Gift Biz Unwrapped | Women Entrepreneurs | Bakers, Crafters, Makers | Startup

Gwen Bortner is a speaker, trainer and consultant focused on the craft enthusiast niche. Her passion is working with small business owners helping them reach their individual success goals. She calls it the light bulb moment. That moment when everything clicks into place. When an obstacle is overcome or when a goal is met or a long sought-after answer is realized. Gwen has taught craft and business classes throughout the country for over 15 years. She is the author of Entree to Entrelac, an instructor for Craftsy, and the past Interim Executive Director of The National Needlearts Association. Being a passionate believer in abundance, Gwen knows that when we work together to improve our industry, our individual businesses improve as well. The Start of GwenBortner.com Back in college, Gwen reconnected with her childhood love of knitting. For a short time she worked in a yarn shop with the thought that someday she’d have her own yarn business. With a degree in computer science, she worked for Ernst and Youn

Bri is a visual storyteller for MVMT, a direct to consumer accessory brand that has disrupted the watch industry. She is passionate about helping brands shape their aesthetic and use photos and video to showcase their product creatively. In her real life Bri enjoys “art, yoga and time with dogs that aren’t mine.” Bri’s Journey to Finding Career Fulfillment Bri has had a passion for the arts since she was a child. She continued to explore her creative side in college even though she didn’t pursue an art related degree. When first job with a solar company didn’t allow her to express her creativity either, she began to feel “like unwatered grass.” That’s when she knew she needed to make a change. MVMT was founded in 2013 by two college dropouts as a direct to consumer business. With little funding for marketing, they started the “Join the MVMT” campaign. They asked everyone who bought a watch to post a picture with the hashtag #jointhemvmt. Doing so entered them into a drawing to win a $500 credit towards fut

Are you discouraged because your small business is not performing as you had envisioned? Are you stuck and confused about how to turn things around? Do you tell people everything is wonderful when inside your stomach is churning because you know it isn’t true? Here’s a sneak peek into the new book Maker To Master. It will help you identify where the holes are in your business and show you EXACTLY how to fix them. You’ll learn from owners just like you who are seeing real success, growing their companies and living their dream. Think back to when you were so excited about starting your own business. Remember how you felt about getting your product out into the world and making money doing what you love. This was the plan to achieve a lifestyle of freedom and pride. Let’s get you back on track with that vision. Maker To Master is specifically for “Gifters-Bakers-Crafters-Makers” addressing the unique challenges you face. It’s time to re-ignite the passion you once had for your business. Maker To Master

Bob’s company, Hurley 45, helps businesses grow their sales by getting placement in major retail chains. Do you have a vision of seeing your product on the shelves in one of the big brand stores … maybe even a box store? Bob finds that many people want to jump in without a true understanding the intricacies involved. By nature of their size, large corporations have a lot of requirements: Financial, Logistical, Testing, Vendor Contracts, Pricing, Supply Chain Management, Private Label initiatives, Replenishment, are just a few. It’s important to have that dream of selling big, but not without the adequate preparation. Bob advises that you should have a strategic plan for growth not an impulsive plan for growth. The Start of Hurley 45 Over the years Bob has acquired a unique skillset that is the strength behind Hurley 45. Right out of high school, Bob worked at Sears. He stayed with them for 15 years first as a district buyer and later in the regional buying office. There he learned and perfected his know

Wendy is the founder of Pinzit Limited. Actually, this is Wendy’s third career. She also co-owns a family flooring business and practiced as a registered nurse too. Wendy’s product, Pinzit, is a women’s fashion accessory invented quite by accident. She was trying to solve a problem she was having while wearing her favorite new sweater and suddenly, the idea for Pinzit was born. But once Wendy had her idea, what was she to do next? She knew nothing about product development and manufacturing when she got started. But she sure does now! The Start of Pinzit One morning Wendy was trying to figure out how to wear her sweater so that it would in place. She was sick of using a safety pin to keep the shrug from slipping. So she searched through her jewelry box and found a pearl earring to do the job. Unfortunately, the clasp on her earring wasn’t made for that and the earring quickly loosened and fell away – lost forever. However, when Wendy recognized what happened, the idea for Pinzit was born. Business Buildin

Nikki is the Founder and CEO of Sales Maven, an organization dedicated to authentic selling. Her success comes through the unique ability to transform the misunderstood process of “selling.” With 24+ years of experience, selling to such prestigious organizations as The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, and NASA, Nikki shattered sales records in many industries and received multiple “top producer” awards along the way. Today, entrepreneurs and small business owners hire Nikki to show them how to sell successfully and authentically, without being pushy or “salesy.” Nikki shares the secrets of her sales success through illuminating keynote addresses and business-changing workshops. Her robust Sticky Selling Master Academy produces game-changing outcomes for clients, many of whom have also reaped the benefits of her immersive VIP consultations. The Start of Sales Maven Nikki experienced the world of sales with her first job out of college, in the technology space. Then when she moved to Was

Carole is the Executive Director & Founder of K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore. This is a non-profit business that supplements literacy programs in suburban libraries and schools. They use reading teams consisting of registered therapy dogs and qualified handlers to strengthen reading skills while also boosting confidence of the young readers. The Start of K-9 Reading Buddies The concept behind K-9 Reading Buddies of the North Shore started back in 2007 around a Starbucks coffee table. A group of five had the idea of bringing therapy dogs into schools to support literacy programs and to motivate the children to want to read. As they put their plan in place, more and more people wanted to contribute to the cause. This is what prompted Carole to formally start her non-profit now known as K-9 Reading Buddies. The business has formalized the program and provides consistency and a professional structure to their worthwhile cause. Candle Flickering Moments When K-9 Reading Buddies was formed, all member

  This is a special announcement in regard to the podcast that in the past appeared in this spot as Gift Biz Unwrapped Episode #158. I hold you as my listener in the highest regard. We are part of a fabulous community of gifters, bakers, crafters and makers who use our products to spread light and love out into the world. Unfortunately, the actions of Aaron Roth the week of July 26, 2021 go against the values of Gift Biz Unwrapped and my commitment to you as well. One of respect, safety and decency. I’m upset and disappointed in regard to the events that occurred and stand in solidarity with Rachel Tintle and any crafter who has been treated this way. It is for that reason, I have removed the interview with Aaron from the podcast lineup. There's no place for this in our community here or anywhere for that matter. Other episodes you can listen to that will provide guidance on video and livestreaming are: episode numbers 325, 252, 155 and 50. That’s all for this revised message Contact Links Website

Why is it that some promotions work so well and others … not so much? We’ve identified 5 Features that you can integrate into your next promotion to set it on fire! The good news is you don’t need to use all five. Select which ones work best based on your industry, your customer base and the focus of the promotion. 5 Promotion Features that Get Results Scarcity – This is going to disappear so act now. Limits – You can use time, such as good through a certain date. Or numbers like, the first 100 responders. Credibility – An explanation of why the promotion exists. It gives logic behind what is being offered whether it’s a price discount or something else. Ego/Exclusivity – Selecting a particular group of people makes them feel rewarded and special. This emotionally connects them to the offer. Value – Offering damaged or used products at a discount is not a great bargain in the eyes of a customer. They think it should be discounted. You want to create a situation where the customer perceives they are getti

RADD-Tees is an art t-shirt company that began with five high school students and a class assignment. High school artists submit designs via the RADD-Tees website. Once the design is accepted it is included in the shop and available for purchase. Online orders are taken for a design and printed on t-shirts. Part of the revenue from each shirt goes to the artist who created the design, and some also goes to the students’ high school art department. This provides a win-win for everyone involved. The artists have their images available to the world, the art departments gain additional financial support, and we all get to wear some cool t-shirts! The Start of RADD-Tees RADD-Tees started with five students from Barrington High School who are in the Business Incubator Program. After brainstorming their options, they decided the business was going to be making t-shirts. But in a unique way. Knowing that the art departments of high schools are underfunded compared to sports teams, they set out on a mission to prov

Kelly Roach is the host of the top-rated podcast Unstoppable Success Radio. She’s also an international best-selling author, and the CEO of Kelly Roach Coaching. As a former NFL Cheerleader and Fortune 500 Executive, Kelly brings a powerful combination of proven and profitable business growth strategies. This is coupled with the mindset, wellness and productivity practices required to help entrepreneurs build a profitable business around a life they absolutely love. Kelly’s passion and purpose is in helping entrepreneurs around the world achieve exponential profit, sales and income growth. The Start of Kelly Roach Coaching Kelly fell in love with developing people through teaching, coaching and training on sales and marketing in the corporate world. Over the years she began to realize that no matter how many times she got promoted, she was never going to be able to bring together her core values of freedom, financial abundance and flexibility. Kelly Roach Coaching was established in 2012 when Kelly took ev

I’m fresh back from Social Media Marketing World 2108. This is a conference gathering over 5,000 people from all over the world who come to hear from the leaders in the industry all about the latest and greatest social media tips. There were over 100 speakers and guess what? It’s not just about social media. It’s also about blogging, podcasting and other creative communication outlets. This is my second year at SMMW18. As with any conference, I benefit in many ways over and above learning from the speakers. There are always new options for tools and services I uncover from the exhibitors. And I attend organized events with smaller groups where I get to meet up in person and enter into the most valuable of conversations. Finally, there are the awesome new people I meet throughout the three days. It was no surprise that this was fabulous event. I want to take you back there with me. So I’m going to share my approach to getting the most out of any conference I attend. The big three themes or overall trends dis

Jodi Pavey is the owner J Pavey Designs located in the San Francisco Bay Area. On her Etsy shop you will find hand made knitted fashion accessories and home goods. Her love of knitting started as a hobby and quickly transitioned into a business 12 years ago. Today, Jodi is also an established designer and shares her love of the craft through teaching knitting and crochet. The Start of J Pavey Designs After Jodi lost her corporate job, her husband suggested that she do something she loves. So she started selling her knitted creations. It was a success particularly because they were unique and based on her own designs. Shortly thereafter, she was invited to teach knitting at a local venue. From there things blossomed into the business she has today. Business Building Insights It takes time to build a business. Let your friends and family know about your hobby and things you love to do. You never know where that can lead in terms of connections and career opportunities. Prioritizing projects is key to

In honor of March being Women’s History Month, I want to take you back in time. We will be talking with Lady Bird Johnson, the wife of the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson. Lady Bird Johnson’s life spans the 20th century from 1912-2007. This is a century in which the role of women changed dramatically. Lady Bird herself said that her life was, “A part for which I never rehearsed.” Rebecca Bloomfield has professionally presented famous women in history and performed at the Lyndon Johnson Library. Listen here as she describes being invited to a small dinner party with Lady Bird Johnson which led to her detailed knowledge of stories that had never been told. [41:59] Lady Bird Johnson’s Story How she got the name Lady Bird. [4:13] With the loss of her mom, she was sent away. [5:28] The Austin, TX college years. [7:52] Meeting Lyndon. [8:56] What a marriage proposal! [11:00] Life on the campaign trail begins. [12:39] The attack on Pearl Harbor changed Lady Bird Johnson’s role. [17:40

Jill Fleming is sought after speaker, best selling author, and trusted advisor. While living on a cattle ranch in a tiny town somewhere in the middle of Nowhere, Nebraska, Jill didn’t have the luxury of calling for help when something didn’t work. Instead, she learned to tap into her intuition so she could rapidly create solutions and get right back to business. That explains why she has such a keen eye for seeing things from a different perspective and is especially gifted at helping her clients uncover the next best steps to take in order to create their lives at their highest potential. As an intuitive business strategist and facilitator of freedom, Jill guides entrepreneurs and professionals through the process of clarifying their vision and creating step-by-step fulfillment plans so they can live their best life, starting now. Jill’s Story Jill’s experience growing up in a small town and it’s advantages. [5:21] A friend’s prompting kicked her into action. [8:30] Why Jill loves coaching. [10:36] Wha

When you start a business, your logo is one of the first things you’ll think about. It’s such fun to select your name and create your logo! Here we’ll cover how to make sure your logo is as beneficial to your business as it possibly can be. If you are just starting out, this will help as you develop your first logo. And if you’ve been in business for a while, years may have passed since you’ve even thought about your logo. Now’s the time to make sure it still properly represents your business. What is a logo the first place? It’s the first visual representation of your company that prospects see. And for that reason alone it’s super important. But it’s only one part of your overall brand. When we talk about a brand overall, it encompasses every touch point that a customer might have with you. It is the visual imagery in terms of your logo. But it’s also the feel of the business when people come into your shop, when people enter your craft booth, the look of your promotional materials, and how you interac

Michael spent 7 years building a video company that was the envy of everyone in his field, GebbsTV. Until one day, he woke up to the realization that he’d built a cage of his own making. He had given up too much of his life in the name of something that didn’t really mean a whole lot. So he hit reset, and over the last three years, has rebuilt his life and his career around what matters and in doing so, has profoundly changed his metrics for success. Michael’s current company Jumpstarters, helps creative entrepreneurs to get over the same hurdles that he was able to conquer, allowing him to work with individuals such as Tim Ferriss, Tony Robbins and Richard Branson. Michael is a big believer in Massive Imperfect Action rather than getting stuck in the minutia and never moving forward. Michael’s Story The fast version timeline of how he got to today. [3:36] How he identified the need to change his path to photography. [6:36] He didn’t know about his special power yet. [7:30] The My Way decision explaine

It all began in January 2013 when the Soyentist, Derek, and his (then) 9 year old daughter, Erin, were looking for a craft project to work on together. They settled on making candles. Starting with a kit from Hobby Lobby, they soon found that they really enjoyed making candles and loved discovering and creating new scents. Being a high school science teacher, the Soyentist then researched types of soy wax, optimal wick thickness, scents, scent throws … and the experimenting began. Encouraged by the early response, they decided it was time to start marketing their product. The Lab Assoystant, Julie, (a middle school science teacher) developed the name and labels. She also started labeling jars, setting wicks, creating an inventory, and selecting their favorite scents. The product debuted in May, 2013 and things really started hopping. Mad Soyentist is a true family business. The three work together to create a product customers love. The Mad Soyentist Story It began one wintery afternoon. [4:13] How the

You’ve purchased an online course. Now how do you ensure that you get the most out of your investment as possible? This is a sequel to the prior podcast Episode 146 where we talked about whether you should buy the online course in the first place. I went over the four steps that you should take to determine if the course is for you. Definitely take a listen if you haven’t done so already. But let’s say at this point, you’ve gone through a review and determined the course is right for you and you’ve made the purchase. Congratulations! I’m proud of you because you are investing in yourself and your business. Now let’s talk about how to get the most out of your chosen course as possible. Four things that can happen after someone purchases a course Which one of these 5 categories will you fall into? [1:31] Six Steps to getting the most out of the course Setting up. [4:42] Determine your over all objective. [6:24] Schedule time in your calendar. [7:29] Start the Course. [8:28] Participate and access all bo

The beginning of the year is a good time to reflect back on what happened last year and what types of things you want to do differently in your business this year. One of those, I am hoping, is investing in yourself and in the growth of your business. That is why I wanted to bring up the topic of today which is how to decide if you should take an online course. There are so many different choices out there. How do you decide? It’s a lot more difficult when people are online because they aren’t right in front of you. You might have less of a connection and recently discovered them. How do you make sure you’re not throwing money away with your online course selection? Is it worth laying out that hard earned cash in hopes of getting the result you’re looking for? Over the course of my professional career, I’ve taken my share of courses. I’ve gotten wiser and more analytical when I’m trying to decide if a program is one that I want to invest my time and money in. I’ve created an evaluation system I run thro