etsy’s new focus on transparency means for you. 🕵️‍♀️✨ You’ll learn: ✅ What Etsy’s “House Rules” really mean 📝 4 key best practices every seller should follow 🚫 The most common IP mistakes (and how to avoid takedowns) 🔍 Why Etsy is finally shifting from punishment to seller support 📌 A simple 2-step action plan to protect your shop this week This isn’t about scaring you, it’s about empowering you. 💪  Because when you know the rules, you can sell with confidence and clarity. 🛍️🎉 🔗 Etsy policies https://www.etsy.com/legal/sellers/ 🔗 The Ultimate Guide to Etsy Policy https://www.etsy.com/uk/seller-handbook/article/22398703823?ref=handbook  The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it’s not too late to join us! 🗓️ Challenge runs 16–20 June 💬 Free live trainings inside our private Facebook group 🎯 And the best part? Doors to HBSA (Handmade Business Success Academy) are now OFFICIALLY OPEN until 2nd July at 8pm UK time! ✨ Come learn the step-by-step sales system that’s helped over 770 handmade sellers go from ‘stuck’ to sold out ✨ Get real-time support, daily tasks, and a personalised plan ✨ And see how you can turn this challenge into repeatable results all year long 📥 Sign up free here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/sellathonsprint 🔥 Join HBSA here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/summer 🌟 PS: Love the podcast? Please leave a review, it helps more handmade sellers find our community and resources! ✨ Free resources: Want to move forward without paying yet? ✨ Work with us for deeper, transformative support ✨ Join my free live mini workshops on YouTube + Facebook most Mondays!

    12 min
  6. JUN 4

    #61 - The Real Reason You're Not Getting Sales (And It's Not What You Think)

    😩 You’re posting on socials, updating your Etsy listings, and maybe even running the occasional sale... but still not seeing consistent orders? Let’s clear this up once and for all. In this episode, Steph breaks down the real reason you’re not getting sales and no, it’s not the algorithm, your branding, or even your prices. It’s your messaging and once you fix it, everything shifts. 👩‍🔧 We’ll cover:         •        What your customer really needs to hear before they buy         •        The 3-part messaging fix that turns browsers into buyers         •        Real-life examples to help you reframe your product descriptions, captions, and more         •        A simple mindset shift that’ll change the way you sell forever ☀️ If you’re ready to make sales feel way easier (and way more you), this one’s a must-listen... especially with the Sellathon Summer Sales Sprint kicking off soon! 🔗 Episode 58 - Why Your Sales Are Inconsistent (And How to Fix It for Good) - Podcast and YouTube 🔗 Episode 59 - How Handmade Sellers Are Making £1k in Just 7 Days (Without a Huge Audience) - Podcast and YouTube 🔗 Join the Sellathon Sprint - https://www.handmadebosses.com/sellathonsprint The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it’s not too late to join us! 🗓️ Challenge runs 16–20 June 💬 Free live trainings inside our private Facebook group 🎯 And the best part? Doors to HBSA (Handmade Business Success Academy) are now OFFICIALLY OPEN until 2nd July at 8pm UK time! ✨ Come learn the step-by-step sales system that’s helped over 770 handmade sellers go from ‘stuck’ to sold out ✨ Get real-time support, daily tasks, and a personalised plan ✨ And see how you can turn this challenge into repeatable results all year long 📥 Sign up free here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/sellathonsprint 🔥 Join HBSA here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/summer 🌟 PS: Love the podcast? Please leave a review, it helps more handmade sellers find our community and resources! ✨ Free resources: Want to move forward without paying yet? ✨ Work with us for deeper, transformative support ✨ Join my free live mini workshops on YouTube + Facebook most Mondays!

    16 min
  7. MAY 28

    #60 - Etsy's Algorithm Change (Etsy Q Score) + Etsy’s Q1 Results: What Handmade Sellers Need to Know

    Etsy just dropped their Q1 2025 financial report… and there’s more to it than just numbers. In this episode, I’m breaking down what the latest earnings reveal about where Etsy is heading, how it’s affecting sellers like you, and the big changes to Etsy’s search algorithm - including the now-official Q Score. If you’ve ever felt in the dark about how Etsy decides who gets seen (and who doesn’t), this episode is your spotlight. The Q Score isn’t brand new, but it’s now a named, structured part of Etsy’s AI tools and for the first time, they’re giving us actual tips on how to improve it. Here’s what you’ll learn: What Etsy’s latest financials really mean for sellersWhy your customer service and shop quality matter more than ever5 simple ways to improve your Q Score and stay ahead of the algorithm Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just getting started, this is a must-listen if you want to stay ahead of Etsy’s changes... without the fluff or overwhelm. Because Etsy success should be doable, not mysterious 💛 The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it’s not too late to join us! 🗓️ Challenge runs 16–20 June 💬 Free live trainings inside our private Facebook group 🎯 And the best part? Doors to HBSA (Handmade Business Success Academy) are now OFFICIALLY OPEN until 2nd July at 8pm UK time! ✨ Come learn the step-by-step sales system that’s helped over 770 handmade sellers go from ‘stuck’ to sold out ✨ Get real-time support, daily tasks, and a personalised plan ✨ And see how you can turn this challenge into repeatable results all year long 📥 Sign up free here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/sellathonsprint 🔥 Join HBSA here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/summer 🌟 PS: Love the podcast? Please leave a review, it helps more handmade sellers find our community and resources! ✨ Free resources: Want to move forward without paying yet? ✨ Work with us for deeper, transformative support ✨ Join my free live mini workshops on YouTube + Facebook most Mondays!

    16 min
  8. MAY 21

    #59 - How Handmade Sellers Are Making £1k in Just 7 Days (Without a Huge Audience)

    🎧 If you’ve ever thought “I just need more followers to start making decent sales,” this episode is your wake-up call. Meet Sam and Lydia - two handmade business owners using the same platform, same tools, even similar products. But one made over £1k in just 5 days… with less than 400 followers. The difference? Lydia had a plan. 👏 In this episode, we’re diving into:         •        Why engagement is the real currency on social media (not your follower count)         •        How to actually show up in stories and reels without sounding like a pushy salesperson         •        The 3-step sales content system you can use right now to boost sales from your existing audience         •        What to do if you’re stuck in “content limbo” with a quiet shop and zero urgency Plus, I’m sharing the exact next step to take if you want to turn your content into conversions this summer. 🎯 Your homework: Pick ONE product and apply these three simple steps this week. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at what’s possible. 🔥 Ready to go deeper? Join us for the Summer Sales Sprint – kicking off this June! ➡️ handmadebosses.com/sellathonsprint 💛 Let’s make your products fly off the (virtual) shelves. You in? Mentioned in this episode 🔗 Why Your Sales Are Inconsistent (And How to Fix It for Good) - podcast episode https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/why-your-sales-are-inconsistent-and-how-to-fix-it-for-good/id1743138868?i=1000708410925 🔗 YouTube - Why Are My Etsy Sales So Slow + What You Can Do To Get More Sales On Etsy - Is Etsy Traffic Down? - https://youtu.be/HeVLwM2oEs8 The Summer Sales Sprint: £1k in 1 Week Challenge is happening RIGHT NOW — and it’s not too late to join us! 🗓️ Challenge runs 16–20 June 💬 Free live trainings inside our private Facebook group 🎯 And the best part? Doors to HBSA (Handmade Business Success Academy) are now OFFICIALLY OPEN until 2nd July at 8pm UK time! ✨ Come learn the step-by-step sales system that’s helped over 770 handmade sellers go from ‘stuck’ to sold out ✨ Get real-time support, daily tasks, and a personalised plan ✨ And see how you can turn this challenge into repeatable results all year long 📥 Sign up free here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/sellathonsprint 🔥 Join HBSA here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/summer 🌟 PS: Love the podcast? Please leave a review, it helps more handmade sellers find our community and resources! ✨ Free resources: Want to move forward without paying yet? ✨ Work with us for deeper, transformative support ✨ Join my free live mini workshops on YouTube + Facebook most Mondays!

    17 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
8 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.

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