Build a Career With No Regrets: Craftivism Leader Diane Ivey on Entrepreneurship and Reinvention

Episode Summary What does it mean to build a career with no regrets? In this episode of Conversations with Erica, executive coach and career development author Erica Mattison speaks with creative entrepreneur Diane Ivey about taking bold risks, leading with values, and continually reinventing her work to reflect what matters most. Diane shares the story behind her entrepreneurial journey, including the ten years she spent building a yarn dyeing business that sold products around the world. Through that company, she also helped advance conversations around craftivism, the intersection of crafting and social activism, using her platform to promote diversity, representation, and social justice within the crafting community. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic and closing her company, Diane entered a period of reflection and reinvention. She explains how trusting her intuition, reaching out to her network, and reconnecting with her long-standing passion for politics and writing led her to a new chapter as a broadcast writer at CNN. This conversation explores entrepreneurship, identity, risk-taking, and how values can guide career decisions across different phases of life. Topics We Discuss • Building a values-driven business and leading with integrity• The concept of craftivism and using creativity for social impact• Taking risks and leaving a stable career to pursue meaningful work• Navigating the decision to close a business and start a new chapter• The role of networking and relationships in career transitions• Trusting intuition and aligning work with personal values• Designing a career that reflects purpose and impact Quote to Remember “I made a decision that whatever I was going to do, I was going to make sure that my life would be fulfilled.”— Diane Ivey About Diane Ivey Diane Ivey is a creative entrepreneur, writer, and widely recognized voice in the craftivism movement. Through her yarn dyeing business, she helped elevate diverse creators and bring social justice conversations into the crafting community before transitioning from entrepreneurship to journalism. She is now beginning a new chapter as a broadcast writer at CNN while continuing to explore writing, entrepreneurship, and communication as tools for impact. Reflection Prompts You might reflect on: • What would building a career with no regrets look like for you?• Where might taking a thoughtful risk open new possibilities?• How do your values shape the work you choose to pursue?• What experiences from your past could inform your next chapter? Continue the Conversation If this conversation sparked reflection about career direction, entrepreneurship, or designing work that reflects your values, you can explore more resources on Erica Mattison’s website. Erica Mattison is an executive coach and career development expert who helps professionals and leaders clarify what matters, navigate career transitions, and move forward with greater confidence. Explore articles, podcast episodes, and coaching resources ➔ You can also learn more about Erica’s book Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career, which offers practical reflection tools to help professionals make thoughtful decisions about what comes next.