{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Experiences","title":"Heather Swan - The Yarn Queen of Yarncom","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3187,"description":"Ever wonder how a passion for yarn could transform into a thriving business and vibrant community? In this episode, we unravel the story of Heather Swan, aka \"The Yarn Queen,\" who left her corporate career to pursue her love of fiber arts. Discover how she built Yarncom and the Midwest Fiber Festival from scratch, navigating challenges and weaving together a loyal customer base. Whether you're a crafting enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is bound to inspire and offer valuable insights into the world of experiential retail.\n\nGuest:\nHeather Swan, aka \"The Yarn Queen\", founder of Yarncom and Midwest Fiber Festival\n\nKey Topics:\nHeather's transition from corporate career to yarn shop owner\nThe $2.5 billion US yarn industry and growing interest in fiber arts\nLaunching Yarncom and the Midwest Fiber Festival\nBuilding a passionate fiber arts community in St. Louis\nStrategies for introducing new customers to knitting and crochet\nThe importance of offering experiences in retail\nBalancing beginner-friendly classes with advanced offerings\nUsing market research to choose an ideal shop location\nTips for new entrepreneurs (e.g. hiring a virtual assistant early)\nMemorable Quotes: \n\"Our tagline is community through creation.\" - Heather Swan\n\"Surrounding yourself with people that support you, that believe in you, and that hold you accountable is what has helped me so much.\" - Heather Swan\n\nWhere to find Heather:\nYarncom: yarncomstl.com\nMidwest Fiber Festival: midwestfiberfest.com","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/6aBkBN4g3U9tvXCB9ivvTr_-GSmSmOZyXEKx-hFRqUw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzIyNDIvMTU2NDYw/NzkxNy1hcnR3b3Jr/LmpwZw.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}