Podcasts about Paper Source

In this week's episode, we take a look at five lessons for writers from Barnes & Nobles' turnaround. I also discuss indie author advertising results from February 2025. This week's coupon code will get you 50% off the audiobook of Dragonskull: Blade of the Elves, Book #3 in the Dragonskull series (as excellently narrated by Brad Wills), at my Payhip store: BLADE50 The coupon code is valid through March 28, 2025. So if you need a new audiobook for spring, we've got you covered! TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates   Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 242 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is March 7, 2025, and today we are looking at writing lessons from the dramatic turnaround of Barnes and Noble. We'll also look at my ad results for February 2025 and we'll also have Coupon of the Week and an update on my current writing projects and Question of the Week.   First off, let's start with Coupon of the Week. This week's coupon code will get you 50% off the audiobook of Dragonskull: Blade of the Elves, Book Number Three in the Dragon Skull Series (as excellent narrated by Brad Wills), at my Payhip store. That coupon code is BLADE50. We'll have the coupon code and the link in the show notes. This coupon code is valid through March 28th, 2025, so if you need a new audiobook for spring, we have got you covered. Now an update on my current writing and audiobook projects. The rough draft of Ghosts in the Assembly is done and I am 16% into the second phase of editing. If all goes well, I am planning to publish the book on March 14th, assuming there are no unanticipated interruptions, which is always risky to rely upon, but things are going well with it and I'm optimistic we can do that. I'm also 13,000 words into Shield of Battle and after Ghost in the Assembly is published, that will be my main project.   In audiobook news, Orc-Hoard, the fourth book in the Half-Elven Thief series (as narrated by Leanne Woodward), is now available and you can get it at all the usual audiobook stores. Half-Elven Thief: Omnibus One (which is a combination of Half-Elven Thief, Wizard-Thief, and Half-Orc Paladin, the first three books in the series) is also now available in audio (as excellently narrated by Leanne Woodward), and you can give that omnibus edition at Audible, Amazon, and Apple. So that is where I'm at with my current writing projects.   00:01:49 Question of the Week   Question the Week is designed to inspire enjoyable discussions of interesting topics. This week's question, when you have an unpleasant chore that must be done, do you prefer to split it up into smaller parts over a number of days or just to get it all over with at once? No wrong answers, obviously. The inspiration for this question is the fact that it's tax prep time here in the United States, and I have spent a lot of time this week working on that.   Justin says: I prefer to get it over with all at once if possible. Extending your example, I have somehow become the tax preparer for other family members, so there are a few days where that is what I do. I also set aside a few hours every month for vehicle maintenance: check fluids, tire pressure, top off everything, look at belts (replace if worn). It's amazing how more reliable cars are when you look after them a bit.   That is very true. Good car maintenance advice from Justin.   Catriona says: Procrastinate. I love to procrastinate, then the mad dash to the very last second of the deadline. Retired now, so no longer need to be efficiently organized.   Jenny says: Oh, split if I can, procrastinate if I can't. Dishes? Do some or put some away, do more later or let my laundry pile up until I have no pants.   And Juana says: Let's get this over with. (Transcriptionist's note: this was posted in the form of a GIF of Liz Lemon from 30 Rock)   For myself, I suppose the answer is that I essentially get to do both since I'm technically a small business owner as a publisher, I do some tax stuff every month and then usually have a couple of days in March that are all tax prep. Other than that, it really depends on the size of the task in question. My preferred way would be to split a task up into smaller pieces and do 'em until they're done. But if you have something like snow shoveling, for example, you really do have to kind of bite the bullet and get it over with all at once.   00:03:21 February 2025 Ad Results   Now let's see how my ads did in February 2025. February is generally a better month for advertising than November, December, and January. The reason for that is that Valentine's Day and the Super Bowl drives some consumer spending, though not nearly as much as the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays, and so therefore the cost per click is often lower and you can usually have good results with ads.   First up, Facebook ads. In February, I advertised both Cloak Games/Cloak Mage and all the Ghosts on Facebook. For Cloak Games/Cloak Mage, I got back $2.98 (USD) for every dollar spent, with 6.8% of the profit coming from the audiobooks. For the Ghosts, I got back $3.24 cents for every dollar spent, with 15.4% of the profit coming from the audiobooks. I also ran a few different Amazon ad campaigns. Remember that for an Amazon ad campaign to work, it needs to generate a sale or a complete Kindle Unlimited page readthrough for every six to eight clicks. For Half-Elven Thief, I got back $2.30 for every dollar spent, with a sale for every 0.68 clicks. In other words, we had more total sales than we had clicks. For Stealth and Spells Online: Creation, I lost $2.52 for every dollar spent, with a sale for every 8.1 clicks. For The Linux Command Line Beginner's Guide, I got back $1.86 for every dollar spent, with a sale for every one click and 32% of the month's profit coming from the audiobook. I think this shows how badly I misjudged the LitRPG market with Stealth and Spells Online. The ads for Half-Elven Thief actually get more search terms for LitRPG related searches than Stealth and Spells actually does. I ran BookBub ads for Sevenfold Sword and The Ghosts on Apple, and here's how they did. For The Ghosts, I got back $5.26 for every dollar spent. For Sevenfold Sword, I got back $4.35 for every $1 spent. Finally, for the Demonsouled series, which is currently in KU, I did a combined Facebook and Amazon campaign, and when you run multi-platform ad campaigns like that, the most valuable metric tends to be honestly money back for dollar spent. So for Demonsouled, I got back $2.58 for every dollar spent. So good results, all in all, and I didn't actually lose that much money on Stealth and Spells. So thanks for reading everyone and hopefully I'll have more good books for you to read soon.   00:05:47 Main Topic: Lessons for Writers from Barnes and Noble's Turnaround   So now onto our main topic this week, lessons for Writers from Barnes and Noble's Turnaround because it is fair to say Barnes and Noble has had a turnaround recently. For a while at the end of the 2010s and the early 2020s, people would have their self-publishing predictions for the year, and one of them was almost always that Barnes and Noble is going to finally close, which was a reversal of fortune for it because if you remember in the ‘90s and the 2000s and even the early part of the 2010s, Barnes and Noble was the juggernaut in the publishing industry. They had forced out of business a lot of smaller indie bookstores and what Barnes and Noble wanted in the publishing industry, Barnes and Noble got. Then just as Barnes and Noble disrupted all the smaller book chains and independent bookstores, Amazon came along and disrupted Barnes and Noble. And so for a while it looked like Barnes and Noble was going to go out of business, but Barnes and Noble's revenue actually grew 1.6% in fiscal year 2024, and their foot traffic is up significantly. They're planning 60 new stores after a wave of closures in previous years.   A few years ago, as I said, they seemed headed for extinction, yet a combination of unpredictable factors and good decisions helped turned around Barnes and Noble. What are some of those factors leading into it? I suspect one of them is that many people are forced to be on screens all day and can find this frustrating or stressful, especially when schooling and work were virtual. I've talked to some teachers over the past couple of years and they would tell me stories of, for example, younger children who will burst into tears at the site of a Chromebook just because the experience of remote learning via Chromebooks was so stressful and miserable in 2020 and 2021 (and places that held onto that policy for probably longer than they should have). So much socialization nowadays is conducted online too through TikToks and chats and text messages and so forth. Because of this, many now feel like print books are a break from being constantly online. Various social media people such as TikTokers and Instagrammers make Barnes and Noble trips and hauls, showing off giant stacks of the latest books, filling up feeds. Home book displays are also a trend online, as collectors show off carefully style collections of books. Owning physical books and browsing the shelves at Barnes and Noble has become cool again. Truly history is a wheel that keeps on turning.   So what lessons can you take from this turnaround as a writer (even if your physical books aren't stocked by Barnes and Noble and you don't sell that many eBooks through them)? How they approach their relationship with their readers and their customers still has a few lessons to provide writers.   #1: Focus on your primary mission and also double down on what actually works. Barnes and Noble started to devote much of their store space to a confusing, aimless mixture of toys and gifts mixed in with the books. The stores began to look cluttered and much of this merchandise did not actually sell to their customers. They also wasted a large sum of money trying to compete with Amazon, Apple, and tech companies with their Nook tablets and kept Nook ereaders as a strong store presence long after it was clear they had lost the battle for the ebook market. There was even an extremely ill-advised foray into Barnes and Noble restaurants. Customers were quick to reject $13 avocado toast and $7 oatmeal from a mall chain bookstore.   One, when the company focused on returning to selling print books and making the store a better place to browse, sales improved. Many stores moved the gifts and games away from the book areas and back into the dedicated sections, which cleaned up the layout and made it easier for customers wanting non-book items to find what they were looking for. Since most of the customers were actually there to buy books, that made it easier to buy books.   How to apply this as a writer? Your job as a writer is to create and sell books. Getting lost in side quests, like overly frequent social media posting, creating courses or webinars, and selling merchandises are only taking time away from what your readers actually want the most from you: more books. So double down on writing more books, just as Barnes Noble doubled down on selling more books.   #2: Target the right people. Barnes Noble's display spaces and tables were taken up by books that publishers paid to place there. This led to their prime store space being taken up by books that were often poor sellers or not a good fit for their local customers. It was better to turn down the short-term money but have more targeted displays, including putting similar books in “thematic nooks.”   By focusing much of their marketing on the BookTok/Bookstagram groups of heavy readers, they were able to find ways to appeal to a younger and growing customer base. Since this group loves books both as content and décor, showcasing exclusive or “aesthetic” special editions was a way to bring these customers back into the store and keep them from buying cheaper copies online. These readers were also willing to spend a few dollars extra for the experience and to ensure that the books they were buying weren't damaged, which is often a complaint when you buy books online, that they sometimes aren't packaged properly and arrive damaged in transit. Store space was also devoted to manga readers, another group that reads voraciously and enjoys the experience of reading the print version and later collecting the print version as opposed to the electronic one.   Now, how do you apply this as a writer? Appeal to your core audience. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, find your core “thematic nook” (as Barnes Noble puts it), meaning similar authors and titles. There are resources like Publisher Rocket that can help you do this. Focus your advertising on finding these readers instead of the general population.   For myself, I've experienced this lesson personally in the last four years because in the last four years I've tried three different new things: The Cormac Rogan Mysteries, the Stealth and Spells LitRPG book, and the Rivah Half-Elven series. And of the three, Rivah was by far the most successful because it was another form of epic fantasy, which I think is what my core audience really wants from me and not contemporary mysteries or LitRPG. So this is the lesson I can attest to through personal experience.   #3: Give customers a good experience. Barnes and Noble spent money on repainting, installing brighter lighting, and changing store layouts. The CEO James Daunt stated it was their aim to make the store feels like “places of discovery.” Chairs were even added back to some stores to allow readers to browse in comfort.   Now, how can you apply this to being a writer? First, you want to make sure that your readers have the easiest possible experience, the most pleasant possible experience in buying books from you. One way to do this is keep your website updated and check for broken links, which is easier said than done. I know, especially for me since Ghost in the Assembly will be my 160th novel, and that is a lot of links to check and my website had gotten complex enough that I finally hired someone to overhaul it and make sure all the links were working. But I think we've had good results since traffic is up and I get much fewer complaints now about dead links. It's often a good idea to refresh ad images to keep potential readers' attention. For Facebook ads, I think based on my experience, the best you can hope for is two to three weeks of good results with a single image. For BookBub, maybe three or four days. So it's good to have a supply of ad images you can rotate out often. Finally, incentivize readers to read your newsletter by keeping it brief and providing some kind of special reward, like a discount or bonus content, which is why I give away a lot of short stories in my email newsletter.   #4: Be willing to change it up or try new things. Barnes and Noble's leadership also ceded more control of the selection and displays to the individual stores, allowing them to better customize the stores towards the taste of the community. For most of Barnes and Noble's history, if you walked into the store and you saw the displays in the front and on the end caps where books were highlighted. Publishers paid through the nose for the privilege of having their books stocked that way. And while there is still some of that, obviously the new regime at Barnes and Noble has changed things around so that more local stores have greater control of what to put where, which means they can put out more books that their local community is more likely to buy. If you walk into a Barnes and Noble in Illinois, for example, you're much more likely to see a large display of Illinois local history than you would have otherwise.   For another example, I once visited a Barnes and Noble in a large suburb that had a very large teenage population that had the Young Adult section wedged in a single cramped back corner by the bathrooms. It was extremely unpleasant to browse, especially if one person was already in the aisle. And of course, if there was a line for the bathroom, which is often the case, teenagers typically want more physical space from strangers. This decision to put the Young Adult section in a cramped corner in the back of the store was clearly made by someone who did not a lot of experience talking to or working with teenagers. After Daunt's changes, Young Adult was moved to the center of the store. The aisles in the new section were extra wide to accommodate groups of teens browsing together, and it was now full of colorful displays, many of which were handmade by staff members. In the times I visited this Barnes and Noble since, it is always the busiest part of the store.   Another surprise area of growth was the refreshing of the stationery and planner section. The previous selection was stale and heavily reliant on older licensed properties like Disney. It wasn't reflective of the trends in the category being popularized (once again by Instagram and TikTok), such as dot grid notebooks with high quality paper and guided journals (like the influencer favorite, the Five Minute Journal, which offers a few brief prompts to reflect on the day). Barnes and Noble bought the stationery brand Paper Source, which brought in fresh designs to its cards and stationery. They also changed their selection to adapt to two of the biggest trends in stationery, bullet journaling and customizable Japanese planners. Stationery enthusiasts were willing to pay a premium to be able to see stationery items in person before buying, since that allows you to avoid counterfeit versions that are sold online and ensure that the product was in pristine condition and would not arrive through the mail damaged. Since the margins on stationery are way higher than they are in books, this was a wise decision.   Now how can we apply this lesson as a writer? One of the advantages of being self-published is the ability to change quickly based on data and reader feedback. For example, the Stealth and Spells Online series was originally called the Sevenfold Sword Online. Once I realized that readers were confusing this series with the main Sevenfold Sword series, I changed the title to help prevent confusion and emphasized that the series was in fact a separate one. I also changed the cover to reflect trends in the LitRPG series, such as characters' faces usually not being shown and a more diffused, animation-influenced color palette.   If one of your books isn't connecting with readers, it may be worth your time to update your blurb and cover trends based on your categories. Another similar experience I had was with the Silent Order covers where I went through five different iterations with that cover before I settled on the version I have now, which definitely sells the best.     #5: Do what Amazon can't. The new CEO of Barnes and Noble focused on what Amazon couldn't do: provide a physical environment for browsing.  Browsing aisles of books with a cup of coffee (from the Barnes and Noble Café) in hand is a relaxing experience for many people. Amazon famously tried to set up its own chain of physical bookstores, and it didn't work out because the experience for customers tended to be industrial and unpleasant in a way that made an airport newsstand seem downright cozy in comparison. The bookstores were stocked with just a very limited selection of popular books on plain shelves with electronic price tags. Nothing about it inspired browsing or finding new books, the most important way physical bookstores inspire readers to buy additional books.   This was an example of Amazon doing the opposite of our first lesson. Rather than doubling down on what was working, they tried something that was away from their core competency of low prices and fast delivery, which was a physical bookstore. In fact, one of these Amazon bookstores opened across the street from author Ann Patchett's Parnassus books, which is an indie bookstore in Nashville that provides lots of help from friendly, knowledgeable staff, autographed books from authors like Patchett, and a full calendar of events with local authors. Reviewers who have visited this indie bookstore rave about the friendly and helpful staff and the cozy atmosphere. Even though Parnassus offered higher prices than the Amazon bookstore across the street, the experience was so much better that it's not surprising that the Amazon bookstore did not work and that Parnassus outlasted this physical Amazon bookstore that opened across the street. As many people have found out the hard way, it is very difficult to compete with Amazon on price. Instead of constantly discounting books with buy two get one free promotions or providing steep discounts through its membership program, Barnes and Noble stopped trying to compete with Amazon on price and turned their attention to something that Amazon couldn't do, which is the physical experience of the store. Events like children's story times and special events (complete with gift bags) for popular releases like Onyx Storm brought in people who hadn't been to a physical store in a while.   Now, the point of this isn't to indulge in Amazon bashing because Amazon does get criticized a lot, sometimes fairly, sometimes not fairly. The point is that trying to compete with Amazon on its core competencies of low price and fast delivery is not a good idea. And so instead, you need to try and find a way to do something well that Amazon can't do or Amazon isn't interested in doing. Even if Amazon remains a big part of your business as an indie writer, you can diversify your profits and readership by looking beyond Amazon.   What can't Amazon do for your readers? You can engage with your readers directly through your newsletter and social media. That's why I try to post at least once a day and respond to comments when possible. You can find ways to provide special content for loyal readers, which I do personally in the form of free short stories, discounts, Coupon of the Week (which we always talk about every week). Giveaways, et cetera provide something that Amazon can't or won't. For example, direct sales platforms like my Payhip store can provide DRM free ebook files, multiple file formats with each purchase, and special bonus content for readers buying direct and so forth. If you buy a book off My Payhip store, you can download the epub file and a PDF file, which you can't do from Amazon anymore.   On a related note, give people who don't want to buy from Amazon a place to buy your books, whether that be other ebook vendors or your own direct sales page (or ideally both). I should mention that personally of my (soon to be) 160 books, only 14% of them are currently on Kindle Unlimited (which means Amazon exclusivity), which is a fortunate position I'm able to be in because Kindle Unlimited is also a big part of the market. I'm able to essentially play in both worlds where I have the majority of my series available wide (and available on my Payhip store with files and the other things we were talking about), while also providing some books for Kindle Unlimited readers, which also is a big part of the pool. I'm fortunate enough to be able to play in both worlds there and continue to do that.   To sum up, Barnes and Noble recovered by focusing on what it does best and finding the people who respond best to that. As a writer, I think your main focus should be on putting out new books and targeting your advertising is the best way to make that approach work for you. If you have a long series, it might be a good idea to make the first book free and advertise that if you want to connect more with your readers, giving away short stories is a good way to do that, especially in your newsletter. So to sum up, perhaps the best way forward for all writers is to remain flexible and to double down on your core competencies and core strengths.   So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes on https://thepulpwritershow.com, often with transcripts. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and see you all next week.  

In this episode of The Art Coaching Club Podcast, host Hayley Price interviews Shirlee Fisher, the creative entrepreneur behind Quiet Lines Design and host of The Tillage Podcast. Shirlee shares her inspiring journey from selling at craft shows and Etsy to successfully transitioning into wholesale, pitching her products to over 250 stores, including major retailers like Anthropologie and Paper Source. She discusses the importance of community and mindset for creative entrepreneurs, tackling challenges like imposter syndrome and sharing her personal strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Shirlee also highlights effective marketing tactics, the significance of building an email list, and her plans for the future, including licensing her designs and streamlining her business operations. Tune in to discover Shirlee's insights on intentional goal-setting and self-development, essential for any creative entrepreneur looking to thrive. Learn more about Shirlee and her different offerings here.

In this special episode, Stacie joins Shirlee Fisher for a presentation within The Tillage Village Membership. In her talk, Stacie delves deep into the intricacies of procrastination, exploring how to turn it from a foe into a powerful ally. She shares her personal journey with procrastination, distinguishing between negative and positive procrastination, and emphasizes the transformative potential of structured delay. Through candid stories and practical advice, Stacie provides listeners with strategies to embrace procrastination intentionally, boosting productivity and creativity in the process.   Today on Art + Audience: Introduction to Positive Procrastination: Stacie explains the concept of positive procrastination, which involves postponing non-urgent tasks to make space for more fulfilling and meaningful activities. She describes how this approach can help creatives harness their natural tendencies for better outcomes. Stacie's Personal Anecdote on Podcast Launch: Stacie recounts her struggle with launching her podcast. After months of feeling pressured and uninspired, she chose to delay the launch. Once she relieved herself of the rigid deadline, her creativity flowed, and she was able to record the podcast with renewed energy. The Difference Between Negative and Positive Procrastination: Stacie discusses the characteristics of negative procrastination, such as avoidance and unintentional delays, and contrasts them with the intentional nature of positive procrastination, where tasks are postponed for strategic reasons. Harnessing Structured Procrastination: Drawing from Dr. John Perry's research, Stacie shares how structured procrastinators get more done by completing smaller, less urgent tasks while delaying bigger projects—without guilt or shame. Setting Up for Success with Intentional Delays: Stacie advises on how to plan tasks effectively, allowing ideas to mature over time. She emphasizes the importance of aligning deadlines with personal work rhythms, rather than forcing early starts that may lead to unnecessary stress and subpar work. Practical Tips for Overcoming Negative Procrastination: Stacie offers actionable steps, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting "smarter" goals, and integrating rituals that can help shift from negative to positive procrastination.   Resources: Dr. John Perry's Work on Structured Procrastination Book: Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz Arthur C. Brooks' Insights on Positive Procrastination   Learn more about The Tillage Village: The Tillage Village is a community membership hosted by Shirlee Fisher for artists and creative entrepreneurs who desire support, mentorship, and professional development on their journey.  Shirlee Fisher is an illustrator and owner of the stationery brand, Quiet Lines Design, where she sells her products in over 250 shops in the US and Canada, including Paper Source and Anthropologie. She also hosts the beloved show, "The Tillage Podcast, " which has become a place providing mindset shifts, self-development, and encouragement to the creative entrepreneur.    Connect with Shirlee Fisher: Instagram: @quietlinesdesign  Website: quietlinesdesign.com Podcast: thetillagepodcast.com | @thetillagepodcast    Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @ShopGingiber Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber Get the free 5-day email course at artlicensingplaybook.com

Liz Owens is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Vacations by Rail, North America's leading provider of train vacations. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and brand growth, she has played a key role in expanding the company's reach and doubling its size. Liz and Susan discuss trains, travel tips, and the timeless appeal of rail vacations. What you can expect to hear: Are trains the new planes? Liz shares all things rail travel, from packing tips to navigating the onboard experience. No tiny shampoos here! Are luggage restrictions and security on trains anything like on planes? From retail to the rails: Liz shares how her background in advertising and retail shaped her career journey. Train travel = nostalgia unlocked. Why the slower pace of rail travel brings a unique magic you can't find in air travel. The art of packing for the rails: Tips for packing light and staying comfortable, especially when traversing cobblestone streets or small European villages. Unexpected train quirks: Wondering what it's like to sleep on a train? Liz compares it to a cozy camping trip and spills the secrets to a peaceful night on the rails. Sustainability with a twist: Liz talks about how rail travel fosters economic sustainability by supporting small towns and villages along the routes. A brush with the paranormal? Liz shares a funny and mysterious story from her time at Paper Source that involves a celebrity tweet, a store ghost, and social media chaos. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Top Floor!" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps other people like us find the show and makes our guests feel good about being on it.  Tap to give us five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Be sure to let me know what you liked most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast or restart automatic downloads. It's the best way to make sure you don't miss out.

Audio from the 2023 Charleston Conference from the Thursday Keynote presented by James Daunt, CEO, Barnes & Noble. Today we're featuring Audio from the 2023 Charleston Conference from the Thursday Keynote presented by James Daunt, Chief Executive Officer of Barnes & Noble, the world's largest retail bookseller, of stationery and gift retailer Paper Source and of Waterstones, the largest retail bookseller in the United Kingdom. In this session, he talks about the importance of reading in a year where book bans have dominated the headlines and how both libraries and bookstores complement each other in encouraging reading and making books available to all. Video of the presentation available at:  https://youtu.be/Y0e68XEkPl8?si=JnSutQOss1iNRtxz  Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/barnes-&-noble/ Twitter: Keywords: #JamesDaunt #barnesandnoble #entrepreneurship, #RetailInnovation, #bookstores, #booksellers, #printbookmarket, #scholcomm, #collaboration,#engagement, #problemsolvers, #academics, #publishing, #ScholarlyPublishing, #AcademicPublishing, #libraries, #librarians, #information, #2023ChsConf,  #LibrariesAndVendors, #LibrariesAndPublishers, #libraryissues, #libraryneeds,#librarylove, #librarychallenges, #libraryconference #podcast  

The last time Brittany O'Brien was on the podcast was back in 2022, and we were talking about how she scaled her business to 500 wholesale accounts. Earlier this year, Brittany crossed a new milestone. Her products are now sold in over 1,000 stores, and today, we're going to dig into what the last year and a half has looked like for her. Specifically, we're talking about customer acquisition versus customer retention strategies, fair SEO, and how trade shows have played a part in her substantial growth.  Brittany is a New York City-based illustrator and the owner of the stationery and gift company, Brittany Paige. Originally a graphic designer in the corporate fashion world, she started her business as a side hustle while working full-time.  In addition to working on custom illustrations, she also creates witty and empowered goods for the unapologetic girl, including greeting cards, stickers, candles, pen sets, and more. Her products are inspired by current events, city living, and pop culture, and they can be found in over 1,000 retailers worldwide, including Macy's and Paper Source. Today's episode is sponsored by our Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview series. To make a strong first impression with wholesale buyers, we need to do a few things really well: We need to make it easy for stores to purchase from us We need to have clear pricing and terms & conditions We need to clearly communicate and add value at each touchpoint We need to focus on building strong relationships with our customers. And all of this becomes infinitely easier when we actively listen to our customers. This on-demand interview series will give you a competitive edge by providing an exclusive window into what buyers want and need from you. And, the best part, it's only $27 bucks.  Get Access to the Unlock Buyer Secrets Interview Series You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/334  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp  

In this episode, Dan shares some of the key learnings and takeaways from the recent Paper Source seminar in San Antonio, taught by Tom Henderson.   Get the 5 FREE steps to buying your first note HERE   WEBSITE: https://fusionnotes.com   PREMIUM CONTENT: Get a roadmap that shows you a step-by-step path for being a note investor, NOTE INVESTING GAMEPLAN   Tom's website: https://hpnotes.com/

Audio from the 2023 Charleston Conference Leadership Interview Series. Heather Staines, Senior Strategy Consultant, Delta Think and a Director for the Charleston Conference interviews James Daunt, Chief Executive Officer of Barnes & Noble, the world's largest retail bookseller, of stationery and gift retailer Paper Source and of Waterstones, the largest retail bookseller in the United Kingdom. Heather and James discuss his past, his present and the future of library, bookseller and publisher relations. Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherstaines/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/barnes-&-noble/ Keywords:   #JamesDaunt #barnesandnoble #LeadershipDevelopment, #entrepreneurship, #RetailInnovation, #bookstores, #booksellers, #printbookmarket, #leaders, #leadership, #2023ChsConf, #libraries, #librarianship, #LibraryNeeds, #LibraryLove, #ScholarlyPublishing, #AcademicPublishing, #publishing, #LibrariesAndPublishers, #podcasts

First Slop City of 2024!!!!!! Happy New Year! Watch this weeks episode on YouTube & make sure you're subscribed to our channel! https://youtu.be/1-KWk3RzVqg This week, the gals do a deep dive on a very fancy stationary/wrapping store/gift they went to. Planners are shown, fun is had.  We check out a celebrity christmas ornament and roast it for a bit too long (jk nothings ever too long) ....but the ornament is so bad that we hope you feel like roasting it too. Leave a comment with a roast of the ornament plz   Thanks for listening & watching - we can't wait to kick 2024 off with you all ! If you want some extra content AND want to support the podcast monetarily, please check out our Patreon! Our show, Wiki Wiki How is on there! We do it with guests, each other, pretty much anyone who will listen. Link below: www.patreon.com/slopcity XO ALL HAIL PUCINA RAAAANCH

Host Toby Mathis, Esq. speaks with Bill Mencarow, founder of The Paper Source and 30-year veteran of real estate note investing. Bill writes for Think Realty magazine and has authored several guides and seminars on notes. He has been interviewed on numerous radio and TV programs including “Good Morning America,” national networks and in major U.S. newspapers and magazines. You'll hear Bill and Toby discuss the pros and cons of note investing, including how and when you can buy and sell, getting cash out of your note, and what to look for when buying a note -  including the three P's - Property, Paper, and Payer. Highlights/Topics: What is note investing? Selling notes for cash Pros and cons, options for using this ‘negotiable instrument' Selling your property using a note Where can you find notes to buy? What you should avoid- rules of thumb Slicing and dicing your note for sale Why go to a megabank corporation when you can get a note with someone in your community? Sign up for Bill's free eCourse or email him for advice 3P's - Look at Paper, Property, and Payer Resources: Unlock the secrets of note investing and become a savvy investor with our exclusive 360 Pro Membership! Infinity Investing Membership https://infinityinvesting.com/pricing/   Tax and Asset Protection Events https://andersonadvisors.com/real-estate-asset-protection-workshop-training/?utm_source=aba&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=how-to-be-a-note-investor   The Paper Source https://papersourceonline.com/   Toby Mathis on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/tobymathisesq   Anderson Advisors https://andersonadvisors.com/  

Adrienne Young and Isabel Ibañez discuss their new release for writers - The Storyteller's Workbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593539435 About the Author Adrienne Young is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Fable duology and the Sky in the Deep duology. She is a foodie with a deep love of history and travel and a shameless addiction to coffee. When she's not writing, you can find her on her yoga mat, sipping wine over long dinners, or disappearing into her favorite art museums. She lives with her documentary filmmaker husband and their four little wildlings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Isabel Ibañez is an award-winning designer and the author of Woven in Moonlight, a finalist for the William C. Morris Award and Time's 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time, Written in Starlight, and Together We Burn. Her designs have been sold in nationwide brands such as Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, and Paper Source in the form of greeting cards, notepads, and journals. THE BOOK: Your companion to writing a novel from start to finish, with thoughtful prompts, calendars, and checklists to guide you along the way. Wherever you are on your journey as a writer, The Storyteller's Workbook is your one-stop shop for planning, writing, and pitching your novel. Find the space and freedom to create authentically with just enough structure and guidance to get you to the finish line.

It's a new year and we're talking about goal setting! HOWEVER, these aren't your average goal setting tips - we're getting really clear today about how you can set yourself up for success by setting goals that are SUSTAINABLE and that you'll be able to implement for the long haul. Interested in listening to more goal setting episodes? Here are a few great ones to tune into:Episode 92 - Want to change your habits? Start with this first!Episode 41 - Creative visualization - the one mindset strategy you need to achieve your goalsEpisode 58 - How to set better goals as a business ownerEpisode 84 - Setting vision-based goals to lead you to successEpisode 11 - Let's Get Out of That Funk & Back to Our GoalsEpisode 13 - "I'm Just Not Hitting My Goals Fast Enough"Also during today's episode I mentioned my tall on the wall calendar (that I'm so obsessed with) -- be sure to check it out at Paper Source! & I'm equally obsessed with my 2023 weekly planner from Passion Planner 

Jenica joins us to share her experience this year with her own Gratitude and Falling Forward moments. As the company she worked for grew into a much larger environment, it led her to transition from CEO to student. She harnessed this experience as a chance to grow her leadership brand into something new. She also shares with us how first impressions is often a series of moments for leaders. Being aware of this can help you embrace and shape those moments as you grow your own leadership style. Jenica is an accomplished executive | Chief Operating Officer with over 25 years of experience in overseeing the implementation of company strategies and serving as a change agent, spearheading new initiatives. Served as the CEO of Paper Source through the acquisition by Elliott Management and ultimately Barnes & Noble. She continues to lead the brand @ Paper Source as the COO & Chief Brand Officer under the B&N umbrella.(2:30) In thinking about 2022, what is a gratitude moment that comes to Jenica's mind? (4:06) What was Jenica's fall forward moment this year? (7:12) A discussion about transitioning from CEO to student that Jenica experienced this year.(10:55) How would Jenica capture her experience with this transition and offer it as advice to others?Connect with Jenica Myszkowskihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jenicapastalaniecSubscribe: Warriors At Work Podcasts Website: https://jeaniecoomber.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/986666321719033/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanie_coomber/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeanie_coomber LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanie-coomber-90973b4/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbMZ2HyNNyPoeCSqKClBC_w

Mortgage notes are quite easy to come by. There are several note auction sites like Note Trader Exchange, Stackfolio, or Debexpert. Not all are great, and some are overpriced, but they are designed for small investors. If you want to buy the bigger and better notes, you have to find them yourself. Listen in if you want to know where you can find them.  Join Dan Deppen as he sits down with the legendary Matt Kelley to talk about his presentation from the recent Paper Source conference. Matt goes on a deep dive on specific places you can go to buy mortgage notes right now. Matt is a full-time note and real estate investor acquiring nationwide delinquent loans and real property. As a certified foreclosure expert in the states of California, Arizona, Nevada, and Washington, Matthew has been called upon as an expert witness in the fields of foreclosure, default, and loss mitigation. He also advised some of the largest mortgage servicing companies, Credit Unions, Law Firms, and investors throughout the United States. Learn more about mortgage notes and where you can find them today!   Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here's How » Join the The Note Investor Community today: fusionnotes.com

It's that sneaky second gifting season of the year (dads, grads, retirements, anniversaries…you get it!), and we're here to answer your calls for help. Ooh, speaking of calls: Want to leave us a voicemail at 833-632-5463 and share any thoughts/feelings that demand our podcasting attention?   If it's time to gift someone a watch: Max Bill for Junghans and Baume & Mercier Classima are classics and about $1k. Uniform Wares has minimalist vibes and top out around $500. Check out Fewer Finer for some vintage options! We also recommend looking into a sporty/casual vintage watch from Casio or Seiko—Foundwell and eBay are great places to explore (this one, this one!). Also: Swatch does custom. If you're looking for a watch for a little, Flik Flak's still got it (see: their recent Hodinkee collaboration), and Parchie and Mini Kyomo are cute for kids, too. For true watch experts, turn to Hodinkee and Dimepiece.   For men turning 40 whose watch taste is too $$$: We love the idea of a signet ring, and Kathryn Bentley does great ones. We also recommend a record player (and personally endorse Plus Audio and Technics by Panasonic Direct Drive Player System via eBay). To add to the record collection, maybe gift a subscription to Vinyl Me Please or round-up albums that came out during their birth year. Related gift: fancy speakers like the ones by Oda. Nice luggage is also a good call—we love Want Les Essentiels, Porter-Yoshida, and classics like Rimowa, Tumi, and Calpak. For hobby gifts, how about a surfboard, a film camera from Photodom, ceramics classes (s/o to Artshack near us!), or pickleball gear from Recess or Nettie (on the topic of pickleball, this New York mag profile of Connor Pardoe). Last but not least, NORMALIZE GIVING MEN FLOWERS!    For retirement gifts: Ask close coworkers to participate in something personal—maybe use Tribute or Padlet or go old-school and collect pictures and letters to make a scrapbook. We also love Storyworth! Or how's about helping them get oriented with a new hobby: For the dad in our VM, maybe a Backroads Bike Tour or a Bianchi bike (find them and other snazzy bikes used on Bike Exchange). There's also personal training: For a virtual option, check out Future (a good review).    When someone's having a baby but not their first one: Set the parent up with a massage (maybe an at-home one through Zeel) or food delivery from Ipsa, Three Owls, or The Culinistas. Treat them to a robe, slippers, a weighted blanket from Bearaby, or a bed tray (Chairish and 1stdibs for cool vintage ones and West Elm, and Offi for new ones) Or: Get something to keep the sibling busy! Non-messy craft projects like needlepoint/sewing kits (love Unwind Studio and LittleExplorersPlay) or a subscription to The Picture Book Club. For the new baby, what about a not-hand-me-down, home-from-the-hospital look from Makie or Lewis? Or something keepsake that second (and third and fourth) kids tend to get less of like a handknit blankie or a puzzle name stool from Damhorst Toys.   What to maybe, possibly ask for when you move into a new home: A return-address stamp from Paper Source or custom house numbers from House Number Lab or Casson. Outdoor stuff can be pricier than expected, so ask for plants from Fast Growing Trees, Plant Gem, and David Austin Roses, a local-nursery gift card, or gardening tools from The Floral Society or Terrain. What about a Solo Stove or a Barebones Living Portable 30" Fire Pit? Or a grill! We like the Weber Spirit II E-210 LP and the Lodge Sportsman's Pro Cast Iron Grill. Get into composting with an indoor bin from Bamboozle. Entertaining stuff is a good call—think an Insalata Serving Bowl or platters from Conran Shop, Bitossi Home, Christian Lacroix, Farmhouse Pottery, vintage spongeware from The Six Bells, and vintage Limoges on Etsy. Ooh, and framing, c/o your local frame shop or Framebridge! Finally, stools: Artek, TipToe, Bed Bath & Beyond, Metal Lab, and ChezRai ones specifically. For other relevant recs, check out our Secret Menu wedding-registry guide. Share your gift ideas or quandries with us at ​​833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. For many more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Produced by Dear Media

Note Investors Nathan Turner and Dave Putz are live from Las Vegas as they attend Paper Source Note Conference. Join them as they share what they have learned and get an update on how the conference is going! Watch this video on Youtube: Watch Video Our new Website Updated Tools, Resources, Bid Calculator, Education and over 100 assets for sale #noteinvesting #mortgagenotes #investor #mortgagenote #realestate #realestateinvestor Visit our website, follow us on social, join our Note Investing Facebook group, or listen to our Note Investing Podcast! Links Website: https://www.jkpholdings.com Podcast: https://jkpholdings.com/podcasts/ Beginner Series: https://www.jkpholdings.com/beginner-series/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JKPholdingsllc?sub_confirmation=1 SOCIAL MEDIA FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EastCoastDistressedNoteInvesting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JKPHoldings/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jkp-holdings-llc --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jkp-holdings/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jkp-holdings/support

This week's episode with the So Cal real estate market report. Join Shelley as she lays out the latest market data and trends for the region. In Systems, Synergy, and Networks Essential for Success, we are joined by Dr. Devaughn Dames. He discusses with Saeed his experience in building real estate infrastructure that is focused on acquiring property. In M&M for Everyone, we are joined by the founders of The Paper Source, Bill and Allison Mencarrow. They continue Bill's discussion from last week by detailing methods of finding notes. They also explain the crucial difference between performing and non-performing notes. Head over to https://papersourceseminars.com/ to sign up for their annual convention happening this week in Las Vegas from May 12th - 14th! Enter code MORE to get $50 off your ticket. Don't miss our upcoming online events! Sign up for free at moreandmorenetwork.com to attend. Wednesday, May 18th: Coach Devaughn Dames' workshop at 12 pm PST on Zoom Every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of the month: M&M Coaches Corner Workshop

Many people talk about flipping and buying properties, but a niche area of real estate investing that most people are unaware of is called note buying. Today, Clint Coons of Anderson Business Advisors talks to Bill Mencarow of Paper Source Online. The Paper Source, Inc., was founded in 1987 by Bill and his wife and business partner, Alison. Bill and Alison have been note investors since the 1980s. Also, he is the editor and she is the publisher of The Paper Source Journal and they co-host the radio talk show, First Couple of Texas Radio. Would you like to learn more about note investing and network with other note investors? Attend The Paper Source Note Convention on May 12-14, 2022. Register for the live event and use the discount code, NOTES2022, with your affiliate link for $50 off through May 1. Toby Mathis of Anderson Advisors will be speaking at this event. Highlights/Topics: What is a real estate note? A promise to pay—mortgage secured by real estate. What's your role if you own a real estate note? You're the banker, not the landlord. Why not be a landlord? You have to deal with tenants, toilets, and termites. What are the reasons to buy/own real estate notes? Cash flow, higher yields, lower risk. How the process of buying notes work? Sell note for lump sum to investor at a discount. What are the different types of notes? First, second, or third position against note. How do you know what you are buying? Perform due diligence—paper, property, payer. How do you verify payments, borrower's credit, and value of note to know what to offer? What do you need to get started buying notes? Cash investment or broker note. How to find real estate notes? Network to establish context with people with notes. Resources The Paper Source Online The Paper Source Facebook Group How To Get Started Profiting From Notes (Free E-Course) First Couple of Texas Radio Fair Credit Reporting Act Clint Coons Anderson Advisors Anderson Advisors on YouTube

We kick off this week's episode with the So Cal real estate market report. Join Shelley as she lays out the latest market data and trends for the region. In Systems, Synergy, and Networks Essential for Success, we are joined by Dr. Martin Kettelhut. He discusses with Saeed and Devaughn the differences between aspects of life that are important versus areas that are urgent. He also provides a plan of action to prioritize truly important tasks, so that you can have your ideal schedule. In M&M for Everyone, we are joined by the founder of The Paper Source, Bill Mencarrow. He shares with Saeed the basics of note investing, how it may be more advantageous than other forms of real estate investment, and how you can get started in it today. After you listen to Bill, head over to https://papersourceseminars.com/ to sign up for their annual convention in Las Vegas from May 12th - 14th! Enter code MORE to get $50 off your ticket. Don't miss our upcoming online events! Sign up for free at moreandmorenetwork.com to attend. Wednesday, May 11th: Coach Martin Kettelhut workshop at 12 pm PST on Zoom Every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of the month: M&M Coaches Corner Workshop

In this Raw Rerun, Kris lands on a gyno that she's finally in sync with. Fun & Games is a very confusing re-telling of various visits to the gyno, in search of answers to a couple symptoms with biopsies along the way. Good luck, listeners! Email us at info@rawfemale.com for clarification. And don't visit Paper Source for any other reason than to have fun with paper and notecards!HERE'S WHAT WE DISCUSSED:What a colposcopy isTools of the tradeMelon baller with teethWhat she grabbedReading about a colpoA lichen sclerosus diagnostic biopsyThere's a specialist for thatThe importance of self-advocacy Finding a good matchThink Out Loud doctorsLINKS TO RESOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:What is a colposcopy?What is lichen sclerosus?Paper Source hole punchesCONNECT WITH RAW FEMALE

Hey, homies! In this episode, I give a little insight into something that I'm looking forward to in the New Year! As well as I go into how I like to start the new year. If you are interested in starting coaching in 2022 email me uncommonqueens@gmaill.com or DM me @uncommonqueens Book Mentioned: 12-Week Year by Brian P. Morgan Journal resource mentioned: Shinola & Paper Source

Courtney Cerruti is an artist, author, and collaborator working out of Oakland, California. She's authored 5 books with Quarto Press and Abrams, including her latest book called One Color a Day. Courtney taught craft workshops when she worked at Paper Source, then moved toward display merchandising for Anthropologie. She currently teaches workshops online at Creativebug.com where she is Editor-In-Chief. Show notes for all of these episodes can be found on my website at https://suzanneredmond.com/my-podcast/list-of-artists/

Rachel Khona is a writer, storyteller, and entrepreneur. She has written for The New York Times, Allure, and Marie Claire among others. Her stationery and gift company Crimson and Clover Studio is sold around the world including in Hustler, Paper Source, and Urban Outfitters. Crimson and Clover Studio has been featured on Buzzfeed, TimeOut, Cosmpolitan and Popsugar, and many more. https://www.instagram.com/rachelkhona/ https://www.facebook.com/crimsonandcloverstudio/ www.crimsonandcloverstudio.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewrongadvicepod/support

In today's episode, we will be catching up with new acquisitions, the latest postal bulletin, and more news of letter writing in the age of email.Postal Bulletinhttps://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22585/html/info_006.htmPostmark America - Lighthouses in Ohiohttps://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2021/pb22585/html/info_008.htm Follow up on the Paper Source Bankruptcyhttps://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/11/barnes-noble-owner-buys-stationery-retailer-paper-source-out-of-bankruptcy.htmlElliott Investment Management, the owner of Barnes & Noble, said Tuesday it will acquire gift and stationery retailer Paper Source.Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt will oversee both companies. While the two businesses plan to operate independently, it hinted at possible partnerships in the future.The acquisition will provide Paper Source with the funding it needs to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.Palace hiring assistant correspondence officerhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/ever-fancied-writing-letters-for-the-queen-41090344.htmlBridgerton spawns Regencycore which re-ignites letter writing and wax sealshttps://bookriot.com/wax-seals/Regencycore?  Cottagecore?  Check out my previous guest Joanna with IGGPPC/Charm Bomb Podcast for Broadwaycore.https://geekgirlpenpals.com/charmbomb/page/2/Letters from Marie Antoinette's lover uncoveredhttps://arstechnica.com/science/2021/10/x-rays-reveal-censored-portions-of-marie-antoinettes-letters-to-swedish-count/https://cen.acs.org/analytical-chemistry/art-&-artifacts/Spectroscopy-reveals-crossedpassages-Marie-Antoinettes/99/web/2021/10

Kristen Ley is the founder & creative director of Thimblepress®. Thimblepress® loves to create products to help elevate & showcase personal style, make memories, fill a room with color, create smiles & deliver happiness. Kristen & Thimblepress has worked or collaborated with Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, Paper Source, Target, Hallmark, Moon & Lola, Glitter Guide, Speak Wines, Eccolo, Calypso Cards, Avanti Linens, Prima, Enchante, Homegoods, T.J. Maxx, Dillard's, Staples, Barnes & Noble, Altar'd State, Keds, & many more licensing partners & retailers.One of Kristen's biggest passions is encouraging others. She launched KristenLey.com in 2018 & offers monthly mentoring, creative calls, resource guides & templates to help an individual or brand take next steps in developing products, marketing plans, new revenue streams, or levering artwork for licensing.In Kristen's free time, she enjoys traveling, & hanging out with her fiancé Bill Allen and her two pups, Willow & Henry.Listen to this episode on sarahstoryartlife.com, Spotify, or apple podcast. You can follow us on instagram @sarah_story_artlife, @Thimblepress, @Kristen_ley, Thimblepress.com, and KristenLey.com . Hope you enjoy! Please DM any questions or comments on my instagram. 

It's November 2nd, so that means we're diving all in on Christmas around these parts. Today, Megan and Wendy share their five favorite holiday Advent calendars. You can't kick off the holiday season without getting hyped over little presents separated into 25 days. Light that Christmas excitement under your asses and get yourself one of these Advent calendars. Plus, a Halloween wrap up, hamster wheel inspiration, and the pinnacle of FOMO. Do you plan on buying an Advent calendar this holiday? Tell us what excites you at meganandwendy@gmail.com. Megan and Wendy share their favorite advent calendars for the holiday season. Where to find Megan and Wendy? Instagram @meganandwendylssJoin our free Facebook group we lovingly call Shorties! Subscribe to Patreon for additional bonus content! We've just added a Hallmark Christmas movie tier for those of you asking for more movie reviews! Megan is a #goodsport for dressing up this Halloween! #funmom Mentioned in Episode 49 Catch up on Episode 48: Get Your Pre-Holiday Shit TogetherInstagram link stickers rolling out to everyone, no matter number of followersUnderstanding affiliate links and affiliate marketingAffiliate links should also have affiliate disclosures, here's why via Federal Trade CommissionDifference between affiliate marketing and paid media - know how you're supporting your favorite creatorsEpisode 21: We're Suffering from FOMOWriter-Inner Jennifer suggested an Advent calendar filled with activities. Here's one we really like with a free printable, making your adventures in Advent easier.See's Candies 2021 Advent Candy CalendarChristmas Remixed Advent Calendars to Get Excited for Christmas The holiday tradition of Advent calendars has been a long one in Megan's family. Every year, her family partakes in the countdown to Christmas with purchased, pre-filled Advent calendars and one family one they fill themselves for each other. Related: History of the Advent Calendar The calendars we shared on today's episode we five we're excited about. Megan's were mostly ones she really would love for herself, while Wendy's as a mix of ideas for teens, family and herself. Affiliate links ahead Megan's Favorite Advent Calendars Sugarfina 24 Tastes of Christmas, $49.95 via Paper Source (20% off site wide with free shipping on orders $60+) *THIS ONE SELLS OUT!*Voluspa Mini Candle Calendar, $75 via Sephora (free shipping, 2% cash back when you use Rakuten)George & Viv 24 Days of Beauty, $72 via Anthropologie (1% cash back with Rakuten)2021 Marshmallow Advent Calendar, $52.95 via XOMarshmallow *PRE-ORDER NOW*Nespresso, pods for both Vertuo and the original line of coffee makers. Price and availability TBA. Sign up for Rakuten for FREE and start getting cash back for shopping online (for real, they will send check). Wendy's Five Fave Calendars for Christmas Benefit The More the Merrier, $65 via NordstromRepublic of Tea 12 Days of Sipping, $19.99 via World Market (1% cash back with Rakuten)Meri Meri Nordic Friends Advent Calendar, $19.99 via World Market (not available online)Danish Licorice, $55 via Food52Wabash Valley Farms Popcorn Advent Calendar, $39.99 via World Market *This is the same popcorn calendar available from Williams Sonoma for $54.95* Listen to us on The Untitled GenX Podcast We had a great time as guests on The Untitled Gen-X Podcast! Listen in as we talk about Tragic Kingdom, the 1995 album from No Doubt. This was such a fun walk down memory lane with Lori - the host of The Untitled Gen-X Podcast - where she talks about the pop culture that raised us. Check out the The Untitled Gen-X Podcast website or find our episode below. Megan and Wendy Approved! This week in Megan and Wendy Approved. Laneige Water Sleeping MaskTree Hut Candy Cane Body Scrub

Today, I'm sharing my ultimate fall refresh essentials--everything you need to start the cozy season off right. Any change in the seasons and calendar is an opportunity to reset, reflect and refresh and get into the coziest, comfiest fall state of mind. Let me know what your autumn refresh routine looks like at @bribookspod on Instagram and Twitter, and by using #bribooks while you listen! 1:37 - #1: A notebook! Every autumn, I go to Paper Source and Barnes and Noble to scour the Leuchtturm1917 notebooks, which come in every hue under the sun. I love the bullet journaling approach (here's an episode of Bri Books about how to start bullet journaling!) I'm starting your fall reset with a notebook because you have to know where you want to go to get to where you want to be. Having a designated place to dump thoughts, plans and problems alleviate mental clutter. (Here's a link to my favorite Leuchturn1917 notebook.) 3:20 - #2: New tote bag! The CALPAK Haven laptop tote has taken the place of my everyday canvas bag. Inside the CALPAK tote is a removable laptop compartment. My favorite function? The slit in the back AKA the ‘luggage pass-through,' so you can slip through your carry-on luggage handle. This is the bag that'll define my fall ‘on-the-go' look. (Here's a link) 5:40 - #3: Bluetooth earbuds! The ones I've been using all summer and will use into winter are the Jaybird Vista 2 wireless sports earbuds. They're designed for athletes--think runners, rock-climbers--who need reliable earbuds with strong sound performance. They hold a charge for about 24 hours, and the case itself is a charging port. Here's a link to where to grab the Jaybird Vista 2 wireless sports earbuds, a definitive fall essential that you'll use year-round. 8:20 - #4: Kitchen essentials! Namely the Balmuda kettle and toaster. When the temperatures cool down, I get excited to make hot beverages around the clock and roast vegetables 24/7. In this respect, the Balmuda kettle and toaster have become a non-negotiable. All of their products are designed with a minimalist aesthetic to be beautiful and functional. From the kettle's painted stainless steel to the ergonomic handle, using the Balmuda kettle is a downright pleasure. You can use the toaster for roasting veggies, warming bread, baking cookies, steaming fish, warming up leftovers, roasting veggies--basically anything. If it's time for you to make an investment in your kitchen appliances as the cozy season creeps up, the Balmuda kettle and toaster deserve a spot on your list and kitchen counter. Here's a link to purchase the Balmuda kettle and toaster.  12:15 - #5: Tea and cider! Now is the perfect time to add tea and cider to your beverage collection. You can make apple cider slushies, cocktails, etc. at home to give a seasonal refresh to your beverage collection. My favorite autumnal teas are Traditional Medicinals and TeaPigs.  15:00 - #6: Handcream! Two hand creams I've been loving: Caudalie Nail and Hand Repair and Avya Nourishing Hand Treatment. I've been using Caudalie Nail Repair for five years now, and I buy a new tube each autumn. Rich in shea butter, avocado butter, polyphenols, the touch is so hydrating. If you prefer a rich hand cream that doesn't leave a greasy film, this is the one. Here's a link to purchase the Caudalie hand cream. Up next: the Avya Nourishing Hand Treatment. Avya nourishing hand treatment is rooted in ayurvedic medicine and has hyaluronic acid that helps hydrate and protects the dry chapped skin of your hands. The best part: the founder of Avya Skincare originally created the product as a face cream. Here's a link to where to pick up the Avya hand treatment. 17:23 - #7: Aromatherapy tools! When you think of autumn, certain scents come to mind: pumpkin, dried leaves, apples, rain, mulled cider. Take that exact same energy, bottle it up, and you have Aromatherapy Associates' atomizer diffuser. The atomizer is a waterless and portable diffuser, meaning you can carry it with you from room to room. Aromatherapy Associates is one of my favorite British brands, well-known in the wellness space for their innovative approach to aromatherapy.  The diffuser disperses a microfine mist directly from the essential oil bottle. And  since there is no water, it is easy to move around without the need to clean between uses. The ‘Deep Relax' essential oil blend and the ‘Breathe' pure essential oil blend are my absolute favorites for everyday use. Don't overlook the power of scent in creating a space that feels warm to you. Here's a link to where to purchase Aromatherapy Associates' atomizer.  20:30: #8: A staycation! This autumn, hop on the highway and get out of dodge. Choose an easy location (no more than 150 miles away) and treat yourself to a long weekend trip. One of my favorites is going to the Catskills in New York state, especially the town of Kingston, New York. I find that the autumnal bliss I crave can be found 100 miles outside of New York City. Stone Ridge Orchard, a fantastic local orchard, grows everything from apples to pears in the autumn, and the pumpkin patches are plentiful. I highly recommend a trip to Kingston Wine Company in downtown Kingston, and a lazy afternoon spent popping into and out of vintage shops blows away the end-of-summer blues. Wherever you are in the country, find the hidden gems of your region or hometown to remind you that magic is all around--and you don't have to pay thousands of dollars to be inspired and reinvigorated.   OTHER EPISODES MENTIONED AND PRODUCTS MENTIONED Bri Books: How to Get Started Bullet-Journaling Leuchtturm1917 notebooks CALPAK Haven laptop tote Jaybird Vista 2 wireless sports earbuds Balmuda kettle and toaster Traditional Medicinals and TeaPigs teas   Caudalie Nail and Hand Repair and Avya Nourishing Hand Treatment  Aromatherapy Associates' atomizer diffuser Staycation to the Catskills in New York state, especially the town of Kingston, New York

You may know George White as president and COO of Up With Paper and UWP Luxe — these are fantastic, award-winning houses of pop-up cards renowned for their complex engineering and beautiful rendered artwork. But I invited George here because he's also president of The Greeting Card Association (GCA), and to say that organization has had a crazy year is a huge understatement.The GCA was to hold the second edition of Noted: the greeting card expo in San Francisco on May 1; the event was to encompass the LOUIE Awards, which recognizes stellar design in greeting cards, as well as the Noted @ *Noted Product Awards, which I actually sponsored under The Paper Chronicles banner.As you can imagine, COVID-19 threw a wrench in all those plans … and I had a front-row seat to see how everything was reconfigured. Now, getting anything done by committee can be super-difficult, and I was in awe of how George kept everyone on task and in agreement, and pulled off an amazing virtual event. Which is great, because that's not going to be the only virtual event on the GCA's plate in 2020.First off,  The LOUIE Virtual Awards, sponsored by the Atlanta Market, are July 30. It was a big accomplishment to put this together — and I'm sure the 2020 finalists who have been waiting since May can't wait to hear the results! Through Noted: A Focus on Diversity, held Thursday, July 16 at 2 pm EST, Black makers had the chance to "pitch" their greeting card line to a panel of top retailers, sales reps and or international distributors — plus a large group of retailers online. This pitch panel features Vanessa Raptopoulos, Awesome Brooklyn; Chandra Greer, Greer Chicago; Kristina Burkey, Calliope Paperie; and Kyle Williams, Paper Source.George also shares how we can all, regardless of role, help #savethepostoffice — and how doing so is anything but a partisan act.**Thank You Sponsors**Please be sure to support these all-American, women-owned houses of paper.Girl w/Knife is your incredibly sharp new stationery BFF. Check out this award-winning, ultra-polished range that everyone's talking about — it slays on several brilliant levels!Kitty Meow Boutique was founded on the idea that your paper goods don't have to be a snooze fest. These stylish, laugh-out-loud selections are by turns sassy and sweet, all the while maintaining a consistent cool.

As you've hopefully heard, there's a huge can't-miss industry event this week, courtesy of the Greeting Card Association. Noted: A Focus on Diversity is Thursday, July 16, and during it, nine Black makers will "pitch" their greeting card line to a pitch panel comprised of top retailers and, hopefully, you. The pitch panel features Vanessa Raptopoulos, Awesome Brooklyn; Chandra Greer, Greer Chicago; Kristina Burkey, Calliope Paperie; and Kyle Williams, Paper Source — as well as any retailer or sales rep wanting to diversify their offerings. During the hour, attendees will virtually get acquainted with these up-and-coming makers and download samples of their work, all for only $10 — half of which is earmarked for a Noted 2021 scholarship for a maker of color.Over these past several days I was lucky enough to interview three of the makers: Tiffany Grimes of Paper Rehab in Michigan, Lauren-Ashley Barnes at Pineapple Sundays Design Studio in Chicago and Andrea Williams at Paisley Paper Co. in Detroit. Each of these talented young women has a dynamic vision that comes through in her offerings. Tiffany started Paper Rehab as a way to increase diversity in greeting cards but her mission morphed into one focusing on strengthening relationships amongst women, specifically African-American women. Lauren-Ashley designs product for a gift company, but her dream of producing stationery crystallized during a visit to Paper Source — who she will be pitching to later this week! And Andrea transmitted her love of classic Blue Note album covers into graphic stationery selections that are completely of our time.All three also shared that paper found them in the midst of other careers, which makes their stationery selections that much more compelling and authentic. I'm guessing it will be nearly impossible to leave that hour uninspired by the current state of stationery, so don't miss out!**Thank You Sponsors**Please be sure to support these all-American, women-owned houses of paper.Girl w/Knife is your incredibly sharp new stationery BFF. Check out this award-winning, ultra-polished range that everyone's talking about — it slays on several brilliant levels!Kitty Meow Boutique was founded on the idea that your paper goods don't have to be a snooze fest. These stylish, laugh-out-loud selections are by turns sassy and sweet, all the while maintaining a consistent cool.

A CEO's Perspective, Followership with Jenica MyszkowskiIn today's episode, Jeanie is joined by the CEO of Paper Source, Jenica Myszkowski. Jenica leads a diverse team that has grown to 136 successful brick and mortar locations nationwide, as well as a thriving e-commerce platform. In today's episode Jeanie and Jenica discuss how authenticity and transparency impact the workplace, the importance of always assuming the best in every situation, and how being willing to have the tough yet heartfelt conversations will birth trust within an organization. Jenica's capacity to be very heartfelt without losing her ability to be assertive and drive for results will be sure to inspire you!Jenica Myszkowski, CEO of Paper Source headquartered in Chicago, leads a diverse team that has grown to 136 successful brick and mortar locations nationwide and a thriving e-commerce platform. Jenica's role is focused on innovating and optimizing the Paper Source retail experience & store fleet with a focus on the customer and the teams and processes that serve them. Jenica works to build a world-class team through effective recruiting, onboarding, learning and development, performance management, and retention, as well as building a highly inclusive culture, ensuring personnel thrive. Prior to Paper Source, Jenica led stores & operations for Kate Spade New York in North America and Europe through an exceptionally high growth period.Enjoy today's episode! 3:51 Introduction to Jenica5:04 Jenica's strongest attributes8:27 Jenica describes what followership means to her10:26 Is followership learned or is it innate? 13:53 The differences within C-Suite roles Jenica has experienced17:54 How Jenica infuses her organization with trust and authenticity20:46 Jenica describes how COVID has affected her as a COO and CEO 27:25 Generational differences that Jenica has noticed within her organization29:03 Becoming the best version of yourself within the workplace32:57 Who Jenica is following and why35:11 Key takeaways from this conversation Connect with Guest Name:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenicapastalaniec/ https://www.papersource.com/ Subscribe: Warriors At Work PodcastsWebsite: Jeaniecoomber.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/986666321719033/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanie_coomber/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeanie_coomberLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanie-coomber-90973b4/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbMZ2HyNNyPoeCSqKClBC_w

Rebekah Tennis is the founder of Wild Ink Press, a letterpress studio and retail storefront located in northern California. Rebekah started Wild Ink Press in 2009 and was part of our very first Tradeshow Bootcamp class in 2011. The Wild Ink Press brand offers witty and pretty greeting cards, stationery, and other paper goods that can be found in hundreds of retail shops nationwide including the Container Store, Papyrus, and Paper Source. On today's episode, Rebekah talks about the power of slow, organic growth and why it's okay to not have all your ducks in a row when you're starting out. She also shares her thoughts on responsiveness, reliability, and why she likes sending catalogs and samples to prospective wholesale buyers. ON TODAY'S EPISODE: How Wild Ink Press got its start and what lead Rebekah to starting her own business How she first got started with greeting cards When she first hired a team member and how the Wild Ink Press team grew from there The catalyst for wanting to open up the retail shop and the benefits it provides How her wholesale marketing and outreach has changed due to the retail shop The way she decides if she wants to carry someone's work How long she recommends waiting to reach out to a retailer after you've mailed them a catalog and your samples Her schedule for sending out catalogs How she nurtures relationships with the stores that she's working with as a manufacturer The way that she manages her business life and her family life How she handles times of transition in her business The advice she would give to someone just starting out in a product based business What's next for Wild Ink Press For Full Show Notes and Resources, head to https://www.prooftoproduct.com/podcast-episodes/040-strategies-for-pitching-wholseale-buyers-with-rebekah-tennis-wild-ink-press SUBSCRIBE To subscribe on iOS, go to the iTunes page and subscribe to Proof to Product. On Android, you can listen using your favorite podcast app.  WRITE A REVIEW Writing a review on iTunes will help other product based business owners find Proof to Product as they are working to up level, scale, and build profitable and sustainable companies. FOLLOW PROOF TO PRODUCT Follow Proof to Product on Instagram for the latest updates. JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST If you'd like to receive more information about our upcoming episodes of Proof to Product including show notes and information about our guests, head over to www.prooftoproduct.com and sign up for our email list.   SHARE Be sure to share Proof to Product with all of the product based business owners that you know!    ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT: Proof to Product is hosted by Katie Hunt. Since 2011, Proof to Product has worked with thousands of product based businesses to help them up level, scale, and build profitable sustainable companies. You can find our show notes and additional resources at ProofToProduct.com. If you like what you heard today, please head over to Apple Podcast to leave a five star review and subscribe. Thanks so much for listening. We'll be back next week with a new episode!  

In shopping for a gyno, Kris lands on a practioner that she's finally in sync with. Fun & Games is a very confusing re-telling of various visits to the gyno, in search of answers to a couple symptoms with biopsies along the way. Good luck, listeners! Email us at info@rawfemale.com for clarification. And don't visit Paper Source for any other reason than to have fun with paper and notecards!HERE'S WHAT WE DISCUSSED:What a colposcopy isTools of the tradeMelon baller with teethWhat she grabbedReading about a colpoA lichen sclerosus diagnostic biopsyThere's a specialist for thatThe importance of self-advocacy Finding a good matchThink Out Loud doctorsLINKS TO RESOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:What is a colposcopy?What is lichen sclerosus?Paper Source hole punchesCONNECT WITH RAW FEMALE

Segment 1:  Tom Gimbel, founder and CEO of LaSalle Network, joins John to talk about Medline being sold, how to recover from a mistake in the virtual world and what people are going to be wearing to the office when they return for work post pandemic. Segment 2: Kate Tweston, Senior Merchandise Manager, Paper Source, tells […]

Growing up as the daughter of entrepreneurs in California, Nicole Humphrey's always had that entrepreneurial bug. Her passion for philanthropy had led her to an established career working in nonprofits, but slowly the 9-5 corporate grind began to weigh on her. Upon traveling to Bali, Indonesia for her honeymoon, Nicole fell in love with Balinese people, culture, and artisans. She noticed that everywhere they went, there were expat entrepreneurs who had launched their businesses right there in Bali, and it struck her - why couldn’t that be her? Within one month of returning home, Nicole and her husband Connor quit their jobs, sold all of their worldly possessions, and moved to Bali in search of a new adventure and a new life of entrepreneurship. Nicole and Connor spent much of their time traversing the island on motorbikes, donning bandanas to guard them from roadway pollution. One day, they realized just how little they know about this staple accessory that they wore everyday. Upon looking for options, all they could find was scratchy cotton, boring patterns, and suspect manufacturing. Thus, the idea for BANDITS Bandanas was born. Building upon Nicole’s extensive work in the nonprofit sector and Connor’s business background, they set out to build a bandana that would spark collaboration, inspire original expression, and create positive change.About BANDITS:BANDITS bandanas are the opposite of that scratchy, paisley bandana. Each one features exclusive, original designs by young artists around the world, from illustrators and muralists to textile designers and activists. With each bandana sold, 10% of proceeds are donated to a charity chosen by the artist who designed it. Additionally, they are Fair Trade Certified and are ethically handmade from sustainably-sourced, ultra soft, 100% Organic Cotton. Only 2 years after launching, Bandits has created over 40 different artist-designed bandanas that have helped them donate over $58K in give back funds to artist-chosen charities across the world. Their bandanas can currently be found in Huckberry, Paper Source, REI and over 200 independent retailers across the country, or online at banditsbandanas.com. In 2020, high demand has increased the company’s year-over-year sales by 200%. Instagram Pinterest 

US stocks fell Tuesday. Plus, German regulators target Facebook, Tesla stops expanding its Shanghai Plant, and Barnes & Noble buys Paper Source.

US stocks fell Tuesday. Plus, German regulators target Facebook, Tesla stops expanding its Shanghai Plant, and Barnes & Noble buys Paper Source.

Used car values are soaring as dealers struggle to find pre-owned vehicles. Contributor Judy Crown joins host Amy Guth to discuss. Plus: The Navy Pier Flyover is finally finished, an Oprah-backed startup wants to help grocers peer into their produce, The owner of Barnes & Noble is buying Paper Source and Biden is set to nominate Rahm Emanuel as ambassador to Japan.

Porscha Williams is engaged to Falynn Guobadia's ex Simon Guobadia (Page Six) Laverne Cox Taking Over as Host of E!'s Red Carpet Coverage After Giuliana Rancic's Exit (PEOPLE) Dave Chappelle's new podcast will drop at 12:01 am on Tuesday (Page Six) Nicole Richie and Sofia Richie collab on House of Harlow 1960 x Sofia Richie (PEOPLE) Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Taglines Revealed Barnes & Noble owner buys stationery retailer Paper Source out of bankruptcy (CNBC) The Morning Toast with Claudia (@girlwithnojob) and Jackie Oshry (@jackieoshry)Merch: https://shopmorningtoast.com/ The Morning Toast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themorningtoast Girl With No Job by Claudia Oshry: https://www.girlwithnojob.com/book

Emergency Episode!Paper Source Bankruptcyhttps://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2021/03/breaking-news-from-the-stationery-world-paper-source-files-bankruptcy/https://www.chicagobusiness.com/retail/paper-source-bankruptcy-squeezes-small-greeting-card-sellersThe Card Bureau - https://www.thecardbureau.com/http://steelpetalpress.com/cat/blog/1Canoe2417 PressAmy HeitmanAntiquaria DesignBench PressedBloom WolfCharm CatChez GangeConstellation & CoGood JuJu InkDarling LemonInklings PaperieKiss and PunchKnot and Bow Ladyfingers LetterpressLake + LoftLoudhouse CreativeNoteworthy PaperPaper EpiphaniesPaper Baristas Paula & WafflePower and Light PressRhino ParadeSapling PressSteel Petal Press (based in Chicago, like Paper Source)The Good TwinThe Lavender WhimThe Paper WildernessThe Social TypeUnblushingUp With PaperWild Ink PressYellow Daisy Paper Co. More information came in after the episode was recorded but I wanted to pass it along, you can see more on my blog post on the Stationery Orbit websiteSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/stationeryorbit?fan_landing=true)

I wanted to share this quick, informational episode on the recent announcement from Paper Source about them filing for bankruptcy on March 2, 2021. In the last few weeks, members of our community have shipped hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of products to Paper Source. Paper Source placed large orders ($9K, $15K, etc) from small independent businesses and in many cases asked companies to move up their ship dates (send them sooner). With the recent news, this is a huge hit to independent brands who now don’t know if they will get paid. I’m not an attorney nor do I have experience with bankruptcy in a B2B setting but in this episode, I am sharing some thoughts and advice I have for those affected by this news.  Keep an eye on the show notes from today’s episode and my Instagram feed @prooftoproduct.  I’ll share additional resources & information as they become available on the website at https://www.prooftoproduct.com/podcast-episodes/paper-source-bankruptcy   ON TODAY’S EPISODE: Advice for small business owners affected by Paper Source filing for bankruptcy   RESOURCES: Instagram   

Welcome to the first episode of Do I Dare? where Kimberly unpacks expert tools and tips for managing your time to enhance your life. She shares tips for building your calendar, questions for leaders to ask themselves each week, and also explores the power in reflecting on how we spend our time. If you're a leader looking to effectively manage your calendar, or you're someone who works longer than an 8-hour workday, this episode is for you!Today on Do I Dare?Tools to proactively & intentionally plan your calendarQuestions for leaders to ask themselves each weekHow to work less hours with greater impactEasy ways to show gratitude at home & at workDaily practices to enhance your focusWhy you want to give and request feedback Resources:Steven Covey Big Rocks videoFree “Manage Time in 10” Guide: 10 Scheduled Tasks for Successful LeadersInc. article on Productivity: In an 8-Hour Day, the Average Worker Is Productive for This Many HoursPersonalized Stationery...KKL favorites: Paper Source ; Papier ; VistaprintApps recommended: C25K, Apple+, 10% Happier, CalmThis show is produced by Soulfire Productions

When life doesn’t go as planned, there’s always another path and calling on the horizon. That’s what happened to Theresa Haddow, an aspiring lawyer who failed the bar exam three times before deciding to pivot to something a little more fun. After working in the creative industry and participating in a challenge with her son, Thersa started her company, The Create Kit. In this episode, we talk about why she decided to start a subscription box and the why behind it. We talk about the magic of getting started with your dream and her advice on making the transition to doing what you love. She also talks about her experience with product sourcing, what a typical day in her business is like and how she’s navigated scaling her business since she got started.    What’s in this episode: How Theresa is staying creatively motivated this year Her experience with failing the bar exam three times Why she started a subscription box for kids Her advice on making the transition to do what you love Theresa’s thoughts on being upbeat and positive  Her goal behind the Create Kit What her typical day is like How this time is affecting her business, creativity and relationship with other crafters The process of sourcing sustainable products How she navigating scaling her business Why you have to get out of your head and take time for pausing and reflection   About Theresa:Theresa Haddow is a creative who lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and son. After failing the bar to become a lawyer (3 times), Theresa decided to pivot to doing something a little more fun, she began working as the Workshop Captain at Paper Source and soon realized that creating pretty things was something that wasn't just a hobby, but something she was REALLY GOOD AT. After her son was born she discovered her love of watercolor while participating in the 100 Day Project and friends began insisting on paying for the paintings that she made. She also discovered that she was really good at coming up with fun and engaging crafts for her little guy to do and how much he was learning when they would do these activities together, which led to the start of the Create Kit. Theresa is passionate about helping others discover the joy and learning that can come from creative play through her craft subscription box for little kids, the Create Kit. As an artist, Theresa uses her work to share stories of hope, love and fun through her use of bright colors and subject matter.   Connect With Theresa: Website | Instagram | Facebook   Links: Simon Sinek Ted Talk The Create Kit   Hope you’ve enjoyed this episode! Would love to hear from you. What is one thing you can do with the wisdom and guidance you’ve extracted from this episode to make a positive and lasting change in your own life? Connect with me on social media. You can find me @amytangerine on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and pretty much anywhere. If you’re enjoying this podcast, please rate and review on iTunes, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and let your friends know about it too! The more we spread the creativity and happiness that comes from pursuing our passions, the better off our amazing community will be. Hope you feel uplifted, energized and inspired. 

Greeting cards, stationary, invitations, these things don't cost a lot of money to buy. But a company can make a lot of money selling them. Today's guest founded an ecommerce invitation and stationary company that printed some serious cash. Allison De Meulder founded her company at the ripe old age of 23 and ultimately employed 30 full-time people and sold to accounts such as Target, Hallmark, Paper Source and Sur La Table.

In this episode, I’m teaching you how to bullet journal like a boss. My bullet journaling strategy is easily customizable to fit whatever you need to focus on. If you’ve been meaning to start journaling, now’s definitely the time. I’ll be sharing the steps you want to follow in order to turn any notebook into a bullet journal, and how to optimize your life using bullet journal strategies like daily and weekly logs.  2:00 - What is a bullet journal?  3:00 - How to create your bullet journal index 3:30 - How to set up your bullet journal categories and prepare yourself for success 5:20 - How your daily logs and weekly spreads will propel your goal-setting in your bullet journal  7:15 - How to pull your bullet journal strategy together from the ground up.  My preferred bullet journal is Leuchtturm1917 from Paper Source.

As you've hopefully heard, there’s a huge can’t-miss industry event this week, courtesy of the Greeting Card Association. Noted: A Focus on Diversity is Thursday, July 16, and during it, nine Black makers will "pitch" their greeting card line to a pitch panel comprised of top retailers and, hopefully, you. The pitch panel features Vanessa Raptopoulos, Awesome Brooklyn; Chandra Greer, Greer Chicago; Kristina Burkey, Calliope Paperie; and Kyle Williams, Paper Source — as well as any retailer or sales rep wanting to diversify their offerings. During the hour, attendees will virtually get acquainted with these up-and-coming makers and download samples of their work, all for only $10 — half of which is earmarked for a Noted 2021 scholarship for a maker of color. Over these past several days I was lucky enough to interview three of the makers: Tiffany Grimes of Paper Rehab in Michigan, Lauren-Ashley Barnes at Pineapple Sundays Design Studio in Chicago and Andrea Williams at Paisley Paper Co. in Detroit. Each of these talented young women has a dynamic vision that comes through in her offerings. Tiffany started Paper Rehab as a way to increase diversity in greeting cards but her mission morphed into one focusing on strengthening relationships amongst women, specifically African-American women. Lauren-Ashley designs product for a gift company, but her dream of producing stationery crystallized during a visit to Paper Source — who she will be pitching to later this week! And Andrea transmitted her love of classic Blue Note album covers into graphic stationery selections that are completely of our time. All three also shared that paper found them in the midst of other careers, which makes their stationery selections that much more compelling and authentic. I'm guessing it will be nearly impossible to leave that hour uninspired by the current state of stationery, so don't miss out! **Thank You Sponsors** Please be sure to support these all-American, women-owned houses of paper. Girl w/Knife is your incredibly sharp new stationery BFF. Check out this award-winning, ultra-polished range that everyone's talking about — it slays on several brilliant levels! Kitty Meow Boutique was founded on the idea that your paper goods don't have to be a snooze fest. These stylish, laugh-out-loud selections are by turns sassy and sweet, all the while maintaining a consistent cool.

You may know George White as president and COO of Up With Paper and UWP Luxe — these are fantastic, award-winning houses of pop-up cards renowned for their complex engineering and beautiful rendered artwork. But I invited George here because he's also president of The Greeting Card Association (GCA), and to say that organization has had a crazy year is a huge understatement. The GCA was to hold the second edition of Noted: the greeting card expo in San Francisco on May 1; the event was to encompass the LOUIE Awards, which recognizes stellar design in greeting cards, as well as the Noted @ *Noted Product Awards, which I actually sponsored under The Paper Chronicles banner. As you can imagine, COVID-19 threw a wrench in all those plans … and I had a front-row seat to see how everything was reconfigured. Now, getting anything done by committee can be super-difficult, and I was in awe of how George kept everyone on task and in agreement, and pulled off an amazing virtual event. Which is great, because that’s not going to be the only virtual event on the GCA’s plate in 2020. First off, The LOUIE Virtual Awards, sponsored by the Atlanta Market, are July 30. It was a big accomplishment to put this together — and I'm sure the 2020 finalists who have been waiting since May can't wait to hear the results! Through Noted: A Focus on Diversity, held Thursday, July 16 at 2 pm EST, Black makers had the chance to "pitch" their greeting card line to a panel of top retailers, sales reps and or international distributors — plus a large group of retailers online. This pitch panel features Vanessa Raptopoulos, Awesome Brooklyn; Chandra Greer, Greer Chicago; Kristina Burkey, Calliope Paperie; and Kyle Williams, Paper Source. George also shares how we can all, regardless of role, help #savethepostoffice — and how doing so is anything but a partisan act. **Thank You Sponsors** Please be sure to support these all-American, women-owned houses of paper. Girl w/Knife is your incredibly sharp new stationery BFF. Check out this award-winning, ultra-polished range that everyone's talking about — it slays on several brilliant levels! Kitty Meow Boutique was founded on the idea that your paper goods don't have to be a snooze fest. These stylish, laugh-out-loud selections are by turns sassy and sweet, all the while maintaining a consistent cool.

While living this #quarantinelife we caught up with writer, storyteller and entrepreneur Rachel Khona! We discussed her Sex in the City ‘burger' moment, challenges in creating her own brand and how her gift sets will make you chuckle. She is the sweetest! Xoxo Follow: @rachelkhona and @crimsonandclover_studio Web: www.crimsonandcloverstudio.com Crimson and Clover Studio is the funny AF stationery and gift company founded in 2014 by sex and dating writer Rachel Khona. A fizzy mix of heartfelt love and sass, Rachel's deadpan cards and gifts are now carried in 200+ boutiques and chains across North America, including Paper Source and Nordstrom. Crimson and Clover Studio's new line of candles include such gems such as a peach-scented “I Like Your Butt”, and a holly berry scented “Not So Silent Night” candle. All candles are crafted from soy wax and made in the USA.  It all started with sticky notes Rachel and her then-boyfriend would leave for each other, realizing she had a knack for sassy zingers and giggle-inducing puns. After breaking up with her via sticky note, it dawned on Rachel, why not take the stockpile of sassy phrases saved on her phone and turn them into greeting cards? And poof! Crimson and Clover (named after the Jimmy Eat World song "A Praise Chorus") was born.   More about Rachel Khona:When she isn't designing for Crimson and Clover or singing off-key,Rachel writes for various publications from the NY Times and Marie Claire. Hailing from New Jersey, Rachel Khona is a sexy time writer, storyteller, speaker and interviewee extraordinaire. Rachel has written articles for outlets such as Playboy, Penthouse, The Washington Post, Maxim, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, and Shape. Her witty nature has led her to eschew the traditional Indian doctor path and landed her a career as an accidental sex writer. She has been featured on the morning show "Indy Style", radio shows such as Playboy's "Tiffany Granath", "Poundstone Power" and "Broadminded" on Sirius XM, and AskMen's video series. She has been quoted and/or interviewed for Redbook, Houston Press, Rebel Magazine, and Coed Magazine. She channeled her energy into her own stationery company, Crimson and Clover Studio, now sold worldwide. Crimson and Clover has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and Fuck Jerry. Read more at www.rachelkhona.com and crimsonandcloverstudio.com About the show: ► Website: http://www.ashsaidit.com ► Need Goli Gummies? https://go.goli.com/1loveash5 ► For $5 in ride credit, download the Lyft app using my referral link: https://www.lyft.com/ici/ASH584216 ►For discount Pangea Products: https://embracepangaea.grsm.io/ashsaiditmedia3226 ► Want the ‘coldest' water? https://thecoldestwater.com/?ref=ashleybrown12 ► Become A Podcast Legend: http://ashsaidit.podcastersmastery.zaxaa.com/s/6543767021305 ► Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ash-said-it/id1144197789 ► SUBSCRIBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSaidItSuwanee ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1loveash ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsaidit ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/1loveAsh ► Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AshSaidItMedia ► Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog ► Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1LoveAsh/ ► Newsletter: manage1.com/subscribe?u=2a2ca3b799467f125b53863http://ashsaidit.us11.list-c8&id=a6f43cd472 #atlanta #ashsaidit #ashsaidthat #ashblogsit #ashsaidit® Ash Brown is a gifted American producer, blogger, speaker, media personality and event emcee. The blog on AshSaidit.com showcases exclusive event invites, product reviews and so much more. Her motivational podcast "Ash Said It Daily" is available on major media platforms such as iTunes, iHeart Radio & Google Play. This program has over half a million streams worldwide. She uses these mediums to motivate & encourage her audience in the most powerful way. She keeps it real!

Leadership is done so many different ways- some good and some that need improvement. Listen in as Alexsis and Katie share some of the things they have learned with you so that you can sharpen your knowledge and bring out the best parts of your leadership! Favorite places to find yearly planners - Anthropologie, The Paper Source & erincondren.com Apps for messaging easy group chats - big teams/staff/even family messages. Voxer and Viber. Get your health in check! You perform and operate your best when you're feeling your best and in this episode you'll learn how! Take as many leadership, personal and business growth opportunities that you're interested in as possible. Show up and be the leader that YOU want in your life. If you don't know how to be a leader, be a follower first! Recreate & Duplicate! Keep Consistent - don't quit! Even when you're tired, when you feel like giving up, remember why you started. “If you feel like serving is below you, then being a leader is definitely beyond you.” “If you don't get paid by the hour you're getting paid for what you bring TO the hour.” “If you don't plan it, it won't happen.” Connect with Alexsis on instagram @alexsismae Connect with Katie on instagram @mrs.katiebrown Want to follow along with the team that they lead? Follow @the.wanderlust.crew on instagram. Visit our website: https://www.dreampreneurpodcast.com/ Check us out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreampreneurpodcast/ Katie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.katiebrown/ Alexsis's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alexsismae/ If you loved this episode, please screenshot and share it!

First of all - chiropractors should not fully grab your butt cheeks when they are working on you. We want to make that clear. Now - paper products! If you're planning a wedding, you will have to deal with some of this, most likely. It's one thing that pretty much every couple has to do, one way or another. We're talking about the necessities, the ‘extras', and the ways that paper products can elevate the design of your wedding with personal, custom touches across the board. In the second half of this episode, Michelle interviews Kristin Berry Mastoras - Miss Design Berry (link below) all about her business - custom art and printing for weddings and so much more. (Hit up her instagram...it's full of awesome stuff!) Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:       Ad-free, full length episodes      The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with  Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class  Wedding Planning Templates and Tools Big Takeaways Utilitarian: Invitation Suite, RSVP card, rehearsal dinner invitation, thank you notes. The standard stuff. ‘Extras': Full signage - you can go crazy with signage! Place cards, Escort cards, ‘guestbook' poster, programs, menus, favor printing, labels, and any print materials for your welcome bags. Paper products can be used to add your own ‘flair' to the wedding. They can be fun! You don't have to do it all, you don't have to coordinate it all. But we think it adds character to the wedding for sure. Big Question: Online Paper (links below) or Custom Design Paper (this is a business that does design and printing. It's custom and someone is working with you from start to finish to get it right? Or the ‘in between' - Brick and Mortar chain like Paper Source, Papyrus, or Hallmark. With these stores, you go in and talk with a consultant, look at templates and examples and you can hold the paper in your hand before you pick. The most popular wedding favor for Miss Design Berry: custom coozies. Second place goes to edible favors and she designs a lot of favor tags or stickers to help dress those favors up. Clients have even had her custom artwork (a painting of the bride and groom) printed onto the snacks themselves. Cookies with your face on them! What's not to love? Popular signage right now? The ‘unplugged' wedding sign. The best verbiage for this is polite...talk about your desire to have guests be in the moment with you during the ceremony - to be present. These kinds of custom print materials are GREAT for all kinds of gifts. So special and thoughtful Links we referenced Minted Vistaprint Expressionery Shutterfly Ceci New York https://www.cecinewyork.com Smitten on Paper https://smittenonpaper.com/collections/wedding-custom Miss Design Berry https://missdesignberry.com Miss Design Berry instagram https://www.instagram.com/missdesignberry/ Listener shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VictoriaStewardSigns?ref=shop_sugg Michelle's friends shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/SHRHDesigns?ref=search_shop_redirect Get In Touch:  The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is… Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez  Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics  On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention! Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices