003 | Lindsay Henry, Inklings Paperie on client experience, slow growth and self care

For full show notes and access to additional resources for this episode, visit: prooftoproduct.com/003

Lindsay Henry, the founder and creative director of Inklings Paperie opened up shop in 2011 via Etsy and launched the wholesale market in 2015. Her paper products and party goods can now be found in more than 200 retail shops, including Target, Paper Source, and Anthropologie. On this episode we'll talk about creating excellent client experience, slow but thoughtful growth, and why both of us need to make more time for self-care.

ON TODAY'S EPISODE:

[01:30] Inklings Paperie story moving from custom work to wholesale[06:40] Utilizing customer feedback when creating new products for retail[08:00] Benefits of spending time with wholesale customers[09:00] Working with big box stores[10:45] Hiring help to package orders & scale her business [12:40] Finding staff in unexpected places[14:00] Why Lindsay waited a year from attending her first show to exhibiting for the first time [15:20] LIndsay's definition of success [16:40] Setting boundaries while having a home-based business[17:30] Prioritizing self-care and realizing it is a work in progress.[19:20] Two pieces of advice Lindsay would tell herself if she was just starting out again [20:00] Focusing on customer experience resulted in over 8,000 five-star reviews on Etsy.[21:40] Nurturing wholesale customers [22:35] What's next for Lindsay and Inklings Paperie

KEY TAKE-AWAYS:

"Having a great product is just the beginning. Making your customer experience exceptional will set you and your business apart." - Lindsay Henry

"Gauge the market and see where you fit in" - Katie Hunt

"Build a brand that people can believe in and stand behind." - Lindsay Henry

"We look at every order not just as a transaction but as someone who is inviting us to be a part of their life events." - Lindsay Henry

"Keep the big picture in mind." - LIndsay Henry

LINKS:

The National Stationery Show

The Louie Awards

Love Marks by Kevin Roberts

*some links may be affiliate links

MEET LINDSAY HENRY:

Lindsay Henry is the Founder and Creative Director at Inklings Paperie, a stationery and lifestyle brand based in Canton, Michigan. Lindsay worked as a freelance designer and brand strategist for non-profit organizations and global brands until she launched Inklings in 2011, opening up a little shop on Etsy. In 2016, Inklings made its NSS debut and was recognized by the Greeting Card Association with a Louie Award and the 2016 Consumers' Choice Award. Inklings products are now carried by nearly 200 retailers internationally including Target, Paper Source and Anthropologie.

Website: inklingspaperie.com

Facebook: @inklingspaperie

Instagram: @inklingspaperie

Twitter: @inklingspaperie

JOIN THE TSBC FAMILY:

Interested in learning more about launching or refining a wholesale line or exhibiting at trade shows? Join us for our Paper Camp conference this September in Los Angeles. Get more details and register at www.tradeshowcamp.com/papercamp

ABOUT PROOF TO PRODUCT:

Proof to Product is brought to you by Tradeshow Bootcamp and hosted by me, Katie Hunt. Since 2011, TSBC has worked with hundreds 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.