#69 - Why Some Makers Stay Stuck (and How to Finally Move Forward) Artwork

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.

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How To Be A Handmade Boss

#69 - Why Some Makers Stay Stuck (and How to Finally Move Forward)

July 02, 2025 • Steph Cole-Lewis • Season 1 • Episode 69

Feel like your handmade business is stuck in the same place month after month - no matter how hard you try? 😩

In this episode, we’re getting honest about why so many makers hit a plateau (even when they’re doing “all the right things”)… and what to do if that’s you right now.

You’ll learn:
🔸 The illusion of growth that keeps you treading water
🔸 The real cost of DIY-ing everything alone
🔸 Why your fear of investing might be costing you more than you think
🔸 How to know when you’re ready to get real support

Plus, I’ll walk you through the difference between two real-life paths: Sam (the hustler stuck at £200/month) and Lydia (the maker who hit her first £1k month doing less).

✨ If you’re done winging it and ready for real growth — this one’s for you.

⏳ HBSA is OPEN until 8pm tonight! Join us here → https://www.handmadebosses.com/summer
Or hop on the waitlist: https://www.handmadebosses.com/hbsawaitlist

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