If you've ever dreamed of turning your passion into a thriving business, you're in for a treat! In my latest episode of The Blogger Genius Podcast, I sat down with Courtney Whitehead, a psychologist by day and crochet designer by passion. Courtney has successfully built an online business, Creations by Courtney, selling crochet patterns, but the lessons from her journey apply to any niche. Whether you're a craftsperson, educator, or expert in a specific field, you can turn your expertise into a sustainable and financially successful business.

🚀 Ready to grow your audience, skyrocket your social following, and start making money with digital products? Get started for FREE—no limits, no fees, no catch. Sign up and start turning your ideas into income! 👉 Join MiloTree Now

Show Notes:

Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:

In this blog post, we'll break down the biggest takeaways from our conversation, including:

The journey from hobby to business
The tools that simplify selling digital products (spoiler: MiloTree makes it easy!)
The power of community and why a Facebook group might be your best asset
How to turn your engaged audience into a paid membership

From Hobbyist to Niche Business Owner

Courtney's journey started as a childhood passion, inspired by her mother. But it wasn't until 2011, with the encouragement of her husband, that she decided to turn her love of fiber arts into a business. Like many creators, she started by selling finished products but quickly realized that wasn't scalable. Enter pattern design—where she found her niche.

By creating and selling patterns, Courtney transformed her passion into a profitable business. If you're an expert in a specific field, whether it's crafting, writing, coaching, or another niche, consider selling digital products like templates, guides, or courses to expand your reach and revenue potential.

The Tech Struggles of Running an Online Business

One of the biggest challenges Courtney faced was dealing with tech overwhelm. She initially invested in ThriveCart but quickly realized that the complexity of the platform made it difficult to use in her busy life. With three kids (including twins in competitive gymnastics) and a full-time career as a psychologist, she needed a tool that worked for her, not against her.

That's where MiloTree came in. MiloTree's simple interface allowed Courtney to easily set up and sell her digital products, saving her time and frustration. If you're looking for a no-fuss way to start selling digital products, MiloTree is now offering a free plan—so you can set up a freebie, a digital product, or a social media pop-up with no credit card required. Try it now.

Building Community Through Facebook Groups

Another key to Courtney's success has been fostering an engaged community. Her Facebook group, Confidently Crochet with Creations by Courtney, has become a hub for crocheters to ask questions, share their work, and support each other. She also uses the group to test ideas, get feedback on patterns, and provide exclusive content.

If you're a blogger or digital creator, a Facebook group can be an invaluable tool to nurture relationships with your audience. Not only does it help build trust, but it also creates a direct line of communication with potential customers.

Turning Community Engagement into Recurring Revenue

Courtney is now considering turning her Facebook group into a paid membership, where members can get exclusive patterns, live tutorials, and deeper engagement. If you have an engaged audience, a membership can provide consistent revenue while giving your community even more value.

Setting up a membership is easier than ever with MiloTree, where you can sell subscriptions, courses, and exclusive content with just a few clicks. Imagine turning your expertise into a reliable monthly income!

The Biggest Takeaway: Keep It Simple

One of the biggest lessons from this episode is that tech shouldn't hold you back—it should support you. Courtney's journey is a testament to the power of keeping things simple. Instead of getting bogged down by complicated tools, she found a solution that works for her and allows her to focus on what she loves: designing crochet patterns and growing her business.

Ready to Start Selling Digital Products?

If you're feeling inspired and want to start monetizing your passion, now is the perfect time. MiloTree's free plan makes it easy to create and sell digital products with no upfront cost. Whether you're selling crochet patterns, templates, courses, or memberships, MiloTree can help you grow your business with ease.

Sign up for free today!

Know someone who would love this conversation? Share this post with them! And if you're enjoying The Blogger Genius Podcast, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people find the show!

Let me know in the comments—what's your biggest takeaway from Courtney's story? Have you thought about turning your niche passion into a business?

Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You'll Enjoy:

How to Turn a "Nice-to-Have" Product Into a "Must-Have" with These 6 Triggers with Jillian Leslie
How to Sell Without Feeling Icky: A Mindset Shift That Will Transform Your Business
The Rise of Personality-Driven Content: How to Stand Out Online with Bjork Ostrom

Ep. 1375: Size It Right with Michael Covel on Trend Following Radio