Maker's Co Podcast

In this episode of The Maker’s Collective Podcast you’ll meet Mikela, or Kiki as she likes to be called, professional organizer and founder of Spaces Simplified. Kiki is the definition of what it means to be a creative entrepreneur - she had a day job that wasn’t making her heart sing, so she took the opportunity and turned her passion for organizing into her dream business. Has it been easy? Definitely not. Has everyone in her life taken her seriously and supported her fully? Think again. But she’s believed in herself, persevered, and is about to celebrate one year of taking her life and happiness into her own hands. We know you’ll fall in love with this woman the way we have, so please enjoy! Topics covered: Meet Mikela - from teacher to professional organizer What is professional organizing? Sales process - finding her ideal clients + word of mouth What it looks like to work with her clients How to price services - from hourly to packages How to handle people in your life who aren’t

In this episode of The Maker’s Collective Podcast you’ll meet Mallory, one half of the team behind the company, BridesMade. BridesMade is a company that rents sustainable, adjustable bridesmaids dresses to women all over Canada. There’s a lot of juicy content in this episode, especially if you’ve ever wanted to know more about the highs and lows of designing and manufacturing a product. It’s a quick listen and packed to the brim with takeaways - we hope you enjoy! Topics covered: Meet Mallory - solving that age old bridesmaid dress problem by starting BridesMade Background - corporate finance to fashion designer/entrepreneur How to design a dress that works for every body Finding a manufacturing partner - it’s harder than you think! Don’t wait to be perfect to launch Be mindful about how you get started How does BridesMade work? Automation - answering customer questions through marketing & building trust Starting with selling to Canada Building their team Marketing - organic soc

In this episode of The Maker’s Collective Podcast we chat all things branding. We. Get. Into. It. Using The Maker’s Collective’s own evolution as an example, we dive into what branding is, why it’s important, and how to get started creating your own - even if you don’t have the resources to work with a designer or agency. Our own branding expert, Lacey J, drops some knowledge and shares her best advice for individuals and businesses who are just getting started. In the words of our friend, Jon Johnson - stop stopping, and start listening to this episode! Topics covered: What is branding? Branding for freelancers/service providers What being a Maker/Creative means to us Where The Maker’s Collective branding and visuals began The Maker’s Collective vs The Maker’s Co Podcast - our own branding conundrum Evolving The Maker’s Collective visuals - we’re growing! When evolving your brand is like repotting a plant Advice for getting started From Paint It Pretty to The Maker’s Collective

In this episode of The Maker’s Collective Podcast you’ll meet Amit, the incredible talent behind Sofar Sounds Waterloo. Sofar Sounds is a series of secret shows that put the artist and their story at the forefront of a once-in-a-lifetime live show experience. It’s a global movement that’s picking up momentum and we’re lucky to have Amit and his team of volunteers working tirelessly to bring these shows to life here in our own backyard. Listen up and then go apply to be part of the next Sofar Sounds Waterloo show! Topics covered: Meet Amit & Sofar Sounds - the history of a global movement & how he got involved Bringing the movement to Kitchener - finding the right people Process for finding artists for shows Amit’s non-traditional path Why Kitchener-Waterloo? What Sofar Sounds has brought to this community How Sofar Sounds works Relationships with venues/hosts Why Sofar Sounds works Marketing a secret event - word of mouth and building relationships Books & Nooks - collaboration w

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Natalie, a passionate serial entrepreneur who came onto the the KW scene in a big way, opening everyone’s favourite happy hour location, Arabella Park Bar. We discuss what it's like opening a bar, why she and her co-owner chose KW to start this business, and every deliberate choice that went into making this a warm and approachable place with females in mind. Craft beer is often a male-dominated industry, but Natalie and her team make it an educational and enjoyable experience for everyone. Get to know the gal behind the beloved bar, Natalie! Grab your favourite bevvy and have a drink with us to celebrate FRIDAY! Topics covered: Meet Natalie & Arabella Park - family business Why Kitchener & manifesting what you want Why Arabella Park? - an ode to her German roots Designed to be inclusive and for you to take control of your night Hire the right people then trust & empower them Everything that went into opening their physical space Don

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Dan, a self-employment coach at The Working Centre. We super love The Working Centre and were so happy that Dan was willing to come on the show to share all of the amazing things they are doing for small business owners, as well as, the broader community - along with sharing many of his own stories and experiences, from having what he thought was his dream job to owning his own business, to finding meaningful employment with The Working Centre. There’s a ton of juicy content in this episode, so plug in, get comfy, and enjoy. Topics covered: Meet Dan - self-employment coach at The Working Centre What’s The Working Centre? The Working Centre resources Meet with an employment counsellor to help you think about your job search/career plans Meet with a self-employment counsellor Projects to volunteer for to get job skills, employment experience and contribute to community Meaningful work doesn’t always have to be paid Dan’s background

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast we do a catch up on the show’s journey since day one, as well as, our own personal updates. A lot has happened in seven months, and we’re beyond excited and grateful. We are in love with this community and podcast, and can’t believe the growth and support we’ve experienced so far. We couldn’t do any of this without you, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We hope you enjoy this mini-sode, and look forward to bringing you more!      Topics covered: Overview - What’s Happened With The Podcast Since The First Episode Podcast & Community Growth - Events, Sponsorships, etc. Laura’s Update - Shifting from Style Coaching to Maker’s Co Lacey’s Update - The Highs & Lows of Entrepreneurship Making Changes, Mindset, and Self Care We Want To Hear From You! Resources from the episode: Downtown Kitchener - http://www.downtownkitchener.ca/en/index.asp True North - https://truenorthwaterloo.com/ Communitech - https://www.communitech.ca/ Rhapsody Bar

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Sarah, a professional visual artist. ATTENTION all aspiring artists - this is your episode! Sarah is a wealth of knowledge around all things art, including really understanding your work and where it fits, what goes into a submission, how to “network” in the world of art, and much, much more. We’re excited to bring you this episode, it was a treat to chat with Sarah and the discussion was a true treat for both of us (but especially Lace!) We really hope you enjoy! Topics covered: Meet Sarah - her journey to becoming a professional visual artist Working abroad & how travel influenced her work Choosing to settle in Kitchener Coming from a family of creatives Perspective & a fresh start after healing from vision problems Learning to see, and create art, again Advice for artists - know where your work fits What goes into a submission? Apply, apply, apply! - networking in the art world Artist funding - get comfortable talking and

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Tim, a local photographer/videographer and good friend of ours. We touch on a lot of different topics with him including the importance of finding your passions, turning those passions into meaningful work, and wading through the never ending resources that exist in the world, to help you learn new skills, to find the ones you connect with. We had a lot of fun with this one, we hope you enjoy! PS - We recorded this back in May, so some of the content talked about has already happened, like our launch event! Stay tuned to our website and social channels, we’ll be doing a recap of the evening with photos and videos if you missed it. Topics covered: Meet Tim - Journey from working in TV to photography/videography Becoming a photographer - side hustle to career Preparing for a life in visual storytelling Find your resources, they’re everywhere and a lot of them are free Time is your most valuable resource Find the people online or in lif

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Jessica, Head of PR at Home Hardware, (sponsored) endurance athlete and the creator of endurance sport blog, Laces & Lattes. To say that this woman is inspiring, hard-working, driven, disciplined, and energetic would be both very true and massively understated. Her zest for life is infectious, and honestly, we both have huge girl crushes on her. Warning: listening to this might make you want to go do something active afterwards. Enjoy! Topics covered: Meet Jessica - her journey into blogging and endurance sports Blogging - find your niche and build a strategy Measuring success Goal setting - what do you want to get out of what you’re doing? Building her audience How sponsorships have worked for her - building genuine relationships Understand why you’re doing what you’re doing and be authentic Authenticity in social media All about marathons Training - find your community and mindset is everything Quiet confidence Advice fo

  In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Lindsay, a no nonsense, straight-talking boss, who has built a successful photography business her way. This woman has been through some shit - and she’s not afraid to talk about it. If you don’t already know her or know of her, you’re going to after this episode, so pour yourself a drink, get comfy, and get ready for some real talk.    Topics covered: Meet Lindsay - Local & Destination Wedding Photographer How She Became A Photographer Lifestyle Design - Building Her Dream Life One Small Change - Being In Control of Your Business Don’t Fake It, Just Hustle Until You Feel Confident Working With Her Partner Mixing Business & Travel - Letting People Into Your World Social Media - Create A Tribe & The Strategy Behind Building Her Following Lead Generation - Instagram Is #1 Workshops Sexism, Racism, Homophobia, Privilege - Speaking Out & Tough Conversations Being A Female Entrepreneur - Find Your Tribe/Girl Squad Viral Posts

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Jon Johnson, the darling of Kitchener-Waterloo. Jon is a respected local graphic designer and screen printer, who goes under the name BRFC Designs. He has a stellar product line of screen printed goods and enamel pins which are sold online via Etsy and at all your favourite maker markets in the region. In this episode we ask him about how he got here, the benefit of learning on the job, finding balance in a work & life routine and what to consider when selling at markets.  PS - There’s A LOT of Sydney our Podcasting Pup in this episode, so get ready for that.   Topics covered: Meet Jon - Graphic Artist & Screen Printer How Screen Printing Works (cut me talking about printing - 9:30-ish mark) Stop Stopping - When “Problems” Are Just Excuses CTRPLLR Merch, Drawing Shoes, and Not Getting Into Teachers College - The Story of How He Got Into Screen Printing/Graphic Design Creativity Learning on the Job Phasing Himself Out of a Day Job to

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Roshan, a communications business consultant turned poet, who chose to take space from her corporate work to explore writing and publishing works of poetry to feed her creative soul. This one is really about listening to your intuition, the highs and lows of creating and running a business, and the realization that careers are living, breathing things that ebb and flow. We love this woman and everything she represents, and we’re sure you will too!   Topics covered: Meet Roshan - Business Consultant and Canadian Poet From Corporate Communications To Poet - Not A Straight Line Writing Her First Book - So Many Lessons Doubt, Fear, Questioning - The Pressure Of Pursuing Your Dreams Spirituality and Faith Selfcare Creative Love - Throwing A New Relationship In The Mix Being A Poet In 2018 - Connecting With Readers Across The Globe Poetry Community - Digital Connection How To Find Your Digital Communities Personal Social Media Accoun

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Meg, the fierce, strong, no bull shit owner of Control Hair in Waterloo. Guys, we’re not going to lie here, this is a long one but we honestly had so much fun during the episode that when it came down to it we couldn’t cut any of it. Trust us when we say, though, it’s so worth it. Get ready for big laughs, great advice, a new take on an old industry...and a whole lot of tapping??? Turns out Meg is a pretty passionate hand talker - you’ll see what we mean once you get into it. Enjoy!   Topics covered: Meet Meg & Control Hair Traditional Salons vs Control Hair - A New Business Model The Why Behind Opening Her Own Salon Co-Owning Control With Her Husband Human Connection + Affordable Luxury = Emotional Impact How She Got Into The Industry What The Industry Looks Like For Newbies Traits For Success Customer Service Is #1 - Communication & Managing Expectations Hair Competitions Teaching Color Me By Kevin Murphy Empowerment

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Steph Boutari, the woman behind some of the best and most badass murals at some of our favourite downtown Kitchener spots. You may not know who she is, but if you live in Kitchener or have visited recently, chances are you’ve seen her work and now you’re going to get the chance to hear more on how she got into murals, what it’s like creating art for public & private commercial spaces, and much, much more.   Topics covered: Meet Stephanie Becoming a Professional Artist Freedom to Create - Working With Clients Process Making Connections Through Social Media Behind the Scenes - How People Buy Art Learning Curves Logistics of Creating Murals + Overcoming Fears Getting in the Zone Finding Inspiration Being Flexible + Pushing Through Creative Block Insecurities & Combating Them Art in Public Spaces Advice What’s next in 2018 Resources from the episode: Settlement & Co. - https://settlementco.ca/ Abe Erb - ht

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Kayla Zawiski, the woman behind KW community initiative, The Local Advocate. We discuss a wide range of topics, from networking and how it has evolved through the use of social media to the importance of self care and following your passions to find success. If you live in the Waterloo Region, or are planning a visit, make The Local Advocate your first stop to find out what’s going on in the community and how you can get involved. Topics covered: Meet Kayla + The Journey To Building The Local Advocate What Is The Local Advocate? The New Networking - Sharing Your Passions Partnerships Using Social Media To Connect + Being Genuine Networking - The Struggle Is Real Have Courage, Reach Out Advice For Introverts In Business Making Your Connections Work For You Being a Connector Advice - Do What You Love Self Care What’s Next For The Local Advocate? Resources from the episode: THE MUSEUM - https://themuseum.ca/events/

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Andrew Thom and Chris Tellez, the duo behind one of Kitchener’s newest coffee shops, Show & Tell Coffee. We go on a real journey with this one touching on a myriad of topics including, why this industry is important to them and how they both got into it, what it’s been like working together, the good and the bad of opening a physical space, and why Instagram has been their medium of choice for driving traffic to their shop. Sit back, relax with a cup of your favourite brew, and enjoy. Topics covered: Meet Chris & Andrew and Show & Tell Coffee What it’s like to be partners Early missteps Communication is key Customer service and coffee The coffee industry and what’s going on in Waterloo Region How each of them got into coffee What’s coming up in 2018 Cafe interior - deliberate choices What the boys do for fun #30OntarioNorth Driving traffic via Instagram Resources from the episode: Night Shift - http://nightshiftwr.

In this episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet Canadian poet Michaela Angemeer. Her debut book, When He Leaves You, just dropped in March and she joined us on the show to talk about her journey in writing these very personal poems, choosing to self-publish, and how she has grown her Instagram community from 5K to 18K followers (now 30K!) in a few short months. Trust us, there are lots of goodies to learn from her. Topics covered: What you should know about Michaela Growing an Instagram following organically What goes into self-publishing a book? Inspiration for When He Leaves You Horoscopes & our “woo woo” beliefs Instagram aesthetic Launch process Social media and authenticity Advice Resources from the Episode: What is an MVP?  Amazon’s Create Space  Suhaila Baheyeldin- Book Cover Designer  Rupi Kaur - Milk and Honey Canadian ISBN The Rock Spa Quote: More from Michaela: When He Leaves You - http://michaelaangemeer.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mich

In the second episode, Lacey and Laura interview each other so the Maker Community can learn more about who they are, their professional backgrounds and what they are looking forward to in 2018. Resources From Episode: Creative Entrepreneur & Youtuber: Zoey Arielle Zoey's Book Recommendations (to Lacey before leaving corporate world): You Are A Badass- Jen Sincero The Four Hour Work Week- Tim Ferris Quote: Stay Connected with Maker’s Co: Join The Mailing List  Maker’s Collective Instagram Get In Touch & Join The Club More from Lacey: LJH Creative  The Digital Playbook- A Guide To Online Growth Etsy Shop More from Laura: LH Style Coaching The Style Report

In the first episode of the Maker’s Co Podcast you’ll meet co-hosts Lacey and Laura, learn how this community came to be, and get your first taste of the love story that helped bring this podcast into existence. Topics covered: How Lacey & Laura met - a love story The birth of a podcast - it was meant to be Maker’s Collective Community origin story Choosing a platform - blogging vs. video vs. podcasting What to expect in the future Resources from the episode: Kitchener Public Library Maker’s Collective Website Maker’s Collective Facebook Group Quote: Connect with Maker's Co.  Join The Mailing List  Maker’s Collective Instagram Get In Touch & Join The Club More from Lacey: LJH Creative  The Digital Playbook- A Guide To Online Growth Etsy Shop More from Laura: LH Style Coaching The Style Report