How To Be A Handmade Boss

Steph Cole-Lewis

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. 1D AGO

    #80 - 20 Niche Etsy Ideas with High Demand and Low Competition

    If you’ve been scratching your head wondering what to sell or how to stand out on Etsy in 2026, this episode is your treasure map. 🎯 I’m sharing 20 real Etsy niche ideas that are high in demand, low in competition, and full of opportunity - perfect for handmade sellers who want to stop blending in and start carving out their own corner of the marketplace. I’ve done the research for something I’m working on behind the scenes (👀), and let me tell you - these niches are absolute gems. From sensory-friendly fashion to grief support gifts, plant parent accessories to zero-waste party supplies… these aren’t just ideas, they’re movements. Whether you’re in the idea stage or looking to expand, grab a pen (and maybe a brew) and settle in. ⚠️ PSA: Don’t let shiny object syndrome have you starting 5 new shops by Monday! These are only worth jumping on if they truly align with your audience and long-term goals. 🎯 Inside the episode:         •        Why micro-niches are the key to Etsy success in 2026         •        20 product ideas across handmade, digital, POD, and accessories         •        How to validate these niches with quick research tips         •        Real-life examples and products I’ve bought myself! Want to dig deeper and turn browsers into buyers? 👉 Grab my Critique Your Own Etsy Shop Toolkit (£13) and get a pro-level eye on your listings. https://www.handmadebosses.com/offers/cX4AkPyV/checkout Welcome to the Handmade Bosses family 🌻 I’m Steph, & since 2016 I’ve been running my handmade business full time on Etsy. Now I’m here to help you do the same – whether that’s starting your first shop, boosting sales with Etsy ads, mastering SEO, refining your branding, or finally finding your niche. If you already sell handmade products (or are dreaming of it) on Etsy, your own website or at in person events, you’re in the right place. This podcast is all about helping you turn your passion into profit & grow from a hobby into a thriving business that brings in consistent 4–5 figure months. ✨ Free resources to get you moving: handmadebosses.com/freeresources ✨ Ready to go deeper? Work with us here: handmadebosses.com/paidresources I go live most Mondays on YouTube and inside our Facebook group for mini workshops. You can catch all upcoming events here: facebook.com/groups/handmadebosses/events 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly videos and lives: youtube.com/@HandmadeBosses 📸 Follow us on Instagram for updates and motivation: instagram.com/handmadebosses Love, Steph & Team HB xox 💛 ...

    22 min
  2. SEP 10

    #79 - Is Your Shop Holiday-Ready? Take This 5-Minute Check (Handmade Sellers)

    🎄 Are you really ready for the Christmas rush... or just hoping it’ll all come together in time? In this episode, I’m walking you through a super quick 5-point checklist that’ll help you give your handmade shop a festive glow-up without the stress. We’re talking banners, giftable products, delivery cut-off clarity, festive upsells, and simple holiday promotion tweaks you can make today. If you’re a handmade seller on Etsy or your own site, this 5-minute check will help you feel more confident and less scrambled heading into the busiest sales season of the year. Plus, I’ll share a sneak peek into my “Get Your Shop Ready for The Holidays In One Weekend” mini course and why now is the time to take action. Let’s make this your most organised, profitable Christmas season yet! 🎄 👉 Join Get Your Shop Ready for Christmas in 1 Weekend here: https://www.handmadebosses.com/xmas Don’t leave your Christmas prep until November — get it done this weekend and go into the busiest sales season calm, clear, and ready. ⚠️⚠️GET 50% OFF THE COURSE ONLY UNTIL 12th SEPTEMBER 8PM UK TIME!:⚠️⚠️ https://www.handmadebosses.com/offers/GVL5roFG/checkout?coupon_code=XMAS2550 🚨 👀 Take a sneak peak inside the course: https://youtu.be/Jpe8sBt5bbc 🚨 👀 Get your Etsy AND Website Ready For Xmas In ONE Weekend [50% OFF UNTIL FRI 12th SEPT] - https://www.handmadebosses.com/xmas Welcome to the Handmade Bosses family 🌻 I’m Steph, & since 2016 I’ve been running my handmade business full time on Etsy. Now I’m here to help you do the same – whether that’s starting your first shop, boosting sales with Etsy ads, mastering SEO, refining your branding, or finally finding your niche. If you already sell handmade products (or are dreaming of it) on Etsy, your own website or at in person events, you’re in the right place. This podcast is all about helping you turn your passion into profit & grow from a hobby into a thriving business that brings in consistent 4–5 figure months. ✨ Free resources to get you moving: handmadebosses.com/freeresources ✨ Ready to go deeper? Work with us here: handmadebosses.com/paidresources I go live most Mondays on YouTube and inside our Facebook group for mini workshops. You can catch all upcoming events here: facebook.com/groups/handmadebosses/events 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly videos and lives: youtube.com/@HandmadeBosses 📸 Follow us on Instagram for updates and motivation: instagram.com/handmadebosses Love, Steph & Team HB xox 💛 ...

    15 min
  3. SEP 3

    #78 - Stop Comparing Your Handmade Business to Others (and Do This Instead)

    Ever find yourself doomscrolling through Instagram wondering why that handmade shop has more sales, more followers, or just seems further ahead? In this episode, we’re flipping the comparison trap on its head. You’ll learn how to: Spot the “highlight reel” trap before it derails your momentumTurn jealousy into a learning tool (without copying a single thing!)Set healthy boundaries around competitor stalking 😉Track YOUR growth (not theirs) and build a business that feels good to you Whether you’re a part-time maker or dreaming of full-time freedom, this episode is your pep talk and practical guide to staying focused on your path – not someone else’s. 📓 Grab a pen – there are actionable tips and mindset shifts you can start using today. Welcome to the Handmade Bosses family 🌻 I’m Steph, & since 2016 I’ve been running my handmade business full time on Etsy. Now I’m here to help you do the same – whether that’s starting your first shop, boosting sales with Etsy ads, mastering SEO, refining your branding, or finally finding your niche. If you already sell handmade products (or are dreaming of it) on Etsy, your own website or at in person events, you’re in the right place. This podcast is all about helping you turn your passion into profit & grow from a hobby into a thriving business that brings in consistent 4–5 figure months. ✨ Free resources to get you moving: handmadebosses.com/freeresources ✨ Ready to go deeper? Work with us here: handmadebosses.com/paidresources I go live most Mondays on YouTube and inside our Facebook group for mini workshops. You can catch all upcoming events here: facebook.com/groups/handmadebosses/events 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly videos and lives: youtube.com/@HandmadeBosses 📸 Follow us on Instagram for updates and motivation: instagram.com/handmadebosses Love, Steph & Team HB xox 💛 ...

    13 min
  4. AUG 27

    #77 - From Fresh Flowers to Thriving Wreath Business: Claire's Handmade Journey

    Running a handmade business isn’t always a straight line and today’s guest, Claire, proves it beautifully. 🌸 After starting with fresh flowers and even pedalling around town on a trike (yes, really!), Claire found her passion and success in creating stunning artificial wreaths and arrangements through her business Jamesia Blooms. In this episode, she opens up about:         •        How personal loss inspired her to chase her creative dream         •        The shift from fresh flowers to artificial designs (and why it worked)         •        The behind-the-scenes process of designing wreaths and bouquets         •        The ups and downs of social media and growing an online shop         •        Her hopes for the future - including her dream of opening a cosy little flower shop Claire's story is inspiring, honest, and a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot and find the handmade business path that truly lights you up. 👉 Find Claire online: Website: https://www.jamesiablooms.co.uk/ Instagram: @jamesiablooms_andoccasions Welcome to the Handmade Bosses family 🌻 I’m Steph, & since 2016 I’ve been running my handmade business full time on Etsy. Now I’m here to help you do the same – whether that’s starting your first shop, boosting sales with Etsy ads, mastering SEO, refining your branding, or finally finding your niche. If you already sell handmade products (or are dreaming of it) on Etsy, your own website or at in person events, you’re in the right place. This podcast is all about helping you turn your passion into profit & grow from a hobby into a thriving business that brings in consistent 4–5 figure months. ✨ Free resources to get you moving: handmadebosses.com/freeresources ✨ Ready to go deeper? Work with us here: handmadebosses.com/paidresources I go live most Mondays on YouTube and inside our Facebook group for mini workshops. You can catch all upcoming events here: facebook.com/groups/handmadebosses/events 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly videos and lives: youtube.com/@HandmadeBosses 📸 Follow us on Instagram for updates and motivation: instagram.com/handmadebosses Love, Steph & Team HB xox 💛 ...

    26 min
  5. AUG 20

    #76 - Instagram Not Converting? Here’s Why (+ How to Fix It as a Handmade Seller)

    Posting consistently on Instagram but still not getting sales? In this episode, I’m breaking down the three biggest reasons your content isn’t converting and how to fix it. You’ll discover: Why likes and views don’t always mean product interestHow to guide your followers from scrolling to shoppingA simple content plan that works without eating up your whole day Whether you sell on Etsy, Shopify, or your own website, these Instagram tips are perfect for handmade sellers who want to post with purpose and actually see results. 📌 Want your social media done-for-you every month? Join the Social Media Sidekick: https://handmadebosses.com/SMS Insta CTA Welcome to the Handmade Bosses family 🌻 I’m Steph, & since 2016 I’ve been running my handmade business full time on Etsy. Now I’m here to help you do the same – whether that’s starting your first shop, boosting sales with Etsy ads, mastering SEO, refining your branding, or finally finding your niche. If you already sell handmade products (or are dreaming of it) on Etsy, your own website or at in person events, you’re in the right place. This podcast is all about helping you turn your passion into profit & grow from a hobby into a thriving business that brings in consistent 4–5 figure months. ✨ Free resources to get you moving: handmadebosses.com/freeresources ✨ Ready to go deeper? Work with us here: handmadebosses.com/paidresources I go live most Mondays on YouTube and inside our Facebook group for mini workshops. You can catch all upcoming events here: facebook.com/groups/handmadebosses/events 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly videos and lives: youtube.com/@HandmadeBosses 📸 Follow us on Instagram for updates and motivation: instagram.com/handmadebosses Love, Steph & Team HB xox 💛 ...

    9 min
  6. AUG 13

    #75 - Instagram Reels That Sell: Step-by-Step for Handmade Sellers

    If your Reels are getting crickets (or you’re too nervous to even post one 🫣), this episode is for you. I’m walking you through my simple step-by-step Reels formula made specifically for handmade sellers - no dancing, no lip syncing, no pointing at floating bubbles. Just clear, doable tips to help you finally feel confident on camera and actually get your products seen 👀 Inside this episode: ✅ How to write a scroll-stopping hook ✅ What to film if you feel awkward or unsure ✅ Real-life examples for candles, jewellery, knitwear + more ✅ The part most people forget (and it’s costing them sales) ✅ How to film a Reel in 15 minutes or less - even if you’ve never done one before! This is your plug-and-play Reels strategy to get seen by real buyers without spending a penny on ads 💸 So if you’re ready to grow your handmade business on Instagram and actually make sales from it - pop your headphones in and let’s go 🎧✨ Insta CTA Welcome to the Handmade Bosses family 🌻 I’m Steph, & since 2016 I’ve been running my handmade business full time on Etsy. Now I’m here to help you do the same – whether that’s starting your first shop, boosting sales with Etsy ads, mastering SEO, refining your branding, or finally finding your niche. If you already sell handmade products (or are dreaming of it) on Etsy, your own website or at in person events, you’re in the right place. This podcast is all about helping you turn your passion into profit & grow from a hobby into a thriving business that brings in consistent 4–5 figure months. ✨ Free resources to get you moving: handmadebosses.com/freeresources ✨ Ready to go deeper? Work with us here: handmadebosses.com/paidresources I go live most Mondays on YouTube and inside our Facebook group for mini workshops. You can catch all upcoming events here: facebook.com/groups/handmadebosses/events 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly videos and lives: youtube.com/@HandmadeBosses 📸 Follow us on Instagram for updates and motivation: instagram.com/handmadebosses Love, Steph & Team HB xox 💛 ...

    12 min
  7. AUG 6

    #74 - Etsy’s Latest Earnings: What It Really Means for Your Shop (And How to Respond)

    Feeling like your Etsy sales have dipped recently? You’re not imagining it and Etsy’s Q2 2025 earnings report confirms it. In this episode, I break down exactly what’s going on behind the scenes at Etsy, why sales are down platform-wide, and what it means for you as a handmade business owner. We’ll talk about rising fees, buyer hesitation, and Etsy’s push toward AI and personalisation... all without the corporate waffle. But more importantly, I’ll walk you through what to actually do about it. Whether you’re on Etsy, your own website, or both, you’ll leave this episode feeling calm, clear, and ready to take control of your strategy again. ✨ We cover: What Etsy’s report really reveals (and what most sellers miss)Why it’s not you - it’s the current buying climate4 things you can do right now to strengthen your shopThe truth about fees, platforms, and where to focus next If you’re feeling a little lost or discouraged, this episode will help you zoom out, realign, and move forward with purpose. 💛 🔗 Links mentioned in this episode - What is a social media home hub and how do you find yours? Insta CTA Welcome to the Handmade Bosses family 🌻 I’m Steph, & since 2016 I’ve been running my handmade business full time on Etsy. Now I’m here to help you do the same – whether that’s starting your first shop, boosting sales with Etsy ads, mastering SEO, refining your branding, or finally finding your niche. If you already sell handmade products (or are dreaming of it) on Etsy, your own website or at in person events, you’re in the right place. This podcast is all about helping you turn your passion into profit & grow from a hobby into a thriving business that brings in consistent 4–5 figure months. ✨ Free resources to get you moving: handmadebosses.com/freeresources ✨ Ready to go deeper? Work with us here: handmadebosses.com/paidresources I go live most Mondays on YouTube and inside our Facebook group for mini workshops. You can catch all upcoming events here: facebook.com/groups/handmadebosses/events 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly videos and lives: youtube.com/@HandmadeBosses 📸 Follow us on Instagram for updates and motivation: instagram.com/handmadebosses Love, Steph & Team HB xox 💛 ...

    13 min
  8. JUL 30

    #73 - How to Market Your Handmade Products on Instagram (Step-by-Step Free Training for 2025)

    Sick of posting on Instagram and getting crickets? This episode is your full, step-by-step training on how to turn your handmade Instagram into a sales-driving machine - without feeling salesy or spending all day online. Steph breaks down the exact strategy that handmade business owners need in 2025, including: What to post (and why!) using the 4 Value PillarsHow to plan your weekly Instagram rhythm without burning outThe difference between “Going Wide” for growth and “Going Deep” for conversionsReal examples you can steal (whether you sell candles, mugs, or knitwear)And how to sell confidently, without needing a hot shower after every post 💬 Whether you’re stuck at “likes from your mum and best mate” or you’ve given up on Instagram altogether… this episode will get you back on track, feeling clear, confident and ready to sell. Insta CTA Welcome to the Handmade Bosses family 🌻 I’m Steph, & since 2016 I’ve been running my handmade business full time on Etsy. Now I’m here to help you do the same – whether that’s starting your first shop, boosting sales with Etsy ads, mastering SEO, refining your branding, or finally finding your niche. If you already sell handmade products (or are dreaming of it) on Etsy, your own website or at in person events, you’re in the right place. This podcast is all about helping you turn your passion into profit & grow from a hobby into a thriving business that brings in consistent 4–5 figure months. ✨ Free resources to get you moving: handmadebosses.com/freeresources ✨ Ready to go deeper? Work with us here: handmadebosses.com/paidresources I go live most Mondays on YouTube and inside our Facebook group for mini workshops. You can catch all upcoming events here: facebook.com/groups/handmadebosses/events 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly videos and lives: youtube.com/@HandmadeBosses 📸 Follow us on Instagram for updates and motivation: instagram.com/handmadebosses Love, Steph & Team HB xox 💛 ...

    14 min

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.

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