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Episode Overview

Have you ever had a business idea but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve felt like the market is already too crowded, and you wonder how you could possibly stand out.

In this episode of Living the Whole Picture, I sit down with my friend Karen Trenk, founder of Handzies, to talk about how she turned a simple need—a better way to clean hands on the go—into a thriving business. She built her brand without a massive marketing budget or a corporate background and stood out by staying true to her vision.

If you’ve ever wanted to build a brand that gets noticed and earns trust, this episode is for you. Karen shares what she’s learned about starting from scratch, standing out in a crowded market, and getting seen by the right people.

Timestamps & Key Topics

00:00 – Introduction – How Karen turned a personal need into a business
01:23 – The Story Behind Handzies – From DIY to a commercial brand
04:57 – The Challenges of Scaling – Finding manufacturers, selling on Amazon
09:30 – Standing Out in a Crowded Market – The power of grassroots marketing
13:53 – Biggest Business Lessons – Navigating unknowns, learning as you go
17:14 – The Most Rewarding Part – Impact on family & seeing her product in public
24:52 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs – Why small steps matter
26:43 – The Moment She “Made It” – Recognizing real business success
30:49 – Where to Find Handzies & Final Takeaways

Key Takeaways from This Episode

You don’t need a big budget to build a successful brand. Karen grew Handzies by focusing on relationships, influencer marketing, and word of mouth.

Your idea doesn’t have to be groundbreaking—it just needs to solve a real problem. Handzies was born out of a simple need that wasn’t being met.

Start before you feel ready. Karen started researching, learning, and taking action step by step.

Brand visibility comes from showing up. If you want to stand out, you have to be willing to put yourself out there and tell your story.

Resources & Links

Follow Karen Trenk & Handzies:

• Website: handzies.com or Shop on Amazon 
• Instagram: @handzies
• Email Karen: [email protected]

Want to Build a Brand That Stands Out?
Head to jamapantel.com for resources, courses, and coaching to help you own your presence and amplify your brand.

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