The Crafty Mariana Podcast

Do you want to learn how to turn your crafts into sold out workshops? Join the Crafts Workshops Academy IN THIS LINK In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Nodlaig Caffrey, founder of The Paper Petal Studio in Ireland. Nodlaig specialises in creating breathtaking small and large-scale crepe paper flowers — from delicate bridal pieces to giant six-foot installations — and has built a creative business that now spans bespoke commissions, weddings, brand activations, corporate workshops, and an online academy. Nodlaig shares the full story of how she went from leaving the corporate tech world in 2009 to raising her four children, before accidentally stumbling across a TV segment about crepe paper flowers in 2016 that completely changed her path. She talks honestly about the early years of self-teaching, the confidence shift that came with stepping back into business after years at home, and how local networks and mentoring helped her build a real business around her craft. The conversation gets into the nitty-gritty of running a multi-stream creative business: how she structures her week around big milestones, how she pre-cuts templates with a cutting machine to make corporate workshops viable, the moment a TikTok video during COVID went viral and led to a DIY kit launching in five languages, and how she's now expanding into an online academy. Nodlaig also opens up about the perception challenges around paper flowers, the loneliness of doing it all solo, and the dream of one day opening her own gallery. Whether you're a workshop host, a maker, or a creative entrepreneur navigating multiple revenue streams, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration. What We Cover in This Episode:  ✎ Leaving the corporate world to raise four children ✎ Discovering crepe paper flowers by accident on TV ✎ The years of self-teaching, trial and error at the kitchen table ✎ Finding the right materials (and why Cartotecnica Rossi changed everything) ✎ Building confidence to re-enter the workforce as a business owner ✎ How local networks and enterprise office mentoring shaped her early years ✎ Using COVID as a time to restructure and grow her skills ✎ The LinkedIn post that led to her first London corporate workshop ✎ Why pre-cut templates make corporate workshops financially viable✎ Structuring her week around milestones, content, and outreach ✎ Going viral on TikTok and turning it into a multi-language DIY kit ✎ The launch of The Paper Petal Studio Academy ✎ Building signature and premium wedding collections ✎ Why every creative needs a network (and permission to start) ✎ The dream of a gallery exhibition within the next year Connect with Nodlaig & The Paper Petal Studio:  ✎ Instagram: @thepaperpetalstudio✎ TikTok: @thepaperpetalstudio✎ Website: www.thepaperpetalstudio.ie ✎ LinkedIn: Nodlaig Caffrey✎ Email: [email protected]  Resources for Your Workshop Business: 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business Stay Connected with Mariana: 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com 📷 Instagram: @craftymariana📩 Get exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let's Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you'd like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email me at [email protected]!

Do you want to learn how to turn your crafts into sold-out workshops?Join the Crafts Workshops Academy — LINK HERE In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Pru Raymond, a fiber artist, knitting educator, and author from South Australia. Pru has taught over 200 workshops across Australia and internationally, specializing in technique-based knitting classes that help students level up their skills. What started as community workshops alongside her full-time teaching career has evolved into a thriving business built on collaboration with yarn stores through her signature "Stackable Knitting Retreat" model. Pru opens up about the leap from educational consultant to full-time creative entrepreneur, the systems that keep her business sustainable, and why she still supplements her income with university teaching - and why that's totally okay. This conversation dives deep into the reality of building a creative business, the power of venue partnerships over owning a studio, and how to design workshops that create lasting transformation for students. Whether you teach fiber arts or any other craft, Pru's strategic approach to workshop business will give you so much to think about. What We Cover in This Episode:✎ Pru's journey from high school teacher to full-time knitting educator✎ Why she chose to quit her permanent job - and what happened next✎ The "Stackable Knitting Retreat" model and how B2B partnerships work✎ Teaching 66 workshops in one year while traveling across Australia✎ Why venue collaborations are more sustainable than owning a studio✎ Designing technique-based classes vs. product-based workshops✎ The reflective practice structure that transforms learning outcomes✎ How to manage different skill levels in one workshop✎ Creating a portfolio career: why supplementing income isn't failure✎ Systems that scale: color-coded calendars, databases, and boundaries✎ The Yarn Store Passport and building an ecosystem around your craft✎ Cash flow strategies for workshop teachers (50% deposits FTW)✎ The magic moment when an entire workshop enters flow state✎ Why reconnecting with childhood creativity is so powerful✎ The analog movement and what it means for workshop businesses Connect with Pru Raymond:  ✎ Instagram: CLICK HERE ✎ Website: CLICK HERE ✎ Upcoming workshops & events: CLICK HERE Resources for Your Workshop Business: 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business📌 Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers! Stay Connected with Mariana: 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com📷 Instagram: @craftymariana🎨 Facebook Community: Crafting Workshops Community📩 Get exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email me at [email protected]!

Do you want to learn how to turn your crafts into sold-out workshops?Join the Crafts Workshops Academy — LINK HERE In this episode of The Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Tyler (aka Dr. Lemco), a Montreal-based creative, entertainer, and founder of Dr. Lemco’s Creative Club. What started as an experiment in hosting art sessions in cafés and bars quickly evolved into a thriving creative community — and now, a brand-new physical studio dedicated to making art, building connection, and having fun. In this episode of The Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Tyler (aka Dr. Lemco), a Montreal-based creative, entertainer, and founder of Dr. Lemco’s Creative Club. What started as an experiment in hosting art sessions in cafés and bars quickly evolved into a thriving creative community — and now, a brand-new physical studio dedicated to making art, building connection, and having fun. Tyler shares the real story behind building a creative business from the ground up: from years working as a content creator and host (including some very unexpected projects!) to deciding it was time to stop building for others and start building something of his own. He opens up about the shift from digital to in-person experiences, the lessons learned from hosting workshops in borrowed spaces, and what it actually took — financially and mentally — to open his own creative studio. The conversation dives into the realities of creative entrepreneurship: managing energy, building community, pricing experiences, and embracing imperfection while figuring things out along the way. Tyler also shares his philosophy of “figure it out as you go,” and why selling creative experiences — rather than just art — can be a powerful and sustainable business model. Whether you’re a workshop host, artist, entertainer, or someone dreaming of creating your own creative space, this episode is full of honesty, humour, and practical insight into turning creative passion into a real-world business. What We Cover in This Episode:  ✎ How Tyler went from digital content to in-person creative workshops ✎ The moment he realised live creative experiences were “the thing” ✎ Hosting workshops in cafés and bars vs. having your own studio ✎ Building community through consistent, in-person events ✎ The emotional and logistical realities of opening a creative space ✎ Why selling experiences can be more sustainable than selling art ✎ Learning business skills (and numbers) on the fly ✎ The importance of vibe, energy, and environment in creative events ✎ Managing creative burnout and finding your “sweet spot” ✎ Putting the cart before the horse — and figuring it out as you go ✎ Advice for creatives who want to build something of their own Connect with Tyler / Dr. Lemco:  ✎ Instagram: CLICK HERE ✎ Website / Creative Club: CLICK HERE ✎ Upcoming workshops & events: CLICK HERE Resources for Your Workshop Business: 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business📌 Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers! Stay Connected with Mariana: 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com📷 Instagram: @craftymariana🎨 Facebook Community: Crafting Workshops Community📩 Get exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email me at [email protected]!

In this solo episode, Mariana reflects on the biggest lessons from 2025 after opening a studio, navigating major health challenges, and rethinking how she runs her workshop business and the Crafts Workshop Academy. She shares three shifts: build for sustainability (not intensity), choose clarity over endless ideas, and remember that workshops are a community business. Plus, a glimpse into 2026: travel, collaboration, hiring support, and expanding Field Notes. What we cover in this episode ✎ a quick recap of 2025: opening a studio, health challenges, and the reality check that followed ✎ lesson 1: stop building for intensity and build for sustainability ✎ protecting your energy as a real business asset ✎ the peru reset: what shifted after time offline and away from the noise ✎ lesson 2: clarity is more valuable than ideas ✎ the shadow side of always seeing how things could be better (and how it affects satisfaction) ✎ lesson 3: a workshop business is a community business ✎ why people don’t just buy a craft, they buy a feeling ✎ what to expect in 2026: systems, hiring, collaboration, and travel starting July ✎ Field Notes: the vision for documenting and analyzing workshops around the world ✎ a life-first reflection: what do you actually want your life to look and feel like? Mentioned in this episode ✎ a related episode on the “two lanes” of workshop businesses (community-first vs experience-first) [episode like here]✎ sign-up to the Crafts Workshops Community [in this link]✎ sign-up to the Crafts Workshops Academy [in this link] Resources for your workshop business 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business [link here] Stay connected with Mariana 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com 📷 Instagram: @craftymariana🎨 Facebook Community: Crafting Workshops Community 📩 Exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s make this interactive Have questions or topics you want covered in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email [email protected]  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review or share it with a workshop friend. And if something landed for you, send me a message with your biggest takeaway :)

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Lucy Dujmovich, artist and founder of Studio Inner West in Sydney. In three years, Lucy has hosted 5,000 plus students, built a team of six, added mobile and corporate bookings, and launched a high-touch six-week program that teaches artists how to run profitable workshops. She shares the real numbers behind opening a studio after lockdown, how she engineered a welcoming beginner experience, and why online education unlocked multiple 40k months in 2025. Whether you’re testing your first resin class or scaling to corporates and retreats, you’ll love Lucy’s simple systems, distribution-first mindset, and grounded take on growth without burning out. What We Cover in This Episode ✎ Origin story - art school, small-business jobs, graduating into lockdown, and choosing to invest in a studio ✎ Naming and location for SEO - why “Studio Inner West” helps people find you ✎ First hits - resin homewares as a fresh alternative to paint-and-sip fatigue ✎ Safety and materials - choosing low-fume, food-safe resins and teaching a proper briefing ✎ Distribution that works - ClassBento for early discovery, platform vs widget fees and when each makes sense ✎ Offer ladder - adding foam clay and punch-needle tufting for lower ticket options ✎ Hiring and capacity - moving from solo to a team of six so weekends are sustainable ✎ Experience design - shelf of examples, signature scent, Pinterest prompts, photos at the end, asking for reviews ✎ Social proof engine - how Lucy passed 700 five-star reviews by making it a step in the flow ✎ Corporates and privates - Google, Canva, Apple, Amazon, banks, and why most deals came inbound ✎ Mobile, festivals, retreats - doubling delivery without a bigger lease and turning trips into paid craft holidays ✎ The numbers - 20k startup cost paid back in 2 months, about 150k in ticket sales year one, multiple 40k months after launching a six-week online program ✎ Mentors, SEO, ads - the marketing stack that leveled up year two and beyond ✎ Admin realities - bookkeeping, invoices, and building systems so you still get to teach ✎ Studio footprint - why she’s keeping classes intimate instead of upsizing the lease ✎ Where students get stuck - social media anxiety and what actually moves tickets ✎ One piece of advice - you only need to be a couple of steps ahead and open to questions Connect with Lucy ✎ Instagram: @studioinnerwest  ✎ Website: studioinnerwest.com  Resources for Your Workshop Business 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business Stay Connected with Mariana 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com📷 Instagram: @craftymariana🎨 Facebook Community: Crafting Workshops Community📩 Exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you want covered in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email [email protected]

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Kayla Jagusch, founder of Even Numbers, a Milan-based creative community known for vision boarding nights, “speed-date-in-art,” bag-charm labs, and their lush “linger longer” still-life sessions. What began as a four-person paint night in Kayla’s living room became 60-person gatherings across Milan, Paris, and New York, plus brand collaborations with Dr. Martens & Uniqlo. Kayla shares how she turned a solo move to Italy into a community, why brand activations fund the mission while community events build the soul, and the practicalities of running 4 to 5 events a month, while growing a business, without burning out. Whether you’re testing your first living-room workshop or mapping a multi-city calendar, you’ll love Kayla’s grounded business model, host-with-heart philosophy, and portable-format tips!  What We Cover in This Episode ✎ Kayla’s origin story: New Jersey to FIT textile design, luxury fashion, Milan, and the first living-room workshop ✎ Naming “Even Numbers”: the triplet backstory and designing for balance and belonging ✎ From 4 seats to 60: taking people from online to offline and building trust in a new city ✎ Signature formats: vision boards, bag charms, “speed-date-in-art,” Creatives Connect, and “linger longer” still-life ✎ Business model that works: brand activations, team and private events, community nights ✎ Capacity and energy: why 4 to 5 workshops per month is a healthy ceiling for a hands-on host ✎ Multi-city operations: Milan, Paris, New York, venue scouting with local allies, research on Instagram ✎ Travel logistics: choosing light, modular projects and reusing materials across dates ✎ Pricing realities: smaller European spaces, seat caps, and why community nights aren’t the breadwinner ✎ Creative practice vs operations: guiding not grading, keeping personal art alive in small daily ways ✎ Momentum moments: iBlues in-store lab, Uniqlo launch, Dr. Martens activation, 400-person weekend ✎ Near-term vision: 3-month planning cadence, launching a membership, building a small team, dreaming of a dedicated space ✎ Industry trends: the offline connection wave, differentiation through hosting style and communication Connect with Kayla ✎ Instagram: @kaylajag • @evennumbers.milano ✎ Website: evennumbers.art ✎ Even Numbers Substack: evennumbers.substack.com Resources for Your Workshop Business 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business Stay Connected with Mariana 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com📷 Instagram: @craftymariana🎨 Facebook Community: Crafting Workshops Community📩 Exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you want covered in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email [email protected]

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Susan Schwager, the Sydney-based creator behind heart-led inner child workshops that blend craft, connection, and gentle facilitation. After a life-shaking accident in 2023, a family trip to Lapland and Disneyland reawakened Susan’s sense of wonder. Back home, she bottled that feeling into intimate women’s workshops that now sell out and spark real friendships. Susan shares exactly how she ran her first trial at home, pitched her first venue, priced those early tickets, and kept momentum going with simple Instagram boosts and comment-triggered DMs. We dig into the experience design that makes her events feel safe and special — a short inner child meditation, permission-forward facilitation, journaling or foam-board collage with nostalgic stickers and a closing share that helps strangers feel seen. She also opens up about rest, feedback loops, space holding, and the venue evolution from cafe to bookshop to a small white-box gallery that fits her brand and the work. Whether you’re early in your journey or exploring how to bring more soul into creative experiences, you’ll love Susan’s clarity, courage, and practical steps. What We Cover in This Episode ✎ The Disney parade moment that sparked Susan’s mission to honor the inner child ✎ First steps that worked: 5-venue outreach, Eventbrite listing, pricing the very first tickets ✎ Experience design: opening story, short meditation, full permission to play, and a closing share ✎ The craft formats: joy journals or foam core boards with stickers, trinkets, and hot glue ✎ Safety and space holding: why one man with a camera changed her ops approach ✎ The perfectionist sticker problem and how permission dissolves creative fear ✎ Marketing that’s enough: small Instagram boosts, “comment a word” CTAs, 3-week promo cycles ✎ Venues that match the vibe: cafe to bookshop to a small gallery that photographs clean ✎ Fashion crossover: a 21-day dress-up challenge to practice being seen ✎ Retreat vision: partnering with an inner child healer for a 2-night play and healing format ✎ Lessons learned: rest, feedback, icebreakers, and getting comfortable being uncomfortable ✎ CWA takeaways: pricing spreadsheets, costs per head, and the confidence to pitch venues Connect with Susan ✎ Instagram: @susan.schwager ✎ Workshops and tickets: [view here] Resources for Your Workshop Business 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business📌 Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers! Stay Connected with Mariana 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com📷 Instagram: @craftymariana🎨 Facebook Community: Crafting Workshops Community📩 Exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you want covered in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email [email protected]

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Liz Chick, founder of RecCreate Collective in New York City, a creative hospitality studio known for its club-style events, intentional facilitation, and community-first approach. What began as Liz experimenting with natural dyes in a tiny apartment became a beautiful, one-of-a-kind studio space and a growing team hosting 15–20 events a month. Liz shares the real story behind finding and securing the studio, building early momentum with collage mornings, and evolving into RecCreate’s signature “club” format that blends guided structure with open creative play. We dig into experience design elements like opening ceremonies, meditations, conversation prompts, and end-of-night mini galleries that help strangers feel safe, seen, and connected. Liz also opens up about bootstrapping, seasonality, collaborations, team building, and balancing accessibility with profitability through scholarships, community events, and creative pricing models. Whether you’re dreaming of a studio, hosting workshops already, or exploring how to scale without losing soul, you’ll love Liz’s honesty, practicality, and heart. What We Cover in This Episode ✎ Liz’s origin story: from natural dye experiments to landing a dream studio space ✎ The first “collage morning” and how it evolved into RecCreate’s club format ✎ Experience design: opening ceremony, meditation, prompts, inspiration, and gallery share ✎ Scaling with intention: from one-off collabs to repeatable internal programming ✎ Building a small-but-mighty team and the systems that make 15–20 events/month possible ✎ Operations realities: inventory, storage, organization, and studio upkeep ✎ Growth without ads: TikTok to Instagram pipeline, niche NYC “things to do” features, and word of mouth ✎ Private vs public events and how corporate work sustains accessibility ✎ Seasonality truths and using slower months for camps, R&D, and refinement ✎ Numbers mindset: pricing, margins, and why knowing your costs changes everything ✎ Accessibility ecosystem: volunteers, community nights, sponsorships, and scholarships ✎ The future: a “RecCreate ecosystem,” Substack projects, office hours, and finishing what you start Connect with Liz ✎ RecCreate Collective Site✎ @reccreate_collective (Instagram) ✎ Substack: Muse-ing (creative digest) ✎ Creator resources: Craft Employed posts and office hours with Liz Resources for Your Workshop Business 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business 📌 Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers! Stay Connected with Mariana 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com 📷 Instagram: @craftymariana 🎨 Facebook Community: Crafting Workshops Community 📩 Exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you want covered in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email [email protected]

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Tayler, co-founder of Happy Medium, a one-of-a-kind art experience studio in New York City. What started as a way to reconnect with creativity has grown into a vibrant art café where guests can “order” creative experiences the same way they’d order from a restaurant menu. Tayler opens up about the highs and lows of building a business around creativity—from navigating the challenges of COVID-19, to scaling across locations, to keeping community and customer experience at the heart of it all. The conversation touches on the importance of team building, transparency, and embracing mistakes as part of the journey. Tayler also shares about their creativity journal, designed to help people reignite inspiration, and gives a glimpse into what’s next for Happy Medium. Whether you’re a workshop host, a creative entrepreneur, or someone dreaming of starting your own unique venture, this episode is full of honesty, inspiration, and practical gems. What We Cover in This Episode:✎ The story of creating Happy Medium in NYC✎ Turning the idea of an art café into reality✎ Navigating COVID-19 and shifting focus to connection✎ How community and word-of-mouth fuel growth✎ Overcoming fear of embarrassment and “just doing it”✎ Lessons in managing money, mindset, and mistakes✎ The role of social media in organic growth✎ Launching the Creativity Journal for inspiration seekers✎ Seasonality in business and planning for the ups and downs✎ Advice for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs Connect with Happy Medium: ✎ Instagram: @gethappymedium✎ Website: happymedium✎ Get the Happy Medium Journal Resources for Your Workshop Business: 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business📌 Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers! Stay Connected with Mariana: 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com📷 Instagram: @craftymariana🎨 Facebook Community: Crafting Workshops Community📩 Get exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email me at [email protected]!

In this episode, I’m sharing something a little more personal — a mid-year reflection on my creative business journey so far in 2025. After signing the lease on my dream studio and planning to scale my workshop business, my health unexpectedly collapsed. What followed was three surgeries, a total pause, and eventually… a trip to the Amazon jungle for a plant-based retreat. 🌿 That time in stillness gave me the clarity I didn’t know I needed — and a new vision for what I’m building now. If you’ve ever questioned whether the path you’re on is your path, or felt pulled between ambition and alignment, this one’s for you. In this episode, I talk about: ✎ The behind-the-scenes of signing a studio lease and crashing straight afterwards ✎ How a cheesemaking friend sparked the idea for my online academy ✎ My Amazon jungle retreat (and what being offline for 3 weeks taught me) ✎ Why I’m moving away from high-volume workshop models ✎ What lights me up most about the Crafts Workshops Academy ✎ How I’m shifting into a season of learning, collaboration, and creating the things I wish existed ✎ Why clarity doesn’t always come from doing more — and what to try instead 📝 Want to go deeper? 📌 Join the Crafts Workshops Academy: craftymariana.com/crafts-workshops-academy 📌 DM me your thoughts or lightbulb moments @craftymariana on Instagram 📌 Join my free community: Crafting Workshops Community on Facebook 📩 Want behind-the-scenes content, resources, and support? Join the newsletter: craftymariana.com/newsletter

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana sits down with Janelle Widtfeldt, founder of the vibrant Salt Lake City Craft Club. From first-grade teacher to full-time creative entrepreneur, Janelle shares her inspiring journey of turning her love for crafting into a community-centered business that brings people together through creativity. They dive deep into the joys and realities of running workshops, building authentic connections, using social media as a growth tool, and navigating the business side of creativity. Janelle opens up about imposter syndrome, messy events, and learning from mistakes—while always centering joy, play, and community in her work. Whether you’re crafting for fun or growing a creative brand, this episode is packed with heartfelt takeaways and practical gems. What We Cover in This Episode: ✎ Janelle’s leap from teaching to full-time creative business ✎ The story behind Salt Lake City Craft Club ✎ Starting with free events to grow community ✎ Why creativity matters for wellbeing ✎ How social media and ads fuel event visibility ✎ Authenticity, imposter syndrome & showing up anyway ✎ Letting go of rigid workshop structures ✎ The realities of business: money, mindset, and mistakes ✎ Future dreams of expanding Craft Club across cities ✎ Advice for aspiring crafters and workshop hosts Connect with Janelle: ✎ Instagram: @craftclub.slc ✎ Website: craftclubslc.com Resources for Your Workshop Business: 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business📌 Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers! Stay Connected with Mariana: 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com📷 Instagram: @craftymariana🎨 Facebook Community: Crafting Workshops Community📩 Get exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email me at [email protected]!

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most important — and overlooked — keys to running a profitable workshop business: knowing your lane. I’m breaking down the two most common workshop business models I’ve seen (and lived!), and how understanding which one you're in can help you set better prices, avoid burnout, and actually make money doing what you love. If you’ve ever felt stuck between being “artsy and broke” or “profitable and bored,” this one’s for you. In this episode, I talk about: ✎ The two distinct “lanes” of workshop profitability — and how to know which one you’re in ✎ What kinds of events work best in each lane (with real examples from art gurl — check out our podcast interview with Maegan from art gurl in this link — Haricot Vert & Karma Studios) ✎ The pros and cons of each model — from pricing power to creative freedom ✎ How your marketing needs to shift depending on your audience ✎ Why it’s okay to change lanes as your business evolves ✎ How I’ve built a profitable business in the Premium Lane — and why I’m now weaving in more community-style events 📝 Want to go deeper? Read the Blog: The Two Lanes of Workshop Profitability (and Why Picking One Matters)Get the Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop BusinessFree Resource: Figure Out Your Workshop Numbers 🔗 Links & Resources: 📌 Join the Crafts Workshops Academy: craftymariana.com/crafts-workshops-academy 📌 DM me your thoughts or lightbulb moments @craftymariana on Instagram 📌 Join my free community: Crafting Collective on Facebook 📩 Want behind-the-scenes content, resources, and deals? Join my newsletter: craftymariana.com/newsletter

In this episode, I’m sharing the honest, behind-the-scenes breakdown of what it actually cost me to set up my own creative studio, Karma Creative Studios. If you’ve ever dreamed of opening your own space — or just want a real look at the numbers — this episode is for you. I’m walking you through everything from major setup expenses to the unexpected “little things” that added up fast, plus how I’m feeling about the investment so far. In this episode, I talk about: ✎ Why I wanted a studio in the first place (and why I waited). ✎ The true cost of setting up the space — from tables and chairs to neon signs and curtain rods. ✎ The sneaky expenses that added up (and what I wish I had planned for). ✎ How I’m feeling about the investment now — the good, the stressful, and the "still figuring it out" moments. ✎ My mindset around business experiments, pivots, and playing the long game.  📝 Read the Blog Article 'My Honest Breakdown of Studio Setup Costs' Link Here Resources: 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business - craftymariana.com/guide📌 Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers - craftymariana.com/numbers📌 Join the Crafts Workshops Academy Here - craftymariana.com/crafts-workshops-academy Links to Connect With Me: 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com📸 Instagram: @craftymariana👩‍🎨 My Free Facebook Community: Crafting Collective 📩 Join my email list for exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter 💬 Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or send an email to [email protected].

In this episode, I’m sharing the unexpected journey of how I went from planning a temporary pop-up space to opening a permanent studio much sooner than expected! I’ll walk you through the original plan, what made me pivot, the biggest challenges along the way, and how the studio is already impacting my business. In this episode, I talk about: ✎ My original plan for a two-month pop-up space and why I changed course. ✎ How I found the perfect studio opportunity by accident. ✎ The biggest challenges (and surprises) of setting up the studio so quickly. ✎ How having a dedicated space is shifting my business—and what’s next for Karma Studios. ✎ My big-picture goals for both Karma Studios and the Crafts Workshop Academy. Resources: 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business - craftymariana.com/guide 📌 Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers - craftymariana.com/numbers📌 Join the Crafts Workshops Academy Here - craftymariana.com/crafts-workshops-academy Links to Connect With Me: 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com 📸 Instagram: @craftymariana 👩‍🎨 My Free Facebook Community: Crafting Collective 📩 Join my email list for exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter 💬 Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or send an email to [email protected].

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana interviews Eva Loudon from Craftiful, a creative studio based in Surrey, UK. Eva shares her journey from being a teacher to running a successful crafting business, offering insights into workshop demand, financial hurdles, and the importance of community. They discuss the realities of entrepreneurship—balancing passion with business, managing a team, and leveraging social media to build a crafting brand. Eva highlights the need for structured workshops, customer loyalty, and setting boundaries to ensure sustainability. Whether you’re starting out or growing your creative business, this episode is packed with valuable lessons! What We Cover in This Episode: ✎ Eva’s transition from teaching to crafting workshops✎ The challenges of filling workshops and growing demand✎ How having a dedicated studio space impacted her business✎ The financial hurdles of running a creative business✎ Marketing strategies and the role of social media✎ The balance between passion and business sustainability✎ The importance of customer loyalty and community building✎ Setting boundaries and prioritizing rest as an entrepreneur  Connect with Eva: ✎ Craftiful Website: craftifulthecreativestudio.com✎ Craftiful Instagram: @craftiful.thecreativestudio Resources for Your Workshop Business: 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business📌 Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers! Stay Connected with Mariana: 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com📷 Instagram: @craftymariana🎨 Facebook Community: Crafting Workshops Community📩 Get exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email me at [email protected]!

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, Mariana interviews Miranda from Frøbel, a creative entrepreneur based in the Netherlands who transitioned from a corporate job to running her own workshop-based business. Miranda shares her inspiring journey, from hosting workshops in her living room to moving into a dedicated studio space. They dive into the realities of entrepreneurship—balancing business and personal life, the importance of financial planning, and the power of community support. Miranda also discusses marketing strategies, social media advertising, Google Ads, and the challenges of hiring and managing a team. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your workshop business, this conversation is packed with valuable insights! What We Cover in This Episode: ✎ Miranda’s journey from a corporate job to creative entrepreneurship✎ Finding the right studio space and evolving workshop offerings✎ The challenges of managing workshop attendance and finances✎ How social media and advertising can drive workshop bookings✎ Understanding the numbers behind a successful workshop business✎ The importance of balancing personal life with business growth✎ Why community support is key for creative entrepreneurs Connect with Miranda: ✎ Frøbel Website: froobel.nl✎ Frøbel Instagram: @froobel Resources for Your Workshop Business: 📌 Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business📌 Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers! Stay Connected with Mariana: 🌎 Website: craftymariana.com📷 Instagram: @craftymariana🎨 Facebook Community: Crafting Workshops Community📩 Get exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or email me at [email protected]!

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana podcast, Mariana interviews Jessie Whealy, the owner of Jessie's Art Shed in Oxfordshire. Jessie shares her journey from starting her art studio in her parents' garage to expanding into a thriving business with multiple locations. She discusses the challenges and milestones she faced along the way, the importance of community and customer relationships, and the lessons learned in hiring and building a team. What We Cover in This Episode: ✎ Jessie's Art Shed started in her parents' garage. ✎ The journey of entrepreneurship is unique for everyone. ✎ Community support is crucial for business growth. ✎ Hiring the right people is essential for success. ✎ Instagram often portrays a romanticized version of business. ✎ Giving back to the community is a significant highlight. ✎ Managing multiple locations can be challenging. ✎ Building relationships with customers creates a loyal community. ✎ Financial struggles are common in the early stages of business. ✎ Planning and teamwork are vital for daily operations. Dedicate time for planning and team meetings. ✎ Implement project-based learning for different age groups. Connect with Jessie: ✎ Jessie's Art Shed Website: jessiesartshed.com ✎ Jessie's Instagram: @jessiesartshed Resources:Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop BusinessFree Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers Spreadsheet! Links to Connect With Me:Website: craftymariana.comInstagram: @craftymarianaFacebook Community: Crafting CollectiveJoin my email list for exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter  Let’s Make This Interactive!Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or send an email to [email protected].

In this episode of the Crafty Mariana Podcast, I sit down with Kenny Indenge, co-founder of Paintly, a fast-growing paint-and-sip workshop business that has expanded across multiple European countries. Kenny shares his journey of launching Paintly, the challenges of growing a creative business, and the unique approach they take to make art accessible and fun for everyone. What We Cover in This Episode: ✎ How Paintly was founded and inspired by a trip to South Africa ✎ The step-by-step process of launching Paintly in Belgium and expanding across Europe ✎ Challenges of scaling a workshop-based business internationally ✎ Finding and training hosts in different cities ✎ Working with venues, including partnerships with hotels ✎ Marketing strategies that drive bookings (including influencer collaborations and paid ads) ✎ The balance between keeping a stable job and running a growing business ✎ Future plans for Paintly, including an expansion into e-commerce Kenny Indenge is the co-founder of Paintly, a workshop-based business bringing creative experiences to people across Europe. With a background in marketing and events, Kenny and his co-founder, Brandon, have grown Paintly into a thriving business with teams operating in Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Italy, and soon France. Their mission is to make art accessible and enjoyable, whether through in-person workshops or their upcoming Paintly painting kits. Links & Resources: ✎ Paintly Website: paintlybe.com ✎ Painly Instagram: @paintlybe ✎ Painly Facebook:  Paintly ✎ Painly Tiktok: @paintlybe ✎ Upcoming Workshops: paintlybe.com/en/reservation Resources:Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop BusinessFree Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers Spreadsheet! Links to Connect With Me:Website: craftymariana.comInstagram: @craftymarianaFacebook Community: Crafting CollectiveJoin my email list for exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter  Let’s Make This Interactive!Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or send an email to [email protected].

In this episode, I’m joined by Meagan from art gurl to dive into the powerful connection between creativity and community. Meagan shares her journey from starting art gurl as a simple newsletter to building a thriving creative community focused on self-expression and wellness. We explore how art can be a tool for healing, the importance of fostering connections, and the lessons learned from navigating the post-COVID landscape as a creative entrepreneur. In this episode, we talk about:✎ Meagan’s journey in art and education and how it shaped her mission with art gurl.✎ Why creativity is more about the process than the outcome.✎ The evolution of art gurl from a newsletter to hosting transformative workshops.✎ How art gurl creates a safe and supportive space for self-expression and connection.✎ The challenges and rewards of balancing in-person workshops with an online global community.✎ The role of intuition in making impactful business decisions. Resources:Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop BusinessFree Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers Spreadsheet! Links to Connect With Me:Website: craftymariana.comInstagram: @craftymarianaFacebook Community: Crafting CollectiveJoin my email list for exclusive content, resources, and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Links to Connect With Meagan and art gurl:Website: artgurl.orgInstagram: @artgurl  Let’s Make This Interactive!Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or send an email to [email protected]. Episode Highlights:✎ "Creativity is about self-discovery, not perfection."✎ "Art is a powerful tool for coping with stress and burnout."✎ "Building a community is essential for sustainable growth."✎ "Trusting your intuition is key to making impactful decisions in business."✎ "Workshops are more than events; they are spaces for connection and healing." 🎙 Listen to this episode and find inspiration for your own creative journey!

In this episode, I’m sharing my exciting plans for 2025! From major updates to my online business, Crafts Workshop Academy, to launching a pop-up studio and preparing for a permanent workshop space, this year is shaping up to be a game-changer. In this episode, I talk about:✎ How 2024 taught me to simplify and focus on what matters most.✎ The exciting changes coming to the Crafts Workshop Academy, including live monthly trainings, fresh workshop plans, and action-packed challenges.✎ My plans for a two-month pop-up studio and the steps I’m taking to open a permanent studio space.✎ My vision for hosting more private workshops weekly in 2025 and beyond. Resources:Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business - craftymariana.com/guide Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers Spreadsheet! - craftymariana.com/numbers Links to Connect With Me:Website: craftymariana.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/craftymariana/My Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftingcollectiveJoin my email list for exclusive content, resources and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or send an email to [email protected].

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the journey of building a profitable workshop business! From making the leap to go full-time to uncovering the realities of commercial studio spaces, I’ll share my story, strategies, and insights to help you plan your next steps. In this episode, I talk about:✎ The steps I took to transition to full-time workshops—and how you can plan your own journey.✎ How I broke down a $10K month, including workshop types, ticket prices, and strategies.✎ The shocking realities of commercial leases and whether opening a studio is the right move for me. Resources:Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business - craftymariana.com/guide Free Spreadsheet: Figure Out Your Numbers Spreadsheet! - craftymariana.com/numbers Links to Connect With Me:Website: craftymariana.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/craftymariana/My Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftingcollectiveJoin my email list for exclusive content, resources and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or send an email to [email protected].

Welcome to the very first episode of The Crafty Mariana Podcast! In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how I turned my love for crafting into a thriving business. From hitting major milestones like consistent 10K months to pivoting into mentorship and workshops, it’s been a journey full of lessons, challenges, and rewarding moments.Tune in to hear about my passion for making crafting fun again, what inspires me to keep going, and how this podcast will bring you tips, inspiration, and actionable advice for your own creative journey. Stay tuned for an exciting lineup of episodes and grab your freebies to kickstart your crafting business today!In This Episode, You'll Learn:✎ How my crafting journey began and evolved into a successful business.✎ The challenges I faced and the lessons I learned along the way.✎ My vision for this podcast and how it’s designed to inspire and empower creatives. Resources:Free Guide: How to Start Your Own Workshop Business - craftymariana.com/guide Links to Connect With Me:Website: craftymariana.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/craftymariana/ My Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftingcollective Join my email list for exclusive content, resources and deals: craftymariana.com/newsletter Let’s Make This Interactive! Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes? DM me on Instagram or send an email to [email protected].