Today on the podcast, I'm talking to Holly Watson. Holly is the co-founder of the Zero Cafe and Emporium, a plastic free cafe in community space in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.

The Ethical Emporium provides an opportunity to offer local independent designers, makers, and brands to showcase their sustainable artists and wears all under one roof. Along with co-founder and best friend Charlotte Bowyer. Holly is passionate about living a plastic-free lifestyle and encouraging others to do the same.

Holly and Lottie's business has pivoted many times over the past few years, partly from necessity and the result of things like COVID. Holly shares how they have made these decisions whilst ensuring they stay true to their core values.

Listen in to hear Holly share:

• An introduction to herself and her business (01:31)
• What inspired her to set up a zero-waste shop (02:43)
• The impact of covid on shopping habits (05:59)
• Pivoting towards the cafe (06:41)
• Why zero waste shops nationwide have struggled since the pandemic (09:01)
• The challenges of sourcing and stocking zero waste products (14:28)
• Learning to adapt your business (17:08)
• Making the most of a flexible space (19:36)
• Launching the Ethical Emporium (21:46)
• Expanding the Ethical Emporium concept (30:47)
• Developing her own product range, Wander & Wild (40:13)
• Advice on running a business with a friend (46:59)
• Her number one piece of advice for product creators (54:02)

USEFUL RESOURCES:

The Zero Waste Company Website

Zero Waste Company Facebook

Zero Waste Company Instagram

Zero Waste Company Twitter

Wander & Wild Candles

LET’S CONNECT

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Amazon Made Easy is now open

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Did you know you can create a product to sell in 10 weeks?

When I started out it took me a lot longer. I had no idea what I was doing, went down various rabbit holes on Youtube and wasted a lot of time and money. Fast forward to my subsequent products when I knew what I was doing, and I had a checklist; well the whole process was a lot more efficient, and I was making money from the product a lot sooner.

It can be done, so in this episode I share with you the fundamentals of how you can create your very own product to sell in 10 weeks.

EPISODE NOTES

Listen in to hear me share:

• An introduction to the topic (00:22)
• Get my free checklist (02:57)
• Week 1 - Get clear on your product idea (03:31)
• Week 2 - Validate your product idea (06:16)
• Week 3 - Data gathering & thinking about pricing (12:29)
• Week 4 - Prepare your supply communication (16:19)
• Week 5 - Research credible suppliers (19:15)
• Week 6 - Tracking responses (22:42)
• Ordering samples (26:00)
• Week 7 - Shipping & logistics (28:30)
• Week 8 - Finances (30:52)
• Week 9 - Placing your order (33:13)
• Week 10 - Creating a marketing & launch plan (34:05)
• Join me in my group programme (35:45)

USEFUL RESOURCES:

Read the accompanying blog post

Free Product creation weekly planner & checklist

Free Validate your product idea

Podcast: How (and why) to validate your product ideas

Podcast: Should I source my product overseas?

Podcast: Shipping & importing your products

Podcast: Where to sell your products online

Join the group programme waitlist

Book a Power Hour with me

LET’S CONNECT

Join my free Facebook group for product makers and creators

Find me on Instagram

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Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

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Today my guest on the podcast is Siena Dexter. Siena is the Director of Brand Strategy and Associate Partner at Smashbrand, where she helps Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands win on shelf through quantified consumer metrics. Siena’s main interest is in Behavioural Economics and quantifiable ways to predict human behaviour - which happens to be exactly what Smashbrand does best. 

We talked about packaging,  branding, how to catch your customer’s eye, the importance of knowing your market and connecting with your audience. 

Listen in to hear Siena share:

• An introduction to herself and her business (01:14)
• The process of how SmashBrand test brands and packaging (01:50)
• The challenges of rebranding (05:26)
• Grabbing the consumer’s attention (07:06)
• Predicting consumer behaviour (08:57)
• How a small independent brand can stand out in the marketplace (10:27)
• How to connect with your audience (11:25)
• Make people care about your story (13:57)
• Do you need to show the face behind the brand? (15:15)
• How to make a brand a bestseller (18:52)
• Being realistic about the work that goes into making a brand a success (21:40)
• Key team members to recruit as you scale your brand & business (23:05)
• Things to consider when approaching buyers (25:43)
• Things to consider around the messaging of your brand (31:19)
• Tips for what to include on your packaging (35:25)
• Her number one piece of advice for product creators (42:59)

USEFUL RESOURCES:

SmashBrand Website

SmashBrand LinkedIn

Podcast 112 Creating a food business and getting stocked in major supermarkets - with Marieke Syed - Snackzilla 

LET’S CONNECT

Join my free Facebook group for product makers and creators

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Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

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Today on the podcast I'm talking to Ciara Westhead from Pico. Pico brings sustainability to all occasions with a current focus on children's events. Ciara sells sustainable partyware, and we had a really great conversation about why she chose to start a business selling these products, some of the issues around sourcing them, and other ways you can make a party sustainable.

Pico is a young company, with big plans. It was really exciting to learn about Ciara’s plans for the future, and everything that she has achieved in a short space of time. I found it inspiring, and I hope you do too.

Listen in to hear Ciara share:

• An introduction to herself and her business (01:16)
• Her current range of products (02:56)
• Introducing reusable decorations (05:38)
• What inspired her to start Pico (08:01)
• Researching the market (08:50)
• Finding a UK based supplier (10:04)
• Organising her search for suppliers, and keeping track of replies (13:04)
• The importance of having a clear vision (18:21)
• Educating people on how to have more sustainable parties (21:05)
• Dealing with greenwashing, and what it is (39:04)
• Her number one piece of advice for other product creators (42:40)

USEFUL RESOURCES:

Pico Website

Pico Party VIPs Facebook Group

Pico Party Facebook

Pico Instagram

Ciara Westhead Linked In

LET’S CONNECT

Join my free Facebook group for product makers and creators

Find me on Instagram

Work with me 

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

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Today on the podcast I'm talking to Tas from Very Craftea. Tas exists to help all people create moments, to feel comforted and included by creating the best products accessible to everyone without compromise. Tas sells two separate product lines in her business, organic teas and craft kits, hence Very Craftea. 

We spoke about Tas’s inspiration for setting up her business, building relationships with suppliers and the importance of having a good spreadsheet so that you know your numbers. 

Listen in to hear Tas share:

• An introduction to herself and her business (01:20)
• How she got the idea for her business (01:53)
• The first steps of turning an idea into a business (04:31)
• Building a business takes time (07:46)
• Ensuring that she worked with ethical suppliers (19:01)
• Building supplier relationships (22:11)
• Finding suppliers for her craft kits (24:25)
• Putting together her craft kits (29:17)
• Her number one piece of advice for other product creators (39:45)

USEFUL RESOURCES:

Very Craftea Website

Very Craftea Facebook

Very Craftea Instagram

LET’S CONNECT

Join my free Facebook group for product makers and creators

Find me on Instagram

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Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

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Are you an Amazon seller? This episode is for you. Much as we would all love to sit back and watch the sales roll in, we know that there is a little bit more to it. In this episode I am sharing my top tips of things that you could do over the summer when it is a little bit quieter to make the most of your seller central account setting.

It’s a short episode this week, full of actionable tips. As ever let me know how you get on, and if you have any questions.

Listen in to hear me share:

• An introduction to the topic (00:22)
• Look at your reports (01:11)
• Review your inventory (02:01)
• Review your listings and optimise them if needed (03:06)
• Do some competitor research (03:54)
• Check your account health (04:56)
• Review your Amazon advertising (05:46)
• Apply or set up Amazon brand registry (07:46)
• Check your products are up to date (11:03)
• Run some promotions, or sell in a new marketplace (11:36)
• Book an audit with me! (12:26)

USEFUL RESOURCES:

 Free Resources, including How to successfully launch a product on Amazon or rescue one that’s not selling

Podcast Episode 111 15 Ways to give your product sales a boost

Book a Power Hour with me

 LET’S CONNECT

Join my free Facebook group for product makers and creators

Find me on Instagram

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Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

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Today my guest on the podcast is Angela Chick. Angela is an illustrator and designer with a love for colour and kindness. She creates unique gifts and greeting cards for people who care about other people. 

I first heard about Angela in a post by Holly Tucker, where she was talking about the fact that Paperchase owes Angela £22,000. I didn't even know that Paperchase had gone into administration. Angela is not alone, and there are a whole host of small businesses who are owed money by Paperchase. Angela has really bravely agreed to come on and share her story with us, and how small businesses can protect themselves going forwards.

Listen in to hear Angela share:

• An introduction to herself and her business (01:20)
• How she started her business (02:04)
• Transitioning from being an artist in residence to running her business full time (05:15)
• Getting stocked by Not On The High Street (09:58)
• Where she gets inspiration for her products (16:03)
• Selling the right products at the right time during the pandemic (17:46)
• Finding producers and suppliers for her products (20:33)
• Wholesaling her products (22:50)
• Licensing her products (23:18)
• Why licensing is an attractive option (25:28)
• Her first experience at a Trade Show, Top Drawer (29:26)
• Her top tips and advice for Trade Shows (31:50)
• Her experience with Paperchase (41:45)
• Finding out Paperchase has gone into Administration and what that meant for her (46:31)
• Connecting with other small businesses also owed money by Paperchase (50:33)
• How it has changed how Angela works with other companies (56:56)
• Why working with smaller companies can be better than working with the biggest retailers (57:04)
• Her number one piece of advice for other product creators (01:01:14)

USEFUL RESOURCES:

Angela Chick Website

Angela Chick Facebook

Angela Chick Instagram

Angela Chick LinkedIn

Angela Chick Twitter

Trade Shows:

Top Drawer

Progressive Greetings Live

Fellow Indies mentioned by Angela:

Jelly Armchair

Hole In My Pocket

Dandelion Stationery

Sarah Ray

LET’S CONNECT

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Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

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Today my guest on the podcast is Nicole Higgins. Nicole has worked as a buyer and head of buying for over 18 years for retailers such as Primark, M&S,  Debenhams and George at Asda, gaining experience in buying, product development, strategy and leadership and global sourcing. In 2020 she established the Buyer and Retail Coach to help small businesses start and scale their product business and increase their sales and profits.

Nicole reveals her top tips from developing and launching your brand, to how to grow and scale your business, and common mistakes to avoid. There is so much knowledge here, and Nicole shares a range of excellent resources I know that you will want to investigate. Whether you are starting out, or looking to take the next step in your business, there are lots of takeaways actions in this episode.

Listen in to hear Nicole share:

• An introduction to herself and her business (01:04)
• Learnings from working with big brands that can be applied to small brands (02:26)
• The advantages of being a smaller brand  (04:31)
• The importance of outsourcing (05:13)
• The first step to take when developing your product (07:26)
• Pre-work to do before finding a supplier (09:38)
• Questions to consider when choosing a supplier (11:08)
• Pricing (13:33)
• How to have a successful product launch (17:08)
• Why Tik Tok is a great platform for a product business (21:48)
• Great resources for PR tips (26:05)
• How to successfully grow and scale your business (28:18)
• Common mistakes to avoid (34:01)
• Her number one piece of advice for other product creators (38:42)

USEFUL RESOURCES:

Nicole Higgins:

The Buyer & Retail Coach Website

The Buyer & Retail Coach Instagram

The Buyer & Retail Coach Podcast

FREE RESOURCE: Questions to ask suppliers when starting your business

Brands & Resources mentioned:

Adam Frisby -  In The Style

Katie Tucker - Product Jungle

Common Objective

Alibaba

Pantee

Mailchimp

Klaviyo

Launchrock

Fiona Minett - Boss Your PR

Lucy Werner - Hype Yourself

Lightbulb Facebook Group

LET’S CONNECT

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Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

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Today on the podcast I am talking to Chloe Hannay, founder of Willow & Bert Interiors. Chloe is an interior designer and soft furnishings consultant who also creates bespoke beautiful handcrafted curtains, blinds, cushions, and other soft furnishings, which are always finished with a Willow and Bert signature flourish.

I absolutely love talking to Chloe. She's the first guest I've had on who offers products and a service all in one. IT was a really interesting conversation learning about the world of Interior Design, and how Chloe evolved her business from making items herself, to running a team of makers who support her business. 

I really hope that you also find it enjoyable and you learn from it and are inspired too.

Listen in to hear Chloe share:

• An introduction to herself and her business (01:32)
• How she came to set up her business 8 years ago (02:26)
• How she started out making everything herself (03:33)
• Why she started to look for other people to make items for her, and building her team (04:08)
• How she learnt how to reupholster items (06:33)
• Adjusting to not making the items herself (08:18)
• Combining a product and a service (10:28)
• Pulling together a scheme with Willow & Bert bespoke pieces & high street purchases (17:37)
• Managing fabric supplies post Covid (21:03)
• Working as an interior designer through the pandemic (22:54)
• How she built her team of makers (25:25)
• Learning to delegate when you run a small business (27:18)
• Her number one piece of advice for other product creators (29:58)

USEFUL RESOURCES:

Willow & Bert Interiors Website

Willow & Bert Instagram

Willow & Bert Interiors Facebook

Willow & Bert Interiors Houzz

LET’S CONNECT

Join my free Facebook group for product makers and creators

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Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

membership

EPISODE NOTES

This week on the podcast my focus is packaging, and how you present the products that you are going to sell. It’s an episode packed full of practical advice, that takes you through all the different things to consider when putting together the packaging for your product.

Firstly I share why good packaging matters, and how you can use it to elevate and market your brand. 

Then we dig into the practical side, legislation to be aware of, Amazon marketplace requirements to consider if you want to sell via Amazon, and where to get your packaging made.

Finally I share my top tip for how to ensure you have the best packaging for your products. 

Listen in to hear me share:

• Why packaging is important (00:38)
• Elevating your brand via your packaging (02:42)
• The importance of robust packaging that protects your products (04:58)
• Choosing and designing your product packaging (08:57)
• What to put on your packaging (12:54)
• Packaging legislation to be aware of (15:10)
• Amazon marketplace packaging requirements to be aware of (16:33)
• Where to get your packaging made (17:54)
• Do you need a packaging designer? (19:46)
• My final tip (21:28)

USEFUL RESOURCES:

Blog: How To Package Your Product To Sell

Blog: 5 Branding Essentials For Small Businesses by Cara Sayer

Podcast: Episode 80 How To Brand Your Physical Products with Cara Bendon

GS1 Website - for Amazon barcodes

LET’S CONNECT

Join my free Facebook group for product makers and creators

Find me on Instagram

Work with me 

Mentioned in this episode:

Amazon Made Easy is now open

My membership, Amazon Made Easy is now open.

membership