Hey Julie Simon

Q4 is almost here, and this year I’m approaching holiday marketing for Moss Bags a little differently.Instead of constantly creating new products, posting more, or immediately reaching for another sale, I’m narrowing in on the products I already know people love - and working on getting those best sellers in front of more people.In this episode of Hey Julie Simon, I’m sharing what’s actually working inside my handmade business right now: pitching Moss Bags for holiday gift guides, learning to do my own PR after a very expensive experience with a PR agency, using ChatGPT to help uncover potential media opportunities, and building a system where PR, SEO, email marketing, and our website all work together.I also share why I’m paying more attention to backlinks and third-party mentions, how I’m thinking about product discovery in both Google and AI search, and why a great feature doesn’t have to result in an immediate sale to be valuable.If you own a handmade or product-based small business, this is a behind-the-scenes look at my Q4 game plan - while I’m right in the middle of testing it myself.And if you have a PR tip, gift-guide resource, or pitching strategy that’s working for your business, send it my way. I’d love to keep adding helpful resources for other small businesses.Learn more about Moss Bags and Moss Dogs at https://www.mossbags.com + https://www.mossbags.com/pages/moss-dogs

What if creativity didn’t have to feel productive, polished, or perfect - but instead felt like a way back to yourself?In this episode, I’m joined by artist, author, and creative guide Flora Bowley to talk about the heart behind her upcoming Creative Revolution Tour - a 7,500-mile journey with seven stops across the country, including six one-day immersive workshops and a five-day retreat at the Omega Institute in New York. The tour is designed to bring people together in person to create, move, connect, and step away from the pressure of perfection. Each gathering is meant to feel welcoming whether you consider yourself an artist or not.We talk about why gathering in person feels so important right now, creativity as a lifeline, what happens when we loosen our grip on perfection, and simple ways to reconnect with your creative spark when you’re feeling disconnected. Flora also shares how the tour came to life, what she hopes people carry home with them, and why creativity, connection, and community feel like such an important response to this moment.And because we always like to talk a little business around here, we also get into Flora’s journey of building a life around her creative work, how she slowly transitioned into supporting herself as an artist, and why staying connected to what feels alive has shaped the way she continues to grow and evolve.If you’ve been feeling creatively stuck, disconnected, or simply ready for a reset, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to wait until you feel ready. Sometimes you just have to start.Connect with Flora Bowleyhttps://florabowley.com/we-are-the-revolution/https://www.instagram.com/florabowleyP.S. You may notice a few audio imperfections in this episode - we chose to keep the conversation as-is because we had so much fun, and there was just too much goodness to leave out.Connect with Julie | Moss Bags:Website: https://mossbags.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bagsPhotography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

What does it look like to build a creative business that is colorful, handmade, empowering, and completely true to who you are?In this episode, I’m joined by Tori King, the artist, maker, and owner behind Tori Tornado - a bold paper goods and gift brand based in Skagit Valley that inspires what Tori calls “badassery.” Her work is bright, funny, honest, and often a little sweary, but behind every card, calendar, magnet, and gift is a deeper message about self-worth, humor, and living life on your own terms.Tori shares how she moved from graphic design into handmade goods, how a nickname from her bartending days became the name of her brand, and what it really looks like to run a creative business alongside a full-time job and motherhood. We also talk about markets, wholesale, pop-up shops, letting go of a physical retail space, and why not being for everyone can actually be one of the strongest parts of your business.In this episode, we talk about:• Where the name Tori Tornado came from• What “badassery” means to Tori and how it shapes her brand• Moving from graphic design into handmade paper goods and gifts• Building a bold brand voice that uses humor, color, and swear words• How Tori decides which markets, shops, and events are the right fit• What she learned from having a physical shop and why she recently let it go• Running a creative business while also working a full-time job and being a mom• Growing through wholesale, online sales, and intentional markets• The importance of knowing the difference between revenue and profit• Why using your authentic voice matters in a creative businessFavorite quote from the episode:“Badassery is living your own badass life. It’s your choice, your life - not what someone thinks you should do.”Connect with Tori online:Website: https://www.toritornado.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/toritornadocreativeConnect with Julie | Moss Bags:Website: https://mossbags.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bagsPhotography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

You started growing your email list… now what?In this episode, I’m talking about the next step after list-building: setting up email automations that help your business keep working even when you’re not manually sending every single email.Because your email list shouldn’t just sit there waiting for you to remember to send a newsletter. With the right automations in place, your email can welcome new subscribers, bring interested shoppers back to your site, recover missed sales, and follow up after someone buys.And no, your emails don’t always have to be long, emotional, or packed with personal stories. Sometimes the best sales email is short, clear, and direct - with one goal: getting someone curious enough to click over to your website.In this episode, I’m sharing:Why growing your list is only the first stepWhat email automations are, even if your platform calls them flows, sequences, or workflowsWhy business and marketing are a numbers gameThe 4 foundational automations I’d start with: welcome, abandoned cart, browse abandonment, and post-purchaseHow these automations support the full customer journey: acquire, recover, reengage, and retainWhy post-purchase emails have become one of my favorite ways to connect with Moss Bags customersWhy simple, repeatable systems help your business keep moving without everything depending on you doing moreFavorite takeaway:A newsletter is something you send. An automation is something you build. And when your automations are working, your email list becomes more than a list - it becomes a system that supports your business.Join the Waitlist:I’m currently building The Email Flow Fix, a fast-action course for product-based business owners who know email matters but don’t want to figure out every automation, email, and setup step from scratch.Join the waitlist to be the first to know when it’s ready:https://heyjulie.systeme.io/flowwaitlistStart Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Connect with Julie | Moss Bags:Website: https://mossbags.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bagsPhotography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

In this episode of Hey Julie by Moss Bags, I’m joined by Jessi McNeal of Jessi McNeal Marketing + Bookkeeping.Jessi started as a maker, artist, singer, and songwriter before evolving into marketing and bookkeeping support for other small businesses. Today, she helps product-based business owners with websites, email marketing, wholesale pitching, bookkeeping, and the behind-the-scenes systems that make business feel less overwhelming.We talk about what makers often overthink in marketing, how to start when everything feels like too much, what’s working in wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales, and how small business owners can use AI without losing their own voice.In this episode, we talk about:Jessi’s journey from music and art to product-based businessWhy her handmade pet products gained tractionThe reality of labor-heavy products and burnoutHow she shifted into marketing and bookkeeping supportWhat makers are overthinking in their marketingWhy your website is often the best place to startWholesale pitching tips for makers and product-based brandsHow to use Faire without losing track of your marginsWhy email marketing still mattersHow AI can help small businesses without replacing their voiceFavorite quote:“Deep breath, number one. Quiet the voices. Maybe take a little Instagram break from all the business influencers and your peers, and just get a little quiet.”Connect with JessiWebsite: jessimcneal.comInstagram: jessimcnealmarketingStart Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Connect with Julie | Moss Bags:Website: https://mossbags.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bagsPhotography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

If you’ve ever pieced together your business across Etsy, Squarespace, in-person sales, email, and wholesale inquiries, this episode is for you.This week, I’m sharing why I outgrew the platforms that helped me get started, how Shopify became the home base for my business, and what I think every product-based business owner should consider when building an online store that actually supports growth.In this episode, I cover:Why outgrowing a platform doesn’t mean you made the wrong choiceThe difference between having places to sell and having a connected businessWhy Shopify works so well for product-based businessesHow apps, analytics, and integrations can help your business growThe role of product photos, video, and descriptions in building trustHow to make your website work harder by answering customer questionsWhy your website should support your brand, not just your checkoutIf you’re building a handmade or product-based business and craving a stronger system, this one is for you."A beautiful store gets attention, a strategic store gets conversions, and a strong store gives you room to grow."Start Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Connect with Julie | Moss Bags:Website: https://mossbags.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bagsPhotography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

Helen didn’t plan to rebuild her business because of a trademark issue - but that’s exactly what happened.In this episode, I’m sitting down with Helen Worthington, the designer and maker behind Three in Kind, to talk about her journey from U.S. Navy jet pilot to creative small business owner. Helen first built CAVU Creations, a brand deeply connected to her aviation background and love of making, but after years in business, she received a letter about a trademark issue that forced her to make a difficult decision: fight it, rename it, or close that chapter and start again.We talk about what small business owners should understand about naming, trademarks, research, business insurance, and protecting your work - not as legal advice, but as a real, honest story from someone who lived it.Helen also shares what the early days of selling on Etsy looked like, how she brought her kids into her business and markets, why she eventually wanted to move away from handmade production, and how she created Three in Kind as a brand with more room to grow.If you’re naming a business, launching a product, building a brand, or wondering what to do when your business needs to pivot, this conversation is such an important reminder: do your research, ask questions, and know that starting over does not mean starting from scratch.Favorite Quote:“Sometimes you do not choose the timing of the change, but you still get to choose what comes next.”In this episode, we talk about:How Helen went from U.S. Navy jet pilot to creative small business ownerThe early days of CAVU Creations and selling on EtsyWhat CAVU meant and why the name was so personal to herThe trademark issue that forced Helen to decide whether to fight, rename, or rebuildWhat small business owners should consider when naming a business or productWhy business insurance does not always cover the issues you might expectHow she chose the name Three in Kind and built a brand with more room to growThe role her kids played in markets, making, and the heart behind her businessWhy research, community, and asking questions matter so much for makersConnect with Helen:Website: https://threeinkind.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/threeinkind/Start Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Connect with Julie | Moss Bags:Website: https://mossbags.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bagsPhotography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

In this episode of Hey Julie by Moss Bags, Julie sits down with Teresa Remple, textile artist and founder of Texture Clothing - a brand she officially launched in 2001 after years of selling at festivals and markets.Teresa shares what it looked like to build a clothing business through farmers markets, wholesale, festivals, and even a brick-and-mortar shop, and how that journey has evolved into the small-batch and custom work she focuses on today. This conversation is full of wisdom about longevity, following your own rhythm, and creating products that carry care, intention, and real heart.If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build a business over decades instead of just seasons, this episode is such a beautiful reminder that meaningful growth doesn’t have to be fast or flashy.In this episode, we cover:How Texture Clothing began and the early festival yearsWhat Teresa learned from 16 years at the farmers marketThe role of wholesale in growing a product-based businessWhy slow transitions are still valid transitionsHow she shifted from large-scale production to small-batch and custom workThe emotional value of handmade products and personal connectionWhy follow through matters so much in businessGetting clear on what’s really written on your heartFavorite quote:“May you feel wrapped in love every time you wear this thing.”Connect with Teresa:Texture Clothing: www.textureclothing.comInstagram: Texture ClothingCraft A Life You Love: https://craftalifeyoulove.comStart Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Connect with Julie | Moss Bags:Website: https://mossbags.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bagsPhotography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

If you’re getting ready for your first market, event or pop-up, there are so many little things no one really tells you until you learn them the hard way.Not just what to pack, but how to set up a booth that actually works. How to make it easy for people to shop. How to think beyond the sales you make that day. And how to prepare for all the little things that can go wrong - from weather to payment issues to forgetting the basics like food, water, or signage.In this episode, I’m sharing what years of markets and events have taught me about preparing well, creating a booth that feels clear and inviting, and making the most of in-person opportunities - especially if you’re new to pop-ups.Because a successful market booth is not just one that looks good. It’s one that helps people buy, remember your business, and come back later.If you’ve ever wondered what actually matters when preparing for an event, this episode is for you.In this episode, I talk about:what to bring to a market or pop-upwhy booth setup matters more than you thinksignage, business cards, and marketing materialshow to collect emails and grow your list at eventspreparing for selling out or having slower salespractical tips that make event days easierGrab my free Market Prep PDF here →Connect with Julie | Moss Bags:Website: https://mossbags.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bagsPhotography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

In this very first interview on Hey Julie by Moss Bags, Julie sits down with Kira Rainy, founder of Cascadia Jewelry - a brand known for its handcrafted, everyday pieces, including her signature hammered earrings.Kira shares how her business began with a simple metals class and evolved into a full-time career rooted in markets, community, and doing things her own way. From the early days of selling at art walks to navigating major life changes and going all in on her business, this conversation is an honest look at what it really takes to build something meaningful.If you’ve ever wondered if your idea could turn into something - or felt like there’s no clear roadmap - this episode will remind you to trust your instincts and create your own path.In This Episode, We Cover:How Cascadia Jewelry started from a single classWhat the early days of selling at markets really looked likeThe role of community in growing a product-based businessNavigating loss, change, and going all inWhy there is no one-size-fits-all business blueprintThe importance of consistency (and local markets!)Learning what actually sells—and leaning into itBalancing creativity with the realities of running a businessFavorite Quote:“There is no blueprint—and that’s actually the best part. No one does what you do.”Connect with Kira:Website: https://cascadiajewelry.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cascadia.jewelry/ Find her at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market + local eventsStart Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Connect with Julie | Moss Bags:Website: https://mossbags.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bagsPhotography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com

If you’ve ever felt like you constantly need to create new products to grow your business, this episode is for you.In this episode of Hey Julie by Moss Bags, Julie shares one of the biggest shifts that changed her business after more than a decade - focusing on bestsellers instead of constantly launching something new.From real-life market experiences to building product ecosystems, this episode walks through how your bestselling product can guide your marketing, simplify your systems, and help you build a more sustainable business.In this episode, I share:How to identify your true bestseller using your dataWhy being known for one product matters more than offering everythingHow to market your bestseller (online and in-person)Simple ways to go deeper instead of wider with your product lineHow bestsellers build trust and repeat customersWhat we Talk About:Take time to review your top products by units sold and start building your strategy around what’s already working.If you're a maker, handmade seller, or product-based business owner looking to grow with more clarity and less overwhelm, this episode will help you rethink how you build.Start Your Store on ShopifyThe ecommerce platform I use and recommend for product-based businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Connect with Julie | Moss Bags:Website: https://mossbags.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/moss.bagsPhotography by Lisa Aamot | https://www.merakiphotographynw.com