Quilting on the Side
Co-hosts Tori McElwain of HeyTori and Andi Stanfield of True Blue Quilts share real talk about what it takes to grow a successful quilting business while balancing full-time work, family life, and creative energy.
Whether you're into quilt pattern design, longarm quilting, teaching workshops, or selling handmade products, you'll find practical tips and honest conversations here. We cover everything from digital marketing and course creation to time management and the mindset shifts needed to build a sustainable, fulfilling side hustle.
This show is your go-to guide for running a profitable quilting business on the side - with encouragement, strategy, and plenty of real-life stories from the stitching trenches.
Quilting on the Side
How to Handle Controversy, Difficult Conversations, & More with Dara Tomasson
In this powerful episode of Quilting on the Side, Tori and Andi welcome back their favorite coach for quilters, Dara Tomasson, for a timely conversation about mindset, controversy, and emotional resilience in business. Together, they explore how to navigate emotionally charged situations, set healthy boundaries, and separate self-worth from business outcomes - especially in today’s divided social and economic climate (in the US at least!).
Dara shares why reaching a neutral emotional state leads to clearer decision-making, and how curiosity and inspiration in everyday life can fuel both personal and professional growth. This episode is especially relevant for quilt pattern designers, teachers, and longarm quilters navigating challenges like tariffs, scarcity mindset, and conflicting beliefs while growing a sustainable business.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Mindset in Business
04:09 Reaching a Neutral State for Better Decisions
06:35 Separating Self-Worth from Business Outcomes
11:47 Navigating Emotional Challenges in Business
18:14 Establishing Boundaries in a Divided Society
26:56 Having Difficult Conversations
31:42 Understanding Mental Health in Business
34:44 Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life
Connect with Dara Tomasson:
- On Instagram
- On her website: https://daratomasson.com/
- Sign up for her free Webinar: How To Work With Your Hormones Instead of Against Them September 17th @ 12pm Pacific Time CLICK HERE
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Join our Quilting on the Side Patreon community! By becoming a patron, you'll gain access to behind-the-scenes content, bonus episodes, and exclusive resources to help you grow your quilting journey. Plus, your support helps keep the podcast thriving! Click here to join.
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Podcast Details:
Co-Hosts:
Tori McElwain @heytori.tech
Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts
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