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The Style Blues Podcast is finally here! The first episode is now live!

[caption id="attachment_157" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Episode 001[/caption] Show Notes:

Interviews are Inspiring:

One of the things I wanted to accomplish with this podcast is to inspire you with interviews of people who have been successful in their sewing related businesses. As creative people, sometimes we think too narrow when it comes to business and making money from what we love. Using a computer aided design tool is one great way to make your sewing business into something that will make you money. These computerized tools, such as the Silhouette machine are changing the industry in that you can now make quality custom appliques or other items from home with relatively little investment. When I first heard about the Silhouette a few years ago I had no idea what I could use something like that for. I had a blogger friend who told me about “Silhouette School” and I thought she was talking about an actual school in Chicago. Haha! Now, I see Silhouette projects all over the internet! Just to be clear, “Silhouette School” is not an actual school or place, it’s the name of Melissa Viscount’s blog. Melissa has been very successful in teaching others how to use their Silhouette machines. When I was making a list of potential people with successful businesses to interview for this podcast, Melissa was at the very top of my list. She has really inspired me and I hope you will enjoy listening to how she built her online business around what she loves to do. So without further ado, here’s the interview:

Talking with Melissa Viscount:

Thank you for joining me today Melissa!

Questions:

Did you ever imagine that your Silhouette machine would change your life?

1. For those who are not familiar with the Silhouette machine, can you tell us a bit about How the Silhouette machine works? Can you design your own cuts/stencils?
2. Are available designs copyrighted for home or commercial use?
3. What are the file types for? Example SVG, DXF, PNG, and EPS
4. Can designs be scaled for childrens, adult clothing?
5. Quilting patterns?
6. Cutting other materials besides vinyl or fabric, wood or metal?
7. What other things do people use the machine for?

  What are some of your favorite projects that people have created with Silhouette School? I understand that your husband works with you full time, how does that work? Boss lady and Bob? Love your #bosslady hashtag! Tell me about your Silhouette conference? Is it just in Atlanta or other areas? Where can people find you online, social media? www.silhouetteschoolblog.com (blog) www.silhouetteu.com (membership site) www.ultimatesilhouetteguide.com (books) www.sofontsy.com (design and font market)

Inspiration for Your Business:

Wow, was she inspiring or what? I just loved hearing her story and I am so thrilled she shared it with us. The potential for having the ability to create your own customized designs is huge. There are unlimited ways to use computerized tools like this in a home based business. Not sure if you caught her mention the gal that paid off her house by designing custom wooden hanger labels for brides? Wow! That is so amazing! It’s interesting to me that Melissa’s niche is really in education. She mentioned that she doesn’t really do project tutorials but rather focuses on teaching others how to use their Silhouette machines. I think education is so important, sharing your knowledge can make a world of difference to someone else that may be struggling. Melissa does such a great job of that. I also find it fascinating that she is successful on a global scale. People around the world have read her Ebooks and applied her knowledge their businesses wherever they may live. That’s all for today, thank you so much for listening! I will have more interviews coming up in the next few weeks. I hope you are inspired by today’s episode, I know I certainly was.

Learn More About Melissa:

Melissa Viscount is a Full time blogger at Silhouette School Blog.com and her new site, So Fontsy. Melissa is a wife, mom and author of 10 books on using the Silhouette Machine. Melissa Viscount launched Silhouette School exactly 4 years ago on a whim after receiving a Silhouette Portrait from her husband for Christmas 2013. Since then more than 35 Million readers have enjoyed her more than 1000 free tutorials on how to use the Silhouette cutting machines, Silhouette Studio software, and accessories, techniques, and tools.  Due to demand from her very loyal readers, Melissa released her first ebook, The Ultimate Silhouette Guide, three years - and now 11 books ago. More than 80,000 copies of her guides - covering topics from Silhouette for business owners to designing in and mastering Silhouette Studio - have been sold since. Many are now sold with the Silhouette machine bundles. In June 2016 - Melissa’s husband, Bob, left his full time job in pharmaceuticals to join her full-time and take over the business side of their quickly growing Silhouette School brand. Shortly after, they launched their premium membership website Silhouette U - which - as of today - has nearly 5,000 active members. Just last week, they expanded their business again with the launch of So Fontsy - a commercial use design and font marketplace geared toward die cut crafters. It's amazing that Melissa has not only enjoyed blogging about Silhouette, but her expertise in the crafting industry has made her a sought after Silhouette (and blogging) instructor - having taught hundreds of crafters and fellow bloggers nationwide. She’s also served as a consultant to well established brands and well known brands in this craft industry - or those trying to tap into it. She has been honored to be the keynote speaker at multiple craft and Silhouette conferences across the country including being invited back multiple times to the All Things Silhouette Conferences. You can find out even more about Melissa by clicking on the links below: www.silhouetteschoolblog.com (blog) www.silhouetteu.com (membership site) www.ultimatesilhouetteguide.com (books) www.sofontsy.com (design and font market) Want to be a part of the Chambray Blues Sewing Community? Join the Facebook Group Here. If you have questions about this episode contact us at [email protected].