You've got a quilting business, a craft you love, and a marketing to-do list that makes you want to close your laptop and go sew. Hey Tori! is where digital marketing coach and fellow quilter Tori McElwain answers the real questions creative entrepreneurs are asking - from "where are my customers actually coming from?" to "do I really need to be on Instagram every day?"<br /><br />Each episode breaks down one marketing topic into something you can actually use: a strategy, a framework, a 20-minute assignment, and AI prompts you can copy and paste today. No jargon. No seventeen-step funnels. Just clear, practical guidance built for quilters, pattern designers, teachers, and makers.<br /><br />Sign up with your email to get new episodes delivered straight to your podcast app. You'll also be the first to hear about free resources, live coaching opportunities, and what's happening inside the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program.
Hey Tori! Answering Your Digital Marketing Questions for Creative Entrepreneurs
Claim This Podcastby Tori McElwain
Podcast Overview
You've got a quilting business, a craft you love, and a marketing to-do list that makes you want to close your laptop and go sew. Hey Tori! is where digital marketing coach and fellow quilter Tori McElwain answers the real questions creative entrepreneurs are asking - from "where are my customers actually coming from?" to "do I really need to be on Instagram every day?"<br /><br />Each episode breaks down one marketing topic into something you can actually use: a strategy, a framework, a 20-minute assignment, and AI prompts you can copy and paste today. No jargon. No seventeen-step funnels. Just clear, practical guidance built for quilters, pattern designers, teachers, and makers.<br /><br />Sign up with your email to get new episodes delivered straight to your podcast app. You'll also be the first to hear about free resources, live coaching opportunities, and what's happening inside the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program.
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Publishing Since
3/16/2026
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Recent Episodes
July 24, 2026
Hey Tori! Do I Need Another Class? Why You Keep Buying Marketing Classes
<p><b>Four classes on email marketing. A Pinterest course you never finished. And 41 people on your list who haven't heard from you in months.</b></p><p></p><p>Nothing is wrong with you. But something is going on, and this week we name it.</p><p></p><p>I'm telling on myself a little in this one. I used to sell a course. I pivoted to coaching on purpose, because I watched too many people buy a whole program when what they actually needed was one person telling them which single thing to do next.</p><p></p><p>So we get into why buying another class is the most socially acceptable way there is to avoid marketing your work — and why procrastination isn't a time management problem at all. It's an emotion regulation strategy. Then there's the fluency illusion, which is my curriculum-and-instruction background talking: the study methods that feel best are the ones teaching you the least.</p><p></p><p>Underneath all of it sits one sentence. Marketing requires you to say out loud, in public: <i>I made this, and I think it's worth your money.</i> A class never asks that of you. That's exactly what makes it such a good hiding place.</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/post/anothermarketingclass" target="_blank"><b>Shownotes for this episode click here</b></a></p><p></p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><p>00:00 Tori's shift from courses to coaching</p><p>00:53 What coaching focuses on: next steps and action</p><p>01:45 The problem with endless course buying</p><p>02:20 Introduction to the podcast and Tori's background in learning</p><p>03:10 The common issue: procrastination and learning</p><p>07:02 Marketing fears: claiming your work and visibility</p><p>08:34 The safety of taking classes versus marketing</p><p>10:23 Learning methods that build durable skills</p><p>11:26 The importance of action over learning</p><p>12:35 Decision fatigue and choosing the right next step</p><p>13:26 The five stages of the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program</p><p>14:46 Why courses can't replace accountability</p><p>16:01 The value of training with a date and action plan</p><p>17:07 Evaluating whether you need another course</p><p>18:05 Using past courses effectively for your next step</p><p>21:54 The sequence of action: from learning to implementation</p><p>24:21 Success story: shifting from service to teaching</p><p>25:47 The importance of taking action before more learning</p><p>26:54 Making decisions based on action, not just learning</p><p>27:48 Introducing the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program</p><p>29:59 Final encouragement: take action now</p><p></p><p><b>Resources & Programs</b></p><p><b>Learn more: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://heytori.tech" target="_blank"><b>heytori.tech</b></a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/dmmc" target="_blank"><b>Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program</b></a><b> — </b>For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together.</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/workshopsunleashed" target="_blank"><b>Workshops Unleashed</b></a><b> — </b>My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold.</p><p></p><p><b>Blog — </b>Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://heytori.tech/blog" target="_blank">heytori.tech/blog</a></p><p></p>
July 17, 2026
Krista's Five Year Journey from Maker to Teacher and Shop Owner
<p>Krista Russell went from her first sewing machine to running a long-arm quilting business, writing patterns, teaching classes, and operating a quilt shop—all in five years. She's the kind of person who sees an opportunity and figures it out. But building that fast creates a specific problem: you keep moving without designing. That's where accountability changed everything.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Krista shares how the Workshops Unleashed book club kept her moving forward during a massive life transition (literally moving provinces mid-move), why deadlines matter more than inspiration for action-takers, and how she went from intimidated by curriculum design to launching evergreen mystery quilt series.</p><p></p><p>If you're juggling multiple income streams, building quickly, or wondering how to scale intentionally instead of just reacting, this episode is for you.</p><p></p><p>Show Note<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/post/fromhobbytoteachingquilting" target="_blank"> Blog Post for Krista's Five Year Journey</a></p><p></p><p><b>Connect with Krista:</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.timelessquiltstudio.com/" target="_blank">Visit her Website</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Timeless-Quilt-Studio/100091312416500/" target="_blank">Follow her on Facebook</a></p><p></p><p>Join the Book Club:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/workshopsunleashed" target="_blank">Buy the book Workshops Unleashed</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/wubookclub" target="_blank">Join the Book Club</a></p><p></p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Krista's Quilting Journey</p><p>03:06 From Hobby to Business: The Evolution of Krista's Quilting</p><p>06:02 Building a Community: The Importance of Local Connections</p><p>08:46 Joining the Book Club: A Step Towards Growth</p><p>11:59 Taking Action: The Impact of the Book Club on Krista's Business</p><p>14:55 Designing Workshops: Overcoming Challenges in Teaching</p><p>18:08 Creating a Curriculum: Tailoring Classes to Community Needs</p><p>21:07 Future Plans: Expanding Online and In-Person Offerings</p><p>24:25 The Journey of Teaching and Learning</p><p>27:32 Crafting Effective Teaching Strategies</p><p>30:00 The Importance of Student Perspective</p><p>31:56 Transitioning from Learner to Teacher</p><p>34:49 Marketing and Growing a Quilting Business</p><p>40:00 Navigating Challenges in Business Development</p><p>47:09 Future Projects and Innovations</p><p></p><p><b>Resources & Programs</b></p><p>Learn more: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://heytori.tech" target="_blank">heytori.tech</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/dmmc" target="_blank">Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program</a> — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together.</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/joinincubator" target="_blank">Self-Publishing Incubator</a> — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building.</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/workshopsunleashed" target="_blank">Workshops Unleashed</a> — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold.</p><p></p><p>Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://heytori.tech/blog" target="_blank">heytori.tech/blog</a></p>
July 15, 2026
Special Release: How Tonya Dunning Went From “Someday” to Teaching Fidget Quilts
<p>My first-ever guest! Tonya of Memory Barn Studio makes fidget quilts for people with dementia, Alzheimer's, autism, and stroke recovery — and for years, people kept asking her, "Do you teach?" In this episode, she shares how she went from "someday" to eleven students signed up for her first class at a regional quilt show.</p><p></p><p>We talk about why she went through the Workshops Unleashed Book Club twice before she was ready (and why that's not failure), the free test class that gave her real feedback before anyone paid her, the library community room that solved her "no space to teach" problem, and the playful email marketing game she's using to grow her list. If you've been standing at the edge of teaching, this one's your nudge.</p><p></p><p>See the Accompanying <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/post/teachingquiltingclass" target="_blank">Blog Post "Tonya Kept Saying "Someday I'll Teach" Then 14 Students Signed up".</a></p><p></p><p><b>Links:</b></p><ul><li><b>You can find Tonya at</b><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://memorybarnstudio.com/" target="_blank">Memory Barn Studio</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/memorybarnstudio" target="_blank">Instagram @memory</a>barnstudio</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/memorybarnstudio" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p></p></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/wubookclub" target="_blank">Workshops Unleashed Book Club</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/workshopsunleashed" target="_blank">Grab the book: Workshops Unleashed</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexbpT0Z8GhPXb6P4ZFbCPAKO3tSSxOCDBgtdtK0wlCz1MJVA/viewform" target="_blank">Submit a question for the podcast</a></li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest</p><p>03:00 Tonya's Business Journey and Fidget Quilts</p><p>06:00 Transitioning from Hobby to Business</p><p>08:57 The Impact of the Book Club on Teaching</p><p>12:01 Feedback and Class Development</p><p>14:58 Conducting Test Classes and Community Engagement</p><p>17:53 Reflections on Teaching and Class Dynamics</p><p>21:49 Understanding Class Management and Student Engagement</p><p>23:58 Preparing for the Upcoming Class</p><p>26:15 Marketing Strategies for Classes</p><p>29:12 Growing Your Email List</p><p>32:25 Creating Engaging Activities for Students</p><p>34:55 The Importance of Community in Teaching</p><p>39:46 Advice for Aspiring Teachers</p><p></p><p><b>Resources & Programs</b></p><p><b>Learn more:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://heytori.tech" target="_blank">heytori.tech</a></p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/dmmc" target="_blank"><b>Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program</b></a> — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together.</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/joinincubator" target="_blank"><b>Self-Publishing Incubator</b></a> — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building.</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.heytori.tech/workshopsunleashed" target="_blank"><b>Workshops Unleashed</b></a> — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold.</p><p></p><p><b>Blog</b> — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://heytori.tech/blog" target="_blank">heytori.tech/blog</a></p><p></p>
15 total episodes available
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