On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about building a cross-stitch business with my guest Zoe Frost.
Zoe is the heart, hands, and creative force behind Junebug & Darlin, a queer owned brand based in Portland, OR. When she’s not crafting, you’ll find her adventuring through the Pacific Northwest’s pine trees, ferns, and rivers with her partner and a dog or two. Zoe’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her love for nature, queerness, and a fierce “f– the system” attitude, which she channels into every cross-stitch kit she creates.
This episode is sponsored by Valari by Crafteaze.
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Zoe does both consumer shows and trade shows.
We begin this conversation with Zoe talking about her childhood growing up in Los Angeles with artistic parents and then pursuing an art degree in Oakland, California, after high school. Zoe talks about her post-college work experience, including a job as a jewelry production artist and another job at a stained glass restoration shop, both of which helped her develop skill sets she uses in her own business in various ways.
Zoe moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon, following her partner at the time, and that’s where she co-founded Junebug & Darlin with a friend. Zoe shares a few of her original business ideas and how she settled on cross-stitch, specifically subversive cross-stitch designs with botanicals. After moving to Portland, Zoe accessed a larger audience for her work, and her business grew.
She specializes in florals and botanical designs.
We talk about the valuable lessons Zoe learned along the journey of entrepreneurship including about pricing and packaging for her kits. We also discuss what its like to be at a show and have both a warm and enthusiastic reception for her work among some booth visitors, and a negative reaction among others. We also discuss selling wholesale, including on Faire.
Junebug & Darlin is also well-known for its subversive, and in this case, gentle, messages.
Zoe invested in a website design with Aeolidia, and she shares why she feels this was a worthwhile investment for her e-commerce presence. She also tells us which of her products is a best-seller!
And, of course, I ask Zoe to recommend great stuff she’s loving right now. Zoe recommends:
- Threadloop for organizing your sewing patterns
- the Sibling Energy podcast
- pattern weights from Katie_Armour
Keep up with Zoe on Instagram and buy Junebug & Darlin kits and patterns on the website.
