From Day Job to Shark Tank: Mike from Legit Kits on Growing a Creative Business

From Day Job to Shark Tank: Mike from Legit Kits on Growing a Creative Business

Author: Elizabeth Chappell February 28, 2025 Duration: 44:31

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a creative passion into a thriving business? In this episode, I chat with Mike from Legit Kits, a Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) company that was recently featured on Shark Tank!

Mike shares his journey—from balancing his day job to scaling his FPP business and landing a spot on national television. He offers invaluable insights into growing a creative business, overcoming challenges, and staying true to your vision.

We dive into:
✨ Mike's career outside of quilting and how it influences his business
✨ The evolution of Legit Kits and what's driven its success
✨ Behind-the-scenes of Shark Tank—what the experience was really like
✨ Practical tips for creatives looking to build and expand their own businesses
✨ The mindset shifts that helped Mike push past obstacles and keep growing

Mike is real, down-to-earth, and full of motivation for entrepreneurs and makers alike. Whether you're just starting or looking for fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss!

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to take your creative business to the next level!

🔗 Links & Resources:

👉 Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! It helps more creative entrepreneurs find the show.


Elizabeth Chappell hosts Craft to Career, a space for makers who feel that persistent pull to build something more from their creative work. It’s for the person at their kitchen table, surrounded by their craft, wondering how to bridge the gap between a passionate hobby and a sustainable livelihood. Each episode tackles the real, often unglamorous, questions that arise when you decide to take that leap. You’ll hear practical conversations about defining your niche, setting prices that respect your time, and navigating the complexities of marketing without losing your authentic voice. The focus extends beyond just sales, exploring how to structure your days, maintain creative energy, and build a community around your work, particularly through platforms like Instagram. This podcast operates on the belief that success is a personal definition, not a one-size-fits-all destination. It’s about translating the skill in your hands into a viable, fulfilling path, offering both tactical advice and the necessary encouragement for the journey. Tune in for honest discussions that replace vague inspiration with actionable steps, all aimed at helping you answer that foundational question for yourself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Craft to Career
Podcast Episodes
Why You Need an Email List (and How to Make It Work for You) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:56
Let's talk about email lists—why you need one, how to grow it, and what to actually send. I'll walk you through my best-performing opt-ins (including the one I keep sharing even though I think everyone already has it), i…
The Problem Your Business Must Solve (And How to Find It) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:00
If you're running a business—or dreaming of starting one—there's one thing that can make or break your success: solving a real problem. In this episode, I'm diving into why identifying the specific problem your business…
How to Set and Achieve Goals You Can Actually Keep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:05
Struggling to keep your goals? In this episode, we'll break down the SMART goal method and share practical tips to help you set and achieve goals that stick. Stop comparing your progress to others and start making small,…
How To Became a Fabric Designer with Bonnie Christine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:41
Have you ever thought about becoming a fabric designer? For years, that was a dream of mine, but I just couldn't seem to make it happen. I struggled to learn Adobe Illustrator in a way that made my designs look more poli…
Can You REALLY Make Good Money as a Quilter? Here's the Truth! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:09
Do you wonder if it's really possible to earn money as a quilter or creative entrepreneur? You're not alone! I recently came across this question in a Facebook group, and the answers shocked me—most people believed you c…
179. Clarity, Navigation, and Decision Making Inner Voices Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:47
Now that you've learned about the thoughts holding you back (part one), you are ready to dive into part two, practical tips that will help you reshape your thoughts, navigate challenges, make tough decisions, and seek cl…