Creating a product line that actually stands out is hard. Especially when you're a one-woman show juggling creativity, logistics, and the occasional manufacturing meltdown. 

In today’s episode of The Buyerside Chat, I’m joined by Amita Nair, the artist and founder behind Ami Creative. She shared what it really looks like to grow a product-based business that’s rooted in culture, storytelling, and bold, unforgettable design.

From her early days designing as a graphic designer turned wedding stationery designer to building a thriving wholesale brand, Amita shares how she infuses her Indian-American heritage into her art, how she navigates sourcing challenges (hi, tariffs!), and what it’s been like transitioning to a fulfillment center as she scales.

This one’s packed with honest lessons, creative process insights, and major permission to test, pivot, and grow in a way that feels aligned to YOU.

Let’s dive in.

• How Amita blends her Indian heritage with Pacific Northwest vibes to create a distinct brand voice
• Why mugs were a wholesale nightmare for her, where she over-invested, and what product swaps worked better
• The mindset shift she’s embracing while scaling her biz (spoiler: it’s uncomfortable but worth it)
• How she evaluates what products to keep, cut, or pivot based on performance and gut instinct
• The truth about sourcing both domestically and internationally (and how tariffs are forcing change)
• Why transitioning to a fulfillment center is changing the game for her business
• The balance between creative spark and the business “grind”

ABOUT AMITA NAIR:

Amita Nair is the artist and founder behind Amicreative, a Washington-based studio known for vibrant, hand-illustrated stationery and gifts. Her work blends Pacific Northwest inspiration with details drawn from her Indian heritage, creating pieces that feel soulful, colorful, and bohemian.

Her greeting card designs have earned her a Louie Award. Beyond her own brand, she mentors artists in product development and licensing, sharing her journey of building a creative business rooted in story and soul.

Shop: www.shopamicreative.com

Portfolio: www.amitanairportfolio.com

Connect on IG! @amitanair

Interested in domestic product sourcing education? DM Amita on Instagram or visit her site for upcoming workshops.

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE?

1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE

2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE

3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

NEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS?

1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE

2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)

LET'S CONNECT!

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

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

It’s been one full year since I made the scary, bold, and totally aligned decision to close Bocu (my gift box business) and go all in on Kristin Fisher Coaching. In today’s episode, I’m getting VERY vulnerable on what the real transformation looked like after that decision... the personal and professional shifts, the mindset work, and the big, full-circle moment I’ve been holding close - until now.

This is not an episode about “burn it all down.”

It’s about what can happen when you stop overthinking, move through fear, simplify with intention, and lean into self-trust.

I’m sharing the messy middle, the lessons I didn’t expect, and the surprising outcome of letting go - even when something was still “working.”

If you’re standing at a crossroads in your business or life, or just craving permission to do things differently, then this one’s for you.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why overthinking is a giant time-suck (and how to stop doing it)
• The truth about fear, and how it builds self-trust
• How simplifying can actually amplify your impact and your success
• Why success doesn’t have to feel like a constant grind (and how we can stop thinking that “hard work = success”)
• How alignment actually fuels growth
• That grief + gratitude can co-exist - and why it’s okay to mourn a good decision
• The life-changing power of choosing your next chapter on purpose

Mentioned in this episode:

• 2024 Episodes going behind the scenes on WHY I closed my own product based business:
• Episode 70
• Episode 71

Private Mentorship is VERY limited (listen to the end of the episode to hear why!)

If you’re ready to get support inside your own next-level growth season:

→ Head to kristinfishercoaching.com to learn more about private mentorship before limited spots close this November (or fill) - whichever comes first.

→ Or DM me at @kristinfishercoaching to chat and see what is the right fit for you!

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE?

1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE

2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE

3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

NEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS?

1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE

2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)

LET'S CONNECT!

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

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

One missed forecast. One overstocked SKU. One supplier delay.

How much risk is really accounted for in your retail business strategy?

In this episode of The Buyerside Chat, we’re chatting about how to mitigate risk in your product-based business.

Whether you’re focused on DTC, wholesale, or a mix of both, the reality is: things still feel shaky right now. Costs are creeping up, tariffs are shifting, and consumer (and retailer) spending is cautious. And while you can’t control the economy, you can take a page from the corporate retail playbook to protect your biz (and your profits) from outside chaos.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through how retail buyers manage risk, what to actually look at when making strategic calls in your business, and how to avoid being the brand with a warehouse full of inventory and zero cash to show for it.

What you’ll hear:

• The biggest risk hiding in plain sight in your business
• How to remove emotion and think like a corporate buyer
• My favorite “on order” strategy to protect your cash flow and profitability
• What to do if one customer or supplier holds too much power
• Signs you need to reduce your next buy (and how to pivot)
• The #1 mindset shift that separates thriving brands from struggling ones

Mentioned in this chat:

Goal Setting Workshop

This is not your average workshop. You’ll get my personal planning spreadsheet (used with 1:1 clients + in my own product biz) and step-by-step videos to walk you through goal setting, inventory planning, and profitability forecasting. A game-changer if you're ready to lead like a buyer.

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE?

1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE

2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE

3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

NEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS?

1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE

2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)

LET'S CONNECT!

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

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

Have you ever invested in a product you were sure would fly off the shelves… only to be stuck with boxes of it gathering dust?

This happens to even the most seasoned brands - and yes, even in big box retail.

But the good news?

There’s a smarter way to spot your next best-seller without blowing your budget or taking on risky inventory bets.

This episode is a listener favorite from 2024, and I'm bringing it back right now because it’s more relevant than ever as you plan for your upcoming collections during an unpredictable retail landscape.

Let’s talk about how to test new product ideas in a low-risk, high-reward way.

Inside this episode of The Buyerside Chat, you’ll learn:

• How to identify “white space” opportunities in your current product assortment
• What your sales data is really telling you, and how to pair it with trend insights,
• A proven framework to test and validate new product ideas without overbuying
• What to do next when you spot a potential best-seller (hint: don’t wait a year to act)

Whether you’re designing your next collection, revamping your wholesale line, or simply trying to drive more revenue without burnout - this strategy will help you take action without adding risk.

Loved this episode? DM me on Instagram @kristinfishercoaching and let me know what you’re testing right now. I’d love to hear how you’re applying this strategy to your own product based business.

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE?

1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE

2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE

3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

NEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS?

1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE

2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)

LET'S CONNECT!

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

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

A refreshingly honest conversation about following your gut instincts to build a brand you love with Miranda Deaton - founder of Velvet Outlaw and Velvet Out Paws.

Miranda’s journey is as unexpected as it gets: she went from working on capital murder cases to building a thriving slow fashion brand full of rhinestones, fringe, and unapologetic self-expression.

We dive into what burnout really looks like, the rollercoaster of building a brand that actually feels aligned, and what happens when you chase success… and end up somewhere you didn’t want to be.

This is a must-listen for any business owner who’s ever felt overwhelmed, creatively off-track, or unsure whether to keep pushing or pivot.

Miranda shares her own messy, magical middle and the mindset shifts that helped her realign with her purpose, get back to her creative roots, and rebuild a business that actually feels good.

• How Miranda went from the courtroom to custom fashion design
• The burnout that forced her to make a bold life change
• Why listening to your intuition matters more than revenue goals
• How she accidentally launched a successful pet accessory biz (and what happened next)
• The expensive (and relatable) lessons she learned through wholesale
• Why it’s okay to stop—even when something is going well
• How she’s redefining success in year three of business

ABOUT VELVET OUTLAW:

Velvet Outlaw is a queer owned brand focused on sustainability and fringe! They upcycle clothing and rework each piece by adding chain stitching, fringe and/or rhinestones. A one person team and recently expanded the Velvet Outlaw brand to include Velvet OutPaws - a fringe pet bandana line!

• Shop Velvet Outlaw: https://velvetoutlaw.com/ 
• Follow Velvet Outlaw on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@velvetoutlaw 
• Follow Velvet Outlaw on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velvet.outlaw/
• Follow Velvet OutPaws on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velvetoutpaws/ 

Enjoy the chat!

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE?

1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE

2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE

3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

NEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS?

1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE

2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)

LET'S CONNECT!

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

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

What if I told you aren’t feeling stuck because you don’t know what to do - you’re stuck because you’re likely scared of what happens when it actually works?

In this episode, we’re chatting about the role that we play in the success of our business - not as a guilt trip and not as pressure to “do more”, but as the mindset that wakes you up and reminds you that you hold the reins over your business results.

We dive deep into why success feels risky - more hustle, more visibility, more vulnerability - and why, sometimes, your greatest sabotage is your own fear of what you could become. But what if you leaned in instead of backing off?

Today, we’re exploring the mindset shift that changes everything:

- Taking radical responsibility without shame

- Spotting subconscious fear of success sabotaging your goals

- Why stepping up your game isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it

- Real strategies to face what you're avoiding, without burning out

Pull up a chair, let’s unpack this together.

Enjoy the chat!

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE?

1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE

2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE

3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

NEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS?

1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE

2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)

LET'S CONNECT!

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

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

Feel like you’re deep in the mid-year haze, wondering what happened to all that clarity you had back in January?

This episode is your permission slip to hit pause, take stock, and redefine what success actually looks like for you right now.

In this solo episode, we’re chatting about why the halfway point of the year can feel so disorienting, and how to use it to your advantage. This is not about reviving those dusty goals you set in January. It’s about checking in, being honest with yourself, and making sure the goals you're chasing still actually feel right.

We’re walking through reflective prompts, redefining success (your version, not your competitors’), and realigning your business so it supports your life - not the other way around.

Your goals are allowed to evolve. And when you get clear on what matters most right now, you give yourself the freedom to finish the year feeling aligned, focused, and fulfilled.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

- Why “goal haze” happens mid-year and how to break through it

- How to redefine success based on your current season - not past expectations

- The difference between chasing shiny objects vs. following your intuition

- Journal prompts to reset your focus and get real about what’s working (and what’s not)

- How to set aligned, achievable goals for the rest of the year

- The importance of leaving space for the unexpected (hello dream opportunities!)

Mentioned in this episode:

The Goal Setting Workshop → https://kristinfishercoaching.com/goalsettingworkshop

Want more clarity and momentum for your biz? Grab the workshop and let’s reset the right way.

Enjoy the chat!

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE?

1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE

2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE

3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

NEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS?

1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE

2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)

LET'S CONNECT!

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

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

YouTube feels...intimidating, right?

It’s long-form. It’s searchable. And it’s one more platform to think about. But what if YouTube could actually simplify your content strategy—and do the heavy lifting for your product-based business?

This week, I’m joined by YouTube educator and marketing strategist Stephanie Kase.

We’re pulling back the curtain on how to use YouTube (yes, even if you sell physical products) to grow your brand and attract customers without constantly churning out content.

Stephanie shares how product-based founders can create personal brands that amplify their products, plus how to structure videos so they work hard for you—long after they’re posted.

And spoiler: this isn’t about being a “YouTuber”. It’s about building strategic, evergreen content that drives long-term growth. 

• Why YouTube is an untapped goldmine for product-based businesses
• How to humanize your brand and bring storytelling into your content
• The secret to making content once and repurposing it everywhere
• What YouTube’s algorithm actually favors (hint: it’s not perfection!)
• How to plan and structure videos so they’re engaging and evergreen
• Why creating a personal brand doesn’t mean being “the face” of your biz

ABOUT STEPHANIE:

Stephanie Kase is an online marketing coach and content creator. She teaches ambitious female entrepreneurs and brands how to gain visibility online with content marketing that actually converts, so they have the freedom to build their dream life. She has served over 5,000 online students through her online courses, programs, and digital products and reached millions with her content online. She is most known for YouTube growth and has grown her channel to nearly 100,000 subscribers. 

• Follow Stephanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanielynnkase/
• Stephanie’s Website: https://stephaniekase.com/ 
• Stephanie’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/stephaniekase 
• Take the FREE YouTube Class! https://stephaniekase.com/youtubeclass

Enjoy the chat!

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE?

1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE

2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE

3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

NEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS?

1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE

2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)

LET'S CONNECT!

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

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

So here’s the deal.

This is a re-air of Episode 61 from May 2024, but trust me, it’s even more relevant now than when it first dropped.

With the Faire Summer Market just four weeks away, your time is precious. This episode is all about getting back to basics, and doubling down on what actually works. Because when your time is limited and your brain is fried, you don’t need more to-dos… you need better ones. Let’s get laser-focused on the one thing that will move the needle in your wholesale business this season.

The truth? Buyer budgets are tighter. Orders are more intentional. But the brands who are nurturing relationships—the ones who are showing up consistently and authentically? They’re the ones who will win this summer.

Tune in as I share what’s changed since last year, what’s still working, and the single best thing you can do to prep for this summer’s biggest sales opportunity on Faire.

What you’ll learn:

• Why shiny-object syndrome is killing your momentum
• The #1 strategy I recommend leading into Faire Summer Market
• What nurturing buyers actually looks like in 2025
• How to balance business growth with summer living
• The right way to pitch (hint: it's not your first message)
• A smarter, more human approach to buyer outreach

Resources To Support You:

• Watch the FREE Faire Success Blueprint Workshop HERE

• Prep for the next Faire Market with the FREE Faire Market Prep Planner. Download it HERE

• Get inside the Faire Bootcamp Self-Study to get your brand market ready. Join HERE

• Find out exactly what your buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE Unlocking Faire Private Podcast HERE

• Listen to Episode #59 on Pitch Strategy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wholesale-buyer-outreach-strategy-that-will/id1648564568?i=1000653887153

Enjoy the chat!

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE?

1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE

2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE

3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

NEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS?

1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE

2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)

LET'S CONNECT!

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

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]

GRAB THE FREE MARKET PREP PLANNER HERE: https://kristinfishercoaching.com/marketplanner

Faire Market is creeping up fast. And if you're already feeling the panic set in? This episode will give you a game plan to ditch the stress. 

In this episode, I’m laying out the exact 3-part plan I use with my VIP Faire Bootcamp students to prep for Faire Summer Market - without the stress, the burnout, or the 11th-hour scramble. You’ll leave this episode knowing what to focus on (and what to ignore) to make your Faire Market strategy more profitable and actually doable.

And yep—there’s a free six-week Market Prep Planner waiting for you that pairs perfectly with everything we talk about.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• How to reflect on past market data to avoid burnout and boost your results
• The exact things to evaluate (your products, process, and energy!)
• Why defining success upfront makes all the difference
• Visibility + outreach strategies to get more retailers BEFORE market week starts
• Why optimizing your Faire shop now is critical for conversions later
• A better way to prioritize (so you’re not trying to do everything at once)

Get your FREE Market Prep Planner:

https://kristinfishercoaching.com/market-prep-planner

This 6-week planner includes checklists, prompts, and a full week-by-week strategy to streamline your prep and simplify your decision-making. It’s the exact resource I give my VIP Bootcamp crew—now available to YOU.

LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE?

1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE

2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE

3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire Bootcamp

NEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS?

1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE

2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)

LET'S CONNECT!

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

CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE’ HERE

Website: kristinfishercoaching.com

Instagram @kristinfishercoaching

Contact: [email protected]