Stefa Normantas - Podcast Details

Shows

The PR Maven Podcast Celebrating 200 Episodes With Top Tips From the Top TenTo celebrate the 200th episode of The PR Maven® Podcast, Nancy shares the top ten most popular PR Maven® Podcast episodes of all time. For each of the top ten, Nancy plays each guest’s major tip, knowledge, and wisdom that they have learned from their successful careers and experience. Listen to these episodes’ highlights for the best advice for marketing your business and personal brand. 1:39 – 10: Episode 7 Becky McKinnell, President of iBEC Creative. Becky talks about how to use social media to attract new employees. 3:44 – 9: Episode 34 Alex Nerney, Co-Founder of Create and Go. Alex shares which soci...

2022-08-3125 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Growing A Business With Molly Thompson, Pretty FloursEpisode 025 – Molly Thompson, Pretty Flours Growing A Business With Molly Thompson, Pretty Flours Do you truly believe in your creative work? If you need a boost, listen to Molly Thompson of Pretty Flours. After decades in other careers, Molly stumbled onto printmaking. It took several years before she took the plunge and quit her day job. Listen in to her smart story on how she made it happen. A little about Molly Molly Thompson is an artist with a studio in Portland where she creates textiles and stationery goods using her own hand carved blocks to print on fabric and pa...

2020-03-0440 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Stefa's Summer Bucket List ChallengeEpisode 024 – Summer Bucket List Challenge Summer is not done yet! At the time of this recording, summer is coming to a fast close. But wait, there’s still a little more summer to be savored! This special mini episode (short!) shares a fun way our team makes sure we don’t miss the most important parts of summer. And a little competition helps spice it up! Take our Summer Bucket List challenge. Download our summer bucket list challenge here. (http://artisanswhowholesale.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/AWW-Summer-Bucket-List-Challenge.pdf)

2019-08-2003 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Are Wholesale Giftware Shows For You? Gregg Shapiro, New England Made ShowsEpisode 023 – Gregg Shapiro, New England Made Shows Are Wholesale Giftware Trade Shows For You? If you’ve ever wondered how to determine if a gift show is for you, listen in. With more than 25 years of experience, Gregg Shapiro shares his expertise in the needed mindset and preparation for success in wholesale giftware shows. A little about Gregg Gregg Shapiro is Vice President of Sales & Business Development for Green Tree Event Consultants, producers of the New England Made Shows. For over 25 years he’s developed a keen knowledge of business-to-business media across myriad platforms. An alum of Syracuse’s Newhou...

2019-08-0934 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas How To Survive The Dread of Networking with Ellen Feldman Ornato, The Bolder CompanyEpisode 22– Ellen Feldman Ornato, The Bolder Company How To Survive The Dread of Networking and Actually, (Maybe!?) Enjoy It! Is there anything more uncomfortable than a networking event? For most of us walking into a roomful of strangers, it strikes dread in our hearts and makes us hide in the bathroom stall or dive into the punch bowl. However, you’ve got to increase your network to grow your business. In this episode, Ellen Feldman Ornato gives us tips and new strategies for making networking and public speaking a skill you can master. Pull up a chair and take notes…ther...

2019-07-1843 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Do’s and Don’t From A Seasoned Buyer and Artist, Lisa Mossel Vietze, ArchipelagoEpisode 21 – Lisa Mossel Vietze, Archipelago Do’s and Don’t From A Seasoned Buyer and Artist What does a retail buyer look for? How do you handle exclusivity? How do you even get in the door?! Lisa not only has exceptional retail expertise, but also understands the mindset of an artist. She shares do’s and don’ts of approaching retailers – valuable advice for anyone looking to connect with a specialty retailer. Listen in now! A little about Lisa Mossel Vietze Lisa has been Director of Archipelago for 11 years. She combines her experiences of working in retail and non-profit environments as Archipela...

2019-07-1141 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Building a Business In Knots with Matt Beaudoin, Mystic KnotworkEpisode 020 Why do Martha Stewart, American Craft Week, and Yankee Magazine all find Matt Beaudoin’s work irresistible? Does his success come from the love of the work or the fear of failure? Listen in to hear how Matt has taken his grandfather’s lessons to build an anchor business for his community. A little about Matt and Mystic Knotwork Matt started nautical knottying from his earliest memory. His grandfather Alton Beaudoin encouraged him to learn fancy knotwork since he was 7 years old. He’s been active in the knot tying hobby for 41 years and left his IT job in 2009 to pu...

2019-06-0938 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas How Does Genetic Sequencing Get You To Glassworks? Find Out With Holly Kenny, Elsie Kaye GlassworksEpisode 019 The road to wholesale does not usually start with genetic sequencing, but Holly Kenny of Elsie Kaye Glassworks has made her own path with a torch in hand. Listen in as she shares how she continues to evolve her business to support both her creative expression and the market she serves. A little about Holly Holly Kenny has been creating unique artisan jewelry, giftware and kitchenware using a torch and glass rods since 2008. She owns Elsie Kaye Glassworks, an artisan studio and gift shop that features the work of New England artisans. To learn more about Holly and Elsie K...

2019-05-3128 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas From Craft to Artists and More - A Conversation with the Maine Crafts AssociationFrom Craft to Artists and More – A Conversation with the Maine Crafts Association Episode 018 The Maine Crafts Association works to support craft artists with marketing and educational opportunities. While craft doesn’t always successfully crossover into wholesale, Sadie Bliss, Director, knows the best practices of the most successful craft artists and shares them with us in this episode! A little about Sadie Sadie grew up in New Hampshire where her mother was a professional craft artist making a living from her ceramic work. While in graduate school receiving a degree in Arts Administration Sadie worked for the Society of Arts a...

2019-05-2428 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Burning it up with Denise O'Reilly, The Burnt ShopDenise O’Reilly likes to burn things. And they’re beautiful. Episode 017 As the owner of The Burnt Shop, Denise has been gone from making holiday gifts for friends to quitting her leader role at Whole Foods. How did she go from presents to profit? How does she create new products? With a lot of hard work and smart growth along the way. Learn how she’s heating up her wholesale business in this episode. A little about Denise Denise O’Reilly, owner artist at The Burnt Shop, moved her home and business to Maine in 2018 from Glastonbury, Connecticut. She launc...

2019-05-0945 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas From monkeys to Mad Gabs, a conversation with Gabrielle MelchiondaFrom monkeys to Mad Gabs, the kitchen to QVC—building a life with lip balm. Episode 16 From monkeys (yes!) and a failed math class to selling to retailers like Wegmans and Whole Foods Market, Gabrielle has grown up with her Mad Gabs business. How did she do it? One lip balm at a time and more. From her start selling out of the back of her car, listen in to hear the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. A little about Mad Gabs Gabrielle Melchionda began making lip balm while studying anthropology at Umass Amherst in 1991 searching unsuccessfully for...

2019-04-2639 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas From 18 months to 275 stores--It’s A Wrap with Michelle Zimora, Z WrapsFrom 18 months to 275 stores–It’s A Wrap Episode 15 Michelle has always taken what’s around her and made something beautiful and useful. She also has a passion for learning. In the last 18 months, she’s taken her love of textiles and learning to the next level while solving a problem of single-use plastics in an elegant, practical way. Z Wraps are a beautiful, reusable beeswax food wrap. They are a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. You can use it to keep your bread, sandwiches, snacks, veggies, and hard cheeses fresher, for longer. Michelle shares her inspiring story of how sh...

2019-04-1832 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Thinking of Hiring A Sales Rep? Here's What You Need to Know with Jane HughesWhat You Need To Know About Sales Reps - Episode 14 What do giftware and specialty food sales reps do? How do they get paid? How much? When is it a good time to get one? What should you ask your sales rep and what do you do when it’s not working out. We cover all these and more from seasoned sale rep, Jane Hughes, and learn about her 26 years in the business! A little about Hughes & Co. Jane Hughes of Hughes and Co., a Vermont-based rep company, has been an independent sales rep for 26 years. She also now of...

2019-04-0438 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas "Finding Inspiration in a Bag of Chips!" Heidi Feldman, Martha's Vineyard Sea SaltA conversation about living your life and having a business too. Where do you get your inspiration for your latest business? Sometimes it comes in a bag of chips! Heidi Feldman not only gets her inspiration from the magical island beauty of Martha’s Vineyard, but from assessing what resources are available and working to create a life that blends the most essential items together. A little about Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt Martha’s Vineyard Sea Salt is produced by husband and wife team of Heidi Feldman and Curtis Friedman, a tech consultant-turned-entrepreneurial farmer and carpenter who share a commit...

2019-03-2930 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas "Just Believe In Yourself," Suzanne Foley, Port City PretzelsIt took 30 years for Suzanne’s idea to come to fruition, but today Port City Pretzels are enjoyed across the country…and boy, are we glad she’s brought her vision to the marketplace. While some her age would be slowing down, Suzanne is running full speed in growing a business. Her perseverance through hardship and a continued focus on moving forward no matter what the challenge holds plenty of lessons for all of us. Listen in and learn her best advice and how she uses the expertise of organizations like SCORE, Women’s Business centers and SBA/SBDCs to help her...

2019-03-0121 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas From Whitinsville To The White HouseHow do your products get from Whitinsville to the White House? It’s the little things! For Christine Guanipa of Little Man, it’s not about the work, but it’s about the people. Learn how she has built her line of textile handbags and accessories as well as a family business that cares for its community members. A little about Little Man Little Man is a simple, functional collection of textile handbags, accessories, and baby goods made for everyday living. Their prints are vintage-inspired, modern driven and created by hand in limited production from their Massachusetts studio. To learn more a...

2019-02-2125 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Sustaining A BusinessEpisode 10‘Will this sink my business?’ Almost every business owner has had that disaster moment. Cyndi Prince had hers early on in her business. Listen in on how she got through a packaging disaster to grow a business that is sustainable in more ways than one. With a background in science and art, she’s navigated both the practical and creative needs of her business. In this episode, she’ll share her story and seasoned advice for entrepreneurs and artisans at any stage! A little about Cyndi Cyndi Prince is the founder of LooHoo, LLC, a Maine-based company that makes an...

2019-02-1625 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Pricing for Profit with Peter Harriman, Maine Small Business Development CenterHave you ever struggled in your business trying to figure out how to grow or make a profit? Whether it’s for advice on starting a profitable business, a plan for growth or how to buy or sell your own business--the right advice can make all the difference. Peter Harriman is a Center Director of the Maine Small Business Development Center and he helps guide businesses through those exact challenges for FREE! In this episode, he focuses on one of the most essential keys to success--how to price profitably and set your terms! A little about Peter Peter Harriman is a...

2019-02-0837 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Firing It Up with Becky Wright, Becky PotteryBecky Wright has been selling pottery since the mid-90s and always knew she could make pottery a career. However, in the early days fear was her constant companion. Afraid of money, fear of failure and a fear of success. Becky almost gave up on wholesale. Listen in to how she got over those challenges to create a life where she’s proud to be able to do what she loves to do. A little about Becky Becky Wright is a potter living and working in Southern Maine. She works with stoneware clay on the wheel to create three collections: Ta...

2019-01-3135 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Hey Coach, I need help!, Scott Roberts, Summit 9 ConsultingHey Coach! Scott Roberts is a business coach--mine specifically! Last year I hired a business coach --highly recommended! Scott's work is more of a calling than a career path and in this episode, he shares practical, actionable steps for building a profitable business. As a former CEO, Scott Roberts understands first-hand the challenges of running a business. With over 20 years in positions with Fortune 500, small and start-up companies, Scott uses his experience to coach business owners to their own view of happiness, success and wealth. A little about Scott Scott Roberts, of Summit 9 Consulting, coaches companies to drive sustainable results...

2019-01-1727 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Tips for Making It In Maine (or elsewhere!), with Tammy Knight, Maine MadeTammy Knight has been surrounded by family makers from her earliest years (including her grandmother who taught her how to sew!). Her current role allows her to live vicariously through the creative members of Maine Made. She’s deeply committed to the success of her members and works tirelessly to support them through her resources. In this episode, Tammy shares her insights into what artisan/maker members need to be successful in her program and beyond. A little about Tammy Tammy has been with the Department of Economic and Community Development for 18 years. In that time, she has managed CD...

2018-11-3019 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Why You Need PR, Nancy Marshall, The PR Maven®From her beginnings in a dream job on a Maine ski mountain to her work today leading a thriving agency, Nancy has built a career on relationships and the power of communications. PR is what she was born to do. With media relations as her superpower, she shares practical and seasoned advice for planning and promoting your story. A little about Nancy Nancy Marshall, the PR Maven® and CEO of Marshall Communications, is a Yankee powerhouse of city-girl grit, staunch country values, and go-getter vigor. She leads a boutique agency with a strong team of outcome-driven PR and marketing specialists. A...

2018-11-1432 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas How To Get Profitable With Noah Munro, Taste ProfitNoah Munro understands firsthand the challenge of growing a profitable food business through his work as co-founder of The Mill Fudge Factory. Munro drove the growth of the company from an idea into a well-run profitable food business with over 10 employees and steady annual revenue growth. Munro was also responsible for selling over $400,000 of fudge online, shipping to every state in the United States. He shares his step by step advice on how to develop a profitable pricing strategy and lessons he’s learned along the way. A little about Noah Noah Munro is a food bu...

2018-10-0329 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Michael Gaffney, Seawicks Candle CompanyWhat do you do when you lose your corporate job? In this episode, Michael Gaffney of Seawicks Candle Company discusses the challenges of starting up a company while raising a family. A little about Seawicks Candle Company It's so much more than wax. It's about community, culture & quality. Michael and Cara Gaffney are a husband-wife team creating 100% soy candles inspired by life on the coast. In 2011 after Michael lost his corporate job, he and Cara began the creation of Seawicks Candle Company. Today with more than 400 accounts across the country and a retail location in coastal Maine, they...

2018-08-3017 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Kate McCrea, McCrea's CandiesThe candy business is not always sweet. In this episode, Kate McCrea, McCrea’s Candies and I cover the challenges of cash flow and the importance of having a strong team to support your business growth. A little About Kate and McCrea's Candies McCrea’s Candies was founded by husband-wife team Jason and Kate McCrea. Building upon backgrounds in biology and chemistry, the McCrea’s transitioned into the sweet science of candy making after double layoffs. Started in a home kitchen, McCrea’s Candies now offers a full line of mouthwatering caramels to over 800 retail outlets throughout North America. https://www.mccr...

2018-07-0931 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Maggie Bokor, JewelerSummary Maggie Bokor joined our show to discussed how she has built confidence in communicating who she is through her work. We also talked about the financial realities of being a maker and how to adapt through the challenge of losing sales through bad seasons or galleries closing. A little about Maggie Maggie Bokor is known for her organic, elegant fine metal jewelry. She lives an inspired life as an artist, coach and entrepreneur. Maggie designs from the heart, inspired by her beautiful natural surroundings. She believes in the heirloom quality of her work and loves hearing stories of how...

2018-03-1540 min

Artisans Who Wholesale hosted by Stefa Normantas Introduction to Artisans Who WholesaleSummaryWelcome to the Artisans Who Wholesale podcast. In this episode you'll meet Stefa, discover what you can expect from this podcast and get a little dose of encouragement for your week. A little about StefaHello, I’m Stefa Normantas and I am thrilled to host AWW where I’ll share the best of how to thrive in wholesale giftware and specialty food. As the show producer of the New England Made shows (a wholesale giftware and specialty food show), I’ve connected with thousands of small businesses. I love learning about each one of them—there’s always a rich story abou...

2018-03-0905 min