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

Nina Nsilo-Swai has always had a passion for helping others and spent a decade doing just that in non-profit organizations across New York City. After moving to the suburbs with her husband and two sons, Nina combined this passion with her entrepreneurial spirit and formed rahababy®. The goal at rahababy is to bring joy to the daily rituals of parenting and make room for “raha” (joy in Swahili) in homes across the country. Her first product is the pee-kaboo reusable potty training sticker. These stickers help families make potty training easy and fun. Now, the parents of boys and girls, and parents of typical children and children with special needs, are reaching out to share their potty training success stories after using the pee-kaboo potty sticker. Potty training has never been this much fun. As Nina says, “Keep calm and potty on.” The rahababy Story A description of the pee-kaboo product. [4:45] She figured it out with a little help from a friend. [6:15] The need Nina’s product fulfills. [9:00] Th

Starting in 1968, Village Common is a dream three generations in the making and spanning over 40 years. Ben and Blake create handmade, natural apothecary goods, kindled by their family history. They bring to us this new installment of family traditions blended together and thereby continue the legacy of the Village Common. Take a look at their website and specifically their Our Story page and you’ll land upon an entertaining history lesson of mid 1900 retail. The Village Common Previous generations of The Village Common. [5:11] The evolution of The Village Common. [ 7:12] How they decided on candles. [9:39] Candle Flickering Moments How to finance their dream was the most difficult. [24:06] Getting the word out about the business while staying true to their vision. [24:34] Business Building Insights A description of how Ben and Blake made their product different. [11:38] Determining the product packaging and branding. [13:41] Why craft or trade shows are important. [16:42] Getting started and evolvin

Calley is the owner of Fat Toad Farm located in Brookfield, Vermont. Fat Toad Farm is a family-run business that produces a Traditional Goat’s Milk Caramel Sauce. Their award-winning sauces are based on the Mexican confection cajeta, and are meticulously hand-stirred to velvety perfection. Calley has spent the last nine years mastering the art of goat’s milk caramel making, focusing on traditional cooking methods and using a small number of simple, all-natural ingredients. The result of this process is a rich and creamy, not-too-sweet caramel that delivers an irresistibly complex flavor. Fat Toad Farm’s mouthwatering goat’s milk caramel sauces are delicious swirled on top of ice cream, mixed into your morning coffee, paired with your favorite cheese, drizzled on fresh fruit or eaten straight out of the jar with a spoon! The Fat Toad Farm Story The idea and development of Fat Toad Farm. [4:12] What is behind their name. [6:00] [27:12] Understanding the landscape and lifestyle in Brookfield. [7:47] A less

Brigitte has a fine art and graphic design background and has been in the advertising industry for over twenty years. Astonishingly, within 12 years, Fabscraps has grown from what started off as a small venture in a loft by 2 sisters, into the largest craft and fabric manufacturer in Africa. Fabscraps factory employers are predominantly from the Kwa-zulu Natal region, and many are single parents. Since 2005, Fabscraps has strived to transform the lives of many of these men and women by providing and mentoring career resilient work programs and assisting them in growing within the company. Today, the Fabscraps collections are as vast and and varied as the people of their rainbow nation. As a result, the brand has become one of the most recognized in South Africa and across the globe. The Fabscraps Story What is Fabscraps? [5:23] The idea started with her sister in their loft. [6:19] Fabscraps mannequin display at Creativation 2017 Creating the initial collection. [8:52] Candle Flickering Moments Failure

Sheila was laid off from her corporate job in 1992. So at the age of 42 she decided it was time to do what she loved – baking. Sheila took a treasured family recipe for brownies and launched a little brownie business. There were many ups and downs over the years, and it wasn’t until 2011 that all the hard work and sacrifices began to pay off. That was when she created a product called Brownie Brittle. By the end of that year, they had approximately 200,000 bags of Brownie Brittle on store shelves. Today they have over 30 million bags in stores nationwide as well as internationally. The Brownie Brittle Story First … a brownie business after being laid off from her corporate job. [4:54] The Brownie Brittle idea was realized. [5:43] The decision to focus solely on Brownie Brittle [7:01] Sheila shares some financial stats from her big growth year. [16:40] The cookbook – Butter and Chocolate. [17:48] Candle Flickering Moments The struggles of business development and how one major pivot was the answer. [21

Wow! 100 episodes and almost two years have passed since the very first Gift Biz Unwrapped podcast went live … it doesn’t seem like that long! I feel fortunate to have interviewed so many impressive business owners and service providers to our industry. Over time, the audience has become defined as people who are Gifters – Bakers – Crafters – Makers. People who create or sell handmade products and are in the process of, or already have started their own business out of their hobby or craft. I have learned so much hosting Gift Biz Unwrapped. Actually I pick up something new from each and every interview I do. Thank you to all my past guests. You have helped me produce a show that is giving value and encouragement to many. I have a great lineup ahead too. So do keep listening! At this milestone, I want to reflect on what’s been presented so far. I think you’ll find it interesting. I did. 3 Common Threads From my time working trade shows with my business The Ribbon Print Company, and from the answers I get on

Hailing from the land of Paul Bunyan, wooded trees and lakes for miles, Tena’s big personality + aptly given nickname ‘Tena-talks-a-lot’ sent her searching for more. After spending some time in the big city with a “big girl job” Tena quickly realized that the cubicle life wasn’t for her. With a little nudge from her husband she founded tena.cious, a social media + graphic design firm, and effectively launched herself as a brand with a career that makes room for all her passions. Despite starting off as a company of one, Tena has built a team of amazing women who have supplied the resources + woman power for her to pursue a legacy outside of solely running a business. Tena is a social media expert and accomplished speaker + trainer on all things social. Her love of twitter, training and talking + her social rock-stardom has made her known for building connections both online and off. Her experiences as a mom of three, business owner and leader within her communities makes her a strong advocate of customer f

Alex is the owner and farmer of Lifegarden Farm. He established Lifegarden Farm in 2013 with plans to grow some of the hottest peppers in the world right in the heart of Florida. History has shown the health benefits of peppers and Alex wants to share them with all of us. Lifegarden Farm’s team nurtures these peppers with love and good intention and pays strict attention to detail in the natural growth and feeding of their crops. Today, just three years later, they have created a variety of products including over ten specialty handpicked peppers, pepper powder, specialty salts, and pepper tincture. Alex lives in Lakeland, FL with his four children, Isaac, Allanya, Azlan, and Amelia. The Lifegarden Farm Story Alex speaks of the integrity of his product. [5:22] Alex’s passion came from a series of travels. [6:55] How and why did Alex choose hot peppers? [8:34] The opportunity he saw due to the abundance in nature. [12:36] Candle Flickering Moments His precious peppers were not selling when he tested the

Mike was born in Rwanda and immigrated to the United States in 2010 where he launched his business. Rwanda Bean Company supplies specialty coffee products in the U.S. and abroad. In turn, it supports coffee producers by investing profits back to the farms. The company began as an importer of raw coffee, and has recently started selling its own private label, roasted coffee products to wholesale and retail customers in Maine. Aside from running the business, Mike is studying for an MBA and enjoys playing soccer, running, and Maine’s microbrews! The Rwanda Bean Company Story What Mike discovered when he moved to the United States. [4:21] Why farmers aren’t seeing a lot of the benefits of coffee bean export. [7:39] Research was the first step. [8:30] The objective of Rwanda Bean Company. [9:12] The first shipment of beans and why Mike decided to roast himself. [18:50] Why Rwanda coffee beans are so good. This is a point of differentiation for them. [23:02] Coffee ratings for quality levels. [25:41] The

Bear Creek runs through the pasture of Jeff and Teresa Perleberg’s property in North Dakota. They raise sheep, cattle and chickens. It’s the sheep from her property that provide the wool for Teresa’s business, Bear Creek Design and Felting. Teresa has been selling her one of a kind needle felted art online since 2006. Two years later she opened her Etsy shop. As her business continues to evolve, Teresa has designed several beginner and advanced needle felting kits so others can learn her techniques and enjoy the craft as well. The Bear Creek Design and Felting Story A product description. [4:00] Teresa gives the basics of how a sculpture is made. [5:10] All about the live birthday lamb. [6:00] The start of teaching classes and then kits. [8:51] and [25:29] and [26:20] Email communication for customer retention. [22:23] Candle Flickering Moments A discussion about trying to do everything yourself. [15:33] A classroom challenge and what she’d do different next time. [27:11] Business Building Insights P

Kitcheneez is the Direct Sales division of Lisa Shively’s Kitchen Helpers, LLC. Kitchen Helpers is a food manufacturer geared to helping families enjoy more meals at home. Lisa started her business by writing cookbooks. Then after years of hearing, “we want it quicker and easier,” she decided that the only way to do this (other than going to their house and cook dinner herself), would be to create Quick Meal Mixes so they could have “her cooking” in their own home. Lisa now has over 100 mixes that they mix and package daily to ship all over the US. The Kitcheneez Story In the beginning … [5:02] The identification and creation of Kitcheneez [20:17] A friend’s need sparked the change of the Kitcheneez sales structure. [25:06] Facebook’s role in the growth of Kitcheneez [26:29] and [27:24] Candle Flickering Moments Be careful who you trust as you build your business. [7:28] Business Building Insights A perfect example of a business’ message. [3:53] Listen to your gut. [9:42] Do you know your customer ava

Tom grew up on a farm in central Illinois and had a rewarding career in agricultural sales and marketing. Upon retirement in 2008 one of his “chores” was to keep the birdfeeder full. This chore lend the way to his retirement avocation of the SquirrelAway Bird Café. These unique squirrel proof bird feeders are sold through several retail outlets, and also at craft shows, flea markets and online. Tom enjoys the craft shows and flea markets the most because of the direct contact with those with a squirrel problem. The SquirrelAway Bird Cafe Story How the idea was realized. [3:23] Developing the product – time and design. [5:01] Why SquirrelAway is unique from other bird feeders [6:37] A description of Tom’s work studio and an important point on production. [10:37] Getting the word out about SquirrelAway Bird Cafes for the first time. [12:42] The decision to donate all the profits. [13:07] Why Tom enjoys craft shows and how it helps his biz. [16:35] Biz Tip: Videos showing the product in action. [17:42]

Tom Corson-Knowles is a serial entrepreneur, blogger and international bestselling author. He started his first business at age 13, manufacturing SAD lamps out of his father’s garage. By the time he graduated from Indiana University Kelley School of Business at age 22, he was earning a full-time income from his first successful business which he started in his dorm room. Tom then decided to share the keys to success that he had learned along his journey to becoming a financially independent entrepreneur through his books, videos, and seminars. Today, he teaches new and established authors and writers how to achieve incredible success by writing and selling ebooks on Amazon Kindle. Tom is the founder of EbookPublishingSchool.com, a free video training program for any author who wants to learn how to successfully write, publish, and market their own ebooks. Tom is also the founder of TCK Publishing, an international trade book publisher that is leading the industry in providing advanced marketing support for

Amy is a stay at home mom who launched an accessory business after coming up with an awesome idea. She was looking for a product that would add style to her boots and compliment any outfit. When that product couldn’t be found, she decided to create it herself. Amy didn’t have any experience in the fashion industry and had no idea how to go about getting her product made. She didn’t even know how to sew! But she borrowed her mom’s sewing machine and took it one step at a time. Two years later, here she is, growing a successful business. Amy’s been happily married for 20 years and has two sons, ages 12 and 14. The Kuhfs Story A description of Kuhfs [3:32] How Amy came up with the idea [4:53] The steps Amy took to create the product [6:50] Getting genuine feedback on Kuhfs in a creative way [7:49] How Amy presented Kuhfs to the market for the first time [10:40] Winning the Push Award from Thinker Profit and how it helped grow the biz [11:36] Amy’s newsletter strategy for customer retention [24:52] Cand

Tim & Angie Burton are the owners of Burton’s Maplewood Farm located on 28 acres in the rolling hills of Southern Indiana. They have been producing 100% Pure and Barrel aged maple syrup on their farm for 8 years. Most of their bulk syrup is featured on menu’s in Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco & Nashville. Their Barrel Aged Maple Syrups are also offered online and at many Farmers Markets throughout the U.S. The Burton’s Maplewood Farm Story Identifying a potential new career. [2:40] Could this actually work on Tim’s farm? [6:55] A niche in a niche product. [10:12] Investigating how to produce barrel aged syrup. [11:26] Identifying and coining “fire infusion” [14:13] Oprah’s Farewell Breakfast – guess who Tim and Angie sat with! [19:24] Candle Flickering Moments Transitioning from one business to another during a difficult ecomonic time. [22:40] Putting in hard drive time commuting 10 hours each day for meetings and markets. [23:19] A Few Whiskey Biz Facts A whiskey barrel lesso

  Abbe has been promoting Fortune 500 companies, entertainment, and nonprofit organizations for over 20 years. She has a broad background in all aspects of communications with expertise in brand strategy, social media marketing, content development, and publicity. Over the years, Abbe has successfully crafting marketing communications programs for some of the nation’s most prestigious companies including Viacom Inc, Showtime Networks Group, the National Restaurant Association and its Educational Foundation, The International Food Safety Council, McDonald’s Corporation, and Ronald McDonald’s Children’s Charities. Abbe branched out on her own in 1991 as a public relations consultant, and has long since morphed into her own company, Abbe Sparks Media Group. She specializes in social media marketing, content, branding, and advocacy. The focus is on clients in the digital, technology, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors. Last month, Abbe launched an independent digital news service, Socially Sparked Ne

Mireya is a Certified Balloon Artist (CBA) and a Master Certified Party Decorator (MCPD). She has been working in the balloon industry for seven years and received her certification in 2014. Mireya recently started her home based business and is working full time doing balloon décor. I ran into Mireya at the America’s Baking and Sweets Show. She was selected to do the décor for the show and it caught my eye. After talking with her, I just knew we had to have her on the show to share her story. The Business of Balloons When Mireya identified her love for balloons [4:40] Learning the craft [5:27] What drives Mireya’s passion for balloons [6:44] An emotional balloon moment [8:48] Legalities behind balloon designing [12:41] Candle Flickering Moments Getting her business license and claiming her name proved to be more than Mireya expected [15:39] What to do when the imposter questions start up [18:36] You should fight for what you love [22:14] Business Building Insights The reason why you want to be certi

With a background in architecture and design, Bill Stank has long had an interest in product design and innovation. He has conceptualized numerous projects and products with sketches and models. After years of imagining a truly streamlined product Cookies in a Snap became the invention that really felt right to bring to full development. Cookies in a Snap was born out of an inspiring cookie making moment that led to a uniquely new way to shape and mold cookies. The first Cookies in a Snap product represents the beginning of a series of creative accessories for shaping, molding, and making cookies. Bill and his wife Mary Ann are very much amateur bakers but creative professionals excited about designing new products to make everyday moments special. Their goal is to make memories for adults and children engaged in the creative and fun activity of baking cookies. All about Cookies in a Snap The original idea came from a walk through the kitchen. [2:51] Cookies in a Snap described. [12:16] Bills first step

Since 2003 R.D. Alchemy Natural Products has been freshening the world with a wide selection of over 300 organic, natural products consisting of skincare, body care, aromatherapy, dietary supplements, makeup, and more. These products are made in house in small batches, bottled and labeled by hand and are 98-100% organic, free from synthetic fragrance, preservatives, colorings, phthalates, sulfates, and are cruelty free. Their products have been showcased at the Golden Globes and Academy Award shows, numerous local and national magazines, and on videos for eHOW. They also provide wholesale, private label, and custom formulation of products for dozens of companies from the single entrepreneur to larger, international corporations. You can feel good about purchasing R.D. Alchemy products too as a portion of all profits goes toward research and development of natural treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases via their research facility; Alchemy Research Institute. The R.D. Alchemy Story How Regina’s

Dr. Ray Lauk is the owner and founder of Dr. Ray’s Toffee in LaGrange, IL. He is also the Business Manager of the Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview School District 89 and performs storytelling and stand-up comedy in Chicago and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dr. Ray holds three UIUC degrees—a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, an MBA, and a Master’s in Elementary Education. He is an adjunct professor of educational finance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Concordia University, and the College of New Jersey’s international master’s program in Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Ray has completed six Chicago Marathons and is registered for the 2017 marathon. The Story Behind Dr. Ray’s Toffee From the beginning, there was toffee! [3:06] Here’s what Dr. Ray enjoys most about the production side of making toffee. [5:12] Naming the company. [14:02] Logo creation and Dr. Ray’s unique font style. [15:08] The growth strategy. [30:39] Candle Flickering Moments Dr. Ray’s experience with Facebook ads. [9:36] There’s