#55 - Leigh Metcalf @ Top Stitch Makers on starting a business with no formal business education and pivoting from sewing studio to online community

Send me a Text Message. In this episode, Saskia and Leigh Metcalf, founder of Top Stitch Makers Social Community, discuss the importance of building a safe and valuable space for garment sewers.Leigh shares her journey of finding her ideal customer, reaching them through various channels, and how she puts aside the financial treadmill of retail to focus on what really matters to her customers.They also talk about the importance of having a community of like-minded people, the value of community in newsletters, and the benefits of sharing knowledge and insights with each other instead of competing. Additionally, they touch on the conflict between values about stuff and business, the importance of choosing the things that give you energy, and the benefits of having a team.If you're a business owner, especially in retail, looking to build a community and prioritize what matters most to your customers, this episode is for you.MAIN TAKE-AWAYSWhen discussing lease terms for your shop or studio, ask if you can sub-let, so you can get out early if you have to.THE MOST BASIC BUSINESS PLAN consist of anwering these three questions 1. What are you going to do? 2. How are you going to do it? 3. How are you going to pay for it to start off with? (because not everyone wants to read a 50 page plan…)LIFE LESSON: When you get cold feet: Just look at the step in front of you.MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Go HERE if you want to attend the workshop Leigh's teaching in the Ja, Wol Community. (If you don't have a creditcard, you can go If you want to build or grow your business in textile crafts, why don't you join our online community for a small, monthly contribution of only 10 euros, which is $10 ish. You get to hang out, learn from and share your business. And your craft journey with all the lovely people there, support the podcast at the same time and you get everything wrapped into one loving package. I would love to welcome you there. Go to Patternshift.fm and clickSupport the Show.☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆ If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement! Apple Podcast subscription is super easy with two clicks and is anonymous for those who use the Apple app. Monthly or yearly. One amount. 4,- Buzzsprout (my podcast platform) subscription one click, fill out your bank details. Monthly. Choose your amount from 3,- and up. Leave your name and get a shoutout (if you want). ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆ for the next cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☞ GET BI-WEEKLY ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆ ☞ FIND OTHER BUSI...