Entrepreneurial Fatigue, Market Uncertainty, and the Case for Slowing Down with Katie Hunt (240)

Host Alyson Stanfield talks with Katie Hunt about the findings from her 2025 State of the Product Industry survey. While Katie's audience includes product-based artists and makers, many of the themes—pricing pressures, burnout, and the need for stronger systems—apply across the creative sector. They explore what's really happening behind the scenes of creative businesses right now: why some are thriving while others are closing or stalling, how tariffs are complicating planning and profitability, and the surprising number of businesses still not using email marketing. Katie and Alyson reflect on the connection between sustainability and simplification, and how support, community, and structure can make all the difference. 03:50 Who was surveyed and what kinds of businesses they run 09:00 How hiring and systems correlate with reduced hours and greater sustainability 11:30 Why email marketing is still underused—and still effective 15:30 The mindset blocks around unsubscribes and "bothering" your list 17:40 Social media as a visibility tool vs. a sales driver 18:30 Why community, mentorship, and education accelerate growth 21:00 Emotional tone of the industry: cautiously hopeful, but tired 24:20 Following up and closing the loop when no one responds 26:40 30% of respondents have considered closing their business 30:00 Tariffs, planning challenges, and the ripple effect on pricing 34:20 What separates those who sustain their business from those who burn out 38:00 The role of peer support and accountability 🎧 RELATED EPISODES 4 Considerations for Wholesaling Your Art with Katie Hunt (138) Worrying About the Economy with Elaine Luttrull (141) Increasing Self-Sales by 400% with Sarah Becktel (157) 📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/fatigue-hunt ⭐️ Connect with Katie and listen to the Proof to Product podcast at https://prooftoproduct.com 🔶 Ready to make real progress in your art business? Essentials for Artist Success is where you stop spinning your wheels and start taking focused, intentional action. It's not just another course—it's a structured system for building momentum, making better decisions, and implementing the right strategies at the right time. Designed to support you through every season of your business, Essentials gives you the clarity, accountability, and community you need to keep moving forward. Learn more >>> Essentials for Artist Success ⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes. ~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~ This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/