Proof to Product

Today's guest is LABS member, Sarah Hart, the founder and creative director of Simply Curated, a home fragrance brand that has been in business for twelve years. Sarah also recently launched a sister brand called Hart and Co. In this episode, Sarah shares the origins of her candle and home fragrance business, including the pivotal moments and challenges that she faced along the way. She provides insight into the nuances of the candle industry and the unique hurdles that it presents, like seasonal fluctuations in demand and the importance of in-person customer experiences. Sarah also shares what it was like to launch a sister brand that ventures into new territory with a different aesthetic appeal and product approach. Sarah shares how she balances managing two thriving brands to really harness the power of social media in supplementing her business. Today's episode is brought to you by Digital Lizard, who is a sponsor of our Paper Camp program. Digital Lizard is a leading marketing company that offers a wide range of print, procurement, and creative production solutions, including digital and offset printing, sourcing, and logistics. All of our Paper Camp and our LABS students get access to a private Proof to Product print portal with Digital Lizard, where they get discounted rates on print services and a dedicated sales rep to help us with all of our project management. Many of our community members use Digital Lizard to print products, do their packaging, their catalogs, marketing materials, and more. Digital Lizard offers low minimum quantities and quick turnaround times which our community loves. So if you're looking for a new print partner, our community has great experiences working with Digital Lizard. You can learn more about Digital Lizard's capabilities and services online at digitallizard.com. You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/383 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

I know we've been talking a lot about our wholesale coaching program, Paper Camp, which is where we are going to teach you everything you need to successfully sell wholesale. But today, I want to hand the mic over to four of our Paper Camp alumni to share their experiences. I'm calling this our "Before and After Paper Camp" series, where you can hear from real people who took our program. They came to Paper Camp. They actively participated, asked questions, and soaked up everything that there was to learn. Then they went home and did the hard work. And friends, their transformations are incredible. In this episode, you'll hear from: Janine Kwoh of Kwohtations | Follow on Instagram Jesse Regis of Virgins on Fire Candle Co | Follow on Instagram Carly Brenton of Paper Script | Follow on Instagram Amy Frazer of Keller Design Co | Follow on Instagram Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program, which is now open for enrollment. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners. Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. ENROLL NOW You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/382 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

To successfully sell wholesale, you must focus on your product line first. If you do not have a product line that has a unique point of view, is priced right, and has strong profit margins, you'll have a difficult time when you start doing sales and marketing, particularly on the wholesale side. A strong product line is the foundation of a strong wholesale revenue stream, which is why we start every round of Paper Camp, our wholesale coaching program, helping everyone audit their product line. We want to ensure that your products are priced for profit and they meet industry standards. For seasoned wholesalers, we want to ensure that you're releasing new products when the market is primed to buy and that any new product categories that you're offering will fold well into your primary offerings. Now more than ever, it is easy to start a product-based business, but strategically growing a product-based business and selling those products to the wholesale market requires unique strategies, which is what we focus on and teach you in Paper Camp. Today's episode is an excerpt from a Paper Camp coaching call with Alex Gagné of Chez Gagné, who is also a speaker for this round of Paper Camp. She talks about her wholesale growth, product expansion, and she speaks candidly about the challenges and successes she's faced along the way. Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program, which is now open for enrollment. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners. Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. ENROLL NOW You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/381 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

How did you decide that it was time to start wholesaling for your business? This is one of my favorite questions to ask my coaching clients, our Paper Camp students, and even the guests here on this podcast. Even though there are a lot of similarities between our stories, everyone's journey is so incredibly different. In some cases, like mine, deciding to sell wholesale was a very intentional and deliberate choice. When I started my stationery business, I knew that wholesale would be the best business model for me and the life that I wanted to live. I had already dabbled in custom design, and I didn't really love it. I had an Etsy shop that was bringing in a decent volume of orders, but it felt like a slow grind, and they were smaller orders one by one. I was intrigued by wholesale, although I was also a little bit naive. The idea of selling in higher volume, building relationships with other business owners, that felt right for me, and it felt like that was right for the season of life that I was in at the time. Today on the podcast, I want to share some of the biggest mistakes that I see new brands making when they enter the wholesale market. I will also share our four-part wholesale framework that we teach during Paper Camp so that you can avoid making common mistakes and, ultimately, sell more of your products. Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program. The next round of Paper Camp is going to open for enrollment soon. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners. Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. We will open enrollment for our next round of Paper Camp soon, and we sell this program out every time we run it. Join the wait list and you'll get early access to enroll. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/380 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Hey, friend. I'm pulling an amazing episode from the archives with over 375 episodes here on the Proof to Product podcast. There is a gold mine of information for you to help you grow your business, and, frankly, it can be hard to take it all in. Today's episode is a look back at Paper Camp alumni, Brittany O'Brien's journey growing her stationery and gift company, Brittany Paige. In episode 258, Brittany shared how she scaled her wholesale program up to 500 accounts. That was a big milestone for her. In this replay episode, she shares what it was like expanding to 1,000 wholesale accounts, and now she's grown even beyond that. Brittany has had such incredible growth, and I know her story has been inspiring for many of our listeners, which is why we are re-airing it today. Speaking of wholesale, we are gearing up for the next round of Paper Camp, our four-week coaching program that teaches you how to start and scale your wholesale program. We have coached more than 31,000 wholesale brands in this program and through our other programs, and these folks sell their products to retail stores worldwide. I'm talking about stores such as Target, Macy's, World Market, Starbucks, Anthropology, as well as independent retail shops all around the globe. PaperCamp is a live coaching program, meaning that you will have an opportunity to get all of your questions answered by me, our coaching team, and our guest mentors. You have support in PaperCamp that no other DIY courses or memberships can provide. Now if you want to learn how to get your products on the shelves of stores, click here to get on the waitlist. Our next round starts soon, and we do sell out every time!

Have you been thinking about joining us for Paper Camp, but aren't sure if this program is a good fit for you? Or maybe you're a new listener of the podcast, and you're thinking, what the heck is this Paper Camp program that I keep talking about? This episode is for you. I'm answering the top questions that we get asked about our wholesale program to help you decide if it's the right fit for you. The next round of Paper Camp is coming soon. We're opening enrollment very soon. And if you are looking to start or scale wholesale, you are not going to want to miss this. Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners. Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. We will open enrollment for our next round of Paper Camp soon, and we sell this program out every time we run it. Join the wait list and you'll get early access to enroll. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/379 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

If you're listening today that means you're likely interested in applying for our Paper Camp scholarship! Giving back is one of our core values here at Proof to Product and we give back through our time, knowledge as well as financial scholarships. Since 2011, we've awarded over $275,000+ in scholarship funds to creative entrepreneurs who sell physical products to the wholesale market. These brands had big dreams of seeing their products on the shelves of their favorite stores and they have obtained huge results. These scholarships are a big deal and we treat them that way. We typically have anywhere from 80-90 scholarship applications every round of Paper Camp. My team and I dedicate several days to view all the videos, read the applications, review websites, and ultimately whittle it down to one full tuition scholarship winner. It's never an easy choice, but we do put a lot of care into our selections. And, today I want to share 5 ways that you can stand out when submitting your Paper Camp application. You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/378 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Hey, friend. This week, I'm pulling an amazing episode from the archives with over 375 episodes here on the Proof to Product podcast. There is a gold mine of information for you to help you grow your business, and, frankly, it can be hard to take it all in. So whether you are a new listener or you've been around for a little while, this one is a must-listen. It features Ginger Diaz, a two-time retail shop owner of Feliz Modern and Rancho Diaz in San Antonio, Texas. We talk about a lot of different topics in this episode, but the one I want you to really pay attention to is what retail shops are looking for when they are making their wholesale buying decisions. We are gearing up for our next round of Paper Camp, which is our 4-week intensive coaching program. We have coached more than 31,000 thriving wholesale brands who sell their products to retail stores all around the world, and we would love to help you do the same. Our next round will start soon, so get on that waitlist by going to the link listed below. We do keep this program on the smaller side so that all of our attendees and students can get all of their questions answered, but that also means that space is limited, and we do sell out every time. So adding your name to the wait list will give you early access to tickets, and you can join that waitlist at prooftoproduct.com/papercamp. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/303 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

I love using our platforms, particularly this podcast, to highlight our community members and all of the cool things they are doing within their businesses and lives. I also love to bring folks back for updates, a "where are they now" situation. So today's guest is Jodi Kostelnik of The Neighborgoods. Jodi was previously on episode 233 which aired in January of 2022. In that episode, she shared real numbers and feedback about her exhibiting experience at Shoppe Object, covering sales numbers, expenses, etc. We got a lot of positive feedback, emails, and notes from listeners about that episode because Jodi shared so openly and freely, and people appreciated that. Today, she is back with an update and sharing some things that have gone on, some big changes that have happened with The Neighborgoods over the last 3 years. Jodi talks about her experience in opening up an airport store in Washington, DC, including how that opportunity came to be and how she has a unique ownership interest. We talked about the highs and lows of hiring team members and letting go of control and how difficult that is, and Jodi shares how her products ended up being featured on the show, The View. Her team rallied together to ship out thousands of products after that feature, and a spoiler alert here, she met the contacts from The View at a trade show. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks. Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/377 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Have you ever thought about licensing your art, but have no idea where to start? Licensing can be a really great supplemental revenue stream for your business. Nowadays, there are lots of folks looking for art to apply to their products. This week, we have Bonnie Christine on the show. She's an internationally renowned surface pattern designer, an entrepreneur, and an award-winning online educator. She's been creating artwork for brands and products around the world since 2009. She's a self-taught designer and runs the Surface Design Immersion program that's geared for creative entrepreneurs. She's also the host of the Professional Creative Podcast, I have an interview coming out on her show soon. During our interview, we talk about how making residual income through art licensing, how it can be lengthy, but also rewarding process, and also a great way to make extra income for your business. We also talk about the importance of being proactive, how to handle rejection as a creative, and a breakdown of how creatives can use an art agent. We'll also cover the benefits of in-house sales team and the evolving impact of AI on art and business. Today's episode is brought to you by our Proof to Product LABS coaching program. This is a coaching program specifically built for product-based business owners, with members from across industries and across the globe. We have member-only events inside of LABS, so request your invitation to join below! REQUEST YOUR INVITATION You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/376 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

This week, we have Arianne Foulks from Aeolidia back on the podcast. Arianne was on episode 114 talking about abandoned cart email sequences, and she also came on for episode 288 where we talked about SMS and email marketing strategies. Today, Arianne and I are talking about 2025 trends for e-commerce marketing. Arianne is a founder, speaker, and Shopify Partner who has focused her career on building impactful retail businesses. At Aeolidia, her design and development agency, she and her team create super-effective online shops for artists and designers. On today's episode, Arianne is sharing her thoughts on creating a great customer experience, how to best communicate with our customers, the importance of data utilization, and the rise of personalized shopping experiences. We also delve into practical tips on segmenting communication, managing marketing workload, and the benefits of live shopping events. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks. Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/375 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Happy New Year, friend. I hope that you were able to take a break over the holidays. I know the last month of the year is always pretty busy for all of us, whether it's personal stuff or we're getting our shops and businesses ready for the end of the year. I hope that you have plenty of time for some rest and relaxation. We're back on the podcast with a new episode, and this week's episode is a real treat. I have Ashley Sutton from Hustle and Hope. Ashley is a Paper Camp alumni, and she's been featured in a few of our compilation episodes in the past. She was on episode 285 where we talked in person at NY NOW while she was exhibiting, and she was on episode 358 where she shared how much her business has grown since taking Paper Camp. But a stand-alone interview with her has been long overdue, and so I'm excited to share today's episode with you. Ashley is a corporate gal turned entrepreneur. Her career began with marketing and developing the perfect shade of lipstick for Avon to creating buzzworthy toys at Mattel and crafting unforgettable marketing campaigns for leading TV shows for children such as Peppa Pig and PJ Masks. She's also creating the number one best-selling marketing campaigns for authors at Penguin Random House. As a stationery lover and a consumer products professional, her goal was to channel her career experience into a product with purpose, and that is how she founded Hustle and Hope. The first 2 in one motivational greeting card company that includes free digital guides with every single card. A certified minority and certified woman-owned business, Hustle and Hope has retail placement at Buy Buy Baby, World Market, HomeGoods, Amazon, and over 45 other shops across the US. Today, Ashley shares Hustle and Hope's origin story. She talks about her experience participating in the Target Accelerator program, and we talk about how she's been utilizing grants for her business, including how she got started applying for grants, what she looks for, and how these grants have benefited her business. She also shares resources in case you want to get started applying for grants for your business. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks. Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/374 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

The Proof to Product podcast team and I are practicing what we preach and the podcast is taking a winter break! We will be back with a new podcast episode on Tuesday, January 7, and we have some incredible things lined up for you! While we're gone, be sure to dip back into the archives. We have over 370+ incredible episodes to help you strengthen your business. Have a great two weeks and I will see you on January 7th!

If you're considering exhibiting at trade shows this upcoming sales season, you are going to love today's episode. My guest is Amy Loewenberg, who is the Director of Buyer Relations for NY NOW. Amy is a seasoned veteran in the gift, home, and lifestyle industry, and she's an advocate for independent buyers and sellers. Amy leverages her unique experience on both sides of the aisles to drive growth, connect communities, and shape the future of retail. Amy is a partner to key industry associations. She's also an active Gift For Life board member. She brings a wealth of knowledge to every role that she undertakes because she has a deep understanding of market trends, purchasing dynamics, and she is focused on helping to guide mission-driven organizations. In today's episode, we discuss Amy's current role in buyer relations. We talk about how NY NOW is innovating the trade show experience. We discuss everything from adapting trade shows to post-pandemic buying trends to the importance of sustainability, and the emerging focus on multi-sensory shopping experiences based on customer psychology. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks. Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/373 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Hey, friend. I'm back with part two of my interview with Victoria Venturi from Paper Epiphanies. If you have yet to listen to part one, that was episode 371. In part one, Victoria shared about her business growth, including what it was like shifting from a business model that was 90% wholesale to a business driven by 90% retail today. Now, she's finding a middle ground between the two. Today, we're continuing our conversation, and Victoria is sharing about the process of opening her store in the Portland International Airport. Today's episode is brought to you by our Is Wholesale Right for You private podcast! This free 12-part audio series will help you decide whether wholesale is a good next step for your specific business. After listening to this audio series (in less than an hour), two things will be true. You'll know whether you want to pursue wholesale for your product business, and you'll have the confidence and action steps to get started with wholesale. Sign up for the private podcast today! SIGN UP You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/372 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Today's guest is Victoria Venturi, the founder and CEO of Paper Epiphanies, the coolest card store in the world. In less than a decade, Victoria has grown Paper Epiphanies from an idea into a global brand. Paper Epiphanies, also affectionately called PiPH, opened its flagship concept store in 2021, and they are expanding into the aviation space. They opened their 1st airport boutique in the Portland International Airport earlier this year. Prior to launching PiPH, Victoria was a marketing and publicity executive for over 10 years where she wrote and launched successful campaigns for agencies and television networks, and big brands, including Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers, American Idol, Glee, Hilton Hotels, and more. Victoria attended Paper Camp way back in 2014, and she was a guest on the Proof of Product podcast for episode 19 which aired in 2017. In 2017, we caught up with what she was doing in the early days of her business, but it's been a minute. She's had a lot going on, and we had a lot to catch up on, so much so that I am breaking this interview into 2 parts. Today is part 1, and Victoria is sharing how she moved from being a business that was driven 90% by wholesale revenue to a business driven by 90% retail revenue, and now how she's navigating her way back to finding that balance. Next week on episode 372, Victoria is going to share details about opening up her store in the Portland International Airport. Today's episode is brought to you by our Is Wholesale Right for You private podcast! This free 12-part audio series will help you decide whether wholesale is a good next step for your specific business. After listening to this audio series (in less than an hour), two things will be true. You'll know whether you want to pursue wholesale for your product business, and you'll have the confidence and action steps to get started with wholesale. Sign up for the private podcast today! SIGN UP You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/371 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Today on the podcast, I have the pleasure of talking about sales reps with Kelly Bristol from Just Got 2 Have It. I can't believe it's taken me this long to have Kelly on the show because we have known each other for a very long time, and she has a wide range of knowledge that I'm excited for you to hear. She is the Vice President of Business Development at Just Got 2 Have It, a B2B sales rep agency with 5 divisions serving 36 states. Kelly is an accomplished senior leader with nearly 25 years of experience in the gift and home industry. She has experience working at the National Stationery Show, Dallas Market Center, Brandwise, and Market Time, as well as Purchasing Power Plus, a hospital gift-buying group. She's a board member for Gift for Life, the gift and home industry's longest-running volunteer-led national charitable organization. She is a founding partner of the new industry movement called Reps Are Local Too. During this episode, we talk about the ever-evolving retail landscape, the importance of strategic planning, shifts in buying patterns, and the continued need for community over competition within the industry. We also discuss emerging trends and challenges posed by platforms like Faire, as well as the importance of sales reps' local market knowledge and how that can benefit brands. Also, we talk about how brands can successfully navigate the competitive space and utilize sales reps for more sales. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks. Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/370 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

I'm coming to you on the heels of having a cold, and I'm here to remind you to take care of yourself. A lot is going on in the United States this week. Plus, this time of year is hectic for all of my product-based business owners. I know you are working so hard and are likely wearing yourself out. I thought now would be a good time to share simple ways to practice self-care before and during a busy season. Today's episode is brought to you by our Proof to Product LABS coaching program. This is a coaching program specifically built for product-based business owners, with members from across industries and across the globe. We have member-only events inside of LABS, so request your invitation to join below! REQUEST YOUR INVITATION You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/369 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Earlier this year, we conducted a state of the product industry survey. We had 925 people respond. We found that 15% of respondents are not utilizing email marketing to reach their audiences. My jaw fell to the floor! I've talked about why email marketing is so important in previous episodes. The number surprised me because email marketing has the highest ROI of all marketing channels. For every dollar that you put into email marketing, you can expect an average rate of return of $42, which is bananas. You won't get that with social media or even sometimes paid ads. Email marketing is also one of the best ways to build trust with your customers so that they come back time and time again to order with you. I have been shouting the importance of email marketing for years, but, today, I wanted to let our friends at Flodesk explain why email marketing is so important, what data you should be paying attention to, and overlooked opportunities when it comes to email marketing. My guest today is Dawn Richardson. She is the product education manager at Flodesk. She also runs her own business called Tech Savvy Creative. Dawn has a background in software engineering, and then she was in wedding photography. Now, she's back in the world of tech where she's helping creative entrepreneurs of all types. Her mission is to create a safe, fun, and welcoming corner of the Internet where entrepreneurs can learn how to leverage technology so they can spend more time doing work that matters most. You can try out Flodesk by going to our affiliate link at http://prooftoproduct.com/flodesk. This episode is brought to you by our Email Marketing For Product Makers guide. 49% of our customers want to hear from us consistently, yet, only a small percentage of product-based business owners are actively sending monthly emails to their customers. If you've struggled with what to say, when to send, or how to plan out your email marketing strategies, we've got just the tool for you. This tool and the optional training have helped hundreds of product makers plan out an entire year's worth of emails. And, the best part… they are creating templates that they can rinse & repeat year after year. DOWNLOAD NOW You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/368 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

I feel like today's guest needs no introduction, but it would be a complete disservice to not share all of his accolades. Today, I'm talking with Seth Godin. He's an author, entrepreneur, and most of all, a teacher. In addition to launching one of the most popular blogs in the world, he has written 22 best-selling books, including The Dip, Linchpin, Purple Cow, Tribes, and This is Marketing, which was an instant bestseller in countries around the world. His newest book, This is Strategy: Make Better Plans releases this week and offers readers a practical framework for what an effective strategy looks like and feels like in today's fast-moving chaotic, and diverse world. This strategy allows readers to zoom out and see the bigger picture and understand the systems that are shaping their lives at work, in business, and day-to-day challenges. Seth contends that by recognizing and mastering these systems and prioritizing long-term thinking over instant gratification, we can make smart, purposeful choices today that will lead to long-term growth. In my conversation with Seth, he shares his motivation for writing this book, the four elements that are critical for an effective strategy, and the importance of identifying and connecting with our smallest viable audience. On a personal note, when I started my product business in 2008, Seth's work was a major catalyst in helping me gain marketing momentum. He has a no-nonsense approach. He's concise and clear with his thoughts, and that resonates and gets your wheels turning, which you will hear in today's episode. Today's episode is brought to you by our Proof to Product LABS coaching program. This is a coaching program specifically built for product-based business owners, with members from across industries and across the globe. We have member-only events inside of LABS, so request your invitation to join below! REQUEST YOUR INVITATION You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/367 This episode contains affiliate links. You can view our affiliate disclaimer here. Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Is it harder to start a business or scale a business? This was a question that someone posed over on Threads recently, and it got my wheels turning. In 2024, scaling is harder. It is easy to start a business these days. However, most don't have the grit to keep going long-term and scale the business. During this episode, I dive into why it's easier to start a business in 2024 but harder to scale a business. I touch on how different marketing is these days, the differences between finding manufacturing partners now vs in the past, changes in technology, decision fatigue, and more. Today's episode is brought to you by our Proof to Product LABS coaching program. This is a coaching program specifically built for product-based business owners, with members from across industries and across the globe. We have member-only events inside of LABS, so request your invitation to join below! REQUEST YOUR INVITATION You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/366 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Have you ever sold out of your inventory in a few days? Today's guest did that when they were launching their embroidery kits to the wholesale market through Faire. Riki Inge of Rikrack had stocked up inventory. She'd prepped her Faire shop. She went live, and everything completely sold out in just a few days. While most people would see this as a good problem, it highlighted a lot of issues with Riki's packaging, her product details, and even her fulfillment workflow. And she's here today to share her story with us, how she navigated that situation and came out ahead. Rikrack Embroidery creates kits that are not only beautiful and unique, but also fun and simple to stitch, as well as embroidery-inspired gifts that she's recently expanded into. Riki created embroidery art in college but stopped stitching while working as an in-house artist for more than 18 years. Rikrack combines the love of art making with the fun of embroidery to design kits that allow anyone to create their own special piece of art. On today's episode, Riki shares why she felt like she was starting over when she moved from selling direct to consumer to selling wholesale. We talk about the challenges she faced and the solutions that she implemented when she sold out of all of her inventory in just a few days when launching wholesale. And we talk about why slow, steady, and intentional outsourcing have served Riki well in growing her business. Today's episode is brought to you by our Proof to Product LABS coaching program. This is a coaching program specifically built for product-based business owners, with members from across industries and across the globe. If you have ever wanted to pick my brain or get my eyes and ears on your business, our LABS coaching program is the place to do that. One of our founding members, Cedric Victor of Special Orbit, said it best. He said: if you don't want to find out months or years down the line that there was a better way to run your business, get in LABS. We are constantly talking, figuring things out together, and sharing hard-won insights. Cedric, thank you so much for this. I could not agree with you more. LABS is a special community that includes a wide range of product makers like Riki, our guest today. We have member-only events inside of LABS, so request your invitation to join below! REQUEST YOUR INVITATION You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/365 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

I am excited to share today's episode with you because we have a fun guest. It's Brock Johnson. If you're not familiar with Brock, he is an Instagram expert who has coached thousands of entrepreneurs and creators on how to grow on Instagram, and he's been doing it since 2018. In 2021, his personal following blew up, thanks to his strategy of using Reels, and he has grown at a rate of approximately 1,000 followers per day since then. He now has over 700,000 followers. He consults with Meta and Instagram staff and is an international keynote speaker on all things Instagram. During the interview, we discussed the emerging platform of Threads and how he's using it for business. Fun fact: Threads is actually how Brock and I got connected. (You can follow Brock here on Threads and Proof to Product here on Threads!) He shares how to optimize your Instagram profile, how to create share-worthy content, and how to balance content creation with all of the other tasks that you have to do in your business. We also chat about tools that he's using, like Metricool (affiliate link) and ManyChat (affiliate link). I wanted to bring Brock on the show because our recent industry survey showed that Instagram is one of the primary marketing channels that many of our product based business owners are using, and I thought this advice would be super valuable to you. If you're interested in reading the 2024 State of the Product Industry Survey Report, click here to download it. Over 925 product brands participated in this survey, and they shared intimate details about their businesses. We're talking money, team, how much they're working, how they're retaining and attracting new customers. This episode is brought to you by our Email Marketing For Product Makers guide. 49% of our customers want to hear from us consistently, yet, only a small percentage of product-based business owners are actively sending monthly emails to their customers. If you've struggled with what to say, when to send, or how to plan out your email marketing strategies, we've got just the tool for you. This tool and the optional training have helped hundreds of product makers plan out an entire year's worth of emails. And, the best part… they are creating templates that they can rinse & repeat year after year. DOWNLOAD NOW You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/364 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

We are back with another compilation episode with our Paper Camp coaches. If you missed last week's episode, you can check it out by going to episode 362. In this episode, I'm taking a different approach and asking a different set of questions. These questions are directly aimed at our coaches who are wholesale buyers that run retail storefronts. Today's questions focus on tips for pitching products to buyers and building wholesale relationships between stores and brands. Last week we wrapped up the 44th round of Paper Camp, and I am so grateful to these coaches for providing so much personalized feedback to our students. Myself and our coaches were in our community group every day answering questions, sharing solutions, and connecting with our students. So many of our students have already updated their pricing and their terms and conditions. They've created catalogs. They're sending out their first wholesale pitches. Some have completely revamped their retention strategies and how they're reaching out to existing accounts too. It has been so fun to see the transformations in such a short amount of time. The coaches featured in this episode are Theresa Delaney of Creative Kind and Jen Palacio of Tiny Turns Paperie. Both have retail storefronts and purchase products from members of our community. Questions I asked these Paper Camp coaches: What is the best way that you like to be pitched by a brand? How do you not want to be pitched by a brand? What is something that you see brands worrying about that doesn't really affect your buying decisions? Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners. Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. We won't be offering another round of Paper Camp until 2025 so if you are listening to this episode and you missed this round, be sure to get on the waitlist by clicking the link below. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/363 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

We are in the final week of our signature program, Paper Camp. In Paper Camp, we teach product-based business owners how to get their products on the shelves of their favorite stores, big and small. Paper Camp is an insanely comprehensive coaching program focusing on foundational and growth strategies for selling wholesale. During Paper Camp, we answer hundreds of business owners' questions about product development, sales, marketing, and more. If it correlates to selling wholesale, we cover it in this program. This week on the podcast, we thought it would be fun to ask a few of our Paper Camp coaches questions that we could share with all of you here and give you an inside look at what it's like being inside a Paper Camp and asking very personal questions about your brands. The coaches featured in this episode are Theresa Delaney of Creative Kind, Kiwi Schloffel of Your Gal Kiwi, and Jen Palacio of Tiny Turns Paperie. Questions I asked these Paper Camp coaches: What is something you struggled with when you started selling wholesale that you also see our Paper Camp students struggling with? We had a lot of great questions during the first week of Paper Camp, which was focused on product development. What advice do you have for brands that are working on refining and strengthening their product line? What is a missed opportunity for wholesale brands when it comes to how they are presenting their work to stores? What is something you wish more brands would celebrate when growing their wholesale sales? Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners. Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. We won't be offering another round of Paper Camp until 2025 so if you are listening to this episode and you missed this round, be sure to get on the waitlist by clicking the link below. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/362 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

I love staying connected to our community while they're out exhibiting or attending trade shows throughout the year. One update that caught my eye this summer was from Biff Ulm of Nice Enough Stickers about his experience at the Las Vegas gift show. Now Biff is no stranger to the podcast. He's been sharing tips about leveraging point-of-sale systems back on episode 146, and we did a COVID check-in with him during episode 177 where he shared how things were going for his brick-and-mortar shop at the time. Biff and I had a lot to catch up on in this episode, but one thing that stood out was that his observations at the Las Vegas gift show were about product development strategy. He has much to say about it, and I'm excited for you to listen in. For background, Biff's stickers are now in over 3000 stores with 8,000 locations, so he knows a thing or two about creating products that people want to buy. Biff also owns a wildly successful retail shop, which provides him with a unique viewpoint as both a wholesale buyer and seller. In this episode, we discuss the importance of patience, iteration, and customer feedback in developing successful products. We also discuss how to leverage data and understand buying behaviors. This episode is brought to you by our Email Marketing For Product Makers guide. 49% of our customers want to hear from us consistently, yet, only a small percentage of product-based business owners are actively sending monthly emails to their customers. If you've struggled with what to say, when to send, or how to plan out your email marketing strategies, we've got just the tool for you. This tool and the optional training have helped hundreds of product makers plan out an entire year's worth of emails. And, the best part… they are creating templates that they can rinse & repeat year after year. DOWNLOAD NOW You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/361 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Is it possible to have a thriving business and not be on social media? In episode 309, Brigida Swanson from Yardia joined me to discuss what it was like for her to leave social media. We talked a lot about choosing contentment over business growth, and this episode was a listener favorite. We decided to invite Brigida back onto the podcast to check in and see how things are going 1 year later. Brigida Swanson is a multiracial Chamorro watercolor artist from Seattle and the one-woman show behind her company, YARDIA. She creates watercolor-driven and Pacific Northwest-inspired art, stationery, and home goods that help folks to express their intersectional identities and love the places they live. During this interview, we discussed how her business has thrived without the constant scroll. We talked about the positive impact the shift has made on her personal life and how her focused efforts on email newsletters and direct outreach for wholesale have helped her expand. This episode is brought to you by our Email Marketing For Product Makers guide. 49% of our customers want to hear from us consistently, yet, only a small percentage of product-based business owners are actively sending monthly emails to their customers. If you've struggled with what to say, when to send, or how to plan out your email marketing strategies, we've got just the tool for you. This tool and the optional training have helped hundreds of product makers plan out an entire year's worth of emails. And, the best part… they are creating templates that they can rinse & repeat year after year. DOWNLOAD NOW

We have all heard that we need to showcase our authentic selves for our businesses, but what does that actually mean? What does that look like in our business? This week's podcast episode features a recent portion of a coffee chat hosted by Kiwi Schloffel held inside of our private LABS program. LABS is our membership for product-based business owners where we talk about how to work smarter, not harder within our businesses, including how we show up as a leader. In this coffee chat, Kiwi touches on a variety of topics, such as the importance of staying true to your brand's identity, how to use personal interest to inject authenticity into your business, and more. This week's podcast episode is brought to you by Kodi Collective, who is also a sponsor of our Paper Camp program. Kodi Collective is a leading omnichannel marketing company that supports B2C and B2B brands and publications. They offer a wide range of print, procurement, and creative production solutions, including digital and offset printing, sourcing, and logistics. They are focused on helping you achieve an integrated marketing mix to reach your audience in meaningful ways. You can learn more about Kodi's services by going to their website. All of our Paper Camp and LABS students get access to a private Proof to Product portal with Kodi, where they get discounted rates on print services and a dedicated sales rep to help us with all of our project management. They provide support throughout the process of getting your project off the ground. So if you are looking for a new print partner, our community has had great experiences working with Kodi Collective. And if you missed our latest round of Paper Camp, click here to get on the waitlist for our next round. You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/359 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

We are gearing up for our next round of Paper Camp and we are so excited! This is our wholesale intensive program, and I wanted to do something fun for this week's podcast episode to celebrate this milestone and the fact that enrollment for Paper Camp is currently open. I asked our past Paper Camp students to answer 1 question: How have you and your business grown since participating in Paper Camp? The responses we received were incredible. In this episode, you're gonna hear from 9 women who represent a small sampling of our community. They sell a wide range of home decor, jewelry, embroidery, stationery, and consumer gift products. They sell their products to stores big and small across the world. Some came through Paper Camp several years ago while a couple just attended our latest round, and yet each of them took advantage of everything that Paper Camp had to offer: the coaching, the community, and the coursework. They implemented what they learned, and now they are seeing incredible results. Check out the links of everyone featured below and be sure to head to this link to enroll in our next round of Paper Camp. Businesses featured in this episode Chelsea Ward, Sketchy Notions: Follow on Instagram Christy Asper, Paper Baristas: Follow on Instagram Riki Inge, Rikrack Embroidery: Follow on Instagram Sandra Alcorn, Petals & Pins: Follow on Instagram Shelley Schmidt, Sunny Day Designs: Follow on Instagram Kate Murray, Quick Brown Fox Letterpress: Follow on Instagram Nellys Siria, Cocoa Loves Grey: Follow on Instagram Keli Change, PärdēPress: Follow on Instagram Ashley Sutton, Hustle and Hope: Follow on Instagram You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/358 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

A wholesale catalog's purpose is to sell your products, tell your story, and build a relationship with a buyer when you can't be there with them in person. Ultimately, the goal of your wholesale catalog is to sell your products, and it's important to build your catalog with your retailer in mind. Today I'm going to go through five quick tips for creating an effective wholesale catalog. Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners. Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. We will open enrollment for our next round of Paper Camp soon, and we sell this program out every time we run it. Join the wait list and you'll get early access to enroll. SIGN UP NOW You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/357 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

There's no "easy mode" in business. Selling physical products is a lot of work and being a product entrepreneur requires grit, tenacity, and courage. Today's episode is for seasoned wholesalers who might be experiencing a slower sales season this summer. If your sales have stalled, there are two metrics that you can tap into to build stronger relationships with your current accounts and sustainably scale your revenue for wholesale. Tune in and you'll learn how to find opportunities for reorders, simplify your purchasing process, make small but impactful changes that improve cash flow for your business, and more. This episode offers some high-level number-crunching and practical sales strategies that will help you increase your wholesale revenue and get out of your sales slump. Today's episode is brought to you by our signature program, Paper Camp, our 4-week program that takes the guess-work out of selling wholesale. When you follow the strategies and methods in Paper Camp, you'll not only feel more confident but you'll reach your wholesale goals faster. Come join the program now! SIGN UP NOW Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Pitching large retailers is a completely different process and timeline than working with independent retailers. Having worked with thousands of brands, I know that it can feel like an intimidating process to pitch your work to these key accounts. Today on the podcast, we're pulling back the curtain and explaining how it all works. My guest today is Sally Diguette, a home and lifestyle buyer with Anthropologie. Through an unpredictable path, Sally landed in the retail industry and has over 14 years of experience in buying, product development, and sourcing. Sally is an innovative merchant and consultant. She centers her work around relationship building and creative strategy, combining unique product development and sourcing from national brands across a variety of categories. Her passion lies in working with emerging brands in an incubator capacity to build fresh product offerings, solid organizational systems, and a strong team structure. On today's episode, Sally shares about the buying process and schedule for Anthropologie. We talk specifically about the timelines that she's working with for both exclusive products as well as ready made products. And she offers advice for how to get your products in front of key account buyers. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks. Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/355 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

When we have our eyes set on a specific business goal, something like selling wholesale, it is incredibly beneficial to hear from people who are a few steps ahead of us in the process, which is why we close out every round of our Paper Camp program with an alumni panel. I want our students to hear from their peers. In today's podcast episode, we're sharing a portion of our alumni roundtable with all of you. This alumni panel features Janine Kwoh from Kwohtations, Jesse Regis from Virgins on Fire Candle Company, and Lucia Saisse Morris from Lucy Loves Paper. Each of these Paper Camp alumni shares details about their brand, how many stores they're working with, what has been challenging about growing wholesale, and more. Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners. Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. We will open enrollment for the next round of Paper Camp soon, and we sell this program out every time we run it. Join the wait list and you'll get early access to enroll. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

If you're listening today that means you're likely interested in applying for our Paper Camp scholarship! Giving back is one of our core values here at Proof to Product and we give back through our time, knowledge as well as financial scholarships. Since 2011, we've awarded over $275,000+ in scholarship funds to creative entrepreneurs who sell physical products to the wholesale market. These brands had big dreams of seeing their products on the shelves of their favorite stores and they have obtained huge results. These scholarships are a big deal and we treat them that way. We typically have anywhere from 80-90 scholarship applications every round of Paper Camp. My team and I dedicate several days to view all the videos, read the applications, review websites, and ultimately whittle it down to one full tuition scholarship winner. It's never an easy choice, but we do put a lot of care into our selections. And, today I want to share 5 ways that you can stand out when submitting your Paper Camp application. You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/353 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Selling wholesale can be a valuable and lucrative strategy for businesses of all sizes, but there are a few myths about the process that can discourage some entrepreneurs from exploring whether wholesale is a good fit for them or prevent some brands from pushing further into wholesale and expanding the revenue stream. Listen in to hear 5 myths about selling wholesale and the truths behind each! Today's episode is brought to you by our Is Wholesale Right For You masterclass! During this free, on-demand masterclass, we'll walk through 12 questions to ask yourself to determine if you, your products, and your business are ready to sell wholesale. I'm sharing my own tips for you to move forward confidently with your next steps. GET ACCESS You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/352 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

It is so deflating when we put our work out into the world and either don't hear back or we're told that now isn't the right time. Our students feel this deeply when they are pitching wholesale accounts, but today's guest is reminding us that a no today doesn't always mean that it's a no forever. Nellys Syria is the owner of Cocoa Loves Grey, a colorful accessories brand that sells very popular and beautiful laser-cut earrings. Nellys believes in the power of bright colors to draw people in and make them happy. She's always coming up with fun and unique items to keep her business fresh and interesting. She's a 1st generation Latina and the 1st business owner in her entire family. Nellys sells her earrings to both direct-to-consumer audiences and wholesale and her product line expanded when her husband bought a laser cutter for Christmas. We talk about how her dream store originally told her no, but eventually came back to purchase her gorgeous earrings. Nellys shares how she was on the verge of burnout, but pushed pause to reset how she was running her business. Today's episode is brought to you by our free, on-demand wholesale audio series. In this audio series, I'll walk you through the biggest mistakes and most common questions folks have when they are starting and scaling wholesale—so you don't make the same mistakes myself and others did. You can binge this audio series in less than an hour and you can listen on the go in your favorite podcast player. No fluff here, just concrete action steps and answers to help you simplify and strengthen your wholesale sales. SIGN UP You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/351 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Today's episode is short but very detailed, so find a quiet place to listen and grab a notebook. This is a quick training that I recorded for our LABS members. Our LABS members are Paper Camp alumni, so they have been through our intensive program. This is something that we walk you through in Paper Camp as well, but I wanted to bring it up here publicly on the podcast because I know from the 2024 survey results that many of you need to do a product audit. In this episode, I walk you through the step-by-step instructions on how to audit your product line, including how to collect the data and what data to collect, analysis and what to look for, as well as how to apply what you're learning from the data to your business moving forward. Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners. Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. We will open enrollment for our next round of Paper Camp soon, and we sell this program out every time we run it. Join the wait list and you'll get early access to enroll. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/350 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

I love bringing a variety of perspectives and people from the retail space to this podcast. Buyers, sales reps, you name it, they've been on the Proof to Product podcast. This week's episode, I'm joined by Keli Faw, who is the owner of Crow & Canary. Crow & Canary might sound familiar as we've had the previous owner, Carina Murray, on the show in episode 232. Carina has also been a long-time Paper Camp speaker and supporter of our Proof to Product community. Keli took over Crow & Canary in early 2023 after being a sales rep for the agency and a shop owner in Seattle. With over 13 years of experience as a retailer and a background in communications and PR, including stints at Microsoft and Nordstrom, Keli brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation. In this episode, Keli shares the challenges retailers face, from managing seasonal returns to making strategic buying decisions. We discuss the impacts of online platforms like Faire and Amazon on the wholesale markets and why there needs to be transparency and strong communication between buyers, reps, and brands. Keli also shares her insights on navigating the sales rep relationship amidst the changes brought on by the pandemic and social media and the importance of understanding individual store dynamics and product diversification. Whether you are a retailer, a sales rep, or a brand owner, this episode offers valuable takeaways on optimizing those wholesale relationships and staying proactive in your business planning. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks. Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/349 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

If you want to hear from someone who has more than 18 years of corporate retail buying experience and who knows what buyers are looking for when they are shopping on Faire, you are in luck because today's guest on the podcast is Kristin Fisher of Bocu. Kristin owns the gifting brand, Bocu, and she is also a retail strategy mentor for brands and independent retailers, as well as the host of the Buyerside Chat podcast. In this episode, Kristin and I discuss the essentials of optimizing your Faire shop, including how to avoid common mistakes that other brands are making, maintain strong buyer relationships, and stay ahead of your competitors with effective pricing. Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners. Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. We will open enrollment for the 44th round of Paper Camp soon, and we sell this program out every time we run it. Join the wait list and you'll get early access to enroll. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/348 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

The Proof to Product team is practicing what we preach and we are going on summer break for the next two weeks! We will be back in your ears mid-July and we are so excited about our upcoming episodes. In the meantime, we are gearing up for another round of our Paper Camp program which will start at the end of August. We only run Paper Camp twice a year, so if you are wanting to learn how to start with wholesale, click here to join the waitlist (we sell out every time!) Have a great two weeks and we'll see you soon!

Every day, I hear from product-based business owners who are curious about other people's business models, revenue streams, team structure, tech stack, how much revenue they're not only earning but what profit they're taking home, and how much they're paying themselves. Although we know that every business is different, it is completely natural to want to see behind the scenes and the curtains of another brand in your industry. But more than ever, it's more than curiosity now. We know that our product industry has experienced major shifts over the last several years. We've had supply chain issues, rising costs, and labor shortages. Everyone has been pivoting and recalibrating, and that has led to a lot of new normals. We're experiencing an entire shift in the industry and I know you wanted to know what was happening in the industry. My team and I put together an industry-wide survey. We had 925 product-based business owners who anonymously shared their business details with us. Today, we're going to dive into the details on the podcast. You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/347 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Every day, I hear from product-based business owners who are curious about other people's business models, revenue streams, team structure, tech stack, how much revenue they're not only earning but what profit they're taking home, and how much they're paying themselves. Although we know that every business is different, it is completely natural to want to see behind the scenes and the curtains of another brand in your industry. But more than ever, it's more than curiosity now. We know that our product industry has experienced major shifts over the last several years. We've had supply chain issues, rising costs, and labor shortages. Everyone has been pivoting and recalibrating, and that has led to a lot of new normals. We're experiencing an entire shift in the industry and I know you wanted to know what was happening in the industry. My team and I put together an industry-wide survey. We had 925 product-based business owners who anonymously shared their business details with us. Today, we're going to dive into the details on the podcast. You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/347 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

What if you lived in a different state than your business? Meaning, all of your products, your inventory, your team, and your operations were in a completely different state. For today's guest, Rachel Kroh of Heartell Press, this is her every day now. She lives in Washington with her family, while her team of 5 works remotely across the country. They're shipping cards and gifts to more than 1,000 stores worldwide. In this episode, Rachel shares how she tripled her revenue by focusing on selling wholesale, strengthening her systems, and building the infrastructure of her business. Plus, Rachel reflects on the challenges of relocating her business, the impact of her art on emotional expression, and her exciting plans for the future, including a 10-year anniversary collection. She is one of our Paper Camp alumni and also one of our LABS members. Today's episode is brought to you by our Is Wholesale Right for You private podcast! This free 12-part audio series will help you decide whether wholesale is a good next step for your specific business. After listening to this audio series (in less than an hour), two things will be true. You'll know whether you want to pursue wholesale for your product business, and you'll have the confidence and action steps to get started with wholesale. Sign up for the private podcast today! SIGN UP You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/346 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

We've been telling you a lot of stories here on the podcast about brands making big scary shifts in business, and part of the reason we're doing this is to normalize that it's okay to pivot when you need to. In episode 342, Alyson O'Connor shared how she shut down a 6-figure revenue stream so she could focus on a revenue stream wholesale that better fit the day-to-day life she wanted. In episode 338, Kiwi Schloffel shared how she made the tough decision to exit her business, and Meghan Hopkins Sokorai talked about why she chose to acquire Kiwi's business. On this week's episode, Janine Kwoh of Kwohtations is back on the show to talk about some big shifts she recently made to her product line to ensure that her business was not only more sustainable but also easier for her to manage. Janine is the owner and designer of Kwohtations, a Brooklyn, New York-based line of letterpress-printed greeting cards and gifts. Kwohtations cards acknowledge and celebrate people and occasions who are often underrepresented in the card aisle. She is also the author of Welcome to the Grief Club, an illustrated book on grief for anyone who has had a loss. Janine is a PaperCamp alumnus and a community leader in our Proof to Product Labs program. She is an award-winning artist, an author, and a great friend to many in the industry. On today's episode, Janine shares how a key account ordered 4,300 hand-painted cards and how that pushed her to retire and rethink her entire product line. She talked about her decision-making process, how she prepared for the changes, and how she communicated these product changes to her customers. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks. Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/345 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Running a business sure is a roller coaster, isn't it? We have our ups and downs. We have to balance the future forecasting and envisioning while also putting out the day-to-day fires in front of us. It takes a lot of grit and determination to be an entrepreneur, particularly when you're building something that aligns with your personal interests and values. Today's guest is Tammie Bennett from the Show Up Society. Tammie is a certified mindset coach, podcaster, speaker, artist, and educator. She is obsessed with helping creators show up as themselves. For over 15 years, she has helped people accomplish more than they ever thought was possible by teaching them to feel safe in putting their work out into the world. On today's podcast episode, we're talking about normalizing the hard stuff and taking responsibility for our business decisions. We talk about not relying on platforms or algorithms or other people's opinions to drive our business decisions. And Tammie shares why everyone needs a did-it list instead of a to-do list. Today's episode is brought to you by our Proof to Product resource library. It's where you can get your hands on our free resources to help you start, streamline and scale your business in your own way and at your own pace. GET FREE ACCESS You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/344 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

A wholesale catalog's purpose is to sell your products, tell your story, and build a relationship with a buyer when you can't be there with them in person. Ultimately, the goal of your wholesale catalog is to sell your products, and it's important to build your catalog with your retailer in mind. Today I'm going to go through five quick tips for creating an effective wholesale catalog. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks. Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/343 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

Have you ever wanted to make a transition in your business, but you resisted because the thing you wanted to move away from brought in the largest chunk of revenue for your business? I have definitely been there, and so has today's podcast guest. Alyson O'Connor is a classically trained visual artist specializing in nature-inspired illustrations, stationery, and gifts. She runs Rust Belt Love with her husband Nick in Buffalo, New York. Alyson draws and designs, and Nick prints, often on their 100-year-old letterpresses. After closing their retail stationery during the pandemic, they launched their wholesale line of heart center greeting cards and gifts in 2021. Alyson made an even tougher decision to close the wedding arm of her business, which we'll talk about today. Rust Belt Love's products can now be found in over 1,000 stores worldwide. Alyson is a Paper Camp alum and a member of my Advisory Board mastermind. She's an active member of the Greeting Card Association of America,and she's the committee chair of the industry's Louie Awards. Today, we're talking about how Alyson pivoted away from a 14-year career making custom wedding invitations, and how she replaced her 6-figure custom revenue stream with ready-made products sold to the wholesale market. Alyson candidly discusses the transformation of her business model in response to the challenges that the pandemic brought on, including how and why she embraced a wholesale approach. This strategic shift wasn't just about business survival, though. It was also driven by a desire to regain control over her work-life balance, especially given the demands of family life. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, its only $27 bucks. Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/342 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

We are seeking 1,000 product-based business owners who are willing to anonymously share their details for the 2024 State of the Product Industry Report: www.prooftoproduct.com/2024survey The data will help you make stronger decisions in your business. It will help you better understand the industry and your competition. It will help you identify growth opportunities. The results will benefit us all. BUT... in order to make this report truly successful, we need you to do the following: Fill out the State of Product Industry survey at prooftoproduct.com/2024survey Share the survey link with your product peers. In exchange for your participation, we'll share the report with you when it is ready. All physical product-based business owners are invited to apply. No brand is too big or too small. We want to hear from people making a wide range of products and in various stages of business. Thanks in advance for your participation and for sharing this opportunity with your product peers!

I love using the podcast to spotlight our different community members and their unique businesses and stories because we know that no two businesses are the same. We all have our lived experiences and interests that play into the types of businesses we create and how we choose to run these businesses each day. Today's guest is Paper Camp Alumni Priyanka Batra from My Darlin', a colorful Brooklyn-based paper goods studio. Through her work, she aims to romanticize everyday moments through a contemporary, but playful design aesthetic while simultaneously evoking a sense of nostalgia. Priyanka's line has grown steadily since 2019, and her products are now carried in more than 300 stores in the United States plus distribution in Australia. On today's episode, Priyanka shares her love of fashion and how that influences her products, how growing up the daughter of immigrants influenced her career path, and she talks about overcoming imposter syndrome. We also talk about how she jumped into her first trade show too quickly with only 3 weeks to prepare and the lessons she learned the hard way in that experience. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, its only $27 bucks. Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/341 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

I know what you're thinking. Why are we talking about holiday gift guides when it's only spring? I know. But just like how product development cycles require advanced planning, so does pitching the press and getting your products featured in holiday gift guides. Today's guest is Nora Wolf from Wolf PR, a boutique public relations firm that she founded in 2011. Wolf PR specializes in furniture, textiles, lighting, and collectible design. In addition, they have consulted with a wide range of companies, big and small. In 2020, Nora and her business partner, Kristen Larson, launched a second business called WolfCraft. WolfCraft's mission is to help creative businesses build brand awareness with actionable PR and content strategies that resonate with clients and the media. Nora is known for helping product-based business owners get their products featured in holiday gift guides. During this episode, we're talking about your holiday gift guide pitching timeline, what you need to have prepared, and how to put your best products forward when pitching press for holiday gift guides. If pitching holiday gift guides is something you are focused on for this year, I want to invite you to a free workshop that we're co-hosting with WolfCraft PR on May 7th at 9am PT/12pm ET. They will share best practices for pitching your products to gift guides and tell you more about their upcoming program that helps you get your products featured in gift guides. You can click here to register for this free workshop. You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/340 Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp