Creatives Rule the World

Latest Episodes:

EP203: What YOU Need to Know in 2019 About the Current Wholesale Climate May 27, 2019

Show notes

This week is Robin’s birthday!

I’m so excited to be chatting with her about the rapidly changing world of wholesale…

Robin is our go-to girl in this department… She’s our wholesale and sales expert. And in the 7 years since we started Flourish & Thrive Academy, this part of our industry has been changing nonstop…

But lucky for us, Robin is up on all of these changes…

So whether you’re about to dive into wholesale for the first time or you’re navigating the ins and outs of consignment or sell and return – we’ve got you!

These days, it can feel like the financial pressure is 100% on designers. Especially in wholesale.

It may have you wondering… Is wholesale even worth it anymore? Can you really survive and make a good living with this model?

The fact is, it's totally possible! But only if you’re staying on top of what’s working TODAY.

In this week’s podcast episode, we’re covering everything you need to know to stay relevant in wholesale.

In order to succeed in wholesale, you have to build great relationships with your buyers…

Relationations are truly at the core of any working wholesale model. You want to make things easy for the people you work with…

This can mean providing them high-quality images that make promoting your work simple.

It can mean checking in regularly or scheduling annual visits to each of your buyers.

It can even start as early as simply following and engaging with your dream stores on Instagram.

The more you build relationships and connections, the more success you’ll have with wholesale.

EP202: How to Lean into Your Creative Brilliance to Build a Better Business May 20, 2019

Show notes

The amazing thing about designers is we’re each so unique…
It's so cool how you don’t have to be a certain way to succeed in this industry.

As I’ve really gotten to know my own gifts and talents, I’ve realized something…

I’m pretty much TERRIBLE at 90% of the things you need to do in business. But the other 10% I’m totally brilliant at!

And that’s okay… because I can get support in the areas where I need it. And when I stay in my zone of brilliance, I’m going to do more than anyone else could in those areas.

The same goes for you.

You’re going to have even more success when you figure out your particular brand of brilliance… and stop trying to be good at everything.

I’m talking finding that special sparkle only YOU have.
Once you figure out what that is – you can leverage it. And when you leverage it, suddenly business is going to totally change for you.

Things will get easier. Decisions will come more naturally. You’ll feel more turned on in and by your work.

But what if you don’t know what it is?!?!?!

Well, I have some good news for you. If you head over to FlourishThriveAcademy.com/brilliance you can take our Jewelry Brand Brilliance Factor Quiz. It takes literally less than a minute.

Do it now before you keep reading or before you listen to this week’s episode!

Because the content and tips we have for you today are going to be 10 times more powerful when you know your brilliance factor.

Today we’re going to be talking about how you can use that special gift to your advantage. So you can stop fighting your natural tendencies in business and learn to use them… and then get the right support built up around you!

There's this myth about the “starving artist syndrome,”… And I don't believe artists should be starving! They just need to tweak the way they think about their creativity and lean into that to build better businesses.

Creativity is the number one most important thing you have to help make you money in your business! We are so gifted as creative thinkers…

As I’ve been investigating and learning through helping others grow their businesses, I’ve discovered that there are basically 6 types of creative zones of brilliance.

The really cool thing is that this goes beyond just jewelry design…
Even if you’re a fashion or accessories designer… heck, even if you’re making dog treats – this is going to apply to you!

So be sure to hop on over to FlourishThriveAcademy.com/brilliance to take the quiz, and then listen to this week’s podcast so you can learn the best tools to take full advantage of your gifts.

EP201: How to Launch One of a Kind Collections and Sell Out in Less than a Month May 13, 2019

Show notes

When you’re running a jewelry business, sometimes you might forget why you started what you do…
Running a business takes work. Persistence. Consistency. Strategy.

But at the end of the day – most of us are actually artists! We get into this work to CREATE.

And while it's important to get those systems down that help you thrive… there’s also nothing wrong with a craving for VARIETY!

I’m so excited to be interviewing Alex Camacho of Acid Queen Jewelry because she’s got this balance down…

Alex has truly mastered the launch & release strategy. So much so that she’s releasing a one of a kind collection MONTHLY… And selling them out!

This is so cool because it means she gets to constantly be creating.

Each month she’s making one of a kind pieces. And she’s created a strong following around it!

Sure, she has her ready-to-wear line that’s always for sale. She’s got something consistent and easy when she’s in a pinch. But she’s also managed to systematize variety and creativity.

So if you worry that success in your brand means you have to sell the same boring line, you’re wrong.

In today’s episode, Alex is going to share with us how to create and sell out one time collections.

Alex has truly trained her customers to buy from her in the way she wants them to…
Granted, Alex says she works really fast. Not every designer is going to need (or want) to put out a collection monthly.

But even if this is 2 or 4 times a year, her model is really working for getting these collections to sell FAST.

Listen to the episode to get the full scoop on how Alex runs her unique business model.

EP200: The BEST in Show Celebration May 06, 2019

Show notes

Wow! I seriously can’t believe this week was episode #200 of the Thrive by Design Podcast!
I started this show because I wanted to serve the jewelry community in a bigger way.

This work means the world to me…

Back in the 90’s when I was starting out, there wasn’t anything like this!

We didn’t have free content.

Heck, I don’t even think I had an email address yet!

That’s why I’m so passionate about this work…

I love serving this community. Helping YOU reach big numbers. Helping you grow your business.

And how cool that we now have this platform to share information through!

Although I’ve watched the industry change at a crazy pace, I’ve also realized…

Many of the issues we were having back then (pre-internet), are the same ones we have now!

They come down to the fact that we’re visionaries. We’re creatives. We’re literally artists. So even when the market changes, a lot of those struggles stay the same.

So this week on the podcast we’re going back through all of the favorite episodes from the last few years. I’m going to recap some of the ones YOU, our listeners loved the most.

And I’m going to share my personal favorites as well.

So we can bring together the best of all this amazing content we have right at our fingertips.

The bottom line is – we’re in this business because we love it!
It's not all about money. It's about having a business we truly love…

But in order to be happy with our business, we also need to earn! We’re going for that consistent income. For living a truly abundant life.

And in order to get there, it takes work!

It takes systems…

We have to improve our hiring processes to really attract A-players…

We have to learn to outsource and delegate so we can focus on our art…

We have to think through our scalability…

We need CONSISTENT high-earning months…

And this applies at every level of the game.

I loved talking to Melissa Spencer of Spencer Fine Jewelry about this. She’s in our SOS program and she told me, she used to think it was just for beginners!

She already had a super successful business but SOS has helped her get those systems down. And it's helped her grow to the next level.

So this really applies to all of us – beginner or seasoned vet.

Now let’s talk about a few of those favorite episodes that are packed full of this valuable content.

EP199: How to Get Big Exposure with Alternative Media Opportunities with Laura Powers Apr 29, 2019

Show notes

Pssst! There isn’t a “holy grail” to gaining big exposure. It’s gonna take some TRIAL and ERROR.
After a lot of years as an entrepreneur, I’ve learned a few things about content…

What works, what doesn’t, and the best ways to get noticed.

Ironically, one of my biggest lessons was that there’s no “holy grail” to getting your content seen.

It’s more like a little of this, a little of that… and a LOT of trial and error.

There are seriously ENDLESS things you can try…

Mastering hashtags…

Creating quality video production…

Learning social media algorithms…

Storytelling through emails….

Paid and organic marketing strategies…

The list goes ON!

I’m here to empower you to start thinking about exposure for your brand…

The end game is to for that exposure to convert people and get them engaging with your content!

It’s time to take more unique approaches to digital marketing.

On this week’s podcast, I’m talking to one of the most unique Creatives I’ve connected with through Instagram.

Meet Laura Powers: a premiere LA psychic, actress, model, producer, host, writer, singer and speaker.
Laura hosts podcasts on design, music, the entertainment industry, writing, health, spirituality, business, AND empowerment!

Talk about well rounded!

And she’s been using her platforms to not only scale her businesses – but to expose her brand in super creative ways.

Laura opened my eyes to some amazing ways to have your brand and your message seen, felt and heard!

Listen to episode #199 of Thrive by Design to get your all-access pass to How to Get Big Exposure with Alternative Media Opportunities with Laura Powers.

EP198: How to Protect Your Intellectual Property with a Manufacturer with Emma Grogory Boudah Apr 22, 2019

Show notes

Finally! The weather is warm and days are getting longer. A perfect time to look forward to GROWTH in your business.
Springtime is all about new possibilities, right?

Time to get your spring hustle on!

As designers and business owners, it's super easy to get stuck in the day-to-day…

Making more product…
Responding to customer messages…
Managing the books…
Posting on social media…

Just one big laundry list of stuff!

The thing is, not one of these tasks is really gonna lead you to EARNING $$ at the next level. Or scaling your business.

It's time to ask yourself – are you using these assignments as an excuse to keep playing it small?
If you want to take a leap this year and see big results, you have to make a change.You have to stop doing everything yourself. You have to outsource and delegate.

You might outsource social media or marketing but it could also mean…

It's time to start working with a manufacturer! I know what you’re thinking, “But that’s scary! What if they rip me off for my designs?”

I get this question all the time. And that’s why this week’s podcast is totally on point…

I’m PUMPED to have the amazing Emma Gregory Boudah of Spokes Jewelry as my guest this week. We’re talking about manufacturing overseas – how to protect your intellectual property and do things right from the start.

If you’ve been keeping your production in-house in order to minimize mistakes and keep a close watch on your designs, I get it. But at some point this becomes inefficient. Both in terms of time and cost.

What will you do when…

a big buyer wants to know your plan for scalability?
you start losing customers because of slow turn around times?
your small time jeweler can’t make what you’re asking for?
Together, we’re going to help you identify when you’re ready to work with a manufacturer and how to avoid getting ripped off once you do.

Listen to episode #198 of Thrive by Design to get your all-access pass to Protecting Your Intellectual Property with a Manufacturer with Emma Gregory Boudah.

EP197: The Simple Way to Bring Cash into Your Biz Fast Apr 15, 2019

Show notes

Does talking about making money in your biz make you squirm a little bit?
It's super hard when you pour yourself into your biz but aren’t making any money. It feels like no matter how amazing your work is, you’re “not good enough.”

I’ve been there, I know…

I have this crazy idea: I want to dust off the old stigma around being a “starving artist” and reframe it to be the “thriving artist” – or jewelry designer! Whatever your creative passion is, YOU CAN make money doing what you love!

I’m extroverted so I love to chat and connect with my customers. But really anyone can attract more money to their biz.

Don’t believe me??

A few weeks ago in San Francisco, we invited our SOS members to a 2-day workshop – which was SO. MUCH. FUN!

During the workshop, I challenged the designers to personally text, email, DM or call at least one customer and make a sale.

Not everyone was game at first…

Some designers felt awkward or shy. Others didn’t know who to reach out to or didn’t want to bug people.

BUT, in the end, they totally showed up and came through with HUGE wins.

In just one hour, the designers sitting in that room (there were about 25) brought in over $17,000!
Shut-the-front-door, AMIRIGHT?! So amazing!

And the sales didn’t stop there… By the next day, the total had reached $35,000!

So what if you sent a text, DM or follow-up email asking if a customer would like to check out a piece they commented on? Or suggest a gift for a loved one? Or show them something new you’re working on? Or just asked if they needed help?

What if YOU started that conversation?

All I’m sayin’ is to show up for your customers in a way that actually helps them.

On the podcast today, I talk all about the “dirty” making money in your jewelry biz and it’s called the 75% Rule.

EP196: The 75% Rule Apr 08, 2019

Show notes

There’s lots of confusion. What really matters to grow your business?

Is it finances, sales, admin, social media, marketing, photography, pixeling your website, cleaning the dirt under your fingernails from that red rouge buffing compound…?

The list is endless. The answer is simple…it’s the 75% rule.

In fact, when I first presented the 75% rule – jaws were dropped.

When I was asked about the 75% rule at the Gold Conference, same thing… I got a lot of weird looks.

Here’s why…

Most “creative-maker-designer” types love creating and making.

So they start a business and continue to create – make – design (oh yeah and do a lot of busy work) and wonder why their business isn’t growing?

If you want your business to grow, you have to spend your time on revenue generating activities.
That’s where the 75% rule comes in.

Finding the levers in your business to sell jewelry online or land those massive wholesale accounts requires a commitment and focus on the “RIGHT” activities.

Your ability to double your jewelry business’ sales starts with today’s episode.

On today’s episode, I am going to share why you should be saving those $10 and $20 tasks for someone else to do and focusing at least 75% of your time on making your VISION and GOALS a reality.

I am also going to help you identify the things that are not moving your business forward.

EP195: Guerilla Marketing Strategies that Actually Work with Aggie Burnett Apr 01, 2019

Show notes

What are you waiting for?

I asked my good friend Aggie Burnett, co-founder of Nomaterra fragrances, what she was waiting for to get to the next step in her business.

Since her early 20’s, she’s nourished relationships with beauty brands through good ol’ fashioned networking: asking questions, following up, and taking notes.

In her 300 sq ft NYC apartment, she spent time mixing and matching oils until she created what felt most aligned.

Fast forward to having her products sold in every, single Sephora nationwide!

Talk about GOALS!!

Even after 5-6 years of experience in the beauty biz, Aggie knew she needed to drive things to the next level.

That’s where those guerrilla marketing tactics came in handy.

And they’ll come in handy for you too!

EP194: How to set your website up for more wholesale orders Mar 25, 2019

Show notes

I might sound like a broken record but…

Do you know what your BIGGEST sales tool is? So many people are still getting it wrong!

Your website is your number one sales tool.

It doesn't matter if you're selling e-commerce, if you're just selling to wholesale stores or if you want to do in person events.

If you have a janky website it’ll be much harder getting press coverage or getting buyers to actually believe in your brand!

And if you’re someone who LOVES wholesale as much as our co-founder Robin Kramer, you’ll want her help on how to simplify your website so people actually buy.

There’s so many easy resources to build your best website: Shopify (my favorite), WordPress, Squarespace and the list continues.

But you’d be surprised how many mistakes jewelry designers make when trying to sell wholesale on their sites…

Let’s make sure you’re not making the same ones.

Listen to episode #194 How To Set Up Your Website For More Wholesale Orders with Robin Kramer

Enjoy!

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