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. 2D AGO

    #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
  2. 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 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 💛 ...

    8 min
  3. 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 🎧✨ 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
  4. 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? 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
  5. 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. 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
  6. JUL 23

    #72 - 15 Autumn Trends for 2025 Handmade Sellers Need to Know

    🍁 Want to get ahead with your autumn product ideas and boost your handmade sales this season? In this trend-packed episode, I’m breaking down 15 of the biggest autumn trends set to dominate in 2025... with real, practical examples you can turn into products today. From modern rustic to miniature scenes, dupe-it-yourself decor to cosy accessories, I’m covering what’s going to be everywhere (and how to make it work for your handmade business). 🍂 Whether you sell on Etsy, your own site, or at markets - this episode is your seasonal trend cheat sheet. Grab a notebook and get inspired! 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
  7. JUL 16

    #71 - Proven Etsy Listing Tips to Boost Your Sales and Get Found in Search

    Struggling to get sales on Etsy? In this episode of How to Be a Handmade Boss, Steph shares 5 powerful tips to help your Etsy listings get found, get clicked, and get bought. Whether you’re brand new to selling handmade products online or you’ve been on Etsy for a while with little traction, this episode will show you exactly how to optimise your Etsy listings for more visibility, better conversion, and sustainable growth. We’re covering: ✅ Etsy SEO tips for beginners ✅ How to write titles that actually get found ✅ What your photos really need to do ✅ How to write product descriptions that sell ✅ The truth about pricing and perceived value ✅ Why your tags matter more than you think So if you’re ready to turn browsers into buyers and create listings that do the selling for you, grab a notebook and tune in! 🎧 Mentioned in this episode: ➡️ Episode 1 – The Beginners Guide To The Etsy Algorithm - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2354025/episodes/14905260 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 💛 ...

    29 min
  8. JUL 9

    #70 - Building a Brand Around What You Actually Love: Fran’s Story

    In this feel-good episode of How To Be A Handmade Boss, I’m joined by the lovely Fran from Born to Shop Designs – and we’re diving into how she turned hobbies like gardening, crafting and music into a heart-led clothing brand that connects people through what they love. We chat about navigating business pivots, building a brand that feels like you, and why community matters more than ever (especially when you're not a fan of working solo). Fran also opens up about leaving behind a business that didn’t light her up, starting again with a friend and fresh purpose, and how the Handmade Business Success Academy helped shape her journey. If you’ve ever questioned whether your idea is the one, or wondered if starting over means starting from scratch – this one’s for you. 💬 Topics we cover:  • Making your business match your life (not the other way round)  • Why it's okay to leave a business that’s not working • How hobbies can connect you to your customers – and your best friends • The mindset shift that made all the difference • Fran’s tip for finding your thing when you’re full of ideas 🛒 Explore Fran’s brand: bourneto.shop  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 💛 ...

    24 min

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
11 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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