I'm Sari Mittnick, and this is Seamwork Radio, where we tell stories about the surprising

ways that sewing impacts our lives.

Welcome to Seamwork Radio.

This month, we're doing a special series of episodes on the theme of small business.

So if you've ever thought about turning your hobby or craft into a business, we've got a very special guest today to help you get started.

Today we're going to talk to Abby Glassenburg. Ab Abby's the co-founder and president of Craft Industry Alliance.

Craft Industry Alliance, if you're not familiar with it, is an amazing community built for professionals in the craft industry.

So Abby's really seen it all when it comes to businesses in this space.

She's also been through it herself as the owner of her own craft business.

She's a sewing pattern designer, a teacher, and a journalist, and she's dedicated to creating an outstanding trade association for the craft's industry.

In this episode, you'll learn what Abby thinks is the number one thing you should think about when you're considering turning your craft into a business.

She'll share some examples of different business models

and how successful craft entrepreneurs can combine them, how to know if you have a product that

might be successful, and whether you should take the time to write a business plan before you start

out. Abby's got a wealth of experience to share, so if you've ever thought about creating

even a tiny little side business for yourself,

you'll learn something from this episode. So let's get started. Hi, Abby. I'm so happy to have you on the show. So for people who don't, for people who don't know you, why don't you tell us a little bit

about yourself? I'm Abby, Glassenberg, and I'm the co-founder and president of Craft Industry Alliance,

and that is an online organization for craft and creative professionals.

And that's kind of my main gig that I've been doing for the past five and a half years or so.

But I'm also a sewing pattern designer.

I design dolls and toys, stuffed animals. So that's my

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