Author Interview - Marie Segares - Make Money Teaching Crochet

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This year, I've had the great pleasure of working with and getting to know Marie Segares, author of the new book Make Money Teaching Crochet. I am very excited to share with you more about Marie and her new book, through this interview. You could also win your very own copy! Read on to find out how.

Marie Segares - Author

Make Money Teaching Crochet starts with goal setting, and then walks you through the steps to reach those goals. Learn business basics like pricing and payments. Determine your target audience, and learn marketing strategies to reach that audience. Develop lesson plans and tools to help you provide an organized, professional, and fun learning experience.

This book is available in several formats to suit your preferences: There's an e-book version, as well as a print Workbook Edition. The workbook version includes extra worksheets and forms.  If you prefer an electronic version but still want the extra features, there's the Ultimate Printable edition which includes the same worksheets, as well as editable/customizable forms. Whatever format you choose, this book really can help you Make Money Teaching Crochet.

  

I asked Marie several questions about her own background and experiences that led to this book:

Q: Your fiber arts career includes designing, publishing, blogging, teaching, podcasts, and more. Is there one aspect that you like best? If so which one and why?

Marie: I can honestly say there isn’t one aspect that I like the best. I’ve always been one of those people that enjoys rotating between different types of work to keep things interesting. It’s also a great way to make sure I have money coming in to the business from a variety of different sources all year long.

Q: Other than the CYC certification, are there any industry memberships or certifications that have helped you grow your career? How have they been useful?

Marie: When I first started my business, I joined the CGOA as an associate professional and participated in the mentor program. Mary Nolfi was my mentor and she really helped me to get my design career off the ground. I encourage any CGOA member who is interested in pursuing a crochet- or yarn-related career to ask for a mentor.

Q: Aside from the crochet business, do you have a background in accounting, business management, marketing, etc?

Marie: Yes! I grew up in a very entrepreneurial family, so there were a lot of business discussions that I got to listen to around the table in my teens. I started my career as a health educator so I had to market my classes and services to the community and use persuasion to encourage people to change their behaviors to be healthier. Later on, I moved into non-profit management and created budgets and tracked expenses for grant funds. I also earned a master’s degree in business administration at night while working full time. As part of that program, I took classes in accounting, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.

Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Marie: I love getting the chance to meet people I wouldn’t normally get to know and learning about the way that crochet impacts their lives.

Q: Is there an age group, skill level, or other segment of students that you particularly enjoy? Why?

Marie: I’ve been teaching at a local union since 2008 and I’ve grown to love working teaching mixed-level groups. I think there’s something more dynamic about a mixed-level class. Students can help and inspire each other – and me – with their project ideas. I have taught children but I prefer working with adults. I meet a lot of great friends that way!

Q: What do (or did) you struggle with most about teaching, and how are you overcoming (or how have you overcome) that obstacle?

Marie: I think the biggest challenge for any teacher is a student who is really disruptive in a group class. Since I primarily teach adults, I have to be really diplomatic about how I engage these students. To be honest, it isn’t really an obstacle you can overcome. Each student and class situation is unique so I have to have a “bag of tricks” and try different approaches. Some students can be gently redirected while others have to be pulled aside for a more direct conversation.

Q: Do you think some face-to-face teaching experience is helpful before doing on-line videos?

Marie: I do. One of the challenges of video classes is that you don’t necessarily get the same feedback as you would have when teaching face-to-face. Even in live streaming classes, there are sometimes delays that impact the feedback you get from a student. With that being said, I do think there are some great online teachers who don’t have any face-to-face experience. I think teaching is more of an art than a science.

Q: In section 1, you talk about thinking ahead to the next 5 years. Where do you see your business 5 years from now? Any new and exciting avenues you plan to explore?

Marie: 5 years from now, I’d like to have much more video under my belt. I’d like to do some more collaboration with other businesses. And, I’d like to have at least 5 more books published!

Q: If someone was interested in hiring you to teach at an event, how should they contact you?

Marie: I can be reached on Facebook, Instagram, Ravelry, or Twitter, or via email.

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You can win your own free copy of Make Money Teaching Crochet!  Marie is generously providing an Ultimate Printable edition ebook for one lucky winner. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid email address. The prize will be sent to the winner, at the email address provided in the entry.

The giveaway ends on July 8th 2016 (at 11:59pm central time). Hurry and enter below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: A free review copy of Make Money Teaching Crochet was provided by Marie Segares of the Underground Crafter. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.