A Smaller Life
Saskia de Feijter
'A Smaller Life' is a podcast hosted by a small business owner, that's me Saskia, who wants to grow by going smaller and who wants to choose better to do better. Join me on my journey where I figure out how I can make my needle craft business based on ethical and conscious choices more relevant in this era and for myself. Made for business owners and crafters alike.
- 27 minutes 18 seconds#109 - Using Intentions as your Creative Compass for 2026
In this cozy year-end episode, I guide you through a gentle intention-setting practice inspired by wishes shared inside the Business Circle. This isn’t about goals or productivity — it’s about creating an inner compass for 2026 that feels supportive, spacious, and doable. If you’re craving more ease, courage, stillness, or time to create, this episode will help you clarify what you truly want for the year ahead.
You know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching gets a bad rep sometimes, but when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to experience it at no or low cost. If you've ever been curious about working with me in this way, now's the time. Just send me an email: [email protected]
☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement!
to get updates for the next live-cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆
☞ GET ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆
☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆
Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Do you have an idea for a guest or topic? [email protected] or leave me a voice message!6 December 2025, 4:00 am - 41 minutes 38 seconds#108 - Branding Isn’t A Logo; It’s How People Decide To Choose You
Am I my brand? And does branding even matter when I’m a tiny, one-person creative business?
In this episode, I untangle the belief that branding is mostly fonts, logos, and pretty photos, and I lean on Brand the Change to explore branding as direction – a compass for how you show up, what you say yes to, and how people experience your work.
I share examples from the knitting world, some brands that randomply popped up in my head and that's saying much in itself (think Stephen West, Rowan, Hedgehog Fibres), talk about my own journey from yarn shop to coaching, and get honest about boundaries, privacy, and starting a YouTube channel without burning myself out.
I close with journaling questions to help you see where your branding already shines, and how you can use it as a tool instead of a costume.
• Watch the video version on my YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@pattern-shiftYou know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching gets a bad rep sometimes, but when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to experience it at no or low cost. If you've ever been curious about working with me in this way, now's the time. Just send me an email: [email protected]
☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement!
to get updates for the next live-cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆
☞ GET ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆
☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆
Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Do you have an idea for a guest or topic? [email protected] or leave me a voice message!22 November 2025, 4:00 am - 38 minutes 38 seconds#107 - Planning Doesn’t Kill Creativity — It Protects It
- How I separate ideas from tasks, plan by energy, and keep marketing simple -
Planning doesn’t have to kill creativity. In this episode, I share how I plan with a neurodivergent, creative brain—lightly. Using examples from some of my clients, I separate ideas from tasks, choose one daily priority, and use soft time blocks guided by energy instead of the clock. I talk about how Bullet Journaling® supports me (without needing pretty pages), how I turned my phone into a tool, and why monthly/weekly/daily funnels keep my daily list truly doable. If you’ve tried rigid systems and rebelled, this is for you. Planning can protect your freedom, help you make more, and keep your marketing consistent—without heroic last-minute sprints.
FULL SHOWNOTES WITH LINKS: https://www.ja-wol.com/blogs/podcast/107
You know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching gets a bad rep sometimes, but when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to experience it at no or low cost. If you've ever been curious about working with me in this way, now's the time. Just send me an email: [email protected]
☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement!
to get updates for the next live-cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆
☞ GET ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆
☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆
Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Do you have an idea for a guest or topic? [email protected] or leave me a voice message!8 November 2025, 4:00 am - 34 minutes 27 seconds#106 - Why Smart, Creative People Avoid Coaching — and Why They Shouldn’t
I’ve noticed that many smart, creative people avoid coaching because they think it’s only for people who are lost, unsure or corporate CEO's. In this episode of Pattern Shift, I challenge that idea. I share my own stories as both a coach and a client, from working with ADHD and lifestyle coaches on my weightloss journey to helping my clients rediscover joy in their creative work.
With humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of Dutch pragmatism, I explain how coaching differs from consulting, mentoring, and therapy—and why it’s such a powerful way to find clarity when you’re ready to grow. I also talk about how our cultural tendency to “doe maar normaal” can make asking for support feel uncomfortable, even when it’s exactly what we need.
If you’ve ever thought coaching wasn’t “for you,” this episode might shift your perspective.
You know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching gets a bad rep sometimes, but when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to experience it at no or low cost. If you've ever been curious about working with me in this way, now's the time. Just send me an email: [email protected]
☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement!
to get updates for the next live-cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆
☞ GET ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆
☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆
Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Do you have an idea for a guest or topic? [email protected] or leave me a voice message!25 October 2025, 3:00 pm - 34 minutes 47 seconds#105 - New Season, New Chapter: Weaving a Creative Ecosystem at Ja, Wol
SUMMARY
Season 2 kicks off with a fresh perspective: I’m reflecting on how my work has evolved from selling yarn to coaching creative business owners—and how all the different parts of my ecosystem now align. This episode introduces the Business Clarity Quiz, YouTube expansion, and what’s next for the Pattern Shift podcast.
FULL SHOW NOTES WITH TAKEAWAYS + LINKS
BEST QUOTE FROM THE EPISODE
“I’m not starting over—I’m building on everything I’ve already made. It’s all part of the weave.”🔗 LINKS
- Ja, Wol Website – Explore the Ecosystem
- Take the Quiz – What’s Your Path?
- The Ja, Wol Community
- Work with Me
CONNECT WITH SASKIA
- Website: ja-wol.com
- Instagram: @ja_wol_rotterdam
- YouTube: Ja, Wol on YouTube
You know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching gets a bad rep sometimes, but when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to experience it at no or low cost. If you've ever been curious about working with me in this way, now's the time. Just send me an email: [email protected]
☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement!
to get updates for the next live-cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆
☞ GET ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆
☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆
Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Do you have an idea for a guest or topic? [email protected] or leave me a voice message!11 October 2025, 11:00 am - Ja, Wol Website – Explore the Ecosystem
- 5 minutes 37 seconds#104 - BuJo by the Sea – A 6-Week Summer Journal Challenge
Clarity, confidence, and calm… one bullet at a time.
Summer tends to shake things up — especially if you’ve got kids at home, your routine is out the window, or you’re simply craving a break from the usual hustle. That’s why I’m hosting a gentle 6-week journaling challenge, right inside the Ja, Wol Community.
BuJo by the Sea is a relaxed, Bullet Journal–inspired journey.
Each day, from July 19 to August 30, you’ll get one simple prompt to help you:- Set an intention
- Reflect on a mindful journaling question
- Choose one priority
- Log what happens with the original Bullet Journal bullets (• – ○ =)
You don’t need anything fancy. Just a notebook, a pen, and a few minutes a day.
This is a lovely way to experiment with the practice if you’re new to Bullet Journaling — or to return to it with fresh eyes if you’ve drifted away.You can join for free — in our own Ja, Wol Community private BuJo by the Sea space.
👉 Click here to join usLet’s move slowly together this summer.
I’ll be there, journaling right alongside you.☀️ Saskia
Certified Bullet Journal Trainer & Slow Business Coach☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement!
to get updates for the next live-cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆
☞ GET ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆
☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆
Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Do you have an idea for a guest or topic? [email protected] or leave me a voice message!19 July 2025, 3:00 pm - 39 minutes 3 seconds#103 - "Freedom Within the Structure: How I Use My Bullet Journal in Business"
SUMMARY
In this episode, I share how I uses the Bullet Journal Method to run my creative business with more clarity, focus, and freedom. I explains how daily logs, weekly spreads, and project collections help me stay grounded, intentional, and flexible—without pressure or perfectionism. If you're curious about using your journal to support your business, this episode offers my honest perspective.
FULL SHOW NOTES WITH TAKEAWAYS + LINKS
BEST QUOTE FROM THE EPISODE:
“This is not a system for doing more. In fact, it's quite the opposite.”🔗 BUJO BY THE SEA - FREE SUMMER CHALLENGE - SIGN UP HERE
🔗 Bullet Journal for creative businesses - WORKSHOP
🔗 Flodesk (50% Off for the First Year)
🔗 Ja, Wol Community – Join the ConversationCONNECT WITH SASKIA
Creative business coach, Certified Bullet Journal Trainer, and host of Pattern Shift. Explore my workshops, community, and coaching programs via the links above or visit my website www.ja-wol.com
You know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching gets a bad rep sometimes, but when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to experience it at no or low cost. If you've ever been curious about working with me in this way, now's the time. Just send me an email: [email protected]
☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement!
to get updates for the next live-cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆
☞ GET ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆
☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆
Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Do you have an idea for a guest or topic? [email protected] or leave me a voice message!5 July 2025, 3:00 am - 39 minutes 57 seconds#102 - "Paper, Pen, and Possibility: My Bullet Journal Journey"
SUMMARY
In this mostly unscripted episode, I share how Bullet Journaling helped me move from burnout to clarity. Before it became a tool in my business, it was a lifeline in my personal life. This is not a tutorial—it’s a story of how I found my footing again, and why I still use this method today. And I announce an exciting challenge I'm working on!
FULL SHOW NOTES WITH TAKEAWAYS + LINKS
BEST QUOTE FROM THE EPISODE
“The bullet journal method is about mindful productivity. It’s about reflecting, looking back so that you are able to move forward in a way that’s more…intentional.”
You know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching gets a bad rep sometimes, but when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to experience it at no or low cost. If you've ever been curious about working with me in this way, now's the time. Just send me an email: [email protected]
☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement!
to get updates for the next live-cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆
☞ GET ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆
☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆
Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Do you have an idea for a guest or topic? [email protected] or leave me a voice message!21 June 2025, 3:00 am - 14 minutes 31 seconds#101 - “My Deepest, Darkest Limiting Belief: I Can’t Help Others if My Business Isn’t Thriving”
In this super honest solo episode, I unpack a limiting belief that’s followed me for years: “I can’t help others with their business if mine isn’t thriving.” As I deepen my coaching journey and reflect on what true success means, I’m realizing how deeply ingrained this belief is—and how untrue it actually is. I share the honest behind-the-scenes of my work, money mindset, slow growth, and how I’m redefining success to align with values over volume. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not “far enough” to help others, this episode is for you.
FULL SHOW-NOTES WITH TAKEAWAYS + LINKS
BEST QUOTE FROM THE EPISODE
“Thriving doesn’t always look like a massive income. It looks like helping people, making an impact, and doing work that aligns with your soul.”
🔗
Flodesk (50% Off for the First Year)
🔗
Ja, Wol Community – Join the Conversation
☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement!
to get updates for the next live-cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆
☞ GET ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆
☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆
Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Do you have an idea for a guest or topic? [email protected] or leave me a voice message!9 June 2025, 2:00 pm - 49 minutes 20 seconds#100 - This is how one person, a mic, and a messy creative mind made it to 100 episodes 🥳
SUMMARY
It’s a special one—episode 100! In this celebratory and cozy episode, I take you behind the scenes of how Pattern Shift came to be, how it has evolved, and what I’ve learned over five years of podcasting. From awkward beginnings and unexpected pivots to heartfelt listener stories and slow growth reflections, this episode is full of gratitude, reflection, and a few eclairs.
If you’ve ever wondered how a small podcast like this gets made—and what keeps it going—this one’s for you.
FULL SHOW NOTES WITH TAKEAWAYS + LINKS: patternshift.fm
BEST QUOTE FROM THE EPISODE
“I wanted to make a podcast that actually helps people… and I felt like interviews with famous knitters is great and entertaining and also can be very helpful… but there were already podcasts doing that.”
⚡︎
You know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching, when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to experience this at low cost. If you've ever been curious about working with me in this way, now's the time. Just send me an email: [email protected]
This episode was sponsored by Ja, Wol. I promote my own services and products in my podcast rather than working with sponsors. I will share the odd-discount for things I fully support and use.
☆ other ways to **SUPPORT THE SHOW** ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharin
You know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching gets a bad rep sometimes, but when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to experience it at no or low cost. If you've ever been curious about working with me in this way, now's the time. Just send me an email: [email protected]
☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement!
to get updates for the next live-cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆
☞ GET ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆
☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆
Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Do you have an idea for a guest or topic? [email protected] or leave me a voice message!24 May 2025, 3:00 am - 27 minutes 9 seconds#99 - Launch - Sharing your work with connection, not pressure
SUMMARY
In this episode, we dive into the final step of the Ja, Wol framework—Launch. Sharing your work with the world can feel scary, vulnerable, and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Launching isn’t about hype or hustle; it’s about connection and care. I talk about why launching feels so hard (especially for neurodivergent brains), how to rethink launching as a slow rhythm instead of a one-time event, and ways to share your work more gently and joyfully. If you’ve been holding back on putting your work into the world, this episode is your invitation to rethink how launching can feel.
FULL SHOW NOTES WITH TAKEAWAYS + LINKS: patternshift.fm
BEST QUOTE FROM THE EPISODE “Launching is how we bridge the gap between our purpose and our people.”
⚡︎
You know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching gets a bad rep sometimes, but when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to experience it at no or low cost. If you've ever been curious about working with me in this way, now's the time. Just send me an email: [email protected]
This episode was sponsored by Ja, Wol. I promote my own services and products in my podcast rather than working with sponsors. I will share the odd-discount for things I fully support and use.
☆ other ways to **SUPPORT THE SHOW** ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sha
You know me as a guide, mentor and teacher, but I've also set off on a new adventure, coaching. Coaching gets a bad rep sometimes, but when it's done right, it can be really transformational. As part of my coaching education, I'll soon need to do real coaching sessions. And it could be a really great opportunity for you to experience it at no or low cost. If you've ever been curious about working with me in this way, now's the time. Just send me an email: [email protected]
☆ other ways to SUPPORT THE SHOW ☆
If you appreciate the free content and the work we put into this podcast, consider showing your support in a way that feels right to you. This could be by sharing episodes with friends, signing up for our newsletter, or making a small monthly contribution by clicking the Support the Show link. Your support keeps the podcast going and aligns with the values we share. Thank you for being a part of this movement!
to get updates for the next live-cohort of the Ja, Wol Business Program! ☆ JOIN THE WAITING LIST ☆
☞ GET ACTIONABLE BUSINESS TIPS AND INSIGHTS & EPISODE UPDATES ☜☆ SIGN UP HERE! ☆
☞ FIND OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY SPACE ☜☆JOIN THE CONVERSATION☆
Have a question? Want to offer your opinion? Do you have an idea for a guest or topic? [email protected] or leave me a voice message!10 May 2025, 3:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App