What happens when your business doesn’t go the way you originally planned? Do you fight to make it work - or follow the opportunity right in front of you?

For Rebekah Murray and Colleen Steedly, the co-owners of Dare Gift Boxes, the answer was clear: they embraced the pivot.

In this episode, we dive into their incredible journey - how childhood best friends turned business partners transitioned from selling dresses to curating beautiful, thoughtful gift boxes. From navigating big business decisions to structuring a successful partnership, Rebekah and Colleen share an honest, real, and inspiring look at what it’s like to grow a product-based business.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a business with a co-founder, scale corporate gifting, or pivot your brand without losing your identity, this episode is for you.

• How Rebekah went from wedding photographer to fashion founder to gift box curator
• Why listening to the market & your customers (not just your passion) is key to business success
• The emotional challenge of pivoting a business you’ve poured years into
• How to build a strong partnership that actually works 
• The exact criteria they use to source products and choose brands for their boxes
• Why brand storytelling, packaging, and communication are everything when pitching to a gift box company
• How small brands can land their product in gift boxes

If you’re looking for an inside peek at what it takes to scale a gifting business, work successfully with a business partner, or attract gift box retailers, this is a must-listen.

👉 Want to pitch your product to Dare Gift Boxes? Listen to the full episode for insider tips on what they’re looking for!

• Shop: https://daregiftboxes.com
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daregiftboxes

Enjoy the chat!

ABOUT REBEKAH & COLLEEN:  

Dare Gift Boxes creates thoughtful gift boxes that make sharing your appreciation with your team, clients, friends or family personal and easy.

Back in 2016, Rebekah founded a dress and gifting company called Virginia Dare Dress Co. Thanks to a little pandemic, the addition of Colleen, and their shared desire to help people feel connected, the brand evolved into Dare Gift Boxes.

CONNECT FURTHER WITH KRISTIN!

Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)?

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Listen to the private podcast series UNLOCKING FAIRE - Get instant access HERE

Ready to scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

Want to leave me a Question for next quarter’s AMA episode (OR leave me a little podcast love note)?!

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Introducing… the very first Buyer Hotline Episode! Answering YOUR questions on product collections, pitching retailers & working with sales reps.

If you grew up in the late 80s/early 90s, you know that calling a hotline was the ultimate thrill. Radio contests, cheesy infomercials, you name it. Fast forward to 2025, and we're bringing those hotline vibes straight to your earbuds - but product based business edition. 

I opened up the line to you - my Buyer Insiders - and you delivered some amazing voice questions. I’m answering them LIVE on the podcast today, covering:

• How to actually build a strategic product collection (beyond just throwing products on Faire)
• How to confidently make the ask with retailers (without feeling like an awkward sales robot)
• And... should you work with a sales rep? How do you even know if it's the right time?

This episode is packed with actionable advice because you deserve wholesale strategies that actually move the needle - without the guesswork or burnout.

So let's dive into the very first Buyer Hotline!

What you'll learn:

• Why curation and "reason for being" matters more than ever when launching a product collection
• A simple DM script to pitch retailers without feeling salesy
• How to vet a sales rep (and why a bad one could mess with your brand reputation)
• Why "failed" promotions or ideas might just be the best thing for your business growth
• How to plan your next product collection strategically, not emotionally

Episodes referenced:

• Episode 81: When (and How) to Launch a Product Collection
• Episode 82: Understanding the Product Lifecycle to Boost Your Profitability
• Episode 59: A Wholesale Buyer Outreach Strategy That Actually Converts

CONNECT FURTHER WITH KRISTIN!

Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)?

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Listen to the private podcast series UNLOCKING FAIRE - Get instant access HERE

Ready to scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

What if your grandma’s recipe could become the foundation of a thriving business? That’s exactly what happened to today’s guest, MK Hennigan, founder of In The Curious Kitchen.

In this episode, we dive deep into MK’s journey from corporate retail sales to launching a gourmet food brand rooted in her Southern heritage. She shares how she turned a passion for storytelling, craftsmanship, and family recipes into a business that’s seeing massive wholesale growth - especially since implementing strategies from the Faire Bootcamp.

This chat is packed with inspiring takeaways for any product-based business owner looking to grow their wholesale revenue, refine their brand story, and take their business to the next level.

• How MK transitioned from corporate retail to entrepreneurship and never looked back
• The power of storytelling in building a strong product brand
• How testing products at a farmer’s market led to a thriving wholesale business
• The mindset shifts that helped her push through fear and scale with confidence
• The game-changing strategies she learned in the Faire Bootcamp that led to a 47% increase in wholesale sales
• 
  

ABOUT MK:  

With over 20 years of experience in corporate sales and marketing at a Fortune 5 company, MK Hennigan has turned her passion for culinary tradition and her love for Kentucky into something truly special. After perfecting her family recipes, she founded In the Curious Kitchen, a brand that celebrates the rich flavors and vibrant culture of the Bluegrass State.

Today, MK’s artisanal products are proudly featured in over 250 retail locations and have gained recognition through exciting collaborations with distilleries across Kentucky. Each product tells a story, blending heritage with innovation, and inviting you to experience a taste of Kentucky in every bite.

Visit inthecuriouskitchen.com to explore an array of delicious products, discover mouthwatering recipes, and dive into MK's blog. There, she shares captivating stories of her childhood in Frankfort, her travels, and the inspirations that fuel her culinary journey. Join her on this delightful adventure and bring a piece of Kentucky into your kitchen!

Use code CHAT20 for 20% Off In The Curious Kitchen: https://inthecuriouskitchen.com

• Shop In The Curious Kitchen: https://inthecuriouskitchen.com
• Follow MK & In The Curious Kitchen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthecuriouskitchen
• Join the Faire Bootcamp to optimize your wholesale strategy: https://kristinfishercoaching.com/faire-bootcamp

Enjoy the chat!

CONNECT FURTHER WITH KRISTIN!

Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)?

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Listen to the private podcast series UNLOCKING FAIRE - Get instant access HERE

Ready to scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

Register for the FREE Faire Success Blueprint Workshop happening LIVE on 4/28/25: https://kristinfishercoaching.com/faireblueprint 

The most successful brands on Faire have a few key things in common - and if you're not seeing the results you want, it’s probably because your page is missing one (or all) of them.

As a former corporate buyer, I’ve audited hundreds of Faire pages, and I can tell you with certainty: the best-performing shops have dialed in three core things. And today, I’m breaking them down for you so you can start seeing results—fast.

Inside this episode, we’re talking about:

• The #1 mistake that’s costing you Faire sales (and how to fix it)
• Why your imagery matters way more than you think—and exactly what to focus on
• Pricing and MOQs: how to set them strategically so buyers take you seriously
• The secret to optimized product listings that don’t just inform buyers—but sell to them

Whether you’re just getting started on Faire or your shop has been sitting stagnant for months, these simple changes can make a massive impact on your visibility, conversions, and actual sales.

Plus, if you want to go deeper into the exact blueprint for success on Faire, be sure to check out my FREE Faire Success Blueprint Workshop (link below).

Enjoy the chat!

✨ Register for the FREE Faire Success Blueprint Workshop HERE: https://kristinfishercoaching.com/faireblueprint 

CONNECT FURTHER WITH KRISTIN!

Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)?

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Listen to the private podcast series UNLOCKING FAIRE - Get instant access HERE

Ready to scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

Are your Wholesale MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities) secretly sabotaging your sales? If you've been keeping your MOQs super low, hoping it will attract more buyers… it might actually be turning them away.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on one of the most common (and costly) mistakes I see product brands making on Faire and in wholesale: setting their opening order minimums too low. 

I get it—you want to make it easy for retailers to buy from you. But the reality? A low MOQ can actually hurt your brand’s credibility, reduce your profitability, and make buyers hesitate before placing an order.

In this chat, we’re diving into:

- The biggest mistakes brands make when setting their MOQs (and why they’re costing you money)

- How wholesale buyers really think about minimum order requirements

- The psychology behind pricing and perceived value in retail

- Why a higher MOQ actually attracts better wholesale buyers

- The right way to set both your opening order and reorder minimums for maximum profit

- How to confidently increase your MOQs without scaring buyers away

If you’ve been playing small with your wholesale strategy, consider this your permission slip to level up and charge what your brand is worth.

Enjoy the chat!

CONNECT FURTHER WITH KRISTIN!

Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)?

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Listen to the private podcast series UNLOCKING FAIRE - Get instant access HERE

Ready to scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

The new-year energy has officially worn off, and if you’re feeling like you’ve slipped back into old habits, you’re not alone. But before you spiral into a Q1 slump, let’s talk about spring cleaning your business—aka the quarterly reset you need to keep your business on track (and making money) all year long.

I swear by this process, and if you make it a habit, you’ll feel less overwhelmed, make smarter decisions, and actually enjoy planning for the next year instead of dreading it.

In this episode, we’re diving into:

> The 5 key areas you need to evaluate every quarter - from goals to inventory management to your marketing.

> Why forecasting (not goal-setting) is the real secret to growth

> How to spot product trends early (before you get stuck with inventory no one wants)

> The #1 marketing question you should be asking yourself regularly

> The easiest way to identify operational bottlenecks before they drain your time & money

And yes, we’re also talking about physically cleaning up your business—because a cluttered space = a cluttered mind.

Want to stop feeling behind and start running your business like the CEO you actually are? Hit play and let’s do this!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Goal Setting Workshop – Get clarity & set Quarterly and Annual financial + growth goals that actually work for your product based business.

Let’s connect! Get extra insights, tips, and resources when you join my email list. Sign up here.

Enjoy the chat!

CONNECT FURTHER WITH KRISTIN!

Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)?

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Listen to the private podcast series UNLOCKING FAIRE - Get instant access HERE

Ready to scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

Welcome back to the Buyerside Chat! We're diving into the importance of the Product Life Cycle for your business and how it can impact your profitability, assortment balance, and overall strategy.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What the Product Lifecycle is and why it matters for your business
• The common mistakes brands make with their SKUs and collections
• The three lifecycle buckets and how to apply them to your business
• Tips on curating and editing your product assortment effectively using the Product Lifecycle strategy
• How to leverage the product life cycle for better inventory planning, cost savings, and marketing strategies

We’ll chat through everything that you need to know about managing your product assortment to help you implement this strategy. The goal with these short conversations is to help you to become the buyer of your own business and make smarter, more strategic decisions.

Enjoy the chat!

RESOURCES:

Listen to Episode 81: Your Product Launches: When and How Much?! 

CONNECT FURTHER WITH KRISTIN!

Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)?

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Listen to the private podcast series UNLOCKING FAIRE - Get instant access HERE

Ready to scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

Today we’re chatting about the million-dollar question: how do you know what product to bring in (and when)?

With retail shifting so quickly, it's key to understand what your wholesale buyers and your DTC customers not only want, but more importantly, what they NEED. 

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• How to determine the ideal number of product launches for your brand 
• Timing strategies for delivering your product collections 
• Key insights into what your buyers truly need from you
• Four questions to ask yourself when determining if a product idea is right for your line (and will add to your bottom line!)

This convo will really help you get inside the mindset of a buyer to bring more strategic thinking to your collection planning. 

Enjoy the chat!

CONNECT FURTHER WITH KRISTIN!

Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)?

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Listen to the private podcast series UNLOCKING FAIRE - Get instant access HERE

Ready to scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

In this episode, Kristin chats with Pinterest marketing expert Meagan Williamson about how to leverage Pinterest and other platforms for your product based business growth. You'll discover:

• The benefits of a mixed-content strategy, using videos and images to broaden your reach and visibility
• Tips for utilizing text overlays on Pinterest to help the algorithm identify your audience
• The role of different marketing channels in discovery and customer engagement
• Strategies for repurposing content across platforms
• The importance of sustainable marketing strategies that don’t require constant hands-on involvement

Meagan also shares insights from her 10+ years of marketing working with product brands to create an omnichannel content strategy that builds community and drives sales. Plus, learn about her favorite strategies for evergreen marketing on Pinterest! 

Tune in to learn practical tips that can transform how you market your products and grow your business, sustainably and efficiently both on and off of Pinterest.

Enjoy the chat!

ABOUT MEAGAN: 

Meagan Williamson is a Pinterest marketing expert dedicated to helping businesses achieve sustainable growth with proven Pinterest strategies. With a passion for simplifying marketing, Meagan empowers entrepreneurs to captivate audiences, boost visibility, and create lasting success by driving meaningful results and building strategies that scale over time.

CONNECT WITH MEAGAN: 

Get on the Waitlist for Pin Potential: https://pinpotential.com/?affiliate=kristin_fisher

Join the FREE Pinterest Challenge HERE

Download the FREE Resource: Pinterest Image Guide

**Please note that Kristin may receive commission from the above referral links.

CONNECT FURTHER WITH KRISTIN!

Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)?

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Listen to the private podcast series UNLOCKING FAIRE - Get instant access HERE

Ready to scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

If the idea of creating content on multiple platforms stresses you out… this episode is going to re-frame your mindset and show you how easy it can be. 

In this episode, I chat with business mentor & content marketing strategist Sarah Weiss of On Brand By Sarah. 

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Practical advice on diversifying your platform presence and why it’s crucial to not rely solely on one platform.
• The power of storytelling and how transparency can build strong customer connections and loyalty.
• The potential of live shopping on TikTok to create personal connections and boost sales.
• Sarah's tried-and-true methods for managing content creation, from batching to off-the-cuff posts.
• How product-based businesses can capitalize on the advantage of building email lists.
• Creative strategies beyond coupon codes, like quizzes and gift guides, to grow your email list.

Ready to take your brand's social presence to the next level? Grab a pen and get ready to learn all the insights from Sarah Weiss!

Enjoy the chat!

ABOUT SARAH: 

Sarah is a business mentor and content marketing strategist specializing in short-form video (LIKE TIKTOK!) She gets brands and biz owners visible online using the power of video so they can tell their stories, sell their ish, and feel GOOD while doing it!

When she's not nailing it on social, Sarah loves going to wineries with her hubby, cuddling her dogs, and jamming out to Broadway show tunes!

CONNECT WITH SARAH:

https://onbrandbysarah.com/

https://www.instagram.com/onbrandbysarah

Https://www.tiktok.com/@onbrandbysarah

CONNECT FURTHER WITH KRISTIN!

Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)?

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Listen to the private podcast series UNLOCKING FAIRE - Get instant access HERE

Ready to scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]