Proof to Product

I love using our platforms, particularly this podcast, to highlight our community members and all of the cool things they are doing within their businesses and lives. I also love to bring folks back for updates, a “where are they now” situation. So today's guest is Jodi Kostelnik of The Neighborgoods. Jodi was previously on episode 233 which aired in January of 2022. In that episode, she shared real numbers and feedback about her exhibiting experience at Shoppe Object, covering sales numbers, expenses, etc. We got a lot of positive feedback, emails, and notes from listeners about that episode because Jodi shared so openly and freely, and people appreciated that.  Today, she is back with an update and sharing some things that have gone on, some big changes that have happened with The Neighborgoods over the last 3 years. Jodi talks about her experience in opening up an airport store in Washington, DC, including how that opportunity came to be and how she has a unique ownership interest.  We talked about the highs and lows of hiring team members and letting go of control and how difficult that is, and Jodi shares how her products ended up being featured on the show, The View. Her team rallied together to ship out thousands of products after that feature, and a spoiler alert here, she met the contacts from The View at a trade show. Today’s episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks.  Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/377  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp  

Bonnie Christine, an internationally renowned surface pattern designer and award-winning educator, shares her insights on art licensing as a revenue stream. She discusses the lengthy yet rewarding process of licensing artwork and the importance of resilience in the face of rejection. Bonnie also highlights the role of art agents and in-house sales teams, while tackling the evolving influence of AI on the art industry. Additionally, she reflects on her journey from artist to educator, emphasizing the transformative power of teaching in the creative field.

Arianne Foulks, founder of Aeolidia, specializes in creating impactful online shops for artists and designers. In this discussion, she reveals key e-commerce marketing trends for 2025, stressing the power of personalized shopping experiences. Arianne shares practical strategies for segmenting customer communications and highlights the importance of utilizing data effectively. The rise of live shopping events and storytelling as engagement techniques also takes center stage, promising valuable insights for online retailers looking to enhance their customer interactions.

Happy New Year, friend. I hope that you were able to take a break over the holidays. I know the last month of the year is always pretty busy for all of us, whether it's personal stuff or we're getting our shops and businesses ready for the end of the year. I hope that you have plenty of time for some rest and relaxation.  We're back on the podcast with a new episode, and this week's episode is a real treat. I have Ashley Sutton from Hustle and Hope. Ashley is a Paper Camp alumni, and she's been featured in a few of our compilation episodes in the past. She was on episode 285 where we talked in person at NY NOW while she was exhibiting, and she was on episode 358 where she shared how much her business has grown since taking Paper Camp. But a stand-alone interview with her has been long overdue, and so I'm excited to share today's episode with you.  Ashley is a corporate gal turned entrepreneur. Her career began with marketing and developing the perfect shade of lipstick for Avon to creating buzzworthy toys at Mattel and crafting unforgettable marketing campaigns for leading TV shows for children such as Peppa Pig and PJ Masks. She's also creating the number one best-selling marketing campaigns for authors at Penguin Random House.  As a stationery lover and a consumer products professional, her goal was to channel her career experience into a product with purpose, and that is how she founded Hustle and Hope. The first 2 in one motivational greeting card company that includes free digital guides with every single card. A certified minority and certified woman-owned business, Hustle and Hope has retail placement at Buy Buy Baby, World Market, HomeGoods, Amazon, and over 45 other shops across the US. Today, Ashley shares Hustle and Hope's origin story. She talks about her experience participating in the Target Accelerator program, and we talk about how she's been utilizing grants for her business, including how she got started applying for grants, what she looks for, and how these grants have benefited her business. She also shares resources in case you want to get started applying for grants for your business. Today’s episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks.  Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/374  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp  

The Proof to Product podcast team and I are practicing what we preach and the podcast is taking a winter break! We will be back with a new podcast episode on Tuesday, January 7, and we have some incredible things lined up for you! While we're gone, be sure to dip back into the archives. We have over 370+ incredible episodes to help you strengthen your business. Have a great two weeks and I will see you on January 7th!

Amy Loewenberg, the Director of Buyer Relations for NY NOW, shares her extensive knowledge in the gift, home, and lifestyle industry. She highlights how trade shows are evolving to align with post-pandemic consumer behavior, emphasizing sustainability and meaningful purchases. Amy discusses the intriguing concept of neuroaesthetics, which focuses on designing multi-sensory shopping experiences that forge emotional connections with consumers. Additionally, she reveals innovative initiatives at NY NOW, aimed at enhancing both buyer and exhibitor relationships.

Hey, friend. I'm back with part two of my interview with Victoria Venturi from Paper Epiphanies. If you have yet to listen to part one, that was episode 371. In part one, Victoria shared about her business growth, including what it was like shifting from a business model that was 90% wholesale to a business driven by 90% retail today. Now, she's finding a middle ground between the two.  Today, we're continuing our conversation, and Victoria is sharing about the process of opening her store in the Portland International Airport.  Today's episode is brought to you by our Is Wholesale Right for You private podcast! This free 12-part audio series will help you decide whether wholesale is a good next step for your specific business. After listening to this audio series (in less than an hour), two things will be true. You'll know whether you want to pursue wholesale for your product business, and you'll have the confidence and action steps to get started with wholesale. Sign up for the private podcast today! SIGN UP You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/372  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp  

Victoria Venturi, Founder and CEO of Paper Epiphanies, has transformed her greeting card company into a global brand. She discusses her shift from 90% wholesale to 90% retail revenue, revealing the challenges she faced during the pandemic. Victoria emphasizes the importance of customer feedback and community connections in retail. She also candidly addresses the emotional struggles of entrepreneurship, particularly in the age of social media, and stresses the need for transparency about both successes and hardships.

Kelly Bristol, Vice President of Business Development at Just Got 2 Have It, brings 25 years of insight from the gift and home industry. She discusses the evolving retail landscape, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and local market knowledge. The conversation dives into the impact of online platforms like Faire, the importance of community over competition, and the shift from proactive to reactive purchasing behaviors. Kelly also outlines how empowering sales reps can drive brand success and enhance sales effectiveness.

I'm coming to you on the heels of having a cold, and I'm here to remind you to take care of yourself. A lot is going on in the United States this week.  Plus, this time of year is hectic for all of my product-based business owners. I know you are working so hard and are likely wearing yourself out. I thought now would be a good time to share simple ways to practice self-care before and during a busy season. Today’s episode is brought to you by our Proof to Product LABS coaching program. This is a coaching program specifically built for product-based business owners, with members from across industries and across the globe. We have member-only events inside of LABS, so request your invitation to join below!  REQUEST YOUR INVITATION You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/369  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp