Collage Creative With Amy Small

Today on the show I have Chiwei Ranck, she is the creator of 1 dog woof. She’s a designer (crochet and knitwear!) and a blogger. I love this episode A LOT because Chiwei really goes deep with me. She opens up about moving and how hard transitions are in the midst of being a mom and trying to grow an online business. I love her vulnerability and willingness to get help both personally and on the work front. If you are going through or have gone through a transition or even just have kids – this is a fantastic episode for you to listen to. Show notes here. 

Today on the show I have a new friend that has an amazing business story to tell us! Her name is Cripsina ffrench and she is zero waste designer and teacher. I encourage you to stick around to the end when we get into mindest, the power of what we think and how we feel.  Show notes here.

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 112 of the Collage Creative Podcast. Today I am thrilled to have Yasmenda McCoy on the show. She is the crochet jewelry designer behind Designs by Yasmen. I’m so excited for you to hear Yasmenda’s stories – she tells amazing stories! And how she gets through rough months is priceless advice for all of us....well for all of us who cope with tough times....which I think is everyone! I'm excited for you to hear from her. Let's dive in!

Today on the podcast, I have London Kaye. London is a crochet artist with a specialty in yarn bombing and fiber installations.  Her work is happy and brings those who encounter it unexpected little joys! In this episode we go deep into her story which is fascinating. I love how she pushed herself to find that thing that lights her and was open to that chance encounter that changed everything.Show notes here. 

Jessica Carey of the Hook Nook is BACK. Her original episode, episode #8 aired over a year ago. Do not miss this gem where she fills us in on how she founded the Hook Nook. In today's episode she guides us through the next stages of growing her business which includes designing her first line of yarn in partnership with American Craft as well as building out her team. I am so excited for you to hear about this journey! Show notes here. 

Repeat episode - one of my favorites with Paul Goodnight. Perhaps my most favorite? I am not sure. I miss seeing his face every day.    After 2 weeks off, I’m so happy to be kicking things off again today with a very special episode. Last Thursday during the bomb cycolone snow storm that hit the east coast, I sat down with Paul Goodnight. He's my neighbor but far beyond that, he’s an acclaimed painter, teacher and I learned on Thursday, fantastic story teller. We get into so many things, including how he found art after serving in Vietnam and why doing what you love is the secret to finding your voice. This is definitely one of my favorite episodes so far and I know you'll enjoy it too!

Today on the show I have Julie Duffy. Julie is a writer – our first ever write on the show!  She is the founder of a Story A Day which is a creative writing challenge that happens twice a year. At the heart of what she does is helping writers get their creative groove on – nothing not to love. I cannot wait for you to hear this one friends. She takes us through what’s she learned from running these challenges and how a tough year in her life led to new opportunities. I love the way she makes time for her creativity a priority in her time. I’m determined to do the same after hearing from her and hope you’ll be inspired to as well. Show notes here.

In today's episode, I fill you in on what I've been up during my 2 month podcast break and where I see my business going in the future...all a little out there and definitely TBD!

Today on the show I am re-airing one of my most favorite episodes- my interview with Kristal Hill. I have old friend and colleague, Kristal Hill, who also happens to be the creative director of lifestyle & design at Free People. Yes, she really has that amazing dream job! We talk about the details of her role but the what I think you'll resonate with most is a story she tells – how stress affected her health. The way she got well is a huge inspiration that has left me feeling not the least bit guilty about taking time for myself.

Today on the show I have Mary Jeanne Packer! I’m really excited for you to hear this episode because this is the first time I’ve ever had a mill owner on the show! Mary Jeanne owns a mill in upstate NY (Battenkill Fibers Mill) where she spins all sort of yarn – yarn for farms, yarn for indie dyers and for her own company. You’ll see her at Rhinebeck this year too! Show notes here. 

Today on the show I have Paula Pereira! She is a knitwear designer based in Brazil who has published countless patterns on her own and with other large publications. Her story is fascinating – she began her career in retail and through burnout found yoga and totally by accident knitting too. Her story has an element of happy serendipity. Show notes here. 

Today on the show I have Katy Westcott, the incredible business lady behind Katrinkles. Her company focuses on accessories that work with your knitting – think laser cut wooden buttons and gauge tools. This is a special episode because we actually got to meet up in person. It was simply amazing to see her space and how it all works. I cannot wait for you to hear this one! Show notes here. 

Hi there today on the show I have Alexandra Tavel, the creative force behind Two of Wands! She is a prolific knit wear designer who's designs always seem to the perfect balance of modern yet a touch of vintage too. Show notes here!

Today on the show I have Cindy Bokser! She is a macramé artist and the creator of Niroma Studio, an online supply shop for fiber artists. I think you’re going to love how she opens up to us about the big defining moment that led her to quit her day job, it is a powerful one. She also opens up about the everyday difficulties she faces in simply running her business and what helps her move past them. Show notes here. 

Today on the show I have Steven Berg, the man and the legend behind all things Steven Be. This is a really special episode for me. I’ve known Steven since my first Tnna tradeshow in 2010 where he was instantly friendly and enthusiastic about my business. In this interview we go back to where it all started for him – much of the way he is because of his incredible Mom but what got me time and again during this episode is how knitting and yarn is his safe space as a child and now he’s created that at Steven Be Studios. Steven has a way of just being himself, completely extravagant and fabulous in all that he does. It’s fun, totally unique and so incredibly Steven. And that’s what I really want this podcast to be about, shining a light on people doing their own creative things out in a world where it’s not that easy to do that. I CANNOT WAIT FOR YOU TO HEAR THIS ONE! Show notes here. 

Today on the show I have Mckenzie Mullen – the dyer and youtuber behind Emtothethird Yarn Co. I’m excited for you to hear about her yarns but I’m even more excited for you to hear about how she bravely stepped away from the career she was trained in (for years!) to go with where her passion lies – one many of us can relate to, yarn & making.  Learn more about Mckenzie and find the show notes here. 

Hi friends! Someone this is episode 100 of this podcast. I can hardly believe it. In this episode I talk about what this podcast means to me and how I plan to take it to a whole new place with (I hope!) your support. Then I take some time to let you know where I stand (and where my business Knit Collage) stands on the huge conversation happening right now in the knitting work around race, diversity and inclusion. Show notes here. 

Today on the show, meet Alicia Scardetta. Alicia is a fiber artist who creates her own unique pieces using wrapped yarns and unexpected color palettes. They are bright, detailed and reminiscent of a few her favorite things: jump ropes, hair braids and friendship bracelets. I especially loved hearing about how she makes her art a priority every single day. Show notes here. 

Today on the show I have Ellen Bruxvort the owner of Fibrous. We go deep into what it’s like to run a small business and how she copes with all the ups and downs as what she calls herself: a serial problem solver. I espeiclly love when she tells us her little mantra at the end that helps her keep on keeping too. This is a fantastic listen for all the small business creatives out there. Show notes here. 

Today on the podcast I have Allyson Rousseau, a weaver with a focus on color, texture and perhaps even a little geometry. Allyson opens up about her childhood here and how the experiences she had growing up,  helped her develop her small business into what it is today. Show notes here.