Bloom & Build: The Art of Turning Craft to Commerce

Season Finale: Lessons Learned with Katin

Thu, 01 May 2025 01:47:35 +0000

As we wrap up Season One of Bloom and Build, Katin reflects on the lessons she has learned with her eight wonderful podcast guests. Katiin also shares a new venture for Made by Katin: The Bloom Box by Katin.

Elevating Voices: The Art and Activism of Steve Galindo

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Bloom and Build, host Katin Sarner sits down with Steve Galindo, a Los Angeles-based artist, curator, and arts consultant. Steve shares their inspiring journey from volunteering at AIDS Walk LA in high school to building a career that amplifies underrepresented voices in the art world, particularly those of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. They discuss the intersection of art, activism, and entrepreneurship, offering invaluable advice for emerging artists on finding their creative voice, forming meaningful partnerships, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of art and fashion. This conversation is a celebration of resilience, community, and the transformative power of art.

Capturing Connection: Havana Garrett on Photography and Storytelling

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Bloom and Build podcast, Katin interviews Havana Garrett, a photographer and filmmaker from Boise, Idaho. Havana shares her journey from experimenting with photography during the pandemic to capturing moments at New York Fashion Week. They dive into her sensory ethnographic project, Pretend I'm Not Here, her experiences at Prague Film School, and how she uses 35mm photography to explore human connections. Tune in for insights into Havana's artistic process, her career aspirations, and advice for emerging creatives.

Textiles and Tales: Raquel’s Exploration of Family and Nature Through Art

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Bloom and Build, host Katin Sarner interviews Afro-Latina multimedia artist Raquel da Silva. Raquel shares their journey from sewing and crocheting with their grandmother to discovering a love for etching while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. They discuss the role of textiles in storytelling, the challenges of stepping outside their comfort zone, and the importance of patience and problem-solving in art. Raquel also reflects on how family history and nature inspire their work, offering insights into balancing creativity with life’s transitions. This heartfelt conversation explores the beauty of art as a means to connect generations and share narratives.

Finding the Story You Just Can’t Walk Away From: A Conversation with Mary Morris

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Bloom and Build, Katin sits down with award-winning author and memoirist Mary Morris to talk about the long game of building a creative life. We dive into the realities of rejection, the persistence it takes to keep writing through uncertainty, and how to balance art with the practicalities of making a living. Mary shares unforgettable stories—from her early days as a young writer with boxes full of journals to the moment her colleague Toni Morrison won the Nobel Prize—and the quiet discipline that carried her through decades of writing.

She also offers heartfelt advice for aspiring writers and artists trying to monetize their craft without losing their creative soul, plus the powerful origin story behind her new novel The Red House, inspired by a mysterious plaque in a small town in southern Italy.

Whether you're navigating the early stages of your artistic journey or looking for inspiration to keep going, this episode is a generous and grounding reminder that great work grows from deep attention, patience, and love—for the story, and for the process.

From Crochet Blankets to Custom Creations: The Story of Sit Still, Knit Pretty

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Katin sits down with Riley Sloan, the talented creator behind Sit Still, Knit Pretty Co., a small business specializing in hand-knitted goods and repurposed creations. Riley shares how her passion for knitting, sparked at the age of six, led her to start her business in 2019. She discusses her innovative use of thrifted crochet blankets to create sustainable, one-of-a-kind pieces, her experience balancing life as a college student and entrepreneur, and the joys and challenges of selling at markets versus building an online presence on Etsy. This inspiring conversation highlights the beauty of sustainability, creativity, and the love that goes into handmade art.

The Art of Making Art Work: Robin Jack Sarner’s Path to Artistic Success

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Made by Katin, I’m joined by my mother, Robin Jack Sarner, a Los Angeles-based artist specializing in abstract expressionism. Robin shares her journey from a degree in Art Education to a career in finance and motherhood, before returning to her true passion for art. We dive into her creative process, her use of mixed media and upcycled materials, and how she channels emotions and nostalgia into her large-scale canvases. Robin also opens up about her mission to make art more accessible through her educational programs and how she’s turned her passion for painting into a sustainable business. Whether you're an artist or a creative entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights on turning your craft into a profitable venture.

Turning Tunes into Income: A Conversation with Musician Paul Lemire

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Bloom & Build, we sit down with Paul Lemire, a seasoned acoustic cover artist with over 20 years of experience performing at iconic Los Angeles and Orange County venues like the Beverly Hills Hotel and The Four Seasons. Paul shares his journey of making a living doing what he loves—creating personalized acoustic renditions of beloved songs for weddings, private events, and high-end resorts. We dive into the challenges, strategies, and creative processes that have helped Paul sustain his music career. Whether you're an artist, musician, or aspiring small business owner, Paul’s story is packed with valuable insights and inspiration to help you turn your passion into a thriving career. Tune in for advice on navigating the artistic business world, building your own unique style, and making a living from what you love!

Etsy Unplugged: Behind the Scenes of a Marketplace for Makers

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Bloom & Build: The Art of Turning Craft into Commerce, Bowen Slate Greene, Senior Staff Product Manager at Etsy, shares invaluable insights for makers and artists looking to grow their creative businesses. Bowen breaks down how Etsy’s tools and resources can help sellers thrive, from marketing strategies to optimizing product listings. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your existing shop, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to help turn your craft into a sustainable, profitable business.

Bloom & Build: Trailer

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 22:57:12 +0000

Bloom & Build: The Art of Turning Craft to Commerce is the podcast for creative souls who dream of turning their passion into a thriving business. Whether you're an artist, maker, or dreamer looking to build something meaningful, this show is your guide to navigating the world of small business, with real stories, hard-earned lessons, and actionable tips from fellow creators.b

I'm your host, Katin Sarner– founder of Made By Katin. Each episode, I will connect with artists, jewelry makers, and small business owners to reveal how they’ve grown their crafts into profitable ventures. Ready to transform your creativity into income? Tune in, get inspired, and start building your dream business today!