Martz founded Fire & Pine in 2016, a South Carolina-based company known for its wood- engraved maps. Martz and his team of 25 uses laser engravers to etch custom maps in high-quality pine wood.

This May, Martz ventured into new territory by launching sister company Print & Pine. This endeavor aims to bring classic, modern and up-and-coming art to life, each piece meticulously printed with raised, layered ink on sustainably sourced pine wood.

Print & Pine’s initial inspiration came to Martz at a woodworking show when he came across a piece of machinery that is traditionally used to make faux backsplashes, wooden floors and tiles. But he saw another opportunity to put the machine to use.

“It got the wheels spinning in our mind,” Martz said. “We said, ‘What if we use this for maps or other types of products?’ What this machine allows us to do is print texture. So what that means is, it’s a huge production printer. When it lays down ink, it immediately cures it. So basically, we can lay down ink, it cures, and then we lay down ink on top of it. It builds up, almost like a 3D printer.”

Thus, Print & Pine was born, with the goal to use the printing technology to create custom, unique art pieces on the pine wood that is already sourced through its sister company. By delicately layering the ink, Print & Pine’s technique lifts the artistic strokes off its canvas, aiming to capture the dynamic essence of original brushwork, according to the company. This method is designed to allow people to physically engage with the artwork, feeling the depth and texture of each stroke, Martz said.

The ultimate goal of Print & Pine is to bring art to life in the way the artist originally intended coupled with the quality and weight of the wood base — and at an affordable price.

“Our intention [is to] provide that type of experience to a customer,” Martz said. “Instead of just a flat print on canvas or paper stock, we have a big, hearty board with a painting that you can feel and touch the brushstrokes of — but at a super reasonable price. That’s what we set out to do.”

Print & Pine has printed famous artworks such as the Girl with a Pearl Earring painting by Johannes Vermeer. But it also looks to partner with budding artists as a way to showcase their work and bring it to the community in a tangible way.

“We’re partnering with up-and- coming artists, whether they’re local to our area or just really anywhere worldwide,” Martz said. “We’re going to have featured artists on a regular basis. It is going to allow them to get some pretty good exposure, offer their artwork on our wood with our technology, and to be able to get their cool work into people’s homes.”

Each month, Martz plans to offer a new genre of artwork at Print & Pine to develop its product collection. And each week within the month, the company will offer a subcategory of art for that month’s genre.

“Let’s just say hypothetically, next month, we did sheet music, where we put sheet music on a piece of wood, and you can actually feel the sheet music,” Martz explained. “Week 1 could be rock songs — like 10 rock songs — and Week 2 could be 10 jazz songs, et cetera. We’re going to keep on building our collection up that way and keep it fresh.”

GREEN INITIATIVE

Sustainability is a key pillar of both Print & Pine and its sister company. Martz has committed to producing all products on pine, a renewable natural resource.

Additionally, for every tree used in production, the companies replant five trees, and Martz installed a solar array in 2022 to work toward net neutrality.

“By investing in solar energy, we’re not only reducing our environmental impact but also setting a positive example for businesses and residents in the region,” Martz said. “We’ve already seen significant savings on our energy bills, reinforcing our belief that solar power is not just viable but also beneficial in the long run.”

The post Meet the Maker: Print & Pine’s Ryan Martz appeared first on Gift Shop Magazine.

Using sand from her favorite beaches on Cape Cod and silver findings, Christensen experimented with different techniques until she created the perfect designs to capture sentimental travel and experiences with her jewelry. Fast forward to today, and Dune Jewelry can be found globally in more than 700 retail partners.

Also thriving is an e-commerce business that can personalize handmade jewelry with sand, soil, ashes, clay, flower petals, shells and more.

“In the very beginning, I would take road trips and collect sand around New England,” Christensen said. “Then our customers would start asking to send sand from their vacations, honeymoons and childhood beach homes for their own designs. It doesn’t take a lot of material to craft a design, so we would take whatever was left over and carefully catalog it into our Sandbank.”

The Sandbank now houses sand and Earth elements from more than 5,000 locations spanning all seven continents.

Creating experiential jewelry is the mission of the company and captured in the catchphrase, “live for the moment, then take it with you.” Christensen feels strongly that life’s moments are fleeting and the sentimental value of travel and experiences is priceless. “You can see, touch and wear actual sand or elements from where you’ve been, where you love and where you someday hope to travel to,” she said.

Dune Jewelry also creates memorial jewelry that can contain human or pet cremains. Customers can place custom orders through local retailers or online. “We’re so honored to work with such precious materials and memories,” Christensen said. “We do mix the ashes with a pinch of sand for our process, so if there is a special place you spent time with your lost loved one, we will mix the ashes with that sand, making it even more personal.”

The company recently purchased studio space in Norwood, Massachusetts to house the production operations, a photography studio and a retail space called The Cove. Opened in April 2023, The Cove is filled with unique, sustainable gift items as well as jewelry. In addition to the new headquarters, the company operates a flagship store, Dune Boutique — Harwich Port on Cape Cod and a unique store in the popular cruise port of Ketchikan, Alaska.

“We have about 28 team members that handcraft, custom package and create content to share the unique stories we tell through our jewelry,” Christensen said.

Christensen and her design team are constantly coming up with new designs rather than sticking to a traditional seasonal launch calendar. Their most popular design, she said, is the wave necklace with the signature turquoise gradient. “My creativity comes in waves much like the ocean,” she explains. “The beauty of

Dune Jewelry is that we’re a concept, not a style, so we can apply our patented process to whatever style is trending at the time,” she said.

Dune Jewelry is currently working with more than 700 retailers. “Our most successful retailers are the ones who listen to their customers,” she said. “We always start stores with the most iconic sand or element from their area and let them expand from there. With so many possibilities to customize Dune and price points that fit every budget, it’s important to know what your customer wants, and we will have designs and elements that fit their needs,” she added.

The company also created an exclusive Boutique Collection that is only available in brick-and-mortar locations. That, along with its lifetime warranty and more than $250,000 donated to global causes, helps to tell a compelling story.

Christensen has recently written a book titled “Happiness Comes in Waves Book.” Published by Rock Point, the 208-page book is filled with stories and quotations from ocean advocates and illustrated with photographs of the ocean, shorelines and beaches. She describes the book as a collaboration.

“It includes life lessons I’ve learned from the ocean, sand stories from Dune Jewelry customers and team members, plus quotes from my friends, family and colleagues — all of the incredible women I’ve been lucky enough to connect with throughout my lifetime,” Christensen said. “The ocean is eternal, it’s powerful, and it’s the lifeforce of our planet. Not only does it sustain us, but it brings so much joy and peace to billions of people around the world every day. I’m inspired by women, and this book celebrates not only the ocean but also women around the world. Our power, our beauty and the connection we have to Mother Earth.”

Featured photo:
Dune founder Holly Christensen started her company at her kitchen table about 12 years ago. Photo courtesy of S. Robshaw.

The post Meet the Maker: Dune Jewelry & Co.’s Holly Daniels Christensen appeared first on Gift Shop Magazine.

The brothers decided to earn money by creating clay earrings that were called East and West Germany. The earrings could be worn in either ear, or together in one ear. The Shaws sold the earrings for $5 on a SoHo street corner and were very successful.

Over the years, the brothers created more products including pins, pillows and more that incorporate beauty and history. “UPG seeks to share beautiful and fun ideas, in science, art, philosophy and literature through a wide selection of original products,” Trudi Bartow, director, sales and marketing for UPG, said. Today, UPG sells hundreds of items, both domestically and internationally.

“At the heart of our business is a small (11 people!) office we call the Ivory Tower — in literal terms, it’s a humble second-floor walkup with skylights and a friendly office dog named Vector,” Bartow described. “We’re a motley crew of overeducated misfits with passions for art history, film, journalism, theater, comedy, philosophy, and business who pool our passions into creating products that amuse, delight and spark curiosity.”

Typically, products are conceptualized during weekly meetings, which are held “around the large table in the back of the Ivory Tower,” according to Bartow. A majority of those meetings are “dross,” yet are filled at times with laughter, silence and sometimes a new product!

“For every product that comes out, we have 100 that don’t,” she detailed. “Often people suggest products and personalities to us that we should add to our line, but it’s very rare that we hadn’t thought of it already!”

UPG offers over 25 product lines, and the most popular line is the transforming mugs. The designs on the mugs morph once hot beverages are poured into them. For instance, the Climate Change Mug shows how the earth transforms to future predictions of sea level change, once a hot beverage is added. Another example is the Constellation Mug — a sky of stars changes into a series of constellations once hot liquid is added. There is even a Dinosaur Mug that transforms from a design of living creatures to one of dinosaur skeletons.

The heat-transforming mugs are a cornerstone of UPG’s business. Additionally, the Constellation, Dinosaur and Butterfly Mugs are popular designs. Within the Secular Saint Candles, James Baldwin and Edgar Allan Poe are favored. Plus, UPG shared that its Mister Rogers and Bob Ross collections are consistently great sellers along with Rosie the Riveter products, finger puppets, pins, mint tins and more.

UPG’s Magnetic Personality Finger Puppets, which feature historical and fictional figures such as Plato, Emmanuel Kant, Maya Angelour, Cthulhu, Frida Kahlo and William Shakespeare, are very popular.

The 2 oz. scented soaps feature humorous wrappers, such as Lady Macbeth’s “Out Out Damn Spot Guest Soap,” and “Freud’s Wash Fulfillment Soap,” amongst others. Bartow noted these items make great “impulse purchases and stocking stuffers.”

“We are always happy to offer products featuring perennial favorite Frida Kahlo, whose popularity makes her a perfect figure for a wide range of businesses, from bookshops to museums, and florists to art supply stores,” she explained.

Bartow suggests that retailers use UPG’s Ivory Tower or the category displays, which are made in the USA. Additionally, she recommends grouping items by theme, product, subject or personality.

“Oftentimes, we find featuring a doll or finger puppet with a corresponding theme gives the display that touch of whimsy that draws customers in,” she said.

Additionally, UPG offers displays for specific product lines such as its soaps, hair pins, notebooks and other merchandise. The display units help display the UPG brand in a “harmonious way with (a) customer’s store.”

UPG fans run the gamut from “fellow scholastic nerds to the casual customer looking for a huggable Albert Einstein doll,” according to Bartow. “We love to embed a little thought in unassuming places, like Freud in a pair of Freudian Slippers. From Socrates to Mister Rogers and Bob Ross to the silly antics of Monty Python, we appreciate the big thoughts that can inform funny and seemingly simple gestures.”

“We regularly make sure to take a break from pondering ‘the Good’ in order to do some good,” Bartow shared. Every year, UPG contributes over $100,000 to a variety of charities and organizations. “This is all done through either product donations (like gift bags and pledge incentives), sponsorships of cultural events or through direct financial contributions,” Bartow emphasized. Some of the well-known organizations that UPG supports include: World Central Kitchen, Doctors Without Borders, Planned Parenthood and more. For a full list of organizations UPG supports, visit philosophersguild.com.

The post Meet the Maker: Unemployed Philosophers Guild appeared first on Gift Shop Magazine.

Between 2008 and 2009 Kline sought creative ways to overcome the economic challenges his business faced and found ways to continue artistic collaborations successfully. Kline initiated an art show called Push, Pull, Print where he could share his t-shirt screen printing.

“My only goal in creating the show was to help ‘Push’ other artists and myself, to ‘Pull’ the best out of them and to ‘Print’ the ideas that they came up with,” Kline shared. He gathered 20 artists that worked with a variety of mediums and creatively transformed their work into screen printed art.

In 2011, after the last art show, Kline partnered with one of the artists to form Eric and Christopher, which designs and creates all its merchandise in-house at its Bucks County, Pennsylvania location. Today, the Eric and Christopher team is composed of 25 individuals, all with artistic backgrounds that include design, sewing, screen printing, quilting, oil painting and more.

“The diverse backgrounds and personal, creative interests are what help keep the team creating new products for the world to enjoy,” he emphasized. “Most (if not all) of our designs have a story behind them that people fall in love with. For instance, the little mouse with a Santa hat and present was a pet of one of our screen printers.

He brought the mouse in one day, and her name was ‘Haddie.’ We thought she would make the perfect model for a Christmas item, so we put a Santa hat on her and put a present in her hand, and then screen printed her image onto fabric,” Kline shared. “She is our top selling Christmas image on pillows and tea towels for three years running!”

Other top performing designs include the Red Cardinal Pillow, Kitten with a Christmas Present, Sunflower Pillow, Tote and Tea Towel, Baby Goat Tote and Mouse with a Santa Hat and Present. Additionally, Eric and Christopher now includes licensed artwork and collaborations in its product offerings.

“We currently work with four outside artists and will be introducing three additional new licensed collections in 2023,” he detailed. “For 2023-2024, we are developing some very exciting product offerings geared towards designers and consumers.”

Eric and Christopher now have a central focus on custom and private label creations. “We’ve been creating custom products for the home and gift industry for about nine years. Within that time, we’ve seen trends change regarding design aesthetic and what sells. One consistent thing that hasn’t changed is our approach to helping customers create something special for their store that no one else has,” Kline said.

The business works with small gift shops, museums, hotels, historical sites, garden centers and other retail establishments to create unique products that are specific to each environment. “One of the big differentiators in working with us is that we offer art and design services as well as the production of the items,” Kline detailed. “We have in-house artists who can take your idea/concept and create a beautifully designed image on products of your choice. We also work with companies who have artwork ready to go to print, and we are happy to make custom products for them.”

Product development takes time and Kline shares that the overall process can take as long as 6 months to two or more years, depending on the specific product. “When we select artists to collaborate with, that process is typically a little more lengthy as we like to get to know the artist and see what their wishes are to create a home and gift collection,” he said. “We brainstorm about their artwork and how the pieces will translate well to our popular types of products such as pillows and totes.”

The team works diligently and conducts thorough research prior to launching into new creations. Kline explained that fabric samples are acquired, test prints are completed, visual inspections are conducted, samples of the product are developed, and a thorough review is performed during product development meetings where a vote is taken to determine if a product moves into the production cycle.

“Just this past year, we put together product development teams focused on different collections and new artists. The teams usually are composed of two to five people, and it starts with a brainstorm of the style and the artist we are working with, and who the intended consumer audience is,” Kline said. “We review imagery and pair the imagery with our popular product types such as pillows, totes and tea towels, and try to come up with new product types in the process. This process from start to finish takes about a year.”

The Eric and Christopher team finds inspiration “EVERYWHERE!” — the beauty of local farms and even beautiful scenery seen on road trips — Kline emphasized Sometimes, inspiration comes from a test product. “A lightbulb moment goes off, and someone says, ‘Oh, wouldn’t it be fun to…do a bunny in a pink tutu?’ So then maybe we do a bunny in a ballerina tutu during our next design session and it ends up on a pillow!,” he described.

Eric and Christopher also focuses on ways to assist retailers. “Our current minimum for wholesale orders is just three items. If you order through Faire, the minimum there is $100,” Kline detailed. He said the lead times for products featured on the website are between one to three business days. Kline shared that during the months of September through November, delivery time may be a few additional days, “but typically not more than one week,” as it is a very busy time.

Custom and private label orders run four to eight weeks after a deposit is made and artwork is approved. “We try to make it as easy as possible for the customer, communicate accurate production times and deliver beautiful, customized products,” he said.

“We value the opportunity and growth that go hand-in-hand through meeting good, positive people, and collaborating with others,” Kline emphasized. Eric and Christopher focuses on bringing out the best in the artists’ works and the quality of the final product.

The post An Artist at Heart appeared first on Gift Shop Magazine.

The purpose of EGG is to be a discovery site as well as an ordering platform explained Mara Tracy, marketing director at Fine Lines. “Although it is B2B, the EGG site is as familiar and easy to use as any retail shopping site and we made sure that buyers could discover and browse the lines and products on EGG without needing to fill out a registration form first,” she said. 

Gift Shop Plus chatted with Fine Lines Marketing Director, Mara Tracy, about how EGG was born.

How did EGG come to fruition?

MT: We often come across smaller, emerging lines that really excite us and that we want to connect with the retailers that we work with. When Fine Lines was a smaller agency, we were able to successfully represent large, well-established vendors along with much smaller, niche lines. Very small lines can get lost in a line package as large as Fine Lines’. On EGG, a one-item line like the DADO disco ball planter is a shining star.

What does EGG stand for?  

MT: Newness. Creation. Possibility. An egg is really the ultimate symbol of creativity and every product and line is very much a creative endeavor. As are the stores we sell to!

What are the requirements for vendors to be represented on EGG?  

MT: There are the usual requirements of professionalism, reliability, and quality. We’re connecting these lines with an account base of buyers that typically buy many lines from us and that we’ve known for years, and we stand behind the lines we represent. 

It’s an eclectic assortment, but every line on EGG is one that we’ve sought out and many were discovered because we bought their goods at retail for personal use! In other words, it’s something we would buy and stock in our own store. That’s really the common denominator.

How does Fine Lines find these makers?

MT: Some are discovered in local maker markets. Some come to us by word of mouth via another maker. And some are found in unexpected places – like Waveland Tea for example, who I tracked down after their branding was featured in Dieline, a packaging design blog that I follow. It turned out the tea was as great as the packaging! We keep an eye on Kickstarter too, for new and interesting products that are about to launch.

What can buyers expect from EGG?

MT: EGG is a part of Fine Lines, a rep group. Which means there’s a personal touch and literally a person behind every transaction. We review and manage every order before it is sent to the vendor and we are always there to chat and assist buyers that are shopping on EGG. For more information, visit www.eggishere.com.

The post A Focus on Emerging Lines and Niche Makers appeared first on Gift Shop Magazine.

The company’s name stems from a play on the word cathartic — it was an idea that was born during a time when Stevens was writing intensely and emotionally —sharing memories and wishes for her father who was dying. One evening Stevens remembered thinking: “What a cardthartic experience!” That phrase made her laugh at what her “Midwest farmer father” would think of the word she just created. 

After her father’s passing, Stevens recalled receiving a lot of cards offering personal messages that were heartfelt and impactful. The personal missives she received conveyed more meaningful emotions and sentiments than the actual cards. With her extensive background in marketing and a belief that she could create cards with a real connection, she began her journey of sharing real-life messages.

Creative Process

“Cardthartic is staffed by a very lean, tight-knit team. We respect and rely on each other, and we truly enjoy each other,” she said. The team’s collaborative efforts are inspired by “simple truths people say to each other every day.” 

Stevens said that the creative process is based on synchronicity. “While we’re very disciplined about releasing new products each January, May and September, those roughly 150 new designs come to be because I am happily at the right place at the right time,” she explained. 

She mentioned she has a “gift” that enables her to notice the amazing things people say to each other and she takes “pride and pleasure” in asking people if she can share the amazing words or phrases she has heard. 

Approximately 60% of Cardthartic’s cards begin with a message, which is then paired with an image or illustration. More than half of Cardthartic’s 930 active designs were written by Stevens and the remainder of its designs were developed by its cardies, a term Cardthartic developed to identify its consumers. Eleven of the top 20 designs were written by its cardies and Stevens shared that it is “cardsourcing at its finest.” 

Cardthartic’s website is a hub for its Cardie Community, and it is one method consumers engage with the Cardthartic team. Twice per week, Cardthartic sends 6,000 newsletters to its cardies to foster deeper connections with its followers.

Three distinctive lines are available, each with its own look and voice. The Passages line offers 409 designs that marry “evocative images with meaningful messages and is best known for ‘saying a lot with a little.’” This successful, versatile line sells well in a variety of store settings such as high-end stationery stores and gift boutiques. 

Cardthartic’s Little Reminders collection offers 106 designs that Stevens described as “wise, playful and true.” The cards in this collection feature colorful and light-hearted designs that perform well in party stores and gift shops. 

The Meanings of Life line features 155 designs that focus on popular symbols, painted by watercolor artist Joanne Friar, that have a special significance. Stevens said the messages explain both the provenance and popularity of the symbol featured on the card. This line is well-suited for museum stores, garden centers, furnishing stores and even apparel boutiques.

In It Together

Almost every message originates from a note or feelings shared between individuals. “Beyond the strength and authenticity of our messages, what’s most different about Cardthartic may be how much we believe in a win-win-win way of doing business. The clearest example of this is our In it Together program,” she explained. 

During the spring of 2020, the direct-to-consumer business was very successful. “Sales exploded because stores were closed and rather than just pocket the additional income, we saw an opportunity to funnel it right back to our retail partners so they might ride it out,” she recalled. 

The In It Together program allows consumers to name a local Cardthartic merchant so that Cardthartic “can split the income with that retail partner and give commission to the rep as well.” 

“The way we see it, we don’t have to share this income, we GET to share it! It’s the least we can do for the store owners and reps we admire and appreciate so much for their talents and tenacity,” she emphasized. 

Cardies adore the In It Together program, as it allows cardies to “buy local” in the sense that half of the income from the purchase goes to the selected retailer. 

Retail Partnerships

Cardthartic knows the importance of retailers and before adding new partners, it ensures there are no other existing stores in the region that would cause a conflict. As a perk, new partners receive a free fixture when product is purchased to fill it. The fixture fits Cardthartic’s card size exclusively and provides merchants a way to highlight that the cards are Made in the USA and are printed with soy ink on recycled paper. New partners also receive a welcome packet and access to Cardthartic’s social-media ready posts that can be used on Facebook and Instagram. 

Stevens recalled advice she received: “Slow pockets equal slow money.” She feels this advice also benefits retailers. “We’ve seen too many buyer/owners select product they like and then keep it on the shelf long after it’s proven it simply doesn’t turn,” she said. To assist retailers and help them avoid keeping product that doesn’t move, Cardthartic created its Full Exchange Program for retailers to utilize because “when a pocket doesn’t sell through — when the cards are slow-moving — income is slowed, too,” Stevens stated. 

Cardthartic values its retail partners and the challenges they have faced over the past few years. “We are blessed to see the best of humanity every day,” Stevens explained. “I would encourage them (retailers), on their darkest business days, to consider that they are valued and appreciated more than they will ever know. 

The post A Penchant for Words appeared first on Gift Shop Magazine.

“Our collection consists of about 5000 products, half of which are introduced new each year. That’s almost 2500 new products per year, so it’s a lot of effort on the product development end,” Jody Abbott, general manager for Abbott Collection said. “Today, even though we no longer import goods from England, we are still guided by this premise – that people want to be surrounded by things that make them happy. It’s quite simple, but it still rings true decades later.” Learn more about this family business from our Q&A with Jody Abbott.

Describe how your creative team finds inspiration for the designs and products you produce.

Jody Abbott: We believe inspiration can be found all around us, every day. Of course, we take cues from nature, the world of fashion, music and our travels. For example, our Sorrento range, featuring the pattern of lemons on blue tile, was inspired by a visit to the Amalfi coast — after seeing the lemons growing against the backdrop of the blue Mediterranean coastline.

However, we find that inspiration can come when you least expect it, such as when you are just walking down the street and spotting the sunlight reflecting interesting colors and shapes. You happen to spot something appealing or interesting, and that often translates to a great product design.

Where do you formulate your design concepts?

JA: Our internal product development team does extensive trend forecasting for each season, which then translates into our style guides — themes, colors, textures, materials, patterns — that are all displayed visually. Then we get to work designing our collections around those; it’s a combination of our own internal design efforts, coupled with great partnerships with about 100 factories and makers around the globe.

Describe the product development process from concept to production.

JA: The process takes a lot longer now than it used to! In some cases, it’s a full year, from concept, to design, to prototype, to production — and then getting the goods into our warehouse is a whole other story, as that can take another four to six months. However, sometimes things just happen quickly and go smoothly. Our popular line of macramé plant hangers went from conception to in-stock, to flying out the door all within a few short months.

In addition, every single item in our collection is vetted by our President, David Abbott, and Senior Buyer, Jennifer Boake. They have the final say, and they need to feel a connection with each item before it makes it into our line. If they don’t love it, and if it doesn’t represent the Abbott aesthetic, it doesn’t make the cut. We probably reject over 95% of the items that we sample or preview. And this is one of our strengths — the fact our line has been so carefully curated, retailers feel confident they’re getting only best- selling and on-trend items. We don’t strive to have the biggest offering, but we want it to be the best.

What trends do you see that are impacting your concepts or product offerings?

JA: Well, our tagline of “Home + Happiness” continues to guide us, and fortunately being happy at home is what everybody has really wanted even more so over the past few years. We don’t see this sentiment changing any time soon. The shift to work- from-home will remain in some capacity throughout all industries.

What are your best-selling products?

JA: The Amazing Swedish Dishcloth — we developed this eco- friendly line using our own beautiful designs. Our customers can’t keep them in stock! Our Goddess Head planters are now a perennial classic. Doormats made of coir fiber and featuring our seasonal, fun or classic designs. Themed products, in coordinated collections of glassware, mugs, planters and tabletop, featuring on-trend designs such as lemons, wildflowers, or bees. We use terrific patterns that translate onto a variety of materials, to make a cohesive story that’s easy to display at the retail level.

The post All Around Inspiration appeared first on Gift Shop Magazine.

“I started my business to fulfill a wish from my live music fans, who said: “If only we could take you home, so we  could feel the happiness of your songs and sunny vibe any time we want to smile! Coming from a creative services as well as a performing arts background, my response was: Challenge accepted,” Glassman detailed.

“I design with your happiness in mind and am here to help (retailers) delight customers with dynamic greeting cards and gifts whose art, music and messaging is charmingly original and emotionally timeless,” Glassman shared. All of Smile Songs’ designs are Made in the USA, which helps reduce shipping costs and delivery times for retailers.

Glassman is a self-proclaimed “deep listener” and that this ability allows her to understand messages that customers seek. “I use my extensive experience in branding, creative services and a commitment to collaboration to bring (retailers) products that will make you and your customers smile,” she said. “I see our relationship as a 1+1=3, and I am super open to your feedback, suggestions and ideas. I’ve even made a video where I sing to you about how and what I do!”

Currently, buyers are able to shop for this designer’s offerings that are infused with kindness through a variety of platforms — Smile Songs website, Trada, Faire and Abound digital marketplaces and it also offers an interactive catalog that “sings” and stores can order directly from the catalog. Additionally, Glassman shared that she works with clients on rush orders, questions and other requests. “I’d love to hear from you!” she emphasized. For buyers that wish to connect, they may visit Smile Songs on Instagram and DM Glassman, or can simply email her for more information.

Glassman is a longtime student of yoga and “seva” — meaning service — is a very integral part of her nature. She explained she is a businesswoman, but she also is on a mission to server her “customers and stockists with cards and gifts that help them feel and share happiness, joy, encouragement, love and appreciation — and of course, fun!”

“I am so inspired by all of you in so many ways! Sometimes it can be hard to see all the joy and awesomeness we are creating as we do it. And that can feel tiring, especially in these unusual times,” she detailed. “But as your fan and friend on ‘Insta’, I cheer you on every day. (I) am inspired and supportive of all you do, AND am here to be of help to you in any way I can. To amplify, brainstorm, create and send good vibes. Because positive energy is what our beautiful stationery world is all about.” 

The post Dynamic Charm appeared first on Gift Shop Magazine.

James Point offers a premier product line that consists of a collection of high-quality stationery items, suitable for individuals that love to make lists and enjoy organization. “Our cornerstone product, The MultiTasker was born out of necessity. A need for simplicity, a need for quality and luxurious feel, and a need to keep all my lists in one place,” Kurjanowicz expanded.

“I’ve always been a list maker. There is just something so satisfying about creating a list and physically checking things off when they are complete,” she shared. She is also a mother and wife with a hectic schedule that requires a lot of list making. 

“I used to carry stacks of Post-it notes around with me to keep separate lists for everything, but it drove my husband crazy! On the other hand, keeping everything on one giant list just felt overwhelming and chaotic. I knew there had to be a better way to keep things organized and most importantly, keep them simple,” she explained.

During her school years, Kurjanowicz was one of “those kids” that enjoyed back-to-school shopping, especially for notebooks, pens and other supplies. “As an adult, I still get excited about new pens and love nothing more than strolling the office supply aisles at Target and the pen aisle at Staples,” she enthused. 

Right now, James Point’s most requested item in inventory is the MultiTasker Triple and the FamilyTasker. Another very popular item is the FamilyTasker, which attracts stay-at-home moms and moms working from home, “particularly during the pandemic when people are juggling so many things (work/home life/remote school/etc.),” shared Kurjanowicz.

When asked about tips for showcasing merchandise online, she said “creating displays for an online shop are all about photos.” She tries to visualize the way her customers see the products and considers ways they may like to see items. “The majority of our photo ideas come out of questions and feedback we have received from product testers and current customers,” she noted. 

For the holiday season, James Point is offering product bundles at a discounted price. “They are our most requested and sold items — bundled with their refill products to make an amazing gift for the holiday season. We also have full color bundles, which include our full line of products in a single color. This has been a very popular bundle with our VIP email subscribers,” she detailed. 

Kurjanowicz provided some advice to other retailers: “Trust your gut. You know your business better than anyone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help — there are so many resources out there and available to women starting new businesses.” Kurjanowicz herself has turned to her local SCORE chapter and the CEI women’s business center to seek input when necessary. She explained that seeking support and utilizing resources for information related to business fundamentals are invaluable. 

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There is one line that is near and dear to Hughes — Always Choose Joy. “This line was inspired while caring for my mother who had dementia,” Hughes said. “It was a very trying and difficult time for me. Over the years of caring for her I realized all the joy she was teaching me. I decided to design a beautiful collection of jewelry and accessories to spread my message,” she detailed. 

Part of the proceeds from the Always Choose Joy line fund its PINKBOX project. “(This) line funds our PINKBOX project, which sends crafts to children’s hospitals and nursing homes. My mothers name was Pinky so I found PINKBOX to be a perfect name,” she explained.

“We think that all of the items in our Always Choose Joy line complement each other and give the customer a wide and special selection to choose from when displayed together as a collection,” Hughes said. “There are various price ranges and they will be sure to find something for everyone.”

Recently, Hughes modified the website to include almost all Amy Catherine Design items to better serve retailers in today’s world. Additionally, customer communications are conveyed via email and on social media to keep clients informed. For more information about Amy Catherine Design, buyers can visit them this winter at Dallas Total Home & Gift Market and Atlanta Market.

Customer service is paramount at Amy Catherine Designs. Hughes explained that she has a commitment to serve the retailers and build solid relationships with them. “We want them to love our products and spread joy to their customers like we do,” Hughes said.

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