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

Jen runs three online vintage shops on Etsy. The first shop opened in 2008 with a nice mix of vintage. Several months later she niched down and started a vintage milk glass shop, and soon after that, a vintage china shop. Jen’s passion for objects with character and history started when she was little and would visit my Great Aunt Esther. She had a beautiful 250+ year old homestead in Rye, New Hampshire. It was a gorgeous home filled with many antiques. Jen is a proud member of the EtsyVintageTeam and the VestiesTeam. She’s also a proud mom of three, Katherine, Mark and Lindsey. AND Lindsey just had a new baby, Oliver whom she adores! You can visit all of Jen’s vintage shops on Etsy. The are JensCloset, TheChinaGirl and MyMilkGlassShop. In our talk, she shares how she set up her shops, sources and prices her items, and how she attracts attention to her online shops. Motivational Quote Selling on Etsy Why Jen started her first vintage shop on Etsy [3:04] Conversation about how to set up a shop on Etsy and

Heather Robison is co-owner and creative director of editorr. This is a professional copy-editing and proof-reading app where you get immediate online service 24/7 with editing done by real people. Heather’s prior experience includes event planning and corporate marketing for shopping center developers. She’s now in business with her husband, Brian. While working in Singapore, Brian came up with the idea for editorr. The need for an on-demand proof-reading service was strong. Business in Singapore moves fast and many are not native English speakers & writers. editorr launched to the public in April 2016 and they currently have over 5,000 registered users. Small business owners, bloggers, job seekers and students all use editorr for their day-to-day writing. Motivational Quote Business Inspiration and Insights The importance of proper grammar [5:03] How the idea for editorr was conceived and an app is created [6:19] Determining a pricing structure [14:28] A chance interaction with Chris Brogan [22:

Christine been an artist her entire working life and is influenced by natural and ancient symbols. She says, “I feel they represent all that is missing in modern life: our connection to nature, our bodies, our families, and the cycle of the seasons.” Christine has been creating and selling beads and buttons since the mid-1990’s. She also paints and makes mosaics along with other arts and crafts. Working as an artist at home has allowed her to homeschool her 5 children (now mostly grown). That is another big part of her life! Motivational Quote Business Inspiration Why Christine likes ceramics [6:04] The start of Bead Freaky [6:23] Her hobby turned into a business [8:42] All About Etsy Setting up shop on Etsy [9:22] Company and product descriptions [10:32] and [12:48] Advertising on Etsy [15:57] Christine’s key to sales [18:26] Complimenting Etsy is her Instagram strategy for biz growth [21:32] Success Trait Christine attributes her success to knowing “her center.” That means where she is trying to g

For more than 25 years, Karl has been engaged in various positions in business ownership, sales, marketing, and organizational development. During the last 15 years he has served as Owner of Cooks of Crocus Hill in St. Paul, MN. Cooks of Crocus Hill is a brand driven, specialty culinary retailer and educator focused on the belief that Life Happens in the Kitchen. Karl is also the founder and creator of LifeRecipe, a corporate wellness program focused on changing the way people eat and improving their relationship with food. Karl holds a passion for creating and delivering a thoughtful, stylish and energetic brand experience. He has worked on a variety of branding projects with domestic and international clients including Target/Marshal Fields, Health Partners, The Mayo Clinic, Zwilling and Mauviel. Motivational Quote Business Inspiration A chance dinner conversation and the meeting for coffee that changed Karl’s life [5:43] Candle Flickering Moments Taking the chance on a new location different from their

Shelley Rosen, is Founder and CEO of Luxe Bloom, a venture-backed Chicago based start-up. Luxe Bloom delivers a transformative innovation by offering natural, long-lasting rose arrangements to luxury business operators on a subscription basis. Luxe Bloom roses do not require water or refrigeration to keep their supple beauty and last 60 days. Shelley was an executive at McDonald’s Corp for over twelve years. She directed global strategic planning efforts in the areas of innovation, global brand strategy and issues management. She led the first ever global innovation effort for McDonald’s resulting in the launch of REDBOX, dvd vending rental; today a $1 billion company. During the obesity crisis she led and developed a new brand platform called McDonald’s Balanced Lifestyles. Today McDonald’s offers nutritional labeling and new menu items such as; salads, apples and low fat milk options as a result of this effort. Ms. Rosen holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan. She has attended Executive

Heather Ann Havenwood, CEO of Havenwood Worldwide, LLC and Chief Sexy Boss, is a serial entrepreneur. She is regarded as a top authority on internet marketing, business strategies and marketing. Since marketing her first online business in 1999, bringing together clients and personal coaches, she has played an active role in the online marketing world since before most even had a home computer. Heather Ann is the Author of…Sexy Boss: How the empowerment of women is changing the Rule Book for sex, money and success. Business Inspiration Definition of the intention of a business [5:12] The point that Heather Ann redefined her future and the current status of her biz [8:55] Candle Flickering Moments Her first Partnership – the buildup and the fall [6:45] Heather Ann’s journey to entrepreneurial recovery [12:30] Business Building Insight It’s all about that first dollar [9:35] The importance of advisers [10:47] An “Ah-Ha!” moment [14:19] The discussions of Hobby versus Business [18:26] and [28:27] Two ac

Sandy Sandler is a marketing expert and the creator of the worldwide bestselling product, the Bowdabra. The Bowdabra is a crafting tool that helps people make professional, hand-tied bows. Her products and supplies are designed to transform the creatively-challenged into creative pros. In Sandy’s own words, “The best way to be successful in business is to remain persistent, be unique, explore new markets, expand your network and perhaps, most importantly, never give up. If you’re willing to do what others are not, you’re that much closer to achieving your goal.” Motivational Quote Business Inspiration How the idea of the Bowdabra was born [4:36] An original way of describing the Bowdabra [7:09] Candle Flickering Moments The Michaels Crafts and KMart offers [9:44] Business Building Insight Getting visibility for her product at trade shows in a unique way [7:51] A major breakthrough when she went international [11:04] All about her QVC experience [14:46] Increasing your opportunities through product exte

At 24 years old Sarah successfully built and sold a million dollar business. It started from her kitchen table and grew to become a national corporate gift hamper service that was formally recognized as a finalist in the prestigious Australian Telstra Business Women Awards. With the rapid expansion of Sarah’s rags to riches business, she built systems and procedures to enable its sales and marketing success. She also mastered the art of outsourcing to fulfill the demands of a highly-seasonal operation. Following the success of her start-up business and using her hard-won wisdom and expert insights she’s now a business mindset coach. Sarah runs training workshops, coaching programs, and retreats. She helps women transform their own enterprise and learn how to accelerate their own financially-successful rewarding business. She helps women get crystal clear on what they are doing in their own small gift industry business – How to transform and expand using smart systems to build financially-thriving successfu

Cyrissa is a southern Ohio based photographer and business coach; known for her contagious energy and social media savviness! With a Master’s in Art Education, experience on the CreativeLive stage, published work, and a large following of sparkly photographers in her online community, she is well prepared to help YOU shine online! Get ready to be encouraged, educated, and empowered to make strategic and informed decisions for your business! Business Inspiration Hear what led to the development of both Immerse Photography and the Sparkle Society [5:09] Photography Lessons Why use a professional photographer [9:08] How to find a professional photographer [18:08] The single best thing you can do to help your photographer get good shots [24:50] Your part in putting together your branding shoot [23:17] 3 Tips to professional looking headshots [28:40] Business Building Insight A scandalous admission! [17:12] Facebook and Instagram tip [10:26] Photos used for social media [12:58] “Do the Turtle” – You need to

Julie Yusim is the Executive Director of the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce on Chicago’s North Shore. She recently returned to the helm after a six year stint as marketing director for Duxler Complete Auto Care, a family-owned chain of auto repair shops. Through her Chamber of Commerce and retail marketing experiences, Julie has fine-tuned her skills as a master networker and connector of strategic partners. Motivational Quote Business Building Insights Being an authentic “YOU” [3:15] Power Partners defined [5:44] 3 Ways to find your Power Partners [8:26] How to use Power Partner relationships [9:06] Power Partners and networking for sales [9:52] Long term benefits of a Power Partnership [11:48] Contents of the e-mail introduction [15:15] All about listening [17:52] Success Trait Julie’s genuine interest in people and her ability to truly listen has proven valuable all her life. She says it really helps with the “Know, Like, and Trust” factor and has given her access to information that truly

Sharon Day is the Owner and Head Designer at Express Yourself Gifts and Baskets, and the only Certified Gift Designer in Massachusetts. The winner of two National Design Awards in 2015, Sharon is in her 21st year designing corporate and personal gifts and baskets. Custom designs are her specialty and she creates everything from small client touch gifts to elaborate designs fit for a Queen. Motivational Quote Business Inspiration From Opera Singer to Gift Basket Designer [2:48] The $30,000 order that started it all [3:39] Candle Flickering Moments The effect of 9/11 on her business [10:38] A pivot in the business plan based on current events [11:53] Business Building Insight Sharon’s take on her competitors [6:54] Pop By Gift Club [15:49] Multiple income streams are a key to survival [19:14] How Sharon gets her business today [21:34] How to see monetary value in networking events [24:52] The power of simplifying your life for business [32:20] Success Trait Sharon says that her mind works in pictures. I

Monika Zands is an executive business consultant and life strategist who loves to help successful entrepreneurs tap into their greatness and build global empires. Her unique ability is to see through people’s perceived limitations and help them recognize and use their true gifts and expertise to build their unique and specific LEGACY. A graduate of UCLA and a certified Master of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Monika uses her broad range of business experience, including a Master’s in Spiritual Psychology, advanced business training, and twenty years of corporate leadership facilitation to support her clients to achieve massive results, experience joy in the process, and effectively develop deeper, more profound communication and relationships in their life. Monika is a best-selling author and the Founder of Mom Academy a business and life empowerment program for moms and The Next Level, a business mastery program designed for people to tap into their greatness and bring their life and business to the next le

Jane is the founder of TO THE MARKET, a socially-inspired business that economically empowers vulnerable women through artisan enterprise. They work with over 25 co-ops in over 20 countries to design, source, and sell raw materials and finished products. These products range from home goods and jewelry to bags and baby gifts. TO THE MARKET recently launched its first exclusive wholesale line, which allows retailers to purchase wholesale products through TO THE MARKET. They’ve been featured in magazines such as Elle, Glamour, People, StyleWatch, Good Housekeeping, and Yoga Journal to name a few. Motivational Quote Business Inspiration An idea was born from a trip to Calcutta [3:46] What Jane did and didn’t do when she formed the business [10:07] Candle Flickering Moments Dealing with her first sales rejection [23:19] Business Building Insight The reality of sales and how to deal with rejection [21:35] Customization is HOT specially for corporate sales [19:10] The best way to respond to a vendor when you

Pam Newell and her husband Tom started their gift basket business in 1979 out of their house. In 1981 they added a retail location and in 1983 a Coffee House & Bakery. They continued to expand to 4 retail locations plus an assembly plant before selling in 2005. The sale of their business was a calculated step along the way. Pam and Tom have continued to make a big impact on the industry. They own and host the National Gift Basket Rally where hundreds of gift providers unite to learn basics and new techniques, network with peers, and shop for the latest products. Pam also has been called upon by State Farm Insurance to help new hires learn customer service & customer retention. “I love what I do and hope to continue for years to come.” Motivational Quote Business Inspiration How and why Pam decided to start a gift basket business [5:02] How Pam and Tom started in the convention and teaching scene [21:22] Candle Flickering Moments The impact of 911 [14:11] Turning a visibility problem into a huge

Maya Liberman, inventor of Shape+Store freezer containers, is on a mission to make homemade meals more convenient than fast food! Starting from a love of baking, she first invented a container that would portion and freeze homemade cookie dough. From there the product line grew as she realized that her freezer containers can make everyday meal preparation quick and easy. Maya lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, 2 girls, and pet bunny. Motivational Quote Business Inspiration How Maya got the idea for Shape+Store [5:31] Candle Flickering Moments What she did when the numbers wouldn’t work out with her manufacturer [11:50] The story behind the challenges with the first sales [20:52] Product Development Insights Identifying manufacturers [7:21] The financial aspect of creating Shape+Store products [13:01] All about Kickstarter Campaigns [14:16] Inventory Decisions [17:27] Maya’s take on independent versus chain store sales [23:54] Sales and Marketing The key to selling on Facebook [29:42] A surpri

Kim Garst is the best selling author of “Will The Real You Please Stand Up; Show Up, Be Authentic and Prosper in Social Media”. She is also the CEO of Boom Social, a social selling training and consulting company that helps businesses of all sizes leverage social and digital marketing strategies to increase their traffic, leads, and sales. Kim is internationally recognized as a thought leader in the social media space. Forbes named her as one of the Top 10 Social Media Power Influencers and she regularly contributes to Entrepreneur.com and Huffington Post. Her own blog, kimgarst.com, is one of the top social media resources in the world. Kim lives in Tampa, FL with her husband and two fur babies. Motivational Quote Live Video Insights What is live video and why use it for my business? [6:12] Attracting the right audience on Periscope and Facebook Live [8:43] Kim’s direction on how it’s actually a time saver. The multi-purposing plan. [14:60] What if I’m scared to start? [18:27] Social Media Insights Wha

Founded in 2002, Katy and her husband Philip are the owners and pioneers of the natural, African-made, sustainable jewelry and elegant, handcrafted products called The Leakey Collection. Based in the Rift Valley of Kenya, East Africa, these renowned designers use natural elements of fallen wood, sustainable grass and “bush fired” porcelain to create uniquely exotic products. Each colorful piece contains vibrant design appeal while giving back to those that produce it. Katy’s motto: Nature Is Our Inspiration – People Are Our Purpose Purchasing a product from The Leakey Collection helps create women entrepreneurs. This in turn, helps educate children, raises the level of health in communities and brings pride and power to rural East African women. One product you may recognize are the Zulugrass necklaces that you see in gift/accessories shops all across America. Business Inspiration Identifying the vision [4:00] Zulugrass is identified/R&D [5:02] The Zulugrass strands impacting women in America [16:30

Vicki is the owner of Adrian’s boutique, a retail store in Buhler, Kansas that has been in business for 33 years. Their current product mix is 50% fashion, 25% gift and 25% kitchen and gourmet. But Vicki will tell you they are really in the People Business. Their number one priority is to earn customers’ business through exceptional customer service, a well chosen product mix, and a team that is committed to excellence. Additionally, Vicki is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs reach the next level in creating a successful business using relationship marketing, email marketing and social media marketing. This is all bundled under a business called Remarkable Retailer which focuses on B2B relationships through a podcast, weekday Periscopes and individual coaching. Motivational Quote Business Inspiration Identifying the love of retail life [5:08] The opening of Adrian’s Boutique [5:59] Business Building Insights Advice when opening a brick and mortar shop [7:01] Store setup [9:22] Move It Monday

From London, to Athens, to Munich, to across North America, Dr. Shawne Duperon, a six-time EMMY® Award winner and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is a good gossip researcher. She travels the globe, educating corporations, entrepreneurs, universities and government agencies on what inspires people to share good things and how to powerfully lead with compassion. Her case study is Project: Forgive, a non-profit leadership foundation that reaches millions in social media. You have seen her featured in major media including, CNN, ABC, “Inc. Magazine,” and “USA Today” to name a few. This PhD in gossip (yes, gossip!) used gossip theory to make Project: Forgive’s five-minute video go viral, even capturing an endorsement from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Motivational Quote Gossip in Business A new definition for the word Gossip [3:47] Good gossip – an example in business [4:19] A Candle Flickering Moment – Facing Fear Fear’s role [6:11] Shawne’s recent action to face her own fear [8:21] It’s just like a fart! [10:22]

Johanna has been a freelance illustrator for more than ten years and works together with publishers, manufacturers, and advertising agencies. She is currently represented by the agency Wundergarden. Her target market is children and those who like fun characters and happy colors. Johanna is already known in her industry for being active and engaging on all kinds of Social Media Channels. Based on this experience and exposure, she started a second business called Fritzi Flock. It is all about growing illustrators’ businesses to the next level. This includes coaching, workshops, interviews and a lot more. Motivational Quote     Business Inspiration and Development The light bulb moment [4:17] First paid project – Weekly cartoon [6:14] Forming Fritzi Flock and The Doodle Challenge [9:02] Getting Started in Freelancing How to get your first clients [14:02] Getting known by publishers [15:52] Business Building Insight Listen to your flock [12:28] and [20:05] Nurturing her customers [18:58] How