I have some big changes to share today about both my podcast and my newsletter. The changes are related and they’re rolling out on the same day which makes it nice to be able to do a single post explaining everything at once. I’m excited and a little nervous to tell you about them.
If you’re a newsletter subscriber you likely already received the announcement in your inbox. And if you subscribe to the podcast perhaps your podcast player has already given you a hint.
The first big change is that the While She Naps newsletter is going to change starting with the next issue.
I’m really excited about what’s coming and I want you to have the inside scoop and to understand what led to this decision.
First, some background.
I’ve been sending the While She Naps newsletter each week since the start of 2014. The first issue went out to just under 2,000 people and the content was similar to what you’re familiar with today if you’re a subscriber.
Over the last five years, the list has grown tenfold. Now nearly 20,000 people get the newsletter. It’s a strong mix of hobbyists, small business owners, and sewing and craft industry insiders. I’m so proud of the 296 weekly issues that I’ve put out (I’ve never missed a week!).
This newsletter is really the heart of what I do, bringing the latest craft news and analysis to the people who need it and want it most. I also love being able to offer advertising opportunities in the newsletter to other small businesses.
Now, it’s time to streamline.
As many of you know, in 2015, ten years after starting my blog, While She Naps, I co-founded Craft Industry Alliance, a community for craft professionals. Today, Craft Industry Alliance is a source of news for the industry as a whole. It’s also a place to network and access top-quality educational resources.
This May I became the owner of the organization. This gives me the opportunity to unify my efforts, creating a single news platform that serves the industry in the best way possible.
To make that happen, starting next week the newsletter will merge into the Craft Industry Alliance newsletter, allowing me to publish a single, strong publication.
What does this mean?
The newsletter format will have a new look (we have a fresh template also designed by the wonderful Jacque Boltik). The name at the top will say The Journal from Craft Industry Alliance, rather than While She Naps. There will still be advertising opportunities in the newsletter so if you’re a subscriber look out for a forthcoming announcement about those!
All of the content you’ve come to expect in the newsletter will still be there including:
- The link pack with interesting craft business articles from around the web
- Top articles to read right now
- Jobs and opportunities for paid work in the industry
- An editorial from me
- The P.S. at the end!
If you’re a subscriber you don’t need to take any action. This change will happen automatically and at no charge. And, of course, you’re welcome to unsubscribe anytime if the newsletter no longer serves your needs.
And I’ll be launching a new monthly email newsletter just for my blog and my sewing patterns. Would you like to get on that list, too? Click right here.
And…
The second big change is that the While She Naps podcast is becoming the Craft Industry Alliance podcast. I released a solo episode today explaining a little more about this decision (click on the green arrow at the bottom of this post to hear that episode).
I love the name While She Naps. When I started my blog it really described my life! This was a place to document the creative things I was doing while my baby napped. But now? I have a different role in the crafts industry. I own and run a trade association and online community. I’m a journalist and teacher and community builder. The podcast can and should be a vital component of that work. I’m excited to bring it into the fold. Technically, other than the name change and some new theme music, very little about the show will change: same host, same format, same goals.
Thank you so much for sticking with me through these big changes. I have put a lot of thought and consideration into streamlining my work in order to create the best possible products for you. I know that change isn’t easy and things will feel a bit weird for a little while. Feel free to email or message me anytime with feedback or just to say hello!
Thank you so much.
Congratulations on your accomplishments! You have worked so hard to build your business.
Thank you. It has been many years of hard work for sure, but I also really love it!
Your great newsletter is always something I anticipate reading, as you have an amazing array of information from many artistic venues. Thank you for your creative work. Congratulations on this next step. I look forward to all of it.
Thank you so much for these kind words, Ruth!
Thanks for explaining the upcoming changes. Congratulations on this new chapter of your life. And, thanks for the great content in your newsletter I always read it start to finish!
Thank you so much for reading the newsletter!
Congrats on figuring out your path and heading down it. You do great work and I know you will continue that. Luv the new music by the way!
Oh good! My whole family voted on the music choices 🙂
wonderful news Abby. I look forward to the new format ….onwards and upwards!
🙂
MAZEL TOV Abby!
I have been a loyal follower of your blog (the ONLY one I ever read) and have always been impressed with the high quality of your workmanship, standards, excellent writing and journalistic ability, and articulate reporting of important issues we need to know who are in the crafting industry.
You are a testimony to what hard work and savvy business sense can do to develop something from working while your baby sleeps to a large and respected Craft Alliance.
I wish you nothing but the best of success in this and all your future endeavors.
Madelyn Lenard
Little Sister Sews
Thank you so much, Madelyn. Your kind words mean a lot to me!
I love that you’re doing this, and it seems like an excellent choice. I like your softie business, but I follow you because of your excellent craft industry reporting, and I think you’ve established enough of a name with CIA that you can do this! It’s hard when you’ve made your name under a moniker that no longer applies to the full breadth of your interests and activities, but you’re doing this right, imo.
Thank you so much for your support of this shift in my business, Erin. I really appreciate it!
This makes total sense and seems like a really good idea. I also love your new photo! I hope to run into you at my first visit to Quilt Market next month!
I’d love to meet you! I’ll be there Friday and Saturday.
I’m catching up on emails and blog-reading after being away for a few weeks, so I’m a little behind the times, but was interested to read your post about upcoming changes. I never doubt that everything you do is done with much thoughtfulness, so I look forward to what’s coming. Best to you, as always.
Thanks, Debbie.
I was wondering how I got on the Craft Industry Alliance mailing list! It’s interesting that what I’m really looking for was there all along. I need support as I step into crafting as a business as well as a purpose driven mission to help kids cope with this crazy-ass world with empathy dolls.
I’m so glad! Sorry for any confusion, but I’m hoping the Craft Industry Alliance newsletter proves to have the information you need!