Jamie's Blog

Family Always Comes First

December 28, 2007

The past few weeks have been very difficult for our family.  I have not been able to focus on very many things - family has come first.  Nothing has gotten much of my attention; the business, home life, duties at school, the house or the blog for that matter. 

Sometimes life gets in the way of your plans, and sometimes you have to just drop everything and be there for your family members.  That is the major perk about being the boss - I get to make family first and damn-it no one gets in my way.

The End of an Era

Early yesterday morning my Grandfather passed away.  So, unfortunately I am ending this year on a sad note with a loss.  I am blessed I was able to know him for so long, and even my children were able have a wonderful relationship with their Great Grandfather. 

The last two weeks we have had family members come to visit from all over the country, all the while trying to keep the business running, hug and kiss our children and make sure that Christmas was not canceled.  Not sure if I mentioned earlier but both my parents work with me at Jamie's Painting & Design - so it has been a double whammy to say the least.

I am very thankful to friends, family, employees and even strangers for helping us out, stepping up to the plate and pretty much making sure we got everything done we needed to get done.

What the Blog Has Become

It is strange how important this blog has become...well to me anyway.  It is more than a "day in the life...blah, blah, look at my cute kids" blog, I find this blog helps me through the good and the bad times, even though  I am probably more honest than I should be.  I have been told that if I tell everyone all my secrets to success there will be nothing left.  Lastly, I am an open book when it comes to some topics, I don't keep much to myself, and no don't worry I am not going again there again.

I will pick back up with the Entrepreneurs when the dust settles, and the relatives (returning once again) have packed up and gone home.  I am not sure when I will post again, I am sure it won't be long before I feel the need to dump here, I even have an article sitting here that has me pretty peeved.

"Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying.  Then we might live life to the limit, every moment of every day.  Do it!  I say.  Whatever you want to do, do it now!  There are only so many tomorrows." - Pope John Paul VI

Special News Bulletin

December 24, 2007.

We interrupt the 12 Days of Entrepreneur Blog Posts for a very important news bulletin.....

2008 Christmas Shopping Season at JPD

Well 2007 is almost over, and though November was slower than last year, Jamie's Painting & Design seems to be ending December with a bang.  I have spoken with many other small business owners (from other industry's) and it sounds like the economy (just to humble little ol' me) is slowing down.  Luckily we have continued to grow in other areas, streamline our processes, expand our line and continue to evolve as a company.

I will delve more into what worked and did not work for the 2008 Holiday Season once I get the tinsel off the tree, glitter out of my floor boards, the last packages wrapped, eat one more piece of fudge, sing one more verse of jingle bells (hold on Abby, I will be start singing any minute now...) and sit down, no really maybe I should sit down when I type.

12 Days of Entrepreneurs....More like 42

If you are counting we are only up to number five, and even though math is not my strong point, I know I will not get the other 7 up before the end of December - which was my original goal.  I am still, um, well missing a few interviews, but I can at least get through 10 hopefully by the beginning of January.  December sort of crept up and bit me in the ass, and I have had some family emergencies to deal with to boot.  Being the boss is nice now, and makes me realize why I chose to do this - I have the freedom to take care of  more pressing matters.

On a happier note - I would like to say that the 12 Days of Entrepreneurs is going to continue to be a  monthly post at JPD Mom.  The success has been great, and I really enjoy highlighting other successful entrepreneurial women.  Sharing tricks of the trade, telling your stories and how you did it, your secrets to success, and your nodding your head when I am crying - all good.  I would like to actually feature pioneers in the industry, established women, and new entrepreneurs that are just breaking into the industry on a regular basis.

If you are interested in being featured please send the following:

• Name and name of your company
• Family status
• Where your located, is it a home run business or out of an office
• Retail/Wholesale
• Website
• A short biography about why you started your business and a little "nugget" of inspiration for us.

The Times They Continue to Change

If you have not heard, Drooz studio has decided to close it's wholesale side of the business, and let Oopsy Daisy produce her products.  I think what Shelly Kennedy is doing is brilliant - I commend her and I am happy for her success.  I can not wait to see what the next great thing that Shelly will do, and how she will continue to impact our industry. 

I remember not so long ago when another pioneer decided to stop selling wholesale.   Back in Spring of 2004, Wendy Bellissimo left the wholesale side of the business.  The ripple around the country was huge - boutiques everywhere were told to sell or return old inventory. I remember the store owners and websites all in total dismay - her bedding was the "must have" bedding for all mothers to be.  The rumors were flying about what she was going to do next, and what bedding would replace her.  Needless to say, a couple other bedding companies quickly took her throne and all is right with the world.

How wonderful for the customers of Drooz studio to NOT have to wait a whole year to see what she is doing next.  Again, great move by Shelly - it sounds like a win-win situation to me.

It makes you wonder, only history will tell who will be remembered and who will quickly be forgotten.  Which of us will go on to make an impact?  Who will create a major shift in this industry and who will slowly fade away? Which of you will continue to hand paint,  sew alone or make your own products? Which of us will stop doing it ALL? Who will go overseas to manufacture and who will just go down in flames?

One thing I do know is that people need to decide what they want to spend their time doing - and I think Shelly made it very clear - she loves to create.

The Year In Review

Finally, I will be posting the year in review, the highlights  and low points for JPD.  Some things were huge, some just a bleep on my radar.  Some blog posts will be remembered fondly, and others....well I am not so proud of.

Hope everyone has a very Happy Holiday and you are able to spend some quality time with your families.  My wish to you is that you (and I) will NOT feel compelled to do one of the following; check the status of an order, paint a plate, make a call, sew something, check voice mail, invoice a customers, ship a package, make a sales call, check email, sneak blackberry to Christmas dinner, post a blog......DOH, I blew it already!

We will now return your to your regular pro......er, uh Entrepreneur Blogs.......NEXT!

Fifth Entrepreneur - Amber Miner

December 20, 2007.

I am really sorry that these posts are not as frequent this month as I had hoped.  Not only did I have over 85 orders on the last day we took orders- um and everyone in the office was out sick, with sick people or a sick dog....yes, I said dog.  Sometimes family has to be priority - and that has been what I have been doing the last few weeks.  I will delve more into what this Christmas season was like (good and bad) for Jamie's Painting & Design.

First though, I would like to introduce a very inspirational entrepreneur.  I am sort of fuzzy as to how I actually met her, though I think it went a little something like this.  I was checking the stats on my blog and found someone doing a search, her blog ended up on the search just like mine.  I checked her blog out and started reading it, I was enthralled, I was inspired and I was so excited to find another business owner able to speak honestly about running her business. 

Not only had she read my blog, but we had much in common in the whole "Mompreneur" thingie-mabopper life style.  If you have not already (I recommend it highly, and tend to repeat myself....see it's listed over to the left) do check out her blog for an honest look at starting, growing and running your own business.  Amber tends to give straight from the belt, honest stories of what it takes.  Her positive attitude is something I need to try and follow - 'cause you know I tend to put my cranky pants on every once and again.

Amber Miner, Owner & Founder of Baby Fabulous

I had the idea to start a baby clothing line shortly after my daughter was born in October 2002.  After testing the market, learning a new industry, and developing our brand and company, we officially launched Baby Fabulous (b*fab) at the end of September 2006.

Reason for Starting a Business

My kids are the reason we decided to follow our own path.  Where we live, it takes two incomes to survive, so we had to put our daughter into daycare when she was just a few months old.  Just knowing that hands off time was coming up made my brain start ticking - what else can I do???  Kids changed me in so many ways, made me think about so many things - reaching your dreams, living by example, and most importantly being there.  It took longer than I thought to finally launch, bur we're living our dream, because we both work from home and we're raising our own children.

I see the future or our company big, BIG and fabulous things are in the future of b*fab.  We will continue to grown, we will continue to promote job growth in the US and someday, the b*fab brand will be a household name.  In just a year, our customer base has grown exponentially, we've got a celebrity clientele, and our products have received numerous rave reviews.  We hope to maintain steady growth and keep it on the up & up.

I really love everything about my job right now, but especially the flexibility and freedom to be  creative.  After you've given yourself to a career that makes you dread going into work, finding something you love is no comparison.  I love knowing that I've created every aspect of my job from ideas in my head.  I love the challenge, and subsequent satisfaction of solving problems.  I love the journey more than anything and that I can already look back on things I never would have dreamed I would be capable of accomplishing.

My least favorite part of my job is how tired I am, (isn't this true for every Mom though?) and that is when stuff does not work out right, the only "idiot boss" I have to blame is myself.

Following Trends & The Family Balance

Sometimes I find myself following trends, sometimes it's artwork I have seen, or flowers, or seasons.  I take inspiration from all sorts of things.  I love to blend the past trends with modern trends.  I love color, and I love to get out and be inspired by nature.  A little fresh air goes a long ways.

Balancing running a business with family life is something we work on every day and never perfect.  We are constant trying new systems, keeping what works, and when something doesn't, trying something else.  We find that as soon as a system seems to be running smoothly, something comes a long and there is a kink in it anyway.  New school schedules, new activities, new volunteer and side commitments all change our routine.  It is best to stay flexible and good communication is the big difference. 

Fourth Entrepreneur - Shelly Kennedy

December 19, 2007.

The fact that I now say I actually know Shelly Kennedy seems sort of surreal to me, she is so well known by so many.  If you work in the children's industry, you are an artist, or um you have a child you know of Drooz Studio.  Her amazing artwork and her signature 'original' Wall Hangings have been seen everywhere. With celebrity clients and adoring customers - Shelly's products are probably the most coveted product for any re-seller.  Anyone shopping for baby gifts and who claims NOT to know her - is lying.

I had watched from afar, how Shelly grew Drooz Studio, and I had always admired her talent.  I also saw how others copied her, how her work was mimicked, yet she just sat back with way more dignity than I would have.  I decided to touch on the subject earlier this year acknowledging the copying in my blog, okay, um, then in another, and another post....I do tend to repeat myself, but bear with me.

This summer I happen to get a gander at her actual physical catalog and was awe struck by a quote she had on the inside cover of the catalog:

"Imitation is the highest form of flattery"....we tend to disagree!  Please stay original!  Copying is not polite.  We are thrilled that you appreciate our work....and we would appreciate if you respect our copyrights!"

Well, you know after reading that, I knew we were kindred spirits and though she had more dignity  than me, she had some serious spunk. I sent her an email, telling her how I loved her work, admired her as a business woman, and really loved the quote.  I told her that I understood her frustration, and I had been around long enough to know she was the original.  I figured that would be the end of it.  Well, not only did she email me back, but she knew who I was (shocking to me) and we have continued to email back and forth on occasion, commiserate a few times  and share a good laugh, or a good story.  Though I have only spoken with her a handful of times I am happy to report she is the nicest person and I am so grateful I had the guts to approach her.  I would hope in the future she gets the credit she deserves for re-inventing the wall art industry she so helped grow.  I look forward to see what the future has in store for one our industry's pioneers.

That being said, I did not have to beg too much when I asked her to answer a few interview questions for the blog.  I hope you find her candor and honesty as inspiring as I do:

Shelly Kennedy, owner & founder of Drooz Studio

Drooz Studio was started officially in 1998, although I painted the original piece in December of 1997, while pregnant with my first baby!

Deep down I always knew that I wanted to have my own business.  Doing "what" was always the question.  I went to college as an illustration major - and switched to Marketing my sophomore year.  My father owned his own business, I knew first hand that it was not a bed of roses.  After almost 5 years in the traditional work force - I took time off to raise my babies.  Drooz unfolded very delicately - and grew at a slow and steady pace.  It was an ideal scenario for me.  It allowed me to grow as I wanted - utilizing very little start up cash and working around naps and bedtimes.  I'd say it wasn't until about 2001 that I really started to market, promote and consider Drooz a "real business".

Ten Years in Business

OH - the industry has changed so much!  When I first started there was very, very little in the way of art for children and nurseries.  Also there were may be three or four nice baby boutique type websites - if that!  I didn't see any hand-painted work, and no "wall hangings type designs.  Now, the industry is just so saturated with art.  The same ol' stuff everywhere you look.  I find it harder and harder to maintain a fresh and new look for Drooz-but I like the challenge.  Today we probably have three to four baby boutiques contacting us a DAY for our information.

My favorite part of the job is working on new ideas....new designs and product development.  Spending the whole day in the studio - painting, drawing, cutting, pasting, coloring and playing - I am such a lucky girl!

My least favorite part of the job - HA - the "numbers' part of the business.  Accounting, payroll, insurance - yuck!

Creative Energy

Everything inspires me!  Today I saw a label on a pound of coffee at Starbucks and I couldn't wait to get my sketch book to draw the ideas it inspired!  I love old things - I scour garage sales, flea markets, salvation army - a book, a baby dress, a piece of jewelry I find, may start to conjure up ideas in my head.  I love magazines - I think I subscribe to 32 titles!  Fashion, travel....home decor, flipping through the pages is very inspiring.

I follow trends a bit.  I like to describe the Drooz look as "current yet classic".  I think it is dangerous to be too trendy - but yet I understand that our pieces are bought as accessories for the nursery - so usually the buyer is looking to match a particular bedding or theme - those of which tend to be pretty trendy.  I don't really like a "matchy-matchy" look - so long as I keep our designs fresh and interesting.  I honestly would say my main goal is to NOT look like the other art (or trendy items) out there.  We want to keep the style and soul of "Drooz".

Still working on the balance of raising children and running a business.  I have a great support from my mom and dad - they help with the kids a lot.  My husband is very forgiving if there are no dinner plans, or clean socks.    Really the kids are most important thing, and with this career I am able to have the flexibility to be there when they need me; school events, sick days, soccer practice, music lessons, doctor's appointments, etc.  Sometimes it means that I work late from home answering emails that I didn't get to all day - sometimes it means going to work when the rest of the family is catching a movie, it is all a trade off.

Third Entrepreneur - London Edwards

December 13, 2007

I think it has been written about over and over about how I came to meet London Edwards.  London was my "biggest (and only) fan" about a year ago.  She even wrote me an email telling me how much she loved the blog.  Had London not reached out to me, I would not have had the guts to reach out to so many other artists, crafts people and talented designers today.  I am so thankful to her for her having the guts to send me that email.

  I have been so lucky to have gotten a great friend from this blog.  The fact that someone I considered competition is now one of my very best friends may seem odd to some.  I do not consider her my competition - we both believe we compliment each other.  I also know so much about her that she is forced to stay friends with me.....kidding, but having an ally is a great help when you feel like you are an island.

I am hoping this interview does not reek of nepotism....do read her story, she has much to teach all of us!  Now, drum roll please....I would like to introduce you to London Edwards, owner and founder of My Little Dish.

London Edwards, owner & founder of My Little Dish

I had an idea for a product and was encouraged by family and friends to sell them. I did a lot of research before I started.  One, to see if there was anything out on the market like it, and two, to learn about the wholesale industry.  I had managed retail and worked in marketing for other companies, but had never had my own business.  I also had never done much in ceramics, so I had to learn that as well.  After all my research, I decided it was worth the investment and immediately began selling wholesale.

Industry Changes

Over the past 6 years the industry has changed a little.  It's had it's ups and downs due to fluctuation in the economy.  One change that I've noticed considerably is the purchasing habits of the retailers.  When I began, I immediately jumped on the wholesale trade show bandwagon.  It was much better in the earlier days that it is today.  It wasn't that shows cost less, they were still as extremely expensive than as they are today, but orders weren't as scarce as they are today. 

My first few trade shows were very busy and he orders I took at the show covered the cost of the show, including travel and hotel.  The shows that I've done over the past few years have not even covered my expenses.  It was apparent at this last show I did this summer.  Foot traffic was down and the average order was a lot lower too.  My guess is that retailers are feeling the crunch of the on line buyers and keeping their stores open on days they used to be closed.  I also think that some of these stores are doing there searching and purchasing on line as well.  I get wholesale requests frequently from boutiques across the United States, much more than I did 6 years ago.

My favorite part of my job is creating.  I love creating new designs and thinking of new items and  new ways to market and sell.  All of this requires an enormous amount of research, but to me, it's a blast.  To be able to sit at my computer, or with my paints, and just play - I love that. I feel like I'm playing hooky when I do it, but it recharges my battery.

What it Takes Day to Day

My least favorite part of owning my own business changes from time to time.  What is my least favorite thing today, wasn't a year ago.  I really don't like filling orders.  I know this sounds crazy, but painting the same things over and over is just dreadful.  Especially when I know there are so many other important things that I need to be doing in order to grow my business.  Now, that doesn't mean I don't like dealing with my customers.  I love that.  I love talking to them, finding out what they need and being able to tell them I can do it.  But actually painting the plate is not my favorite thing.  I enjoy handling it over to my painters and letting them do what they love - painting.  So, I can get back to creating.

All sorts of things inspire me, it' funny because my boys are in the tween/teenage years, so half of the stuff I look at it isn't something that I would even buy anymore.  I can find inspiration in clothing , books, magazines and even movies.  I try to stay on top of the industry and keep current with the trends.  For instance a few years ago, the prince and princess themes were all the rage.  I pained so many darn prince/princess plates I thought I was going to die.  But today, the simpler designs are selling best for me.  I check out the colors for the year and what is the newest combinations of colors and try to create new designs using these colors.

Balance Running a business

Luckily my kids have been in school for a while, so during the school year, balancing is pretty  manageable.  It gets a little crazy during their sports seasons and especially if they run concurrently with my busy season, but at least I can work while they are in school. 

During the summer, it is a whole other story.  It's tough.  I live in my car getting all three boys where they need to be or if I'm not doing that, I have a house full of kids running in and out.  I'm the kool-aid house it seems.  At least I know where they are and what they are doing, something I wouldn't have if I worked in an office somewhere else and for someone else.  Over the past six years they have really grown up with this business, so they really don't know anything different.  It would be strange to them, not to have stacks of paints and plates every where or not to have UPS at the door for a pick-up.

 

Second Entrepreneur Interview - Suzanne Longacre

December 12, 2007

I am happy to introduce another successful entrepreneur to hopefully inspire everyone.  I have only known her a few months, but we seem to have a lot in common.  Like most of these great women I am interviewing - I met her through my blog, she read a post, and the rest is history.  We have only spoken via emails and then she was nice enough to agree to do this interview.  Her press on her site is very impressive as is her ability to stay positive in ALL situations.  Take a gander at how Suzanne did it:

Suzanne Longacre, owner & founder of Suzibella

I started Suzibella in March 2002, 11 months after my third son was born.  I left my "real job" of 10 years as a Sales and Marketing Manager for a company that designed and manufactured equipment to dry coatings on paper (exciting,  huh?).  It was definitely challenging, but not my passion.  I left that position, moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvannia, and spent 2 years having fun decorationg my house.  When my friends started having babies, it was a great opportunity to try out my creative side, and I began painting rockers, shelves,etc. to match their nurseries. 

After each baby gift I created, I received more and more encouragement to open a store and sell my creations. Wow, I thought -- this is perfect.  I can be creative and apply my business knowledge at the same time.  So it was done.  I rented a tiny space, about the size of an armoire, in a local retail store, painted up some pieces of furniture, and Welcome Baby was born.

I quickly realized that I needed to offer other products, and then needed a bigger space, and then  more spaces in other towns, and it just mushroomed.  I developed my Keepsake Box, and it was such a hit, that I decided to market it to other baby stores in addition to my own.  Then that started to take off, and I realized something had to give.  After considerable thought, I closed the retail side of my business and focused on the wholesale side. 

In the meantime, I had tried to Trademark my company name, Welcome Baby, and learned that a huge retailer had trademarked the name for their line of baby clothing.  Being the stubborn one that I can be, I decided to take them on, since I wanted to use the name for reatail stores, not products.  When I changed my focus from owning retail stores to selling wholesale products, I realized this fight would not be won.  I had to change the name, and now.  After hundreds of ideas (I wish I could say that it just "came to me" but in this case it didn't); I chose Suzibella, after Suzy Bell, my nickname as a child.

Suzibella, the Company

Suzibella is only about a year and a 1/2 old.  I quickly realized to grow, I needed another product, and although my company name did not come easily to me, the idea for the NappiSak did.  There were other products on the market for carrying diapers and wipes, but none that had both the level of function and style that my design offered.  I applied for a full patent on the NappiSak and it has been a whirlwind ever since.

I have to say that marketing the NappiSak has been the most favorite part of my job.  I decided to do the celebrity marketing route, and it was a great decision and a heck of a lot of fun!!  When I attended the Boom Boom Room last January, I learned 2 months before their birth that Marcia Cross's twins were girls.  Although I wasn't asked to keep mum, I knew Marcia was not revealing the sex so it was a huge ethical dilema for me.   Do I send the photos of the gender-specific NappiSaks to People Magazine to get the exposure, or do I respect her wishes?  After much debate, I decided not to reveal it.  I am such a beliver in karma, and the Power of Postivie Thinking that I knew if I did the right thing, I would be rewarded many times over.

Press, Celebrities & More

As a believer in the Power of Positive Thinking and the Law of Attraction, I decideed to test it.   While on the flight to LA for the Image Awards, I sent out a request that I wanted to meet Oprah.  I was sure she would be there, and you know the power of the Oprah effect.  I followed the steps; Ask, Believe and Receive.  Well, I have to say that I was totally disappointed, she wasn't even there.  And although it was an amazing trip, I was a little rocked by the fact that it didn't happen.  Though, at the Image Awards, where I actually got to walk the red carpet and meet celebrities, such as Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, America Ferrara, and LL Cool J - he even gave a shout out on video about my products, you can view it here.

I always feel it's bettter to have a positive attitude, and hapy to tell you that my request was eventually answered, just not in the time frame I imagined.  In early September of this year my phone rang, and the caller ID came up....it said Harpo.  And yes, that call IS as good as you imagine it can be.  It still amazes me how lucky and fortunate I am, every time I need something (a new supplier, a PR firm, people to work for me, etc.) it seems the perfect person or company or idea just crosses my path.  Now don't get me wrong -- it requires a ton of hard work, lots of networking, and the constant determination to be the best at what you do.

First Entrepreneur Interview - Vicki Bodwell

December 10, 2007

I am excited to post this interview about Vicki Bodwell, owner and founder of the Warm Biscuit Bedding Company.  I have had the good fortune of working with Vicki since the winter of 2003.  So, with out further ado, I would like to introduce my very first interview with a successful entrepreneur:

I had been getting Warm Biscuit catlaogs for years, always wanting to do something creative with my talent - I loved to look at them.  When I finally figured out what to do, I kept thinking of sending a product submission to them.  I finally got up my nerve and sent an email.  To my amazement not only were they interested, but the owner of the company, Vicki Bodwell emailed me immediately back.  After showing her some very rough and amateur photographs of my "warm biscuit inspired" name tiles, they agreed to feature two of my products.  I was lucky enough to have them take a chance on me, and I also got the coveted back cover of the early winter 2004 publication.  To say it was one if the highest points in my career would be true - I was amazed at my good fortune and good luck.

Today I have a large variety of products that are sold through the Warm Biscuit Bedding Company.   We have created exclusive designs, created brand new products together, I have a great partnership with this company and we continue to work very well together. 

Now looking back, some almost four years later I am honored to call Vicki one of my dearest friends.  We have been through good times and bad times, shared laughs and tears, and been able to even meet in person a few times.  She has been one of the biggest supporters, and yet also one of my toughest critics - I truly respect her advice and opinions.

Vicki Mote Bodwell, Owner of the Warm Biscuit Bedding Company

I started the Warm Biscuit Bedding Co. in May of 1999, three months after Pottery Barn Kids launched!  I started my own business from a combined desire to work with fabrics, control of my own destiny an decorate a more flexible lifestyle for my family.  When we started our business, there were very few options for moms to create a stylish child's room at an affordable price.  Now, eighth years later, the category has vastly changed, with new websites and catalogs sprouting up daily.

Learning about the Warm Biscuit Bedding Company

When my son was born in the summer of 1999, I decided to stop being a computer animator for the Learning Company and stay at home with my son.  This was not a difficult decision at the time, I was miserable in my position, the job was not satisfying and I was ready to embark on a new life.  After having my son I noticed a number of different baby and children's catalogs started showing up in my mail box.

One catalog in particular stood out, The Warm Biscuit Bedding Catalog.  It had such a different look from any other catalog, I was not only inspired but in awe of the company.  I remember sitting on my couch (nursing probably) wishing I could make something worthy of this catalog,  I would go through the catalog, page by page looking at the wonderful vintage fabrics and products.

Fast forward to the summer of 2003 (check out previous blogs, seriously I do not need to re-live HOW I ended up at where I am today), when I finally realized that selling on the Internet was key to the growth of my company and I had honed my sales pitch.  I had spent many a day trolling around websites I wanted to be on - The Warm Biscuit Bedding Company was the top of my list.  With the encouragement of my husband I sent an email to them asking if they were interested in new product submissions. 

Best & Worst Part of the Job

My top favorite piece is the creative process.  I enjoy each step of the creative process.  From thinking of new products to developing them with my team.  Secondly, I love working directly with our customers.  Hearing their enthusiasm and excitement as they plan for their new baby or decorating project is enormously motivating to me.  We are lucky that this is a happy time for moms.

My least favorite part is managing the cash flow.  There never seems to be enough wiggle room to feel comfortable....yet again, that probably keeps us on our toes!

I look around my life countlessly for ideas.  From the school yard with the boys to a cocktail party with my husband.  I am always looking for trends and asking people what "finds" they have discovered.  I look at every catalog, magazine and email I can to see what other companies are doing.  I am a huge believer that there are very few true ORIGINAL ideas and most things are an improvement or adjustment to an old idea.   I love vintage, flea market patterns, so we modify and enhance images, or update an old product.  Although, I look forward to the day when we can INVENT the next big thing!

When I look for a new designer, I look for someone who wants to "partner" with us.  We want  designers who want to grow with us and help our business succeed.  We've been lucky to work with artists who are watching out for us and come to us with great product ideas.

I always refer to the Warm Biscuit Bedding Co. as my 4th child.  Like any of my children, sometimes this child acts up and needs more attention.  The holidays are particularly draining and stressful.  I think every mom is stretched thin, so I don't think my life is any more difficult than my customers. Recognizing that we try at the Warm Biscuit Bedding Company to create a shopping sanctuary where they can rely on us to make their life more enjoyable.

Sending a Clear Message to Customers

December 5, 2007.

I am still doing my 12 Days of Entrepreneur Interviews.....it looks like it might be a tad shy of 12 though and starting a teensy bit late.  I hope to start posting those this weekend so that I can post a few times a week, and move on with all the Christmas orders.  By moving on I mean um, well let's see; make new inserts, do last minute PR, send some art for new project, Get TV interview set up, help package coasters, ship products, fix tiles, make calls, ship products, help ship more products, put out fires, take orders on phone, answer questions, ship products again?  and sneak out to buy a Christmas gift (shhh....do NOT tell the boss.  Am I babbling yet?)

Holiday Cut-Off Dates

So, if you are a frequent reader of this blog you know that I tend to be super-organized and anal about getting information out to my sales channels.  I like to make sure that all my ducks are in a row and I am really good about Holiday Cut-Off Dates.  I send out an email or fax in September to all channels.  It lists our cut-off dates for personalized products, non-personalized products, company closure dates and any RUSH fees that may be attached to any items rushed in the holiday season.

After my "Were Not Gonna Take It" tantrum if you will, I decided to be productive and competitive.  I not only shortened my turn around times, I also extended my holiday cut-off dates.  I have been doing this a long time, blah, blah blah - you know the drill - I shorten the turn around times at the end of the year so that we can get our products to our customers for Christmas.  Doing a quick poll (cruising websites) on line of other ceramic and company's that make personalized products, 8 have already stopped taking orders and another two stop tomorrow. 

We take personalized orders till December 12th, midnight PST, Non-personalized December 17th.  I am not bragging (well, maybe I am, but trying to get a point across).  We are able to take orders, turn them around quicker due to our very efficient procedures and dedication - the later you order a product, the shorter our turn around times are.  After re-reading what I wrote, I am hearing this quote in my head;

"Face it ladies, I am older and I have more insurance." Towanda, Fried Green Tomatoes

Sending The Right Message

This year I have had not one, but at least five different conversations/emails asking what my cut-off dates are.  I am not sure why the confusion this year (I usually just modify the email I have used year after year) over my information.  I was told only once by a sales channel that not only did I send out too much information, I also had too many designs to choose from.....my response was "oh and that is a bad thing?"

So, the old me would have gotten all huffy and puffy and irritated that sales channels did not pay close attention to the email.  The new and improved me (that would be positive me that blogs and others in the industry read what I write - no I am kidding), I mean the older (read wiser) me thought different.  Obviously some where in the email I was not clear on my dates.  If more than one channel is having a difficult time understanding when I stopped taking orders - you can blame it on me.  I do not exactly know how I was not clear, but it is clear to me(now) I was not clear - okay strange sentence.  Great now I am repeating myself....

I sent out another email yesterday to clarify and reiterate that I was still taking orders and YES they would arrive by Christmas, and YES we will ship in time and YES we really mean it.  We still have a whole week to go, and I did not want to lose out on any business, or not have my message be 100% clear to everyone.

Moving Forward

The race between the tortoise and the hare is really not about who is faster, it is about who is able to withstand the long race.  The slow and steady tortoise does not tire out, he keeps plugging along.  I am still baffled that I was not clear with information on dates, but oh well - life goes on.  I have a hard time focusing this time of the year I get so many "that's a good idea" and "ooh I can do that next year"* I need to take notes and put them away, or make a sketch and get back to work.  At this time of the year there is really no time to think - you just do.  No questions asked, take the order, make the order, ship the order........NEXT!

*Disclaimer so that everyone understands that I mean I think of an idea driving, or I envision a new ornament design, or a new way of positioning my products, or a new theme.  I did NOT mean "OOOH look what so-and-so is doing I am going to copy her and do THAT!"  Okay?  I swear, I pinky-promise swear.  Really, really!

12 Days of Christmas at JPD

December 3, 2007.

On the first day of Christmas my employee gave to me, a un-paid bill for AT&T.

On the second day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 2 missing orders, and I still need to pay AT&T.

On the third day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 3 chipped tiles, 2 (still) missing orders, and where is the bill for AT&T?

On the fourth day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 4 customers calling, 3 cracked tiles, 2 late orders, and I can't find the bill for AT&T.

On the fifth day of Christmas my employee gave to me....5 Special Orders...4 customers on hold, 3 flawed tiles, 2 found orders, and I can't remember if I paid AT&T.

On the sixth day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 6 invoices needing paying.......5 Special Orders....4 angry customers, 3 broken tiles, 2 shipped orders, and now rent is due from me.

On the seventh day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 7 new orders, 6 invoices need paying....5 Special Orders....4 furious customers, 3 totaled tiles, 2 invoiced orders and now I owe another company.

On the eighth day of Christmas my employee gave to me 8 broken drill bits, 7 orders ready, 6 past due invoices....5 Special Orders....4 customers on hold, 3 messed-up tiles, 2 happy customers, a second notice from AT&T.

On the ninth day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 9 ornaments needed wrapping, 8 broken drill bits, 7 orders with ribbon, 6 now paid invoices....5 Special Orders....4 pissed-off customers, 3 scratched tiles, 2 returned orders and past due rent bill from me.

On the tenth day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 10 credit cards declined, 9 ornaments needing shipping, 8 new drill bits, 7 packed up orders, 6 new invoices....5 Special Orders....4 lost customers, 3 ruined tiles, 2 re-shipped orders and a third notice from AT&T.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my employee gave to me 11 lost plates, 10 credit cards declined, 9 packed-up ornaments, 8 drills-a-drilling, 7 billed orders, 6 past due invoices....5 Special Orders....4 new customers, 3 smudged tiles, 2 missing shipments and a mean landlord notice given to me.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 12 packages for shipping, 11 found plates, 10 stores bankrupt, 9 late ornaments, no more drills-a-drilling, 7 late orders, 6 collection notices....5 Special Orders....4 dead phone lines, 3 piles of tiles, 2 canceled orders and my phone lines are dead thanks to AT&T.