March 05, 2022

360 – A Maker Whose Mission Goes Beyond the Product with Jennifer St. John of Marnie and Michael

53 minutes

Running a for-profit business with a social cause isn't for everyone. But if the idea resonates with you, this show will give you some things to think about.

Get ready to hear a story about a maker whose deep-seated impact goes way beyond her product.

You’re going to hear Jennifer’s business development story and how and why she’s incorporated a health initiative overlay to a level I’ve not seen before.

We get into the difference between truly integrating a social entity into the mission of your business versus raising money for a cause you hold dear. Both are important, of course, but different.

Being true to yourself and your life, and taking your reality to help change someone else’s experience now. And even better, using your handmade product as the pathway to do so.

Jennifer had always wanted to create a successful creative business. And she’s done just that! Within the last five years, she’s married her love of art and design with a social give-back business model to launch MARNIE & MICHAEL.

Jennifer and her team design and make leather bags and accessories with 15% of profits going towards their own mental health initiation.

Building A For-Profit Business With A Social Cause

If you want to have a cause for your business, there has to be a very strong personal reason why you're choosing that social entity or that social cause.

When your reasons are personal, your story will resonate with your audience.

Be vulnerable especially if it's a subject you're passionate about and is going to be a big part of your brand. It's important to be open and transparent about your experience.

Understand your product is not for everyone. Find your market, niche, and community and focus on that sweet spot.

It’s impossible to grow the company if everything is made by you. You need people to produce the product. It's still a handmade product, even if it's not YOU making it. <-- Super important to understand this!

Get a full picture of who you may be hiring. Have a try-out time to see you you’re a fit. Bring in people who are so eager to learn and open to the whole process.

The WHY is more important to the business than the product. The messaging of what we represent, what we stand for, and what we do is crucial.

At least 60-70% of our sales come to us because of our cause.

The amount we donate is included in our pricing upfront so that it's a clear-cut action.

Our business plan includes brick & mortar, direct to consumer, and wholesale.

Hiring can be tough. Referrals from people you trust or other business owners in your area often work out best.

Make sure your hiring vetting process is tight. Don't skip checking references. Do a testing period before fully hiring.

Listen to the full conversation for more inspiration and tips about building a for-profit business with social cause!

Resources Mentioned

Tips & Talk #2 - 4 Time-Saving Strategies To Curate Social Media Pictures

Content for Makers

Jennifer's Contact Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Thank you so much! Sue

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By Sue Monhait

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