Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas

Do you truly believe in your creative work? If you need a boost, listen to Molly Thompson of Pretty Flours. After decades in other careers, Molly stumbled onto printmaking. It took several years before she took the plunge and quit her day job. Listen in to her smart story on how she made it happen.

This special mini episode (short!) shares a fun way our team makes sure we don't miss the most important parts of summer. A little competition helps spice it up! Check out our summer bucket list challenge and get a little more out of your summer.

With more than 25 years of experience, Gregg Shapiro, New England Made Shows, shares his expertise in the needed mindset and preparation for success in wholesale giftware shows.

Is there anything more uncomfortable than a networking event? For most of us walking into a roomful of strangers, it strikes dread in our hearts and makes us hide in the bathroom stall or dive into the punch bowl. In this episode, Ellen Feldman Ornato gives us tips and new strategies for making networking and public speaking a skill you can master. Pull up a chair and take notes…there’s gems in this one.

What does a retail buyer look for? How do you handle exclusivity? How do you even get in the door?! Lisa not only has exceptional retail expertise, but also understands the mindset of an artist. She shares do’s and don’ts of approaching retailers – valuable advice for anyone looking to connect with a specialty retailer. Listen in now!

Why do Martha Stewart, American Craft Week, and Yankee Magazine all find Matt Beaudoin’s work irresistible? Does his success come from the love of the work or the fear of failure? Listen in to hear how Matt has taken his grandfather’s lessons to build an anchor business for his community.

The road to wholesale does not usually start with genetic sequencing, but Holly Kenny of Elsie Kaye Glassworks has made her own path with a torch in hand. Listen in as she shares how she continues to evolve her business to support both her creative expression and the market she serves.

The Maine Crafts Association works to support craft artists with marketing and educational opportunities. While craft doesn't always successfully crossover into wholesale, Sadie Bliss, Director, knows the best practices of the most successful craft artists and shares them with us in this episode!

As the owner of The Burnt Shop, Denise has been gone from making holiday gifts for friends to quitting her leader role at Whole Foods. How did she go from presents to profit? How does she create new products? With a lot of hard work and smart growth along the way. Learn how she’s heating up her wholesale business in this episode.

From monkeys (yes!) and a failed math class to selling to retailers like Wegmans and Whole Foods Market, Gabrielle has grown up with her Mad Gabs business. How did she do it? One lip balm at a time and more. From her start selling out of the back of her car, listen in to hear the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way.

A little about Mad Gabs

Gabrielle Melchionda began making lip balm while studying anthropology at Umass Amherst in 1991 searching unsuccessfully for a lip balm that wasn’t greasy or waxy but was made with natural ingredients. She created her own formula using beeswax from her neighbor and gave to friends and family who couldn’t get enough. They convinced her to start selling in stores locally and Mad Gab’s was born. What began as a kitchen-based hobby became a small business and ultimately Gabrielle’s life work.

Mad Gab’s celebrated 28 years in business in 2018—and currently works with retailers around the US like LL Bean, Wegmans, Cracker Barrel, Whole Foods Market and countless amazing independent stores. Mad Gab’s products have appeared on QVC, and in a variety of magazines including Vogue, Elle, Seventeen and Business week.