Feeling overwhelmed by all the moving parts in your handmade business? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the systems and processes that took me from chaos to control. I’ll share the hard lessons I learned (so you don’t have to), how I stopped feeling like I was constantly playing catch-up, and why systems—not just hustle—are the real secret to business success.

You'll learn:
✅ The key difference between systems and processes (and why you need both)
✅ How I fixed one major bottleneck that was draining my time and energy
✅ The step-by-step framework to streamline your business, reduce decision fatigue, and free up your creative time

If you feel like you're constantly putting out fires and need a better way to run your business, this episode is a must-listen!

⏳ [01:31] - Before Systems: The Chaos of Doing Everything Yourself
Before systems and processes, I was drowning in tasks, constantly reacting instead of planning. Sound familiar?

⏳ [02:20] - How I Fixed My Biggest Business Bottleneck
I went from scrambling for bare yarn stock to a smooth, automated inventory system.

⏳ [05:51] - The #1 Mistake That Keeps Handmade Businesses Stuck
Without systems, processes are isolated. Without processes, systems fall apart. You need both to scale successfully.

⏳ [07:29] - Beating Decision Fatigue: Why Systems Give You Mental Freedom
Too many daily decisions can be exhausting. Learn how systems reduce mental clutter and keep your business running smoothly.

⏳ [12:52] - The 4-Step Framework for Building Systems That Work
A breakdown of how to map out, document, and optimize the core areas of your business for efficiency.

⏳ [17:46] - Growing Pains? How to Evolve Your Systems as You Scale
New level, new devil! Your systems should evolve with your business—here’s how to stay ahead of challenges.

📌 The Effciency Formula: Systems & Processes Workbook – Get your copy here

📌 Recommended Tools for SOPs & Process Documentation:

• Scribe – A step-by-step guide generator that records your workflow and turns it into easy-to-follow visual documentation. Perfect for creating SOPs without the hassle of writing everything manually.

• Loom – A video recording tool that allows you to quickly capture screen recordings with voiceovers. Ideal for training, walkthroughs, and explaining processes in a more engaging way.

I’d love to hear what system or process you’re working on after this episode! Are you tackling inventory, order fulfillment, or something else? DM me and let’s chat:

🌐 Website: www.indiemadebiz.com
📸 Instagram: @indiemadebiz
📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/indiemadebiz

Know someone who could use less stress and more structure in their business? Share this episode with them—it could be exactly what they need to hear!

Do fear and self-doubt ever hold you back from reaching your business goals? In this episode of The Indie Made Biz Podcast, we uncover the hidden barriers that limit your potential: your limiting beliefs. These sneaky thoughts—like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t charge more”—aren’t truths; they’re stories you can rewrite.

Join me as I walk you through three transformative steps to flip the script on fear and replace limiting beliefs with empowering thoughts. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel equipped to approach your handmade business with confidence, curiosity, and a renewed sense of possibility.

• [00:00:00] Intro
  Imagine your biggest dreams for your handmade business finally taking shape—no second-guessing, no “what ifs,” no fear whispering in your ear. Let’s turn that dream into reality.

• [00:02:22] Cognitive Bias and How It Tricks You
  Learn how mental shortcuts like confirmation bias can cause you to focus on failures while ignoring successes—and how this feeds into limiting beliefs.

• [00:08:08] Step 1: Recognize Your Limiting Beliefs
  Discover how to identify the thoughts and assumptions that quietly hold you back.

• • Tips to uncover hidden beliefs.

  • Real-life examples of common limiting beliefs.

• [00:11:45] Step 2: Challenge Your Beliefs
  Become a detective of your own thoughts.

• • How to question and disrupt your limiting beliefs.

  • Key questions to ask yourself:

  • 1. Is this belief really true?

    2. What evidence supports or disproves it?

    3. Can I find examples of success despite similar challenges?

  • The power of flipping negative thoughts into “what if” possibilities.

• [00:16:21] Step 3: Replace Limiting Beliefs with Empowering Thoughts
  Build new, positive thought patterns that fuel growth and confidence.

• • The role of repetition in rewiring your brain.

  • Visualization techniques to prime your mind for success.

  • Real-life examples of entrepreneurs who flipped the script on fear.

• Free Worksheet: Identify and overcome your limiting beliefs with this free guide

• Craft Industry Alliance: Learn more about mastermind groups designed for creative entrepreneurs.

I’d love to hear what limiting beliefs you’re working to overcome and how these strategies are helping you. Let’s chat:

• Website: www.indiemadebiz.com
  
  

• Instagram: @indiemadebiz
  
  

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/indiemadebiz

Know someone who could benefit from this episode? Share it with them and help spread the inspiration!

Don’t miss next week’s episode. Subscribe now so you’re the first to hear it!

On this episode of The Indie Made Business Podcast, we’re tackling the endless to-do list that every handmade business owner knows all too well. Overwhelm ends here! We’re diving into five actionable tips that will help you take control of your day, focus on what truly matters, and build real momentum in your business.

Each tip is designed to help you stop spinning your wheels and start making meaningful progress—without burning out.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

• [00:02:21] Tip 1: Prioritize Your Tasks
  Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into four groups (urgent/important, important/not urgent, etc.) and focus on what truly drives your business forward.

• [00:04:54] Tip 2: Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
  Overcome task paralysis by breaking big projects into manageable actions. Example: Launching a new collection? Break it down into steps like writing product descriptions or taking photos.

• [00:06:01] Tip 3: Use Time Blocking
  Assign dedicated time slots to specific tasks to avoid distractions and improve productivity. Test methods like the Pomodoro technique or uninterrupted work blocks to find your rhythm.

• [00:07:10] Tip 4: Apply the Two-Minute Rule
  If a task takes two minutes or less, tackle it immediately to prevent minor tasks from piling up and stealing mental space.

• [00:07:53] Tip 5: Set Realistic Expectations
  Avoid overloading your to-do list. Instead, focus on what’s achievable and plan with flexibility to accommodate unexpected changes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Free time management strategies guide : Download your freebie to start implementing these tips today: https://www.indiemadebiz.com/opt-in-380f5eb2-892d-434a-9857-1f3a248a8a1b
• Visit the Indie Made Business blog for more resources to help you work smarter, not harder: https://www.indiemadebiz.com/blog/03

Connect with me:

• Website: www.indiemadebiz.com

• Instagram: @indiemadebiz

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/indiemadebiz

Make sure to subscribe to the Indie Made Business podcast, so you never miss an episode. Thank you for tuning in, and I can’t wait to take this journey with you!

In this episode, I’m kicking off 2025 by sharing an important mindset shift that has completely changed the way I approach my business. I’m diving into how you can design a business that works for you and supports the life you want, rather than feeling like you’re working for your business. I’ll take you back to my early days as an entrepreneur, where my goals started small, and share the lessons I learned along the way. Whether you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps, I’ll guide you through practical strategies to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

"What would you want from your business if you knew you couldn’t fail? When your business serves your life, not the other way around, everything becomes possible."

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• How to get clear on what you truly want from your business in 2025.
• Why celebrating small wins can create big momentum over time.
• How to align your financial goals with the lifestyle you dream of.
• Steps to build a business that supports your vision and values.
• Why simplifying your financial needs can unlock more freedom.

Timestamps:

• [00:03:17] My First Big Goal: How I started with the simple dream of paying my family’s car payment.
• [00:05:03] The Power of Small Wins: How celebrating tiny victories built the foundation for my success.
• [00:07:09] Big Questions to Reflect On: What if you couldn’t fail?
• [00:09:54] The Power of Needing Less: Why simplifying my financial needs gave me the freedom to focus on what mattered most.
• [00:17:59] Mindset Shifts for 2025: How to align your goals with the life you want to create.
• [00:24:43] Closing Thoughts: Start designing a business that supports your life.

Links and Resources :

• Visit the Indie Made Biz website for resources to help you grow your business.

• Website: www.indiemadebiz.com

• Instagram: @indiemadebiz

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/indiemadebiz

If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. I’d love to hear how this episode resonated with you and what changes you’re planning for 2025. Let’s make this the year you create a business that truly serves you!

Welcome to the Indie Made Business podcast, where I help creative entrepreneurs design businesses that truly serve their lives. In this trailer, I’m excited to share some big changes happening in 2025 and talk about how I’m setting my business up to fit into the life I’ve always dreamed of. If you’re ready to join me on this journey of growth, mindset shifts, and making a real impact, then you’re in the right place!

Learn about the new direction of the podcast, what you can expect in upcoming episodes, and why this year is all about creating alignment between your business goals and personal vision.

Here’s what you can expect from Indie Made Business:

• New episodes packed with actionable tips to help you design a business that serves your ideal life.

• Stories from my journey of turning my business into a full-time income that works with my lifestyle.

• Insights into mindset shifts that will help you grow your business without burning out.

So if you’re tired of feeling like your business is running you, I’m here to show you a better way.

Connect with me:

• Website: www.indiemadebiz.com

• Instagram: @indiemadebiz

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/indiemadebiz

Make sure to subscribe to the Indie Made Business podcast, so you never miss an episode. Thank you for tuning in, and I can’t wait to take this journey with you!

We’ve made it all the way to the end of the year and more than likely, you’re super busy right now. In my business, we call it Beast mode because inevitably this time of year we’re working our tails off with different projects and fulfilling orders to keep up with seasonal orders. It’s very easy to stress yourself out, so on this week’s podcast I’m going over what I’ve learned over the years managing stress, burnout, and rest at this time of the year.

Key Takeaways:

- Growth at the expense of your health is not worth it! Sometimes, we just need to get through the season with what we have rather than taking on new projects that may or may not bring you joy, but also bring you added work. Think about what benefits you’re getting from expanding or what you could gain by scaling back.

- This time of year is hard on everybody, including your employees! Don’t forget about all of their hard work over the year and understand that doing what’s in the best interests of your workers can pay dividends.

- It’s a perfect time after the Beast mode to think about what you’re going to do next year, how you want to grow, what direction you want to go, and what you need to do to get there.

One more thing:

Do you run your own handmade business? And are you ready to take that business to the next level?

After seven years of growing my hand-dyed yarn business into a multi six-figure success, I'm excited to share my best strategies, resources, and actionable tips with you.

At Indie Made Biz, where handmade artistry meets business mastery, I’m not holding back. I’m sharing all of my knowledge and experience with you. Ready to grow your handmade your way? Subscribe to my Indie Made Biz email list for the best advice delivered straight to your inbox!

We’re sad to say that for the time being, this will be the last episode of what we’re calling Season One of the Makers Gonna Sell Podcast. There may be a Season 2, but when that may or may not happen is still up in the air. That doesn’t mean we’re giving up! 2023 is looking to be a full year for Cheryl and Nicky, but if we are able to get everything we need to build our businesses and we have the time to make this the priority it should be, you’ll be the first to know. You can still connect with us through our social media profiles, and we always love hearing from you. All our previous episodes are going to be available for further listening, and we have loved bringing you the content and look forward to serving you more in the future!

Come find us online - we would love to hear from you!

• Cheryl: Indie Dyed Entrepreneur on Instagram or Facebook
• Nicky: Avery Lane Creations on Instagram or Facebook
• Hypnotic Yarn on Instagram or Facebook
• Yarnable Subscription Box - Cheryl’s Subscription Box
• ALC Yarns - Nicky’s Yarn Shop

Are you so busy working IN your business that there’s no time left to work ON your business?

We’ve all said it, “There aren’t enough hours in the day.”

It really does feel that way when you’re wearing all the hats in your creative business. And it can be downright impossible to embrace the visionary role that your business requires of you when you’re bogged down with perpetual product making and never-ending to-do lists!

But guess what? We all get the same 24 hours each and every day. It’s what you do with them that counts.

Imagine what it would feel like if you had an extra set of hands every now and then. Would it change your life if you could take a day off (or *gasp* go on vacation) all the while things are still getting done?

Hiring is a big step, and you might be thinking, “Yeah, that all sounds great, but I’m not even paying myself yet! How the heck am I going to hire someone?”

In today’s episode we’re going to walk you through getting the right type of help without breaking the bank, and why it might be the best thing you can do for your business.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• 1:00: Are you being pulled in too many directions?
• 5:54: The different shapes and sizes of hiring help.
• 28:26: Finding the right fit is sometimes trial and error.
• 32:30: Do you really need to spend money to make money?
• 40:59: Where do you find the help you need?

...and so much more!

Needle Mover

• We’re closing out every episode by declaring a Needle Mover in each of our businesses. You learn more about what a Needle Mover is and what it isn’t in episode 2 of the
• podcast.
• 49:01: Cheryl’s Needle Mover
• 54:30: Nicky’ Needle Mover

Don’t forget to share YOUR Needle Mover with us on Instagram by posting it to your Stories and tagging us, or shoot us a DM. Together, let’s make a BIG impact in our businesses over the next 2 weeks!

Come find us on social media - we would love to hear from you!

• Cheryl: Indie Dyed Entrepreneur on Instagram or Facebook
• Hypnotic Yarn on Instagram or Facebook
• Yarnable Subscription Box
• Nicky: Avery Lane Creations on Instagram or Facebook
• ALC Yarn Club
• For a Text Notification from Cheryl when new episodes drop, text “Makers Gonna Sell” to 603-928-7108