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Contenuto fornito da Stefa Normantas. Tutti i contenuti dei podcast, inclusi episodi, grafica e descrizioni dei podcast, vengono caricati e forniti direttamente da Stefa Normantas o dal partner della piattaforma podcast. Se ritieni che qualcuno stia utilizzando la tua opera protetta da copyright senza la tua autorizzazione, puoi seguire la procedura descritta qui https://it.player.fm/legal.
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<div class="span index">1</div> <span><a class="" data-remote="true" data-type="html" href="/series/decisions-decisions-1418286">Decisions, Decisions</a></span>
Welcome to "Decisions, Decisions," the podcast where boundaries are pushed, and conversations get candid! Join your favorite hosts, Mandii B and WeezyWTF, as they dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love. Every Monday, Mandii and Weezy invite you to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, they share their personal journeys navigating their 30s, tackling the complexities of modern relationships, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge societal expectations. From groundbreaking interviews with diverse guests to relatable stories that resonate with your experiences, "Decisions, Decisions" is your go-to source for open dialogue about what it truly means to love and connect in today's world. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation!
Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
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Contenuto fornito da Stefa Normantas. Tutti i contenuti dei podcast, inclusi episodi, grafica e descrizioni dei podcast, vengono caricati e forniti direttamente da Stefa Normantas o dal partner della piattaforma podcast. Se ritieni che qualcuno stia utilizzando la tua opera protetta da copyright senza la tua autorizzazione, puoi seguire la procedura descritta qui https://it.player.fm/legal.
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26 episodi
Segna tutti come (non) riprodotti ...
Manage series 2431246
Contenuto fornito da Stefa Normantas. Tutti i contenuti dei podcast, inclusi episodi, grafica e descrizioni dei podcast, vengono caricati e forniti direttamente da Stefa Normantas o dal partner della piattaforma podcast. Se ritieni che qualcuno stia utilizzando la tua opera protetta da copyright senza la tua autorizzazione, puoi seguire la procedura descritta qui https://it.player.fm/legal.
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Episode 024 – Summer Bucket List Challenge Summer is not done yet! At the time of this recording, summer is coming to a fast close. But wait, there’s still a little more summer to be savored! This special mini episode (short!) shares a fun way our team makes sure we don’t miss the most important parts of summer. And a little competition helps spice it up! Take our Summer Bucket List challenge. Download our summer bucket list challenge here.…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Episode 023 – Gregg Shapiro, New England Made Shows Are Wholesale Giftware Trade Shows For You? If you’ve ever wondered how to determine if a gift show is for you, listen in. With more than 25 years of experience, Gregg Shapiro shares his expertise in the needed mindset and preparation for success in wholesale giftware shows. A little about Gregg Gregg Shapiro is Vice President of Sales & Business Development for Green Tree Event Consultants, producers of the New England Made Shows. For over 25 years he’s developed a keen knowledge of business-to-business media across myriad platforms. An alum of Syracuse’s Newhouse School of Public Communications, prior to joining Green Tree he has worked in media sales and marketing for the International Health and Racquet Club Association (IHRSA), United Publications and Diversified Communications. To reach Gregg, you can email him at gregg@nemadeshows.com or call him at 207.517.6816. Thoughts from Gregg You need to be absolutely certain that the products that you are considering offering to wholesale are turning an appropriate profit to your business and can be made and can be scaled. I always get a little bit concerned when somebody says most of their products are one-of-a kind/made-to-order because that doesn’t typically align well with mass production and wholesale. You need to create a booth environment that really talks about the merchandising of your product and how it’s going to be best displayed for selling. Quotable “Wholesale has to be a multi-year enterprise.” “A show environment allows you over the course of a two, and in the case of our spring show, a three day period to get in front of a very qualified audience.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Episode 22– Ellen Feldman Ornato, The Bolder Company How To Survive The Dread of Networking and Actually, (Maybe!?) Enjoy It! Is there anything more uncomfortable than a networking event? For most of us walking into a roomful of strangers, it strikes dread in our hearts and makes us hide in the bathroom stall or dive into the punch bowl. However, you’ve got to increase your network to grow your business. In this episode, Ellen Feldman Ornato gives us tips and new strategies for making networking and public speaking a skill you can master. Pull up a chair and take notes…there’s gems in this one. A little about Ellen Feldman Ornato Ellen Feldman Ornato is a serial entrepreneur from a family of entrepreneurs! Her formal education is in city planning & economic development but she grew up in a “retail family” and has owned businesses in addition to full time jobs since 1990. Ellen launched The Bolder Company with her friend, Jenny Drescher, in 2014 and the two have been on a growth trajectory since then! Their business focuses on increasing connection and performance at the heart of workplaces. To learn more about Ellen and The Bolder Company, you can visit www.theboldercompany.com. Thoughts from Ellen Let’s abolish the name ‘networking’ and call it ‘meeting people.’ Lower your expectations, say ‘how can I meet these people this evening and have a nice conversation.’ Meetings that happen in the morning tend to be more substantive than evening receptions. Make small notes on the back of business cards right after the event so you don’t forget who they are. Recommended Resources Small Business Association SCORE Connecticut: The Entrepreneurial Center & Women’s Business Center Quotable “Nobody can represent you and what you do better than you.” “Try improv!” “Remember where you came from.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Episode 21 – Lisa Mossel Vietze, Archipelago Do’s and Don’t From A Seasoned Buyer and Artist What does a retail buyer look for? How do you handle exclusivity? How do you even get in the door?! Lisa not only has exceptional retail expertise, but also understands the mindset of an artist. She shares do’s and don’ts of approaching retailers – valuable advice for anyone looking to connect with a specialty retailer. Listen in now! A little about Lisa Mossel Vietze Lisa has been Director of Archipelago for 11 years. She combines her experiences of working in retail and non-profit environments as Archipelago is not only a retail space [store, gallery and online] but a program of the Island Institute as well. She’s also a fine art photographer and have been making images for 30 years, with photography exhibits around New England and collected throughout the U.S. Her website is www.LisaMosselVietze.com To learn more about Lisa and Archipelago, you can visit www.thearchipelago.net Thoughts from Lisa It takes different skills to do art and make art and be creative than it does to run a business. I love helping artists uncover their voice as well as guide people through the process of being an artist. I think one of the most exciting things is seeing someone who is truly being themselves and sharing that vision with the world. Make sure you let your buyer know what’s new in your line. Recommended Resources Maine.gov/business Art Business Institute CERF+ – the artist’s safety net Imaginarium by Claire Rosen Quotable “One of the really important things for an artisan is to know if they want to be a business.” “Narrow your focus when you transition from doing craft fairs—focus on the best products that can reach your customers.” “Good retailers really want you to succeed and have a partnership in doing that.” “I hope that everyone who is running an arts business maintains a piece of themselves and their creative process for that real fun piece that keeps them engaged and inspired and doing what their vision is in the world.” “Trust your intuition, trust your own process and be your best self and engaged and see where that leads you.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Episode 020 Why do Martha Stewart, American Craft Week, and Yankee Magazine all find Matt Beaudoin’s work irresistible? Does his success come from the love of the work or the fear of failure? Listen in to hear how Matt has taken his grandfather’s lessons to build an anchor business for his community. A little about Matt and Mystic Knotwork Matt started nautical knottying from his earliest memory. His grandfather Alton Beaudoin encouraged him to learn fancy knotwork since he was 7 years old. He’s been active in the knot tying hobby for 41 years and left his IT job in 2009 to pursue this full time. Mystic Knotwork now serves over 400 shops around the country and has two workshops open to the public in Downtown Mystic, CT. “My grandfather won the first Mystic Outdoor Art Festival in 1957, which is what we use to mark the start of our business. Our first ‘modern’ award was the 2014 Heritage artisan award at Martha Stewart American Made. 2015, American Craft Week named us their Artisan Extraodinaire. 2016, we were named SCORE’s Small Business Champion, 2017, Business Insider named our work the #1 Souvenir for Connecticut, 2018, we won the Governor’s Award for CT Tourism as well as the Small Business of the Year by the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. This year, Yankee Magazine recognized us as their Editor’s Choice for Connecticut Made work.” To learn more about Matt and his company, visit MysticKnotwork.com . Thoughts from Matt Price your wholesale first, then mark up to your retail. That way if somebody buys wholesale, you’ll feel the celebration when somebody buys retail. We are challenged by politicians that don’t understand artisan or manufacturing businesses built on trades skills and not automation. I’m most proud to be an ambassador for the state of Connecticut. Recommended Resources Asana – project workflow Small Business Association SCORE E-Myth by Michael Gerber Quotable “Be ready for a ride and be ready to be a student of the game.” “Hire people you can trust and help foster that trust in people. “It takes time to get traction and go.” “Don’t let opportunities slip by, but don’t also expect returns you can see.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Episode 019 The road to wholesale does not usually start with genetic sequencing, but Holly Kenny of Elsie Kaye Glassworks has made her own path with a torch in hand. Listen in as she shares how she continues to evolve her business to support both her creative expression and the market she serves. A little about Holly Holly Kenny has been creating unique artisan jewelry, giftware and kitchenware using a torch and glass rods since 2008. She owns Elsie Kaye Glassworks, an artisan studio and gift shop that features the work of New England artisans. To learn more about Holly and Elsie Kaye Glassworks, you can visit https://elsiekaye.com/ . Thoughts from Holly I’m most proud of developing an artist community here in my town, and my area because right around me there’s not whole lot of that… that’s been pretty amazing. Go after what you want. I was afraid it wouldn’t work, but just don’t be afraid to try it and see how it goes. Recommended Resources Lewis Howes School of Greatness podcast Profiting by Design: A Jewelry Maker’s Guide to Business Success by Marlene Richie Quotable “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and make sure that you surround yourself with really good people to help you do the things that you can’t do it.” “Focus on what you’re good at and not compromising the quality of the work that you do to grow bigger, but just focusing on what you do–do it well.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
From Craft to Artists and More – A Conversation with the Maine Crafts Association Episode 018 The Maine Crafts Association works to support craft artists with marketing and educational opportunities. While craft doesn’t always successfully crossover into wholesale, Sadie Bliss, Director, knows the best practices of the most successful craft artists and shares them with us in this episode! A little about Sadie Sadie grew up in New Hampshire where her mother was a professional craft artist making a living from her ceramic work. While in graduate school receiving a degree in Arts Administration Sadie worked for the Society of Arts and Crafts, managing Craft Boston. She moved to Maine in 2008 and began working for the Maine Crafts Association at the Center for Maine Craft and in 2012 moved into the director role. The Maine Crafts Association offers educational, marketing and retail opportunities to members, including professional development focused on wholesale. To learn more about Sadie and the Maine Crafts Association, you can visit https://mainecrafts.org/ or email her at sadie@mainecrafts.org . Thoughts from Sadie I think what people really need is to have some income from craft shows, some income from open studios, some income from wholesale, some income from maybe a consignment arrangement so that as each one of those different sources ebbs and flows, the other ones can carry you. The mistake is when people make decisions a little bit too quickly about what’s working and not working and limit their income. If you start imagining things and how you would want them to be and how growth could look, sometimes things will start falling in place. Recommended Resources Indie Retail Academy Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work that Lasts Maine Crafts Association Quotable “I love it when people quit their jobs and then move over and just do this craft business they’ve been building. It’s a really wonderful and scary and a brave step.” “The most successful craft artists have honed in on their best income streams and they also continue to take risks and to grow.” “Successful artists are finding the balance of sticking to their vision and their style and spending their time making the things that they want to make while making small adjustments that meet the demands of the market.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Denise O’Reilly likes to burn things. And they’re beautiful. Episode 017 As the owner of The Burnt Shop, Denise has been gone from making holiday gifts for friends to quitting her leader role at Whole Foods. How did she go from presents to profit? How does she create new products? With a lot of hard work and smart growth along the way. Learn how she’s heating up her wholesale business in this episode. A little about Denise Denise O’Reilly, owner artist at The Burnt Shop, moved her home and business to Maine in 2018 from Glastonbury, Connecticut. She launched her line of botanically inspired kitchen and barware 4 years ago by selling at farmers markets and art shows. She transforms her pen and ink drawings into etched and woodburned pieces out of her home studio. Her creations of beautiful, eco-friendly items for the home, are now being carried in close to 50 stores across the Northeast. To learn more about Denise and her company, you can visit www.theburntshop.com or email her at info@theburntshop.com . Thoughts from Denise I can make an item, maybe even take a little video while I’m making it, post it [on social media] and within minutes know whether it’s a win or not. That feedback is so valuable. If you decide you want to do something, simplify your home life and go all in. Don’t wait until you’re ready because you never going to be ready. You don’t have to settle for the grind. Recommended Resources The Nutmeg Collective – business support Creative Live – online classes https://www.creativelive.com/class/how-make-living-selling-what-you-make-megan-auman Healthy habit: eat healthy, live a simple life. BONUS PRO TIP: Before you consider renting additional space for your studio, first see if you can reclaim space by putting rarely used things in a local storage unit. Usually it’s a cheaper option! Quotable “It’s important for my sanity to live a very frugal and simple lifestyle.” “There’s such a community out there [on social media]. If you’re just helpful, appreciative and respectful to your other fellow makers….everyone gets lifted up.” “Even when things go wrong, I’m pretty good at sitting back and saying…’all right, what’s this going to teach me.’”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
From monkeys to Mad Gabs, the kitchen to QVC—building a life with lip balm. Episode 16 From monkeys (yes!) and a failed math class to selling to retailers like Wegmans and Whole Foods Market, Gabrielle has grown up with her Mad Gabs business. How did she do it? One lip balm at a time and more. From her start selling out of the back of her car, listen in to hear the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. A little about Mad Gabs Gabrielle Melchionda began making lip balm while studying anthropology at Umass Amherst in 1991 searching unsuccessfully for a lip balm that wasn’t greasy or waxy but was made with natural ingredients. She created her own formula using beeswax from her neighbor and gave to friends and family who couldn’t get enough. They convinced her to start selling in stores locally and Mad Gab’s was born. What began as a kitchen-based hobby became a small business and ultimately Gabrielle’s life work. Mad Gab’s celebrated 28 years in business in 2018—and currently works with retailers around the US like LL Bean, Wegmans, Cracker Barrel, Whole Foods Market and countless amazing independent stores. Mad Gab’s products have appeared on QVC, and in a variety of magazines including Vogue, Elle, Seventeen and Business Week. When not playing Maestra of Mad Gab’s, Gabrielle enjoys life with her two sons, Silas and Jasper, traveling, writing, cooking and working with startup companies and budding entrepreneurs. To learn more about Gabrielle and her company, you can visit www.madgabs.com or email her at gab@madgabs.com . You can also learn more about how she’s working to empower girls at her GabsGirls program . Thoughts from Gabrielle If we can take something and give it different identities and put those products into different markets. How beautiful is that? Pro tip: pick an airline, pick a hotel and pick a car for your brands and stick with them. The loyalty pays off. Even if you’re not traveling a ton. It does make a difference. We should all seek counsel on a regular basis. Gabrielle’s Consulting Gabrielle is currently providing consulting support. “I’m a great fit for small business owners and startups who want counsel on the following: strategizing, sales, marketing, packaging, copy-writing-editing, trade shows selection and booth design, art direction, sales reps, goal setting, work-life balance support, and general coaching. What I do tends to blur the lines between a sounding board, a coach, and a bit of emotional support. I’m all about free resources, too and often work in conjunction with folks also in touch with SCORE, SBDC, CEI, etc.” Email her for more info! Recommended Resources SCORE – free volunteer mentors SBDC – free business support New Ventures – business support Startup Maine, Portland, Maine 3 day conference Greenlight Maine – business competition show Quotable “One of the most powerful things in small business is the pause. Whenever you don’t think you have time to stop is when you need to stop the most.” “Your body doesn’t just belong to you. It belongs to those who love you.” “We become part of people’s lives. And the relationships that we have with our retailers, our reps, our consumers, our employees or former employees… and without them, we aren’t anything in our lives or as a business.…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
From 18 months to 275 stores–It’s A Wrap Episode 15 Michelle has always taken what’s around her and made something beautiful and useful. She also has a passion for learning. In the last 18 months, she’s taken her love of textiles and learning to the next level while solving a problem of single-use plastics in an elegant, practical way. Z Wraps are a beautiful, reusable beeswax food wrap. They are a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. You can use it to keep your bread, sandwiches, snacks, veggies, and hard cheeses fresher, for longer. Michelle shares her inspiring story of how she’s taken her idea to 275 stores in less than 2 years! A little about Z Wraps Michelle started working on Z Wraps in April 2017 and sold her first wraps into stores starting in January 2018. Her husband Steve is the wizard behind the scenes waxing the fabric as well as working the numbers for inventory management. Michelle also has 2 girls, Sage who is 6 and Eva who is 3. They all live and work in Western, MA. To learn more about Michelle and her company, you can visit www.myzwraps.com or email Michelle at michelle@myzwraps.com . Thoughts from Michelle When I find something that I’m really interested in, it just lights a fire underneath me and I can’t forget about it. I’m proudest about the responses that I’m getting from our customers and the stories that I hear people say about how excited they are that we’ve given them a solution to single-use plastic. There’s no such thing as a well-oiled machine. Recommended Resources Podcast – How I Built This with Guy Raz From NPR Mentors – Valley Venture Mentors Quotable “It’s not going to happen if you don’t love it.” “It’s ok to be wrong. Be ok with being in the right 80% of the time.” “Talk to people. Get out there and talk to people. Share your ideas. Nobody is going to steal your idea. They don’t have time to steal your idea!”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
What You Need To Know About Sales Reps - Episode 14 What do giftware and specialty food sales reps do? How do they get paid? How much? When is it a good time to get one? What should you ask your sales rep and what do you do when it’s not working out. We cover all these and more from seasoned sale rep, Jane Hughes, and learn about her 26 years in the business! A little about Hughes & Co. Jane Hughes of Hughes and Co., a Vermont-based rep company, has been an independent sales rep for 26 years. She also now offers retail consulting to retail store owners to help them increase sales and/or set up a new store. To connect with Jane, email her at Jane.hughesco@gmail.com . Thoughts from Jane Sales reps allow a business to focus on producing their product, not selling Reps are paid by commission only, usually ranging between 15-20% for giftware, 10-12% for specialty food Reps are not distributors If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, it may be time to consider a rep Do your homework—get out there and see what else is out there. If you’re putting in all this work, you want to be able to sell your product! Recommended Resources Healthy Habit – Fresh air and yoga! Social media – Instagram Book – In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney Quotable “Listen to your customers before you start talking to them.” “Don’t judge a book by its cover. You just never know what someone could be dealing with in their life.” “Get some fresh air, get some sunshine, and then come back to your work!”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
A conversation about living your life and having a business too. Where do you get your inspiration for your latest business? Sometimes it comes in a bag of chips! Heidi Feldman not only gets her inspiration from the magical island beauty of Martha’s Vineyard, but from assessing what resources are available and working to create a life that blends the most essential items together. A little about Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt is produced by husband and wife team of Heidi Feldman and Curtis Friedman, a tech consultant-turned-entrepreneurial farmer and carpenter who share a commitment to local, sustainable food production and a deep love of Martha’s Vineyard. Part geek, part farmer, and 100% able to “make meaningful conversation with wallpaper,” Heidi is co-owner with Curtis of Down Island Farm. Heidi is passionate about living local and reviving the tradition of making sea salt on Martha’s Vineyard. To learn more about Heidi and her company, visit https://www.mvseasalt.com/ Thoughts from Heidi We very much try to promote our retailers through social media I’m proud that we have a nearly zero carbon footprint My business has taught me to shut up and listen! Recommended Resource Design/Web - Carmine Morra - carminemorra.com SEO - Brian O’Connor - https://www.brunch.money/about EcoBags Products Inc - Sharon Rowe - The Magic of Tiny Business Roadfood.com for food while traveling ( https://roadfood.com/ ) Quotable “You’ve got to give away that which you are not either proficient in or don’t like doing.” “Don’t break yourself for your business. It’s not worth it.” “Don’t be so shy!”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
It took 30 years for Suzanne’s idea to come to fruition, but today Port City Pretzels are enjoyed across the country…and boy, are we glad she’s brought her vision to the marketplace. While some her age would be slowing down, Suzanne is running full speed in growing a business. Her perseverance through hardship and a continued focus on moving forward no matter what the challenge holds plenty of lessons for all of us. Listen in and learn her best advice and how she uses the expertise of organizations like SCORE, Women’s Business centers and SBA/SBDCs to help her navigate growth in the specialty food market. A little about Port City Pretzels Suzanne Foley had the idea of bringing a food product to market over 30 years ago, but instead held management positions for most of her career. In 2015, at 57 thinking retirement was on the distant horizon she suddenly found herself unemployed. At the same time, she suffered overwhelming personal heartache. However, she never stopped believing in herself. With a solid resume and a hard work ethic, in the fall of 2015 she launched Port City Pretzels. Her passion for independence and creativity was the driving force behind her decision to introduce a specialty food product into stores. She has seen significant growth and finds herself now with a national presence and a prediction for greater future success. Her business concept has been recognized by the Small Business Development Administration for entrepreneurial activities and she is a 100% Women Owned Business. With a great deal of enthusiasm, she captures the essence of a true entrepreneur. To learn more about Suzanne and her company, visit https://portcitypretzels.com/ . Thoughts from Suzanne When I started, my family thought I was nuts! I’m proud that I’m providing gainful employment. I have a number of workers with disabilities which just evolved, and I love that…it comes from my heart proud. Age is not a barrier The challenge is maintaining the sweet spot of growth—not growing too fast or too slow. Ask for help, you can’t do it all Recommended Resource Small Business Association SCORE Quotable “I have more energy when I can step away and come back.” “It’s easy for us to put the love and the passion into our product, service or craft…but you’ve got to know your cost of goods. You’ve got to know your margins and understand your financials.” “Believe in yourself!”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
How do your products get from Whitinsville to the White House? It’s the little things! For Christine Guanipa of Little Man, it’s not about the work, but it’s about the people. Learn how she has built her line of textile handbags and accessories as well as a family business that cares for its community members. A little about Little Man Little Man is a simple, functional collection of textile handbags, accessories, and baby goods made for everyday living. Their prints are vintage-inspired, modern driven and created by hand in limited production from their Massachusetts studio. To learn more about Christine and her company, you can visit www.littlemanoriginals.com or email Christine at littlemanoriginals@yahoo.com . Thoughts from Christine What’s really exciting is when our pieces got picked up and sold at the White House. It’s been awesome. As you start your own business, it’s really your own personal journey. You can take different principles people tell you, but because your business is so personal—it’s very organic and evolves—there are successes and lessons that are really your own. As I’ve told my daughters, appreciate giftings and celebrate giftings you see in other people. Stay in your own lane and don’t compare—it’s not good. Thankfulness…gratitude goes a long way. Recommended Resource Book: Crash The Chatterbox by Steven Furtick Quotable “The most important thing that the business has taught me is that it’s not about me, it’s about people. Even as much as I love creating, making the bags, I love curating my bag selection, but I love serving people…it’s about making people happy, even if it’s just a little handbag.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Episode 10 ‘Will this sink my business?’ Almost every business owner has had that disaster moment. Cyndi Prince had hers early on in her business. Listen in on how she got through a packaging disaster to grow a business that is sustainable in more ways than one. With a background in science and art, she’s navigated both the practical and creative needs of her business. In this episode, she’ll share her story and seasoned advice for entrepreneurs and artisans at any stage! A little about Cyndi Cyndi Prince is the founder of LooHoo, LLC, a Maine-based company that makes and sells LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls, a reusable, energy-saving alternative to dryer sheets for those that are concerned with protecting their family’s health and the environment. Cyndi began her entrepreneur journey by completing business development courses including New Ventures through Women, Work & Community. She has been a recipient for a MTI Seed Grant Award, the Eileen Fisher Grant, a SPANX by Sara Blakely "Leg Up" Promotion winner and featured entrepreneur and was selected as the SBA 2014 Home-Based Business Award for Maine and New England. She resided in Camden, Maine with her husband Scott and their son Graham. To learn more about Cyndi and her company, you can visit www.loo-hoo.com or email Cyndi at cyndi@loo-hoo.com . Tips You can’t do it alone—you need the support of other people. Not just people you pay, but those that can cheer you on. For acquiring new buyers, look at other businesses that have a non-competing product and ask for introductions or connections. Or pair together to do joint cross-promoting giveaways on social media. Ask for help and be open to receiving that help Have something else to go to—something different—that allows you to come back to your business fully recharged Recommended Resources Book : Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done Healthy Habit: Regular exercise, eating healthy, getting good sleep. It’s the simple things, but important! Quotable “You need to surround yourself with amazing people and be able to let that evolve.” “Stick with it—it will continue to get better and you’ll figure out those hurdles and they won’t be so difficult.” “If you’re in it for the long haul, it so worth it. It’s a tough journey and challenging, but so rewarding.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Have you ever struggled in your business trying to figure out how to grow or make a profit? Whether it’s for advice on starting a profitable business, a plan for growth or how to buy or sell your own business--the right advice can make all the difference. Peter Harriman is a Center Director of the Maine Small Business Development Center and he helps guide businesses through those exact challenges for FREE! In this episode, he focuses on one of the most essential keys to success--how to price profitably and set your terms! A little about Peter Peter Harriman is a certified business advisor at the Maine SBDC at University of Southern Maine in Portland. He works with entrepreneurs and small businesses in Cumberland County to start and grow their businesses. In the three years Harriman has been with the Maine SBDC, he has spent 2,746 hours advising 570 clients. He’s helped to start 51 businesses, create/retain 132 jobs, and helped clients access almost $5.8 million in capital Thoughts from Peter Know what your minimum price so that you know your position for negotiating Know your direct and indirect costs Have normal, steady price increases Look for groups of people or associations that can band together for bulk purchases and cost savings Keep financial records using some of the recommended resources! Recommended Resources The Maine Small Business Development Centers https://www.bizbuysell.com/ - resource for buying or selling a business Financial software - Quickbooks, Xero or Wave Healthy Habit: I try not to bring work home or schedule work outside of work hours. Quotable “If there’s two things in business I know, it takes longer and costs more than you think.” “When you’re making decisions about your business, ultimately you have to make the decision that’s right for you.” And a really inspiring favorite video. (It's short and worth a watch.) Learn More! To learn more about Peter, you can visit www.mainesbdc.org or email Peter at Peter.Harriman@maine.edu . Special offer - Peter is hosting free webinars on February 11 & 12, 2019 on wholesale pricing and booth basics! Sign up info at http://www.mainesbdc.org/tradeshow/…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Becky Wright has been selling pottery since the mid-90s and always knew she could make pottery a career. However, in the early days fear was her constant companion. Afraid of money, fear of failure and a fear of success. Becky almost gave up on wholesale. Listen in to how she got over those challenges to create a life where she’s proud to be able to do what she loves to do. A little about Becky Becky Wright is a potter living and working in Southern Maine. She works with stoneware clay on the wheel to create three collections: Tableware, Kitchen and Home Décor. She’s greatly influenced by landscapes and skylines. These horizons and seascapes inspire her glazed works as she overlaps two colors to let the lines blur, creating intense color combinations with depth and alluring details. She was an elementary art teacher for 19 years but always sold pottery as a side way to earn money alongside her teaching career. In 2016, she left teaching to be a full-time studio artist. She lives in the house she grew up in with her studio in her home and her husband and three teen children. Listen in this episode as Becky shares her insights in what she’s learned through her growth and challenges. Thoughts from Becky I’ve learned to get help for things I’m really terrible at doing or I just don’t want to do. I know what I know and I know what I don’t know! It’s important to connect with other makers, visit and support each other. Recommended Resources The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Get Rich, Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Healthy Habit: Yoga and a big salad every day! Quotable “Following your passion doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be inspired every day.” “I’ve learned I can’t do it alone.” “Just keep doing what you’re doing.” “Keep creating. Keep making even when something feels like its failing. Don’t stop. Ever. Don’t worry about what others are doing, or how successful they are, or how many followers they have on Instagram, or try not to be so competitive. It doesn’t mean they are happier than you. Their story is not your story.” Learn More! To learn more about Becky, you can visit www.beckypottery.com , follow Becky on Instagram at @Beckypottery, or email her at hello@beckypottery.com.…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Hey Coach! Scott Roberts is a business coach--mine specifically! Last year I hired a business coach --highly recommended! Scott's work is more of a calling than a career path and in this episode, he shares practical, actionable steps for building a profitable business. As a former CEO, Scott Roberts understands first-hand the challenges of running a business. With over 20 years in positions with Fortune 500, small and start-up companies, Scott uses his experience to coach business owners to their own view of happiness, success and wealth. A little about Scott Scott Roberts, of Summit 9 Consulting, coaches companies to drive sustainable results through increasing revenues, developing people capabilities and capacity and using time more wisely. “I find out what matters in business owners business and personal life and then coach them to achieve it. This results in happy people, happy owners, and happy families.” To learn more about Scott and his coaching, you can email him at scott@summit9consulting.com. Tips A coach is helpful if the business is growing quickly and managing growth is challenging...or you’re just not sure how to run a business A good coaching candidate is passionate about their work and is willing to work hard and implement advice Most businesses underprice their product and don’t understand their financials Throw out the words “I know” from your vocabulary--it cuts off curiosity and learning Don’t treat your business like a hobby, see it as a business Recommended Resources Books: The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins: How to Use Your Own Stories to Communicate with Power and Impact Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make The Leap and Others Don't Healthy Habit: Biking! Quotable ‘Learn to accept failure as a teacher” “Imperfect action beats perfect inaction” “Building a business is a game of inches. Stop and celebrate the wins.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Tammy Knight has been surrounded by family makers from her earliest years (including her grandmother who taught her how to sew!). Her current role allows her to live vicariously through the creative members of Maine Made. She’s deeply committed to the success of her members and works tirelessly to support them through her resources. In this episode, Tammy shares her insights into what artisan/maker members need to be successful in her program and beyond. A little about Tammy Tammy has been with the Department of Economic and Community Development for 18 years. In that time, she has managed CDBG grant portfolios totaling over $26 million in support of communities and small businesses. She became the Manager of the Maine Made program in 2012 and has since continued to work with Maine businesses both small and large to expose them to new markets and networking opportunities. To learn more about the Maine Made Program, you can visit www.mainemade.com or email Tammy at tammy.knight@maine.gov. Tips Successful people are always networking, learning…looking for what works and taking chances Get quality photography If you’re a Maine Made member, reach out the veteran members for advice! Recommended Resources Maine Made Program The Maine Small Business Development Centers New Ventures Maine Maine Center for Entrepreneurial Development Book on the Nightstand: Stephen King – Doctor Sleep Healthy Habit: Take a deep breath, exhale and realize what you’re thankful for. Quotable “Keep doing what you love and love what you do.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
From her beginnings in a dream job on a Maine ski mountain to her work today leading a thriving agency, Nancy has built a career on relationships and the power of communications. PR is what she was born to do. With media relations as her superpower, she shares practical and seasoned advice for planning and promoting your story. A little about Nancy Nancy Marshall, the PR Maven® and CEO of Marshall Communications, is a Yankee powerhouse of city-girl grit, staunch country values, and go-getter vigor. She leads a boutique agency with a strong team of outcome-driven PR and marketing specialists. As the PR Maven®, she leads her team in developing and implementing The Marshall Plan® in the areas of tourism, outdoor recreation, health care, economic development. With her infectious laugh, bone-deep curiosity, hunger for people's stories—and that grin—Nancy exudes vitality and makes friends wherever she goes. Whether listening intently to a client, pitching a story, cycling to the Canadian border, enthusiastically networking, or growing MC, she activates copious amounts of energy, fun, and joy—in herself and in others. To learn more about Nancy and her business, you can visit www.marshallpr.com or email her at NMarshall@marshallpr.com . Tips PR is communicating with specific target publics You need to come up with a newsworthy angle—it can’t just be ‘hey, write about my biz because I’m awesome’ Artisans can tend to be humble and miss opportunities to tell their story Your brand is delivering on the promise day in and day out so that people know they can rely on you. Telling your story is one of the most cost-effective and effective ways of building your brand—that’s what differentiates you Figure out your story, how you want to tell it and tell it every chance and every medium you can get Build your list of email addresses—it can be the greatest asset of any business Recommended Resources Email: Mailchimp and Constant Contact Contact Management: Google Contacts and Hubspot.com Apps: Calm Book: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Healthy Habit: Sleep! Don’t underestimate the power of sleep. Quotable “You’ve got to learn something every day. Sometimes we have to remember we are human beings, not human doings. “Fear and creativity cannot co-exist. Push fear aside and remember you are doing what you were born to do.” Special Giveaway! Nancy does a weekly giveaway, so head on over to www.prmaven.com/giveaway , and enter into a weekly drawing for a copy of her book and a famous Marshall Communications ‘Things to Do Today’ pad. Or for PR and marketing tips, visit marshallpr.com/webinars for a list of her free webinars!…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Noah Munro understands firsthand the challenge of growing a profitable food business through his work as co-founder of The Mill Fudge Factory. Munro drove the growth of the company from an idea into a well-run profitable food business with over 10 employees and steady annual revenue growth. Munro was also responsible for selling over $400,000 of fudge online, shipping to every state in the United States. He shares his step by step advice on how to develop a profitable pricing strategy and lessons he’s learned along the way. A little about Noah Noah Munro is a food business consultant and founder of Taste Profit Consulting LLC in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He provides food business owners and managers with entrepreneurial coaching and execution support. He has assembled a team of specialists to help provide support on growth strategy, marketing and PR, eCommerce, and accounting. Noah is also the co-founder of The Mill Fudge Factory in Bristol, New Hampshire and earned an MBA from Babson College, focused on entrepreneurship. To learn more about Noah and his consulting business, you can visit TasteProfit.com or email him at noah@tasteprofit.com . Tips Businesses make the mistake of doing cost pricing versus market-based pricing Make sure you clearly define your competitors and their pricing structure Decide on your pricing strategy (quality, price, value) and make sure it’s a profitable model Think about at what price your retailer will be selling your product and what margin they’ll need Make sure you focus on your core business, not the shiny penny The common mistake is to ignore the financials; instead, use your financials as a dashboard Develop an advisory board to help steer your ship Be persistent, persevere through the challenges your facing Recommended Resources Noah’s awesome pricing profitability tool: Competitive Price Analysis Tool (Excel download) - Noah Munro, Taste Profit Recommended Book Read – E-Myth Mastery: The Seven Essential Disciplines for Building a World-Class Company Paperback by Michael E. Gerber Podcast: SmallBusinessSuccess.com Quotable “Make sure you find your core business focus and make sure that core business is viable.” “If your margins aren’t there, it’s going to be really hard to exist in the long run.” “You need a team to grow a business, you can’t do it alone.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
What do you do when you lose your corporate job? In this episode, Michael Gaffney of Seawicks Candle Company discusses the challenges of starting up a company while raising a family. A little about Seawicks Candle Company It's so much more than wax. It's about community, culture & quality. Michael and Cara Gaffney are a husband-wife team creating 100% soy candles inspired by life on the coast. In 2011 after Michael lost his corporate job, he and Cara began the creation of Seawicks Candle Company. Today with more than 400 accounts across the country and a retail location in coastal Maine, they have built a quality brand in a competitive market. https://www.seawicks.com/ Takeaways It took us three years before we felt the business was ‘stable’ Doing wholesale is an important part of the success of their retail location Entrepreneurship is hard, but don’t be afraid of it We now recognize our mistakes and grow from that knowledge Slowing down introduction of new products, switching into new lines Always have time for exercise--work it in Stay true to your own path in the world Don’t wait, go for it. Learn your business and craft. Don’t copy. Do what makes your heart happy. Recommended Resources Success Magazine https://www.success.com/ Conscious Company Magazine https://consciouscompanymedia.com/ Quotable “I’m proud of us taking the risk and not having to go into the corporate world.” “The business has taught me to be strong and forgiving.” “Go for it and be true to yourself. Don’t look at the outside world for your influence. Put your influence into the world.”…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
The candy business is not always sweet. In this episode, Kate McCrea, McCrea’s Candies and I cover the challenges of cash flow and the importance of having a strong team to support your business growth. A little About Kate and McCrea's Candies McCrea’s Candies was founded by husband-wife team Jason and Kate McCrea. Building upon backgrounds in biology and chemistry, the McCrea’s transitioned into the sweet science of candy making after double layoffs. Started in a home kitchen, McCrea’s Candies now offers a full line of mouthwatering caramels to over 800 retail outlets throughout North America. https://www.mccreascandies.com/ Takeaways Hardest part of the business is maintaining cash flow and capital for growth Know your numbers and stay true to your margins. Good people are worth their weight in gold Always be ready for buyers – they’re everywhere Start day with non-business reading—something that feeds your interest Listen to audio books in the car Recommended Resources Books! https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Bar-Integrity-Passion-Business/dp/0787986712 https://www.amazon.com/Let-People-Surfing-Education-Businessman/dp/0143037838 Apps! Audible, online books Quotables from Kate "I wish someone had told me success can be extremely expensive." "It's critical to have a peer group of people at your level or a step above." "We're not a failure for having problems, even really big problems. It's just a matter of working out the solution."…
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Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas
Summary Maggie Bokor joined our show to discussed how she has built confidence in communicating who she is through her work. We also talked about the financial realities of being a maker and how to adapt through the challenge of losing sales through bad seasons or galleries closing. A little about Maggie Maggie Bokor is known for her organic, elegant fine metal jewelry. She lives an inspired life as an artist, coach and entrepreneur. Maggie designs from the heart, inspired by her beautiful natural surroundings. She believes in the heirloom quality of her work and loves hearing stories of how her work has touched other’s lives by wearing her creations. Maggie’s jewelry is showcased in over 60 galleries across the country. When she is not working on her own creations, Maggie is helping others find confidence and clarity with their own creative business through her conscious consulting practice called The Transparent Jeweler. www.maggiebokor.com and www.thetransparentjeweler.com Tips Best marketing tool is face to face. Biggest lesson: “You’ve really got to find the pleasure in what you do--don’t do it alone, be in partnership with people to lean on.” Try to introduce about 30% new product every year. The only way to figure it out is to get in there and do it. Recommended Resources Recommended Book Book Read – https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319 Apps: Instagram Quotable from Maggie "I wish someone had told me the real financial reality of being a maker." "I speak from a place of confidence because I’ve walked the plank many times. I jumped in that water and got back out and did it again!"…
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