Episode #2 - The Power of Community:
Why Your People Matter More Than You Think

[00:00] So here's the thing. I'm a pretty independent person. I run my own business. I create all my own content. I sew, I design. I knit every night. I've always had this. I'll figure it out myself kind of mentality. But if I'm being completely honest, some of my bigger creative breakthroughs and business leaps didn't happen in isolation. They happened because of the people I surrounded myself with.

[00:33] I'm Jill Bartlett, dog wear designer, educator, and the creator behind Thank Dog. We made it the online hub for dog wear enthusiasts. This podcast, it's where I share what really goes into designing for dogs, learning the tech, and turning your creative ideas into patterns. People actually want to buy. From digitizing a grading to building your brand and marketing your designs.

[00:59] I've been doing this for over a decade, and most of what I've learned came from trial and error and figuring things out the messy way. If you're figuring it out too, you're not alone. And this podcast is for you. Let's go back to early Covid days when the world was shut down. Remember that? I think we all do.

[01:23] Being in small business was tough and many of us had to pivot. Now I actually have my busiest year ever making dog coats because everybody went out and got a dog. But what I learned from that year was that I didn't want to keep sewing custom orders. I wanted to teach people how to design and make their own dog wear.

[01:46] Instead of making it myself. The problem? Well, I was working in a vacuum. No one around me really understood what I was trying to build. Let's face it when I say I teach people how to make dog wear patterns, their eyes kind of glaze over and that's what I took a course with Stu McLaren on how to launch a membership.

[02:08] And I was so lucky to meet another creative entrepreneur in that course. We started meeting weekly virtually over phone calls and over four years that we met together. That one connection became a lifeline. She helped me find my voice, build my confidence and get out of my own head. She was there through every milestone, launching my first membership, creating Thank Dog we made it and eventually launching my first really big course From Patterns to Profits.

[02:46] None of these things would have happened the way they did without that support. Now my understanding of community actually started way before that. Over 20 years ago, when I was just starting my e-learning company, I joined a professional organization called BNI Business Network International. We met weekly and every week I used to stand up and speak in front of a room full of business owners.

[03:14] I was terrified, but I kept going. I showed up week after week and little by little I started to grow into that version of myself. The one who could speak up and promote her work and own her expertise. Eventually, I actually became president of my own chapter. I even helped launch new BNI groups as an ambassador, and along the way, I made friendships and business connections that have lasted more than two decades.

[03:46] Eventually, I did leave after five years. But I gotta say, those skills, well, they get rusty if you don't use them. Even now I get nervous before promoting myself or stepping out in front of a camera. But the experience taught me something important. Confidence isn't a trait you're born with. It's something you build by showing up and doing the thing over and over, usually while your voice is shaking.

[04:16] Now I've got this small group, three other women we meet every couple of weeks. We're all doing different things creatively, but we're also walking a similar path, trying to build something, grow something, launch something. And I'll be honest, there are moments I've felt totally intimidated by them. Their drive, their creativity. Their willingness to take bold steps. It's powerful.

[04:46] But what I've learned is that feeling of intimidation. It's actually a nudge. It's a reminder. I'm in the right room. I'm surrounded by people who make me want to rise to the occasion. And there's someone else who's playing a big role in showing me what creative community can look like. My sister, Sherry Bartlett, she's an incredible artist and teacher, and the way she's built her community through social media is truly remarkable.

[05:19] She shares in a way that is honest, inspiring and emotionally connected. The conversations she's sparked, the comments, the questions, the DMs from people who feel seen through her work. That's real community. That's what it means to invite people in and make them feel like they belong. Now here's the thing. Your community doesn't have to look like mine, and it doesn't have to be made up of other dog wear designers.

[05:50] Some of the best ideas I have come up with have come from pillow designers, knitters, yarn dyers, jewelry designers, workshop facilitators, and course creators. People who are creative, curious, and committed to making something meaningful. It's not about having the same tools or goals, it's about having shared energy, a shared desire to grow, to support one another and to make things happen.

[06:24] And while virtual relationships are amazing, don't underestimate the value of in-person connection. Maybe it's a local maker's market, a pop up event, a creative workshop, or just chatting with someone at a vendor table beside yours. Real life conversations lead to real life connections. Some of the most heartfelt encouragement I've ever received came from people who recognized my work, or told me they sewed one of my patterns or simply said, hey, I recognize you.

[07:02] I've seen what you're building. I've seen your Instagram or YouTube channel. These moments really matter. So if you're doing this all on your own, trying to figure out the tech, the content, the design, the strategy, just know you don't have to. You don't have to do this alone. And honestly, you shouldn't. Start small. Reach out to one person who inspires you.

[07:32] Join a group. Take part in a community event or just say yes to a coffee chat that might feel a little outside your comfort zone. And if you're not sure where to start, I got you covered. I created a guide just for this. It's called Where to Find Your Creative People A Guide to Accountability and Community for Dog Wear Designers.

[07:57] It's a free resource packed with places you can find support, inspiration, and connection. You'll find the link in the show notes. Go grab it. It might be just the spark you need. So here's my final thought. Building a business doesn't have to be a solo mission. Yes, strategy is important, but community, that's what keeps you going. That's what helps you believe in yourself.

[08:24] On the days when you're questioning everything. Find your people. The ones who get you. The ones who support your growth. Challenge your ideas and remind you what you're doing matters. Thanks so much for being here with me today. If this episode resonated. Go check out the full blog post on Thank Doug. We made it! I've link to it for you below, and don't forget to download your free copy of Where to Find Your Creative People.

[08:57] If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don't miss out on what's coming next. And if you have a moment to leave a quick rating or review, it would mean the world to me. It really helps more people discover the podcast and join this creative community we're building together. Talks in.