How to Build a Sustainable Creative Business with Abby Glassenberg of Craft Industry Alliance

In this episode of the Craft to Career Podcast, I’m joined by Abby Glassenberg, founder of the Craft Industry Alliance — an organization created to help makers, designers, teachers, and creative entrepreneurs build real, sustainable businesses.

Many creatives start with a love of making, but quickly discover that success requires much more than talent. It requires education, connections, and support. Abby shares why she created the Craft Industry Alliance, what resources are available (both free and paid), and how makers can avoid common business mistakes by learning from others in the industry.

We also talk about the changing craft industry, what opportunities exist right now, and why community may be one of the most valuable business tools a creative entrepreneur can have.

Whether you want to publish quilt patterns, teach, design fabric, or grow a handmade business, this conversation will help you understand where to find support and how to move forward with confidence.

What You’ll Learn

• Why Abby started the Craft Industry Alliance

• The biggest struggles creative entrepreneurs face

• Why business education matters for makers

• Free resources available to creatives

• The benefits of joining the Craft Industry Alliance

• How networking helps grow a creative business

• What the future of the craft industry looks like

About Abby

Abby Glassenberg is the founder of the Craft Industry Alliance, a professional organization for craft professionals including designers, teachers, shop owners, writers, and manufacturers. She is also a long-time craft entrepreneur and podcast host dedicated to helping makers succeed in business.

LISTEN TO THESE OTHER EPISODES

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to listen to these other episodes of The Craft To Career Podcast.

• Inside H+H with Founder Darrin Stern
• The Power of Creativity with Janet Clare
• Suzy Quilts: How She Grew A Killer Business