Is Joann’s Going Under?

Did you miss the most dynamic duo in these sewing podcast streets?  In the latest episode of The AudaSEWtea, Aaronica and Julian got together for a cozy chat about all things crafting. They spilled the beans on their recent sewing adventures, swapping stories about battling jet lag and diving into pattern submissions. And of course, they couldn't resist dishing on the latest buzz in the industry, from shiny new fabric cutters any more. Plus, they couldn't help but share their worries about beloved craft store Joann possibly hitting some rough waters and what that could mean for the crafting world. But the conversation didn't stop there. They dove deep into the challenges facing craft stores, especially Joann, and how the pandemic has shaken up fabric choices and availability. Accessibility was a big theme, with Aaronica and Julian championing the need for crafters to have easy access to all kinds of fabrics. They even dropped some recommendations for online and local fabric shops they love, raving about the incredible variety of materials up for grabs. And let's not forget the tech talk—PDF patterns and the game-changing use of projectors for patterns had them nodding in agreement about how these innovations are making sewing more accessible than ever, especially for folks overseas. Of course, they couldn't wrap up without giving a big shoutout to the small businesses and artisans making waves in the crafting world. Kiki Textiles and The Sewing Report got some well-deserved love, with Aaronica and Julian highlighting the power of killer marketing and sales tactics. But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows—they got real about the tough stuff, like the impact of store closures on the crafting community and the fierce competition for hot-ticket items. With a nod to the closure of Melanated Fabrics, they opened up about the hustle and bustle of staying ahead in the game, showing just how cutthroat the crafting industry can be. Link to Julian's feature in Cincinnati Magazine: https://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/article/julian-collins-makes-menswear-fun/  Ready to take advantage of the 40% off for the 1 hour coaching sessions with Aaronica? Use code "WomanWork" here: https://stan.store/aaronicabcole/p/think-tank-session