Proof To Product

New York Times Best-selling author, Jon Acuff has written five books including his most recent, FINISH which focuses on goal setting and follow-through .  Jon has helped some of the biggest brands in the world tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, Staples, and the Dave Ramsey Team. He’s spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at companies such as Microsoft, Nissan and Comedy Central.   On today’s episode we’re talking about misconceptions around productivity and goal setting, how to set yourself up for success and why it’s ok to let yourself be bad at certain things!   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: The biggest misconception that people have about productivity and goal setting Jon’s career path and how he wrote five books & made the New York Times best-seller list How his life has shaped what he writes about in his books Why he wrote Finish Why Jon thinks that perfectionism kills productivity The benefits of being bad at certain things The role data and measurement play in reaching goals Jon’s thought

Katie Hunt, founder of Tradeshow Bootcamp takes a minute to thank the TSBC speakers who have helped shape Tradeshow Bootcamp into what it is today.

Emma James and Bailey Rivera are the owners of Antiquaria. These savvy business women have made some big transitions in their business over the last 7 years. They started selling vintage pieces, hand calligraphic work and now focus their product line on stationery products such as gift wrap, notebooks and greeting cards.   They attended our Paper Camp E-Course in 2013 prior to launching wholesale.  Their products are currently carried in Anthropologie, BHLDN, Paper Source, Terrain and independent boutiques internationally. On today’s episode, they’ll tell their story of starting the business, talk about how pivoting at different points strengthened their business model and how prioritizing their personal happiness has enabled them to grow too. They also shared nuggets about what inspires them when creating new products as well as logistics for how they determine which product categories to tackle next.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: How Emma & Bailey first met The history of Antiquaria and the pivots they have ma

TSBC alum, Stephanie Clarke is the founder of Dahlia Press, a boutique design and letterpress studio that offers custom design for events, as well as, a wide variety of stationery accoutrements for the retail and wholesale channels.  Stephanie participated in our Paper Camp E-Course in 2014 before selling wholesale and exhibiting at the National Stationery Show. On today’s episode, Stephanie and I are talking about how her business transitioned from a side hustle into a full time gig, how sales reps have enhanced her business and she shares her system for outsourcing packaging of her products.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: Stephanie’s background as a designer in a corporate environment Starting Dahlia Press as a side hustle while she worked a corporate career The benefits of keeping a full-time job while growing Dahlia Press Current product offerings and how this has changed over the years How Tradeshow Bootcamp prepared her for NSS Working with sales reps and how they have enhanced her business The complexity of

Katie Hunt, founder of Tradeshow Bootcamp has hosted 13 live events over the last five years for Tradeshow Bootcamp and even more when she was in the corporate world. Today's mini episode focuses on four key tips for hosting live events:   1. Focus on your content first 2. Be mindful of your budget 3. Involve your audience in the planning proces 4. Set realistic goals for your event.   If you're looking for more information about how I plan Paper Camp and build live events into my business model, check out my interview with Tara Gentile on Profit Power Pursuit podcast. Look for episode 96 at www.taragentile.com/podcast

TSBC alumni, Julie Richardson started Julie Ann Art in 2008 as a side hustle and has seen great success over the last nine years.  She got her start on etsy where she’s had almost 70,000 sales to date!  Julie also sells to the wholesale market.   On today’s episode, we’re talking about building community with customers, how she handles copy cats and why she’s focused on creating products with purpose.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: The start of Julie Ann Art as a side hustle while she worked a corporate career The catalyst for Julie Ann Art becoming a full-time job Julie’s decision to start wholesaling & what caused her to go in that direction The benefits of craft shows Her inspiration for new designs & sayings for her products Making the decision to move forward on new products Dealing with people who copy her work Nurturing her online following to make them really feel a part of the Julie Ann Art brand Making the transition to outsourcing work What’s coming up for Julie Ann Art KEY TAKE-AWAYS:   "...It's

TSBC Alum, Victoria Venturi is the founder of Paper Epiphanies, a paper and lifestyle brand that empowers women. Prior to being her own boss, Victoria worked in PR Marketing for really large brands such as FOX, Disney, Warner Bros., and Hilton Hotels. On today’s episode, we’re talking about balancing wholesale and retail outreach, how to build relationships with the press and the importance of honing your message and articulating the why of your business. ON TODAY’S EPISODE: Victoria’s background in stand-up comedy and public relations The beginning of Paper Epiphanies The mission and vision behind Paper Epiphanies Focusing on your core audience and accepting that her products are not for everyone The value of knowing your why Paper Epiphanies business model & launching both retail and wholesale simultaneously Why it was important for Victoria to launch wholesale from the beginning The differences in marketing to wholesale clients and retail customers Creating cohesion in your brand How to approach pres

About a year ago, I was in a funny place.. I was coming back from maternity leave and feeling a bit lost.   My business was growing, I was finding my new normal juggling work and family and I had BIG goals I wanted to tackle for TSBC.   Yet I was feeling all kinds of resistance and was struggling to take action.   Then, I was asked to join a mastermind group with six insanely talented women and my life changed.   What's a mastermind? It is a small group of entrepreneurs who are at similar levels in business. The group fosters community, provides accountability and is often led by an expert who provides coaching, guidance and structure to the program.   Serious magic happens when I get together with these ladies.   Ideas take flight. Challenges feel less burdensome. Resources are shared. Action is taken. Progress is made!   My Proof to product podcast is a great example of how influential my mastermind has been in my business.    Recording a podcast is something I've wanted to do for years, but never made it a

Today's guest, TSBC Alum, Bryn Chernoff is the owner, calligrapher and creative director of Paperfinger.  Paperfinger offers a range of distinctive and elegant contemporary calligraphy for weddings, events, branding & design. Bryn also teaches calligraphy on Skillshare and in workshops across the country. Bryn’s work has been featured in numerous publications including Martha Stewart Wedding, Real Simple, Esquire and Brides to name a few.     During this episode we talk about transitioning from a day job into your business full time, finding your unique voice and point of view when creating your work and how business retreats are a great way to refuel and find clarity in your business.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: Bryn’s interest in calligraphy & how she got started Transitioning to a part-time day job to allow for more margin to work on Paperfinger Creating and building up her portfolio How her product & service offerings have expanded using her skill set Her advice on how to handle a client asking for

TSBC alumni, Rosanna Kvernmo is the owner of Iron Curtain Press, a letterpress studio in Los Angeles.   In the spring of 2016, she and her husband, Joel, are also opened Shorthand, a little store specializing in beautiful supplies for your desk. On today’s episode, Rosanna and I talk about her experience as both a wholesaler & a store owner, product development and finding your unique voice in your products and business.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: The start of Iron Curtain Press as a side business making invitations for her friends Lessons she learned in the first several years of business Refining the services offered by Iron Curtain Press Rosanna’s experience in the retail space as both a wholesaler & a store owner Her advice for people pitching retail stores Opening her retail shop, Shorthand The types of products sold at Shorthand and where Rosanna finds them The National Stationery Show Planning & launching new product lines The importance of knowing why you are adding a new product Understanding

TSBC Alumni, Shayna Norwood of Steel Petal Press owns letterpress studio and retail store front in Chicago. Shayna started Steel Petal Press in 2008 as a side hustle and it became her full time gig in 2010.  In 2016, she opened her flagship retail shop selling her own products as well as stationery and office goods from other independent brands.      On today’s episode, Shayna shares how she manages both a wholesale busienss and a retail storefront, the challenges she’s faced while growing her business and her advice to designers who are pitching their products to wholesale buyers.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: The start of Steel Petal Press as a side hustle. Feature in Daily Candy & faking it til you make it. Her first year at the National Stationery Show & exhibiting with Ladies of Letterpress. How opening up the retail shop was a happy accident. Managing both sides of her business & the challenges that causes. Shayna’s team and the roles they fill. Merchandising the store & learning to buy for the

TSBC Alums, Allison Brennan & Jessica Tree are the owners of The Social Type.  They launched their foil-pressed greeting card line in 2010 and have since expanded into other gift categories including their very popular matchboxes. On this episode, Jess and Allison talk about their inspiration for creating new products, how they split responsibilities as business partners and we talk about the importance of slow, but steady growth in business.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: Life before The Social Type and how they decided to create the business. How they balance responsibilities as business partners. How she helps product makers manufacture overseas. How they strive to differentiate themselves in the market. Overcoming issues with their match boxes. Deciding how much product to order & discontinuing products. Opening their retail storefront Their advice for other entrepreneurs KEY TAKE-AWAYS:   “We’re constantly searching for something that’s unique and different to set us apart from everybody else.”  - Jessi

TSBC Alum, Heather Harris has been designing day planners and desk products since 2004 for clients including  momAgenda, Barney’s, Brooks Brothers, and Tiffany & Co. In 2015, she branched out on her own to start Copper Bottom Design Co. where she and her team help product based businesses with design, proofreading and overseas production.  On today’s episode, we’re talking how to know if you’re ready for overseas manufacturing, common errors people make when creating day planners and how her past experiences and skills have led her to create a thriving, enriching business for herself.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: Heather’s rich background in the industry & what led her to starting Copper Bottom Design. Manufacturing overseas & what the process looks like. How she helps product makers manufacture overseas. Fears surrounding manufacturing overseas. Benchmarks or metrics to determine if manufacturing overseas is right for you. Common mistakes she sees when people create day planners. What’s upcoming for Co

Jen Gotch is the chief creative officer and fearless leader of Ban.do.  Jen founded the company in 2008 with no prior business experience and was able to transform it from a small, vintage, one-of-a-kind hair accessory company into a million dollar brand within years.  I had the pleasure of working with Jen when she was a speaker at our Tradeshow Bootcamp Business Camp conference. She not only offers a wealth of information, but she’s passionate about helping creative entrepreneurs succeed.  On today’s episode, we’re talking about how Ban.do evolved into the lifestyle brand it is today, why having a strong brand is the best thing you can do for your business and the importance of making time for self-reflection no matter how many years you’ve been in business.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: The evolution of Ban.do Selling to Lifeguard Press and how this enabled further growth Hard lessons Jen has learned in business Why having a strong brand is important and affects other aspects of business How and why Jen gives bac

Tara Gentile is the founder of CoCommercial, a digital small business community for entrepreneurs serious about making money, impacting their communities, and transforming the lives of those they love. She’s also the host of Profit. Power. Pursuit., a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of successful small businesses. Entrepreneur named it one of 24 top women-hosted podcasts for business owners. Tara’s work has been featured in Fast Company, Inc, DailyWorth, Forbes, and The Huffington Post.   On Today’s episode we’re talking about overcoming mindset obstacles, proactive decision making in business and how to align yourselves with partners that elevate your brand.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: [01:00] Misconceptions people have about running a business.[04:00] How mindset plays into business decisions, growth and general success.[10:00] How Tara tackles mindset concerns.[12:30] Making decisions now for what you want your business to be in the future.[18:30] How to decide on your long term goals.[20:30] Five year

Rachael Hetzel is the owner of Pistachio Press, a boutique letterpress printing and design studio based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 2007, Pistachio Press produces a wholesale line of sweet and slightly snarky stationery products that are sold nationally and internationally. Pistachio Press also creates social invitations, business stationery, and prints commercially for a variety of clients. She’s been a Tradeshow Bootcamp speaker since 2011 and is an excellent teacher and mentor for creative entrepreneurs.  On today’s episode Rachael and I dish about mindset shifts that come with more experience as a business owner, juggling running a business with small children in tow and why we feel it is important to give back to our industry.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: [01:30] Pistachio Press turns 10 this year! [04:00] Transitioning from custom work into wholesale.[06:30] Trouble-shooting & being flexible.[07:30] Moving her business across states.[10:00] Having a baby and how it changed her workflow.[14:00] Making

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]

Kimberley is the New York sales representative for Crow + Canary.  During her 15+ year career in the stationery industry, Kimberley has worked at Crane & Co., Kate’s Paperie, as well as two of her own independent boutiques.  She got her start running a letterpress studio, and has since worked all sides of the business – manufacturing, wholesaling, custom printing, multi-unit retail, buying, merchandising, and now repping.  Kimberley’s vast experience in the industry provides a unique and valuable perspective. On today’s episode Kimberley talks about the role of sales reps, why you need a printed catalog for wholesale and the importance of giving back.   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: [01:00] Kimberley’s rich background in the stationery industry. [04:30] Meeting Carina Muray, her now boss, through Twitter.[07:30] Overview of a sales rep’s role.[10:00] Tips for reaching out to retailers.[11:30] Keep track of contacts you meet & jot down details you can use in follow up.[12:30] What to end to retailers you’re woo-

For full show notes and access to additional resources for this episode, visit: prooftoproduct.com/008 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

For full show notes and access to additional resources for this episode, visit: prooftoproduct.com/007 Meg Sutton of Belle & Union Co., started her business in 2012 with a focus on creating handmade, American-made goods.  Belle & Union has seen a ton of growth in their business in the last five years expanding from the world of letterpress greeting cards into textiles, home goods, kitchen wares and paper gift products.  On today’s episode, Meg and I talk about research & development of new products in the handmade space, working with sales reps, goal setting and how running a business is a marathon, not a sprint.     ON TODAY’S EPISODE: [01:00] Meg’s story of starting Belle & Union Co. [03:00] Diving head first into her business, launching wholesale & retail at the same time.[05:00] Finding her niche and expanding into gift and foodie products.[07:30] Why B&U focuses on creating handmade, American made products.[9:00] Research & development of new products.  Determining if profit