Feb 05 2025 82 mins 1
How do you refine your business pitch, build partnerships, and scale your business without losing your mission? In this episode, we welcome back Christi Kmecik, founder of Written Hugs Designs, to dive into her entrepreneurial journey—what’s changed, what’s working, and how she’s using storytelling to scale impact.
We discuss navigating pitch competitions, the power of product testing, vendor challenges, and balancing creativity with business strategy. Plus, Christi shares how her one-to-one giveback program is bringing meaningful connections to those who need it most. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights, inspiration, and encouragement.
Tune in to hear:
✅ How Christi refined her pitch through competitions and coaching
✅ The power of product testing before scaling
✅ Why tracking data can transform your business decisions
✅ The realities of working with vendors and big retailers
✅ How Christi’s cards are helping nonprofits and families in need
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Unpacking this episode min by min:
02:59 The Mission Behind Written Hugs Designs
06:05 Growth and Confidence in Entrepreneurship
08:59 Pitch Competitions: Insights and Experiences
11:49 The Importance of Structure in Pitches
14:59 Navigating Challenges in Pitching
17:51 Feedback and Its Impact on Business
20:21 The Power of Connection Through Cards
31:10 The Importance of Customer-Centric Storytelling
33:49 Navigating Pitch Competitions and Effective Communication
35:02 Product Presentation and Messaging Challenges
41:06 Overcoming Roadblocks in Product Distribution
42:02 Building Trustworthy Vendor Relationships
44:59 Testing Products and Market Fit
50:05 Expanding Product Lines and Consumer Insights
56:00 Evaluating Vendor Events and Consumer Behavior
59:48 Building Connections and Email Lists
01:01:07 Diversifying Revenue Streams
01:05:13 The Importance of Focus in Business
01:06:39 Understanding Customer Acquisition
01:12:06 Implementing a One-to-One Give Back Program
01:18:32 Future Partnerships and Community Impact
Related Episodes:
# 33 How to get product into big-box stores: the inspiring journey of Christi Kmecik
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Christi Kmecik:
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- Website - www.writtenhugsdesigns.com
- Instagram - http://instagram.com/writtenhugsdesigns
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-kmecik-11395b271/
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