From Accidental Pattern Designer to Subscription Box Creator with Monika Henry

Send us Fan MailWhat does it look like to build a quilting business almost by accident? In this episode, Tori and Andi sit down with Monika Henry of Penny Spool Quilts to talk about her journey from a six-year first quilt (cut with cardboard templates and scissors) to running a pattern design business, teaching an improv quilting workshop, and launching a Canadian quilt subscription box that took off faster than she expected.Monika shares the behind-the-scenes reality of creating Quilt the North — a quarterly subscription box featuring a Canadian pattern designer, curated fabric, and locally sourced handmade items tied to each designer's region. She talks about the logistics she had to figure out on the fly (like the fact that you have to order print fabric six to eight months in advance), how Canada's political climate unexpectedly did her marketing for her, and why the connections she made at H&H Americas gave her the confidence to actually launch.Tori and Andi also dig into what Monika calls "accidental" business moves — and reframe them as something more intentional: listening to your audience, following curiosity, and being willing to figure things out as you go. Monika also shares how working with a coach through Tori's DMMC program helped her step back from the middle of her business and see the bigger picture.Whether you've been thinking about launching a product-based offering, adding a subscription model, or just need a reminder that you don't have to have it all figured out before you start, this conversation delivers.Don't miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Connect with Monika Website: https://pennyspoolquilts.com See more about Quilt the North Instagram: @pennyspoolquilts Facebook: @pennyspoolquilts YouTube: @pennyspoolquilts Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest introduction02:00 Monica's first quilt and quilting journey05:25 Turning hobby into business09:13 Starting the Canadian quilt subscription box12:37 Marketing and launching the subscription box17:09 Listening to the audience and business insights22:54 Favorite parts of the quilting and business experience27:57 Where to find Monica online28:45 Recent quilt project and color choices29:16 Tools and notions Monica loves31:04 Inspiring figures outside quilting31:52 Challenges of running a business32:57 Number of quilts in Monica’s sewing room34:44 Exploring the Journey of Quilt the North36:45 The Fearless Entrepreneurial SpiritWant More Quilting Business Content? 🔗 Join us on Patreon for exclusive perks 🔗 Grab Tori's book, Workshops Unleashed 📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts: Tori McElwain @heytori.tech & https://www.heytori.tech/ Andi Stanfield @truebluequilts & https://truebluequilts.com/Support the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.