Proof to Product

Catherine Hildner is the founder of Kitty Meow Boutique, an online stationery show where you can peruse beautifully designed paper goods based on your many moods. Catherine came through our Paper Camp conference in 2017 and since then she’s undergone a rebrand, built a new retail website, revamped her product line and she launched to the wholesale market!   On today’s episode Catherine shared how her product line has shifted over the years, fears she’s had during the last year of growth and how she combatted them and how she reaches out to her wholesale buyers. ON TODAY’S EPISODE: What motivated Catherine to start Kitty Meow The products that she offers now & how that has shifted over the years What the rebranding process Kitty Meow looked like The fears and doubts Catherine had to work through during the rebranding process Her experience entering into the wholesale market & the three things she did to prepare her business for wholesale Catherine’s process for outreach to retailers How she manages marketing both the wholesale and the retail sides of her business The tasks that Catherine’s VA is responsible for Her advice for someone just starting out in a product based business What’s next for Kitty Meow KEY TAKE-AWAYS: “I'm really grateful that I've been able to take Kitty Meow with me wherever the heck we've been, and it's come a long way since that lonely little baby shower design in my sad little Etsy shop.” - Catherine Hildner “I said, "If I'm going to invest money, I just want to do it right”, and I'm not a website designer, so I'm not even going to waste my time doing something that's not my strengths.” - Catherine Hildner “I wasn't foolish enough to think that if I build it they will come, because I don't think it's just as easy as that.” - Catherine Hildner “I want my two little girls to know that they can do anything. It doesn't matter what other people think. If they care, that is enough.” - Catherine Hildner “None of this stuff happens overnight, and it's a daily struggle no matter how pretty pictures might look on Instagram or any of that garbage.” - Catherine Hildner “If I didn't do the Tradeshow Bootcamp, I would just be looking around, not knowing what the hell I'm doing because there's so many things you need to do, and you don't know what you don't know.” - Catherine Hildner “I don't have time to do all the things that maybe I would make time to do before I had children.” - Catherine Hildner “There was a long time I didn't even know that there was this creative community of women who were totally killing it.” - Catherine Hildner “Having a professional who's doing what you want to do, that can give you advice and feedback, so you're not wasting your time doing stuff that's just a waste of your time is so valuable.” - Catherine Hildner “I've been an entrepreneur for 10 years now. There's always ways that we can improve our businesses. There's always ways that we can streamline things or improve.” - Katie Hunt   CONNECT WITH CATHERINE HILDNER: Website: http://www.kittymeowboutique.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/kittymeowboutique Instagram: http://instagram.com/kittymeowboutique Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kmeowboutique PAPER CAMP E COURSE I'm thrilled to tell you that the fall session of our Paper Camp E Course is now open for enrollment! This is our four-week program that includes a mix of do-it-yourself videos and live coaching calls with me and some pretty amazing guest experts. We will cover developing your product line, wholesale sales tools, working with sales reps, and marketing to retailers. Classes will begin on October 8th, and this will be the very last time that Paper Camp is offered in 2018. So if you're doing any winter shows like New York Now, Las Vegas Market, or even the Stationery Show in February, you want to sign up for this program because we're not going to offer it again before those shows.   To register, head to http://www.tradeshowcamp.com/pce If you have any questions, or if you're wondering if this is the right program for you, feel free to email me Katie@tradeshowcamp.com. SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!

Danielle Spurge is a maker and craft business consultant who loves iced lattes and pop music. Through her work at The Merriweather Council, Danielle teaches creative people how to turn their crafty tendencies into profits. On her blog and podcast, Danielle aims to inspire and support makers in business and share insights from her eight years of experience selling handmade work online. Danielle believes in celebrating the reality of gainful self employment through craft and wants to help more artists, crafters and designers share their work with more confidence.   On today’s episode we talk about Danielle’s journey of starting her business, how she manages both a product and service based business and she shares why Etsy is a great platform for makers. ON TODAY’S EPISODE: How she got started with her business, The Merriweather Council What she sold in her original Etsy shop Her favorite materials to work with The educational curve you have with customers when introducing something that’s new to them How she has created a community of makers that she supports How she splits her attention to give both sides of her business the attention they need What kind of makers are in her community and the services she provides them Why Etsy is a good option to get your products out into the market How can makers ensure their listings are being seen on Etsy Danielle’s tips for getting selected to be promoted by Etsy on their social media channels A common mistake people are making on Etsy Her thoughts on all of the recent Etsy changes What inspires her to create new products or services KEY TAKE-AWAYS: “I really just love fabric, love embroidery floss, I love to cut things up and sew them back together. I love anything really colorful and soft materials.” - Danielle Spurge “I don't have a lot of patience for giant projects. I like to be able to sit and finish something and it's over. I love the instant gratification.” - Danielle Spurge “There's really no way for me to do 50/50 but I've always been happy with the amount of product work I was doing because it fit really well into the amount of other work I was doing.” - Danielle Spurge “With Etsy or your own site with your products, if you're not doing a ton of wholesale, you can kinda throttle how much you produce. You have a lot of control over what are you offering.” - Danielle Spurge “I want to be the person who makes my products. I want to make however many I want to make of them.” - Danielle Spurge “I always wanted to maintain my product business because it helps me relate to my students.” - Danielle Spurge “We can provide better service and we can create a better product when we are more thoughtful in our approach for things.” - Katie Hunt “Most of us don't want the stress of a seven figure business. That's a whole other ball game.” - Danielle Spurge “Let's never send our hard earned traffic to Etsy. Because that traffic is going to disperse. There's no guarantee that that traffic's gonna stay with you.” - Danielle Spurge “I will never shut up about this until it's not true anymore. Etsy is the best tool.” - Danielle Spurge “You can appeal to Etsy’s systems to get seen.” - Danielle Spurge “Etsy cares about your titles, and your tags, and all the little things you fill in as you're listing.” - Danielle Spurge “No one goes on Instagram with the intent to buy something the way that people go on Etsy with the intent to buy something. So that's really why I think Etsy is such a useful tool for a new seller because people are going there, looking to buy things, and they're the kind of people who want to buy the kind of products that you are selling.” - Danielle Spurge “The biggest mistake I see people make on Etsy  is that they just don't list enough.” - Danielle Spurge “Etsy is really a numbers game. The more listings you have, the better your chances are of showing up, and being found, and being seen, and making sales.” - Danielle Spurge “It's still one of the cheapest ways that you can sell online. Amazon's fees are more. If you had your own website, up front it's more.” - Danielle Spurge “ I want to help people be who they want to be.” - Danielle Spurge   CONNECT WITH DANIELLE SPURGE: Website: http://merriweathercouncil.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/merriweathercouncil Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativelifehappylife/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/merriweatherc   LINKS Free Etsy Lesson Email Series   IS WHOLESALE RIGHT FOR ME? Many of you are in the process of contemplating whether wholesale is the right next step for your business. I get it, I know that it feels like a big scary decision and there are lots of things to consider.   That’s why I’m offering a free online workshop to help you determine “Is Wholesale Right For Me”. I’ll walk you through 12 questions that I want you to ask yourself before you jump into wholesale and why each is important.   This free workshop will take place on Thursday, September 20th at noon Pacific and space will be limited.     To snag your seat, head to tradeshowcamp.com/wholesale to register.  A replay will be available for everyone that registers ahead of time. SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!

Today I sat down with Amber Rae, an author, artist and speaker. Her recent book, Choose Wonder Over Worry invites you to live your truth, befriend your emotions, and express your gifts. Her writing has reached over 5 million people in 195 countries, her public art has spread to over twenty countries, and she's spoken to and collaborated with brands like Kate Spade, Apple, Amazon, and Unilever. She's been featured in The New York Times, TIME, Fast Company, BBC, ABC World News, Tim Ferriss's blog, and more. Previously, Amber helped launch six best-selling books as Chief Evangelist of Seth Godin's publishing experiment.   On today’s episode, Amber shares strategies for combating worry, fear and anxiety and infusing more wonder and creativity into our days.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: A misconception that people have around the feelings of fear and doubt Her career path and what lead her to be an author, an artist, an inspirational speaker Amber’s experience working with Seth Godin What motivated her to write Choose Wonder Over Worry Her advice for working through imposter syndrome The two types of worry What wonder is and how it is a counterpart to worry How we can infuse more wonder into our lives and work The effect worry and fear have on us The importance of making friends with our feelings and questioning our feelings How we can infuse more positive feelings and more creativity in our day to day Amber’s advice for product-based business owners who have anxiety, worry, and fear What’s next for her KEY TAKE-AWAYS: “When I was able to detach it from being a reflection of my self-worth, whether or not things go how I wanted, but rather just a better story, that created so much more wonder, and fun, and freedom.” - Amber Rae “He [Seth Godin] wasn't going to hand us approval, but he was going to push us way pass what we thought we could do and show us that we were capable of much more.” - Amber Rae “I had all these limiting stories inside of my head about who I thought I was, and what I thought I was capable of that really paralyzed me creatively, and paralyzed what I decided to go after or whether or not I spoke up.” - Amber Rae “I'm the only one who thinks I'm not worthy enough. No, actually, most people struggle with that. That's actually what unites us as humans.” - Amber Rae “If the impostor syndrome is coming up for you, that means you're outside your comfort zone and growing.” - Amber Rae “Worry protects us, keeps us safe, keeps us accountable. Where it becomes toxic worry is when it says obsessive looping thoughts where we ruminate and ruminate and stay stuck on these thoughts that really hold us back and paralyze us.” - Amber Rae “Before we can step into really embody and embrace wonder, it's about really checking worry.” - Amber Rae “When we name it, we tame it. Name when that worry is showing up so that we can put it in its place, set a boundary and really create space for our creative artist to step up and thrive.” - Amber Rae “I literally think that the world will change when we can have a healthy relationship with our feelings and ourselves.” - Amber Rae “Infusing play and white space in our day also helps with addressing the feelings and also inspiring that creativity and the wonder.” - Katie Hunt CONNECT WITH AMBER RAE: Website: http://choosewonder.com Website:  http://amberrae.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/heyamberrae Twitter http://twitter.com/heyamberrae LINKS:Choose Wonder Over Worry War of Art by Steven Pressfield Do the Work by Steven Pressfield Elizabeth Gilbert’s TED Talk   IS WHOLESALE RIGHT FOR ME? Many of you are in the process of contemplating whether wholesale is the right next step for your business. I get it, I know that it feels like a big scary decision and there are lots of things to consider.   That’s why I’m offering a free online workshop to help you determine “Is Wholesale Right For Me”. I’ll walk you through 12 questions that I want you to ask yourself before you jump into wholesale and why each is important.   This free workshop will take place on Thursday, September 20th at noon Pacific and space will be limited.     To snag your seat, head to tradeshowcamp.com/wholesale to register.  A replay will be available for everyone that registers ahead of time. SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!

Katie Hunt shares why she pushed pause on replacing her operations manager earlier this year and why its important to get super clear on what your business needs before you hire someone.   When you know what you want in terms of skills, experience and fit it makes for an easier hiring process and ensures that you’re bringing the right people on the team.  The Tradeshow Bootcamp and Proof to Product team are currently hiring an operations manager with strong project management, online marketing and team management skills.  For more information about the job, please go to www.tradeshowcamp.com/joinourteam.

Lillian Farag is a free-form and free-spirited artist, with a love for all things playful and expressive. Pulling inspiration from colors found in life and nature, she adds her own twist and perspective to each aspect of her work.   Along with offering unique hand-painted leather accessories and products, Lillian Farag works on collaborations with both leading industry and boutique brands including: Papyrus, Urban Outfitters, Oh Joy!, Osh Kosh, Flagpole Swim, Talking out of Turn, as well as her recent artist collaboration with Anthropologie.   On today’s episode we talk about her multiple revenue streams, licensing & collaborations as well as growing pains of being an entrepreneur. ON TODAY’S EPISODE: The types of products Lillian creates Where she gets her inspiration when she’s creating What prompted her to start this business & how it started out as a hobby When Lillian realized she wanted to have her own line The collaborations she has been able to do with influencers and brands How certain collaborations came to be and what manufacturing look liked for those The growing pains of being an entrepreneur Her considerations while weighing hiring decisions Lillian’s challenges with social media and how she has approached it The advice she would give herself when she had just started her business What’s next for Lillian KEY TAKE-AWAYS: “Going into freelance, I knew I would be able to have a little bit more flexibility and control over the jobs that I was taking on.” - Lillian Farag “A lot of my partnerships come through my work on Instagram.” - Lillian Farag “I love collaborating. That's one of the main reasons I chose to keep my print business as a part of my business now, is because I really love to work with other brands and collaborate on ideas.” - Lillian Farag “I needed to stick to what I knew best, which was creating artwork and creating it for myself. And then those other things would come later in forms of collaborations.” - Lillian Farag “The growing pains never go away. I feel like you're always restructuring, rethinking about how you want to grow.” - Lillian Farag “I want to find somebody that's excellent in the areas where I'm weak.” - Katie Hunt “It's really important to continue your education in whatever it is that you do.” - Lillian Farag “It's really important to be around other people who are also creative. It's beneficial in ways you don't realize for creativity, and also to connect with other people. You never know what kind of partnerships will come out of it later.” - Lillian Farag   CONNECT WITH LILLIAN FARAG: Website: http://www.lillianf.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lillian-Farag-1331313560221126/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillianfarag/ LINKS:Surtex: https://www.surtex.com/   NEED 1-1 HELP? If you need help in your business growing your product line, getting ready for wholesale shows, or maybe you want some help on the operation side - hiring a team, refining your systems, looking at your finances, we have experts and mentors available to help you.   I personally take on a very limited number of new coaching clients each month, and I have one spot left for September and two for October. If you are interested in working with me or one of our other Tradeshow Bootcamp speakers that offers coaching, head on over to tradeshowcamp.com/coaching and let me know what your current struggles are, so that we can get you paired with the right person.   You don't have to go it alone. We have people and resources here to help you! SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!

We're taking the next two weeks off for an end of summer break. While we’re gone, we’re bringing you four of our most popular episodes pulled from the archives.   I hand picked these episodes based on feedback in our Proof to Product Facebook group, emails I’ve received from listeners and convos I’ve had with all of you.   We hope you enjoy these episodes and learn something new!   Owned and operated by Briana Feola and Jason Snyder, Brainstorm is a print shop and collaborative design studio rooted in the production of original art prints inspired by science, nature, and the outdoors. Briana & Jason have done some creative collaborative projects with big brands such as Lollapalooza, Patgonia, Airstream trailers and an upcoming project with L.L. Bean.  On today’s episode Briana and Jason talk about how their love of learning inspires their work, using a strong brand to attract the right clients and why your business should always be in some state of transition.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: [01:00] Building a business out of a recession. [03:00] Working side hustles while growing the business.[05:00] Working with a significant other.[07:00] How their life interests & love of learning inspire their work.[11:00] Professional collaborations & partnerships with Lollapalooza, Patagonia and Airstream.[12:00] Custom clients found them through their print work[19:00] Attracting the right clients using a strong brand.[20:00] Hiring their first employee & the importance of finding someone with flexibility [24:00] Winning the airstream trailer design competition[29:00] Summer travel plans in the Airstream trailer[32:00] Transitions they’ve experienced as they’ve grown[36:00] Benefits of staying small and nimble.[37:30] Focusing on what is going to work, and not letting failures get you down.[39:00] Upcoming project with L.L. Bean[32:30] What’s next for We Are Brainstorm KEY TAKE-AWAYS: “We always dig deep into our own lives for inspiration” - Briana Feola   “We’re eternal students and want to keep learning no matter what the subject is” - Briana Feola   “As entrepreneurs, we tend to be more critical of ourselves than anyone else is” - Katie Hunt   “Going to Tradeshow Bootcamp was an eye opening experience that was necessary to set us in motion for the next four, five years now.” - Briana Feola   “I feel like your business should always be in some state of transition” - Jason Snyder   “One benefit of being a small business owner is that we can be nimble and make our own decisions, shift gears however we need to” - Katie Hunt   “We pride ourselves on the fact that we stay super small and adaptable” - Briana Feola   ‘I need to get out of my own way, sometimes” - Briana Feola   LINKS: Brainstorm National Park series Brainstorm’s work for Lollapalooza C3 Presents Brainstorm for Patagonia Airstream Trailer Contest Mama’s Sauce Adobe Max Renegade Craft Fair Brainstorm for L.L. Bean Paper Camp   MEET BRIANA & JASON: Brainstorm is a print shop and collaborative design studio working from a historic mill in Dover, New Hampshire. Owned and operated by Briana Feola and Jason Snyder, Brainstorm is rooted in the production of original art prints inspired by science, nature, and the outdoors. They also design for people and companies that appreciate the creative process, enjoy collaboration, and want to make something tangible in an increasingly digital world.   Website: http://www.wearebrainstorm.com Facebook: @wearebrainstorm Instagram: @wearebrainstorm Twitter: @wearebrainstorm   JOIN THE TSBC FAMILY: Interested in learning more about launching or refining a wholesale line or exhibiting at trade shows?  Join us for our next Paper Camp conference in Los Angeles. Get more details and register at www.tradeshowcamp.com/papercamp   ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode.

We're taking the next two weeks off for an end of summer break. While we’re gone, we’re bringing you four of our most popular episodes pulled from the archives.   I hand picked these episodes based on feedback in our Proof to Product Facebook group, emails I’ve received from listeners and convos I’ve had with all of you.   We hope you enjoy these episodes and learn something new!   Heather Haynie and Dani Antol are the owners of Rock Paper Scissors, a custom invitation and paper goods shop in Charlottesville, Virginia. Rock Paper Scissors is the go-to destination for locals and visitors alike looking for laugh-out-loud greeting cards, journals, dec accessories, calendars, planners and modern gifts.     On today’s episode we talk about a wide range of topics including what it takes to run a retail storefront, how they divide responsibilities as business partners and what success looks like for each of them. We also got personal. Dani shares her story of battling cancer. We also discuss how Heather & Dani were able to unify their local community after the hateful rallies in Charlottesville.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: What prompted Heather & Dani to go into business together What their day-to-day looks like running a retail storefront The custom design side of their business The benefits of buying an existing storefront and how they made it their own The growth of Rock Paper Scissors over the years How Heather & Dani divide responsibilities and how it has changed over the years as they have grown The things people should think about before jumping into a business partnership with someone Dani’s battle with breast cancer and why she decided to share her story publicly How breast cancer changed Dani’s perspective and her motivations Heather & Dani’s involvement in the C’ville Heart Project & the purpose behind it The things they have accomplished in their business that they are very proud of What’s next for Rock Paper Scissors KEY TAKE-AWAYS: “I'm extremely thankful that we purchased the business because as Dani said, there were so many things that were already in place that were really helpful for us, from the relationships with vendors, as well as relationships with existing clients.” - Heather Haynie “We trust each other in those roles because we know that that's what we're good at.” - Dani Antol “One of the greatest benefits [of our partnership] is that we don't have the same strengths.” - Heather Haynie “I mean, she [Dani] would have chemo and then be sending me proofs. This girl's work ethic is amazing.” - Heather Haynie “Some really terrible people came to our town and invaded our town and that's something that we always want to be really clear about. They are not Charlottesville and that's not what our town is like at all.” - Heather Haynie “We've grown our business every year, some years higher percentage than others. But every year we have grown and I'm super proud of that.” - Heather Haynie “Running a small business is hard and it is time consuming. There's always a million hats that we're wearing, and so I think it's important to remind ourselves that, "No, we set the rules here and we can decide what we do and not do to some extent." We do need to carve out that time for our personal lives.” - Katie Hunt  LINKSWebsite: www.thinkrockpaperscissors.com Website: www.rpscvilleheart.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinkrockpaperscissors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rps_cville/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rps_dani/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rps_heather/   JOIN THE TSBC FAMILY:   Do you want to scale your business and add new revenue streams?  Are you ready to get a handle on your cash flow and tuck money away for retirement?     Maybe you are interested in increasing your visibility and fine-tuning your marketing outreach?  Perhaps you have a team that you want to nurture or need help building your team?   Our newest on demand program, Paper Camp+ can help you with all of these things and more.  The program includes 5 keynote presentations and 2 panels from a wide range of business experts.  You can watch what you need, when you need it most and revisit the videos as often as you’d like.   This course was built for anyone running a product based business, and extends way beyond the paper industry.  Enroll at www.tradeshowcamp.com/pcplus!   ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!

We're taking the next two weeks off for an end of summer break. While we’re gone, we’re bringing you four of our most popular episodes pulled from the archives.   I hand picked these episodes based on feedback in our Proof to Product Facebook group, emails I’ve received from listeners and convos I’ve had with all of you.   We hope you enjoy these episodes and learn something new!   Erin Ozer is the owner of Knot & Bow. Erin got her start on Etsy in 2010 and has had tremendous, but organic growth, over the last seven years. Her stationery, gift wrap and party goods can be found in more than 1500 retail shops around the world, including Paper Source, Anthropologie, Container Store, and Hallmark just to name a few. On this episode Erin talks about her humble beginnings, manufacturing challenges she experienced, and how she slowly but strategically added members to her team.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: [01:30] Building a business while staying home with the kids and with $200. [03:30] Starting on Etsy.[05:30] Adding new products to the line.[07:30] Utilizing customer feedback in product development.[09:30] Manufacturing challenges as Knot & Bow grew.[12:00] Picking & choosing which products to move forward with.[13:00] Expanding to wholesale.[15:30] Selling to Terrain -- her first wholesale order![17:00] Selling wholesale before doing trade shows[18:00] Working with Sales Reps[22:00] Hiring her first employee & growing her team[24:00] Hiring Process & having an operations manual[28:00] Knot & Bow retail shop & selling retail vs selling wholesale[30:00] What’s next for Knot & Bow KEY TAKE-AWAYS:   ‘It is always a challenge to bring new product to the market and be innovative in some way but you also have a budget and spatial constraints to take into account’ - Erin Ozer   “Housing 1000 greeting cards is one thing. Housing 1000 plates is a totally different thing.” -Erin Ozer   “The numbers can get really, really big with custom manufacturing sometimes and it can be tough when you're really small.” - Erin Ozer   “The wholesale side of our business grew pretty dramatically when we first signed with reps.” - Erin Ozer   MEET ERIN OZER: Knot & Bow is a line of simple and stylish paper goods and party supplies. Erin Ozer started the brand as a solo venture in 2010, inspired by simple gifts wrapped with kraft paper and twine. The line has developed to include a wide variety of paper goods and colorful party supplies, and is now sold at more than 1500 stores around the globe. Products are manufactured in the United States and assembled in Knot & Bow's Brooklyn studio. Knot & Bow also launched a flagship retail location in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn in late 2015.   Website: https://www.knotandbow.com/ Facebook: @knotandbow Instagram: @knotandbow Twitter: @knotandbow   JOIN THE TSBC FAMILY: Interested in learning more about launching or refining a wholesale line or exhibiting at trade shows?  Join us for our next Paper Camp conference in Los Angeles. Get more details and register at www.tradeshowcamp.com/papercamp   ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode.

We're taking the next two weeks off for an end of summer break. While we’re gone, we’re bringing you four of our most popular episodes pulled from the archives.   I hand picked these episodes based on feedback in our Proof to Product Facebook group, emails I’ve received from listeners and convos I’ve had with all of you.   We hope you enjoy these episodes and learn something new!   Kristen Ley is the sole owner and founder of Thimblepress, a lifestyle brand that focuses on creating products and experiences that make you smile and want to celebrate life's moments, big and small. Kristen created Thimblepress out of her garage in 2012 and the company has seen tremendous growth since then. She now has a team of 15 full-time and part time employees and the company occupies 7000 square feet that includes 2 brick and mortar retail locations. Kristen’s products are now sold in over 1500 retail stores internationally and she continuing to work with brands to create unique collaboration and partnership opportunities!  Kristen attended Tradeshow Bootcamp in 2013, prior to launching to the wholesale market. On today’s episode we’re talking about hiring from within, fostering a team environment, things to consider when entering professional partnerships and how she fell into business backwards.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: [01:00] Thimblepress’ story[02:00] Two ways to start a business: Intentionally or falling in backwards.[03:00] Naming Thimblpress[05:30] Making the jump to wholesale & googling what wholesale means.[08:00] HIring and growing the Thimblpress team & promoting from within.[12:30] Using partnerships & collaborations to diversify revenue streams[13:00] Setting clear expectations in partnerships with contracts.[15:30] Collaborating with Hallmark[17:00] Negotiating & protecting yourself when big brands want to work with you.[18:30] Transitions, shifting in business & what she credits her success to.[23:00] Kristen’s advice on product development and how she gathers new ideas.[26:00] Thimblepress’ social media tips, planning tools & how far out they schedule their posts.[33:30] Creating sub-brands to reach different markets[39:00] Taking a break from trade shows this year.   KEY TAKE-AWAYS: “I think there's two ways you start a company. You literally fall into it from a hobby or you start with a purpose of wanting to start a company.” - Kristen Ley “Sometimes our line is very eclectic and just all over the place. Honestly, that's my personality. I used to get really down and out about it. I was like, "Man, I wish I had a more cohesive look to all my products, like Megan Bellannion." I feel like she has a great cohesive look. I sat there one day and I thought, "You know what though? This is totally my personality." I'm wacky, and crazy, and weird. I love lots of color. I love drawing. I love painting. I love trying new things. Truly, this line is my personality come to life. Because I never wanted to ask for help, but I've learned how to now.” - Kristen Ley “We're very picky with all of our products and make sure they're the highest of quality standards.” - Kristen Ley   “I never want to stop learning and stop trying to make Thimblepress better. Because I think when you stop, you become complacent.” - Kristen Ley   Running a business can get very uncomfortable at times because you are making tough decisions that play into the longevity of the business, the sustainability of the business. If you’re not feeling a little uncomfortable in whatever you’re doing, then you’re doing something wrong. - Katie Hunt   “Your products need to solve a problem for your customer” -Katie Hunt   “Social media is intended to be social. It is a place to have conversations” -Katie Hunt   “You don’t need to do trade shows to have a successful wholesale line.” - Katie Hunt   “I’ve always done things how I wanted to do it.  March to the beat of my own drum and not let the industry decide for me.” -Kristen Ley   LINKS: Paper Camp Thimblpress ShopThimblepress for Target (the secret March release she alluded to!) Grum.co   MEET KRISTEN LEY: Kristen Ley is the sole owner and founder of Thimblepress®, a lifestyle brand that focuses on creating products and experiences that make you smile and want to celebrate life's moments, big and small. I created the company out of my garage in 2012 and since then have been going strong, growing my team, and continuing to develop products that I truly love. I create all the art for every single one of our products. Thimblepress now has a team of 15 full-time and part time team members, occupies 7000 square feet, has 2 brick and mortar retail locations, is sold in over 1500 retail stores and is continuing to work with other brands to create unique collaboration opportunities!   Website: thimblepress.com Facebook: @thimblepress Instagram: @thimblepress Pinterest: @thimblepress Twitter: @thimblepress   JOIN THE TSBC FAMILY: Interested in learning more about launching or refining a wholesale line or exhibiting at trade shows?  Join us for our next Paper Camp conference in Los Angeles. Get more details and register at www.tradeshowcamp.com/papercamp   ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode.

Johnny and Joanna are the husband-and-wife co-founders of Letterfolk, a contemporary American brand whose mission is to create meaningful products inspired by simpler times. Letterfolk started in June 2015 while the couple searched for a unique way to capture their daughter's monthly baby milestone photos. They designed a modern, versatile letter board that was tailored and repurposed for today's home. Letter boards are now a staple of social media art direction, home decor, and milestone photography.   As Letterfolk has grown, so has the brand vision and product offerings. Letterfolk products are proudly made in the United States with premium materials, craftsmanship, and processes.   On today’s episode we’re talking about how Johnny & Joanna reinvented the letter board market, their thoughts on copy cats and how they leverage social media to nurture their customers and share their company story. ON TODAY’S EPISODE: The most unique and interesting way they’ve ever seen a letter board used How Johnny & Joanna came up with the idea for Letterfolk The light bulb moment they had when they knew they wanted to create a business The original letter boards they started Letterfolk with When they decided to branch out into other product categories What Johnny & Joanna learned about wholesale and how not all of their products work as wholesale products How they nurture a strong community within their customers online How Johnny & Joanna  feel now vs. how they felt at the beginning when people started copying their products The way their vision for Letterfolk has changed as the company has grown Johnny & Joanna’s advice for someone just starting out in a product-based business What’s next for Letterfolk KEY TAKE-AWAYS: “It's so humbling to see our product involved in these life changing moments.” - Johnny Galbraith “To be honest, we were so in over our heads in the beginning with trying to keep up with demand that there was just no time for product development.” - Johnny Galbraith “If your margins don't work, if your pricing doesn't work, you don't have to sell everything you create to both the wholesale and the retail market.” - Katie Hunt “Words are our business.” - Johnny Galbraith “Johnny and I have tried to insert ourselves as part of the brand as well just so that people remember that it's a human brand. It's a brand that there are people who actually care who are buying it.” - Joanna Galbraith “It [copycats] started motivating us and making us just want to put blinders on and still move forward as a brand and figure out how we were going to become a lasting brand.” - Joanna Galbraith “We've got to move forward, we've got to build a brand that's bigger than letter boards and prove that we're more than a one hit wonder.” - Johnny Galbraith “It's given us pretty thick skin in this mentality that we should just expect that everything's going to be ripped off. So, how are we going to make it X times better from the outset so that when the knockoffs do come knocking, we'll already have a product differentiation right from the outset?” - Johnny Galbraith “Our focus is keeping our mission the same, but just broadening our product categories.” - Joanna Galbraith “I think it's a good test to say, "If I'm passionate enough about this product or this idea, then I will put in the hours when I don't have them.” If you don't, then I don't think you're passionate enough about it and you probably shouldn't quit your day job and just go full speed into the world of entrepreneurship.” - Johnny Galbraith   CONNECT WITH JOHNNY & JOANNA: Website:  https://letterfolk.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/letterfolk Instagram: https://instagram.com/letterfolk If you’re gearing up for trade show season and need help creating a beautiful booth that doesn’t break the bank, I want to invite you to my free masterclass.   I’m sharing my three secrets to maximize your trade show investment and keep wholesale orders coming in long after you trade show end.  To join me for this FREE workshop, head to www.theboothblueprint.com to register! SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app. WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know! ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!