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

London Kaye is a classically trained dancer who discovered her passion for crochet at the age of thirteen. London received a dance scholarship to NYU and after graduation, dove into the local street-art scene. She began developing her signature style by crocheting on fences. She has adorned the windows of ABC Carpet and Home and has recently crocheted pieces for major brands including Starbucks, Miller Lite, Chex Mix, and the TBS Network. According to Condé Nast Traveller, “London Kaye is the one to watch.” Motivational Quote Business Inspiration What is Yarn Bombing? [3:53] How she got started [5:08] A Candle Flickering Moment When a neighborhood challenged her display [14:01] Business Building Insight London’s first paid job – NY Fashion Week [6:22] Understanding the value of a handmade product [11:53] A solid pricing strategy [12:40] Building her business through Instagram [19:08] Telling the story behind her work in Facebook [20:58] Setting goals for moving forward [24:58] Success Trait Her passio

Karyn Ranzau is the owner of Little Pink Ladybug. The company sells templates that allow crafters to create multi loop and layered custom bows for hair accessories and numerous other applications. Karyn started making bows eleven years ago. In 2008, after the creation of the template bow making system, Little Pink Ladybug as a business was born. In addition to running the business, Karyn home-schools her daughter, volunteers at her son’s school, is a Comfort Dog Handler for her church and a leader for a troop of American Heritage Girls. She’s a perfect example of how you can integrate a successful business into an active family life … and did I mention she also has a wonderful husband, Robert and two dogs? All the while, her love for crafty creative endeavors somehow finds its way to shine through each and every day. Motivational Quote Business Inspiration The idea came from a place of need – who knew what would happen next! [4:08] A pivot in the business happened when Karyn identified a new need [4:60]

Kerry Boozenny is the founder of Social Selling Mom where she teaches people how to make a significant part-time income selling on eBay. Kerry is an Education Specialist trained by eBay and a top-rated seller. She has been on eBay Radio, and in the YouTube video “We are eBay”. Kerry started her career as a menswear designer for major brands in the fashion industry. Today, she’s known as elegantkb on the platform where she’s made enough money selling part-time to pay for her daughter’s college education. Based on this success, Kerry created Social Selling Mom to teach others how to support their families. Her favorite e-commerce site by far is eBay. She believes there are endless opportunities there for people to make money and help those they care about. Kerry is also the eBay for Charity coordinator at Marin School of the Arts. Motivational Quote   Business Inspiration The story behind Kerry’s first sale [5:02] Understanding Ebay for Your Business Who is this platform for? [4:03] Why Ebay versus

Cathy Nolan is a Caricaturist and has been illustrating and bringing joy with her art for over 20 years. Her passion for art and people are combined in her method of drawing faces and capturing the essence of her subjects whether they are adults, children or pets! She has drawn famous celebrities such as actress Lily Tomlin, “Eat, Pray, Love” best-seller author Elizabeth Gilbert and Marianne Williamson. She has drawn for corporations such as Zyloware Eyewear, HSBC, Citibank, Ann Taylor and for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Pre-Party. Cathy resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Fred Richer and pup Ollie. Motivational Quote   Business Inspiration Her epiphany happened at 10 years old [8:50] This can actually be a money making thing [10:22] Candle Flickering Moments Working through a TV deal [19:19] Copyright Infringement from a big chain [23:03] Business Building Insight Cathy’s perspective on failure [5:29] Developing her business [11:50] [13:45] Success Trait Thinking outside the box for ideas

Cydni Mitchell is the founder of Sweet Fest, a global online directory designed to connect Sweet Lovers with local Sweet Makers. By trade, Cydni is an accountant & financial analyst with a Masters from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has worked closely with many of the Sweet Makers on her site to help them develop and successfully implement their own social media marketing strategies, re-branding initiatives, and business plan remodeling. There are tons of resources available to help sweet entrepreneurs develop their baking talents, but the goal of Sweet Fest is to help Sweet Makers with running the business side of their sweet businesses. Cydni’s philosophy is that there “must be a balance between a delicious product & a solid business/marketing strategy. No sweet business will be successful without having both in place.” Cydni & Sweet Fest work to provide sweet business owners with the keys to obtaining that balance to ultimately be su

This is a very different podcast than I have ever done. As you know, I’m the host of Gift Biz Unwrapped. I want to talk with you about some super crazy things that have been happening to me over the last four months. It’s beyond belief. I want to share with you because my experience can help you with your entrepreneural journey as well. I had no idea when I stepped on this path, what I was getting into. It’s leading me in a totally different direction today and that’s what I want to tell you about. Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to be part of Scope Pass Sunday. Let’s just say that the experience of being asked to be included in Scope Pass Sunday hit me. “Wow!” It was a marker in the sand. A realization that … life has changed over the last four months. Things are different. The most exciting thing is it’s based on the moves that I made and the opportunities that I took advantage of that have allowed me to get to this point. It’s valuable to share because by telling you about my experience, it ca

Founded in 2009, Treasured Touch helps individuals and businesses create unique, one-of-a-kind items that help brand their business, or give a unique presentation to a gift or special event. Anita’s specialty is using custom printed ribbon alone and/or incorporated into their gifts. This simple touch of ribbon instantly transforms even the plainest of items into something which leaves a lasting impression of WOW! Anita lives just outside of Hershey, PA (a/k/a Chocolatetown USA) with her husband, son and daughter, and two spoiled miniature dachshunds. Motivational Quote Business Inspiration & Development Anita’s business found her! [4:22] Yes! This can be a business [7:26] The first step in defining the business – niching down [8:39] The Value of Campaigns Example 1 – The Doug Flutie Foundation/Boston Marathon [10:06] Example 2 – Pennsylvania DUI Holiday Project [15:36] Business Building Insight Anita’s key one-on-one customer service strategy [24:42] Details on how to overdeliver with passion [25:0

Steve Dotto is Canada’s most respected geek. As host and executive producer of Dotto Tech, a nationally syndicated TV show, Steve has entertained and educated millions of Canadians on all aspects of technology. After 20 years in traditional broadcast Steve re-invented himself learning the world of social media, online community building and internet marketing as he built his YouTube channel into his new career. YouTube is now Steve’s network of choice. There he serves 2 communities; a traditional “How To and Productivity” stream which follows his TV tradition, and a new focus on learning the keys to growing and ultimately monetizing a YouTube channel. Motivational Quote   Evernote Discussion Evernote described [5:29] Examples of how to use Evernote for business [7:46] and [11:42] Value of time/location stamps [15:29] Structure to find notes [16:39] Getting into the Evernote Habit [19:60] Your Personal Jumpstart to Productivity Description of the Quick Start Guide [18:12] Your homework assignment

Tracy is the founder and executive director of Icing Smiles, a non-profit organization that provides custom celebration cakes to children with critical illness and their siblings. She believes that everyone has a responsibility to give back with their God given talents. Tracy has identified two. One is her artistic skill of cake decorating and the other is the skill with numbers. Cake decorating is much more fun, but unfortunately, doesn’t pay the bills. So she spends her days juggling between her job as an international tax consultant, and her role at Icing Smiles. She’s also a mom to two great kids, Emily and Justin. Motivational Quote Business Inspiration How it all started [4:11] Icing Smiles defined [6:39] Creating the company [10:17] A Candle Flickering Moment Dealing with a website hack [23:34] A PR nightmare turned very sweet [26:00] Business Building Insight Building a business while working full time [15:20] and [16:29] The cake that changed the game [11:54] What it takes to run their non pr

Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale, delivers inspirational keynotes, provides sales training and authored The International Best-Selling book, “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results”. Community service led to the writing of her second best-selling book, “HIRED!” CEO World Magazine named Stutz as one of “The brightest sales minds to follow on Twitter.” She was featured on the cover of the March 2015 Sales and Service Excellence e-Magazine and NowISeeIt named Elinor with the Smooth Sale Blog as one of the “Top 100 Most Innovative Sales Bloggers.” Stutz consults and speaks worldwide. Motivational Quote A Candle Flickering Moment Overcoming and being successful in a male-dominated sales world [4:18] Business Inspiration The right way to approach sales [7:20] Cold calling in today’s environment [8:44] 3 Actionable Steps to increase sales [22:01] What to do if something doesn’t go as planned [25:48] Success Trait Observation and the ability to learn from other’s errors and strategie

Jennifer Eby along with her husband Matthew own Eby Farms LLC. It is a pasture based, 36 acre working farm and homestead in rural southwestern Michigan. With her bubbly personality and contagiously positive outlook on life Jennifer has taken the simple body product of soap and created a thriving home-based (stay-at-home mom) business. In 2010 Jennifer started making soap and the next year she attended one local craft show. This has now grown into over 5,000 bars sold per year. Jen and her family attend over 13 regional shows, wholesale accounts, website sales and farmer’s markets. Jennifer has earned her title of “The Soap Lady” with hours of research, production and time spent with the customers she loves. Motivational Quote   Business Inspiration Why soap making? [7:00] Learning the trade [7:45] A Candle Flickering Moment Revising the plan to balance their family life while still keeping the business alive [15:55] Business Building Insight When they saw that soap making could be a real business

Jason Treu is a top business and executive coach, sales trainer and speaker. He’s a leading expert on social engineering, influence, persuasion, and networking. At the heart of his strategy is the understanding that people and your relationships are your true “wealth.” Everything we accomplish in life is with or through other people. He works with experts, entrepreneurs and executives to help them get known and stand out by building key skill sets, creating their brand platform and purpose, and improving their business results. His bestselling book, Social Wealth, the how-to-guide on building personal and professional relationships, has sold more than 30,000 copies and has been #1 in four business and self-help categories. Motivational Quote Business Building Insights What NOT to do at a networking event [6:58] 3 Ways to make conversations count [9:56] The Power of the Inner Circle [20:21] 2 Ways to work through being uncomfortable in a group situation [23:13] The value of evolving relationships [34:2

Alfred has been a solo-preneur for more than 30 years, and has a particular interest in effective marketing strategies for very small businesses. A graduate of Harvard, he has built his career on explaining complex concepts to people in ways that they can put to practical use. Alfred is a full-time professional speaker and writer, and is the author or co-author of more than a dozen books including “Power Marketing for Small Business: How you can boost sales with low-cost video.” On the personal side, Alfred is a sailor and a musician, playing mandolin in a bluegrass band. Motivational Quote Video Insights The challenge of a small business owner [5:01] Why is video important to business [7:17] [27:02] How to get a video made [7:50] The first video you should make [10:41] The 3 most important elements of a video [13:55] The PEACH Principle [16:53] Success Trait His ability to communicate effectively and explain things in a way that people can understand and put to action Productivity/Lifestyle Tool Ever

Sue B. Zimmerman is #theinstagramexpert, founder of Insta-Results (the world’s first comprehensive online Instagram course) and Ready Set Gram (a beginner Instagram Course). She’s author of the #1 e-book Instagram Basics for your Business. She’s a popular CreativeLive instructor, powerful speaker on prominent stages like Social Media Marketing World 15, and a highly sought after business coach. She’s passionate about teaching entrepreneurs, business executives, and marketing professionals how to easily leverage the power of Instagram to get tangible business results. As a serial entrepreneur, Sue B. has started over eighteen businesses, including her own boutique SueB Do, Boxer Rebellion and Sue B. Zimmerman Enterprise. With her extensive knowledge in social media and 25 + years of business experience, it’s Sue B.’s mission to teach, mentor and empower others to be highly successful entrepreneurs as well. Motivational Quote Business Insights The major key to success [4:21] Extra Bonus Biz Tip[ 22:08] Insta

Sue is the owner of Simply Sue Speaks Global Booking Agency bringing Custom Solutions for Booking an Expert Speaker! With over 40 years of industry experience as a successful corporate executive, speaker, coach & author, Sue has the professionals that can “bring the “WOW” factor to any event! Whether it’s the perfect Speaker, Presenter, Entertainer, Trainer, Facilitator, Coach or Author … she can make the match to meet your specific needs. The result is an unforgettable and memorable experience! Sue says, “It’s all about You and not Us!” Sue is married to Carmen Falcone, who is the CFO of her business! They have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. They love to travel, climb lighthouses, read, dance, and help others succeed. They both simply love people and retirement is not in their DNA! Motivational Quote Business Inspiration The realization that she needed a life change [5:52] Professional Speaking Insights The evolution of a professional speaker [10:43] A realization that led to further business growt

Fresh Prints of CT provides artisan crafted gifts and posters to gift shops around the country and internationally. Berk and Katie research current trends and discover artisans who excel at their craft. They find joy in providing customers access to arts and ideas that aren’t necessarily mainstream. In turn, this creates an environment for customers to explore and find products that are truly unique and memorable. Through their wholesale offerings Berk and Katie also offer the opportunity for businesses to support original artists who create unique handcrafted gifts. Each item is conceived and crafted by the artist themselves therefore being not only one of a kind but also carrying a lovely story of how it was made. As you can tell, they take great care in curating the high quality items available in their store. Motivational Quote   Business Inspiration The Learnings of Wild Bill [4:42] A Candle Flickering Moment Disconnecting from the family business [13:06] The Wholesale Decision Adding wholesale

Mary has been in the retail environment for 23 years, both owning her own business and as a Regional Director handling a multi-store chain. During that time, she always wished there was someone to turn to who really understood retail. Someone who could brainstorm ideas, talk through problems and strategize concepts. Friends and family were supportive but didn’t really understand running a retail business. So….what did she do? Mary created Bee Business Smart. It’s a place where brick and mortar retailers can find tips, tools, resources, information, and inspiration. A place where wearing many hats is understood, encouraged and applauded. Bee Business Smart is a resource for insights and strategies on merchandise concept development, displays and visual merchandising, hiring and staff training, branding, signage, packaging, systems, marketing and social media. It’s where to go to get help with the million things every retailer deals with every day in growing their business. Motivational Quote  A Candle Flic

Madalyn is very passionate about one thing: helping her clients generate a massive buzz on social media. She does this by developing and teaching strategies that work. Her motto is “Work Smarter Not Harder.” Madalyn honed in on Twitter several years ago when she discovered that so many don’t understand how to use it. It’s her mission to help people get comfortable and take advantage of this powerful platform. Madalyn is the host of the TwitterSmarter podcast and the weekly TwitterSmarter chat that takes place every Thursday at 1pm EST. Motivational Quote Twitter for Business What is the value of of this platform for a business [4:32] Getting Started Advice for just starting out [5:46] First steps to setup and begin [12:59] @ symbol explained [9:13] # symbol explained [10:39] Twitter Insights Twitter Lists [25:14] Twitter Chats [20:32] Twitter Tools Hootsuite – Manage all your social profiles, promote your brand, generate quality leads, and increase website traffic—all in one place. TweetChat – A platf

Jayne’s background includes over 25 years in advertising media. She began working for advertising agencies, then moved into print and digital advertising sales for national magazines including Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Bazaar and Bon Appetit. The work life was intense and called for frequent travel. After having been in NYC on 9/11 and then facing cancer 3 years later (fortunately diagnosed early), her desire to find a better life balance became a priority. Jayne and her husband, Eric bought a weekend farm and vineyard retreat in SW Michigan 11 years ago, and became interested in making wine. They purchased Hickory Creek Winery 4 years ago and have since tripled sales in the tasting room. Eric handles the winemaking and vineyard work. Jayne does all the marketing, sales, events, and managing of the tasting room. Jayne take, “It’s truly been a labor of love…with lots of blood, sweat and tears … but it is so rewarding to actually create and sell a beautiful product we crafted ourselves!”

Baking has always been her family’s past-time, and as a child, she often watched and baked right beside her Grandmother and Great-Aunts. Royalty Cookies was inspired by her grandmother’s recipe and has been enjoyed for more than forty years by family members, neighbors and friends. Royalty Cookies, Inc. was created in January of 2010 as a homemade cookie company and Donna loves sharing these delicious cookies with the world. Donna holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a MBA from Babson College, Wellesley, MA and has held various corporate positions in retail management and grocery supply which created a strong foundation for the launching of Royalty Cookies. Motivational Quote Business Inspiration How Donna captured the special recipe [4:04] A Candle Flickering Moment A business move that didn’t work out [5:40] Financial requirement for growth and her self-funding the biz [12:18] Business Building Insight A sign that this was a business to pursue [6:42] Don’t be