When I asked, "Which quilt shop owners do you want to hear from?" Cheryl Sleboda's name was at the top of the list—and after this conversation, you'll understand why.

Cheryl is the owner of Muppins Emporium in Paducah, Kentucky, and she's built a brick-and-mortar shop that stands out in a crowded industry.

In this episode, Cheryl shares the origin story of her shop, the fascinating history of the building it's in, and how she's used that history to create a memorable brand experience.

We also dig into the business side: how she thinks about marketing, narrowing a niche, choosing fabrics and products, and what to consider when buying inventory so it actually sells. If you've ever wondered what it takes to run a successful quilt shop, this is a must-listen.

• How Cheryl got started and why she chose to open a quilt shop in Paducah

• How the history of her building became part of her brand story

• Why "narrowing your niche" can be a growth strategy (not a limitation)

• How Cheryl thinks about marketing and standing out to the quilting community

• Behind-the-scenes inventory decisions: fabric selection, product mix, and what sells

• What makes a brick-and-mortar shop worth traveling for

• Muppins Emporium

• Cheryl Sleboda on Instagram

• Dreaming of owning a quilt shop (or already running one)

• Curious how destination quilt shops are built

• Wanting real talk on marketing + niche + inventory decisions

• Looking for ideas to create an unforgettable customer experience

If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @quilters_candy, and don't forget to tag @muppinsemporium so Cheryl can see!

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.

• 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

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.

What if getting a degree in design didn't mean writing a thesis—but instead meant building a real, revenue-generating business?

In this episode, I'm joined by Carina Gardner, who is doing something truly bold: she's opened her own university.

The University of Arts and Design is unlike any traditional university experience. Think of it as a trade school for creatives, where students learn practical, real-world skills—like keeping their books with QuickBooks, pricing their work, and running a profitable business.

Instead of writing a thesis for a master's degree, students are required to create and run a business.

Carina knows both sides of the academic world. She holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota and spent years watching talented creatives hear the same discouraging messages:

• "You can't earn money as a creative."

• "Don't study art—you'll just be a starving artist."

But Carina—and many of her peers—are living proof that those statements simply aren't true.

In this conversation, Carina shares how creatives can build multiple six-figure businesses by selling their art and designs—not by teaching others how to be creative, but by doing the work themselves.

This episode is an inspiring look at what's possible when creativity and business come together—with intention, structure, and confidence.

• Why Carina started the University of Arts and Design

• How this model differs from traditional art and design degrees

• What creatives actually need to learn to earn real income

• Why running a business replaces a thesis

• How artists and designers can build sustainable, profitable careers

If you've ever loved creating—but wondered how to make it financially sustainable—this episode will open your eyes to a new way forward.

🎧 Come meet Carina and learn all about the university she's built—and the future she believes creatives deserve.