Episode #306: Michelle Galletta of Kiriki Press

Episode #306: Michelle Galletta of Kiriki Press

Author: Abby Glassenberg February 16, 2026 Duration: 59:26
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about creating a craft kit company with my guest Michelle Galletta of Kiriki Press.   Ontario College of Art and Design printmaking grad Michelle Galletta wanted to make her niece an embroidered doll but couldn't find a pattern anywhere. A week after attempting her very first stitch, she was left with a set of wonky owl dolls and a deep appreciation for the craft. In time, this newfound love of embroidery joined forces with screen printing, and Kiriki Press was launched in 2013 with seven doll patterns. The collection has expanded to include over 30 embroidered doll kits, felt kits, tools and a small brick & mortar shop in Toronto's Roncesvalles neighbourhood. Kiriki Press kits can be found in over 1000 stores worldwide and known for their adorable designs, top quality materials and user friendly instructions. +++++ This episode is brought to you by h+h americas and the Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival.    h+h americas is the premier wholesale springtime event for the fabric and fiber industry in Rosemont IL. With over 575 exhibitors from 26 nations, business workshops, demos, fashion shows, networking and more, this is a must-attend event for anyone working in the crafts industry. Classes start May 5 and the expo is May 6-8th.Visit hh-americas.com to learn more. The Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival is this spring’s premier consumer craft event, happening in Rosemont, IL April 30-May 3rd. With a full calendar of workshops and 250 merchant booths, this is the place to learn new skills, bond with crafty friends, and build that fiber and fabric stash. Tickets go on sale Feb 1st at fiberfabriccraft.com. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

Abby Glassenberg hosts Craft Industry Alliance, a space where the practical realities of running a creative business meet the deep personal satisfaction of making things by hand. This isn't just about inspiration; it's a grounded conversation for anyone who has turned a craft into a career or dreams of doing so. Each episode feels like a candid chat with a fellow maker, where Abby and her guests pull back the curtain on their processes, discuss the tools and materials they truly rely on, and navigate the unique challenges of entrepreneurship in the creative sphere. You'll hear specific, actionable recommendations-from sourcing sustainable materials and mastering a new technique to marketing your work and managing a studio's finances. The discussions are rooted in the real world, covering everything from the joys of the creative process to the logistics of wholesale trade shows and online sales. Tune into this podcast for an honest blend of education and community, designed to support your journey whether you're knitting, painting, pottery throwing, or designing textiles. It’s a resource that acknowledges creativity as both a passion and a profession, offering the kind of nuanced advice you’d normally only get from a trusted mentor within the tight-knit world of crafts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Craft Industry Alliance
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