Special Release: How Tonya Dunning Went From “Someday” to Teaching Fidget Quilts

My first-ever guest! Tonya of Memory Barn Studio makes fidget quilts for people with dementia, Alzheimer's, autism, and stroke recovery — and for years, people kept asking her, "Do you teach?" In this episode, she shares how she went from "someday" to eleven students signed up for her first class at a regional quilt show.We talk about why she went through the Workshops Unleashed Book Club twice before she was ready (and why that's not failure), the free test class that gave her real feedback before anyone paid her, the library community room that solved her "no space to teach" problem, and the playful email marketing game she's using to grow her list. If you've been standing at the edge of teaching, this one's your nudge.See the Accompanying Blog Post "Tonya Kept Saying "Someday I'll Teach" Then 14 Students Signed up".Links:You can find Tonya atMemory Barn StudioInstagram @memorybarnstudioFacebookWorkshops Unleashed Book ClubGrab the book: Workshops UnleashedSubmit a question for the podcastChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest03:00 Tonya's Business Journey and Fidget Quilts06:00 Transitioning from Hobby to Business08:57 The Impact of the Book Club on Teaching12:01 Feedback and Class Development14:58 Conducting Test Classes and Community Engagement17:53 Reflections on Teaching and Class Dynamics21:49 Understanding Class Management and Student Engagement23:58 Preparing for the Upcoming Class26:15 Marketing Strategies for Classes29:12 Growing Your Email List32:25 Creating Engaging Activities for Students34:55 The Importance of Community in Teaching39:46 Advice for Aspiring TeachersResources & ProgramsLearn more: heytori.techDigital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together.Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building.Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold.Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog