In this episode, host Bess Wilkins chats with Meg from Nutmeg and Honey Bee about the importance of using creativity to deal with grief and improving your general mental health. If you’ve never heard of Meg, you’ve got to check out her Instagram page. It’s filled with her amazing creations: from baked goods to embroidery and so much more. We discuss so many topics today including knowing when it’s time to pivot the direction of your business, when it’s time to prioritise your “offline” friends and family (as opposed to feeling like a slave to the social media machine) and how embroidery and cr ..read more

The world of abstract embroidery can be extremely daunting and it’s hard to know where to start. Ashlie from Happimood Co uses her experience as an artist to showcase how approachable abstract embroidery can be. In this episode, host Bess Wilkins chats with Ashlie about the temptation of all artists to focus too much on getting it ‘perfect’ rather than letting the piece speak for itself. Ashlie also encourages us to embrace the mistakes and allow the piece to evolve as it needs. She doesn’t start with a fixed plan in mind for her abstract work and firmly believes that the piece will tell you w ..read more

Join host Bess Wilkins (Life with Bess) as she speaks to today’s guest- Lauren from Lark Rising. Lauren started her journey with embroidery in 2015 and has since grown her business, written a book, taught workshops and classes, all while juggling two young kids!! We talk to her about her journey, her creative process and her tips and tricks for choosing colour palettes and exploring different fibre arts. Episode Links: Lauren’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larkrising/ Lauren’s shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LarkRisingEmbroidery Stitching & Co Instagram: https://www.insta ..read more

Making the jump from ‘just a hobby’ into a side hustle or business can be scary. A lot of people dream of making money doing what they love and Katie has done just that, all whilst still holding down a full-time job. Join host Bess Wilkins (Life with Bess) as she chats to Katie from By Katie Olivia about what she has learnt, how to manage study vs work, and her creative journey in the first 12-18 months of running her business. Episode Links: Stitching & Co Advent Calendar Pre-order https://www.lifewithbess.com/product/stitching-co-embroidery-advent-calendar/ Katie’s Instagram: https ..read more

Learning to say “no” is something we all struggle with, in our personal lives and businesses. It can be so hard as a small business, especially when you’re just starting out, to not just say “yes” to every opportunity that comes your way. When you’re starting out that might be just what you need to allow you to experiment and build up confidence, but at some point you need to set boundaries… and that means saying “no” to certain things. Join host Bess Wilkins (Life with Bess) as she chats to Lindsey from Urbann Nest who has been in the small business world for over 6 years about her story, why ..read more

Wood workers who are women (say that fast three times) are definitely less common, but we love seeing women get on the tools and create something beautiful. In this episode join host Bess Wilkins (Life with Bess) as she chats to Kate (Modern Hoopla) about how you can take your finished projects up another notch with beautiful wooden hoop frames. Bess chats to Kate about her journey into starting her business, how to finish your hoop with just the right frame shape and more! Episode Links: Modern Hoopla Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernhoopla/ Modern Hoopla Website: https://www.m ..read more

Social media, we love it and we hate it…but when you’re a business it’s hard work to keep on top of the latest trend, posting stories and photos, replying to your followers and creating reels. This episode features someone we consider the reel queen! Join host Bess Wilkins (Life with Bess) and guest Yulia (Matryoshka Doll Shop) as they chat all things Instagram – how to have an Instagram account for business but also as a hobby page. This episode was filmed in late 2021 and there have been a few changes to Instagram such as chronological feed options but we think the fundamentals of what Yulia ..read more

Ever feel you aren’t creative enough to have a ‘creative’ hobby… well then this episode is for you!! Join host Bess Wilkins (Life with Bess) and guest Stephie (Hoop and Fred) as they chat about exploring and growing your creativity, how to look at it differently, finding the right creative hobby and overcoming perfectionism. With an extra special guest appearance from the Life with Bess studio dog… Aurora. Episode Links: Hoop and Fred Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoopandfred/?hl=en Hoop and Fred Website: https://www.hoopandfred.co.uk/ Stitching & Co Instagram: https://www.inst ..read more

Want to take your business to the next level? Join host Bess Wilkins (from Life with Bess) as we chat to Julie from Humble Stitch Studio about two aspects to think about when it comes to business. Collaborations and branding… a bit of a random combination but this is a jam packed interview and a perfect episode to get you excited for all the amazing opportunities you can have this year! Episode Links: Humble Stitch Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humblestitchstudio/ The Humble Stitch Studio Website: https://www.humblestitchstudio.com/ Stitching & Co Instagram: https ..read more

If starting a creative business is on your list for 2022, then this is the perfect episode to start off season 2. Join host Bess Wilkins (Life with Bess) as she chats with Sally Wilson from Caterpillar Cross Stitch. After running a successful cross stitch business for 6 years, Sally has lots of tips and encouragements for those starting out or thinking about it. From how to avoid burnout, why it is important to build a community, when to bring on staff to help and more!! Episode Links: Caterpillar Cross Stitch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caterpillarcrossstitch/ Caterpillar Cross Stitc ..read more