057 | How exhibiting at a tradeshow got her into Paper Source with Christine Miller, Bundle Designs

Paper Camp alum, Christine Miller is the creator and designer of Bundle Design — home to cheerful, cheeky greeting cards, balloons, party supplies and Good Day Decals.

On today’s episode Christine shares her journey of turning her hobby into a business, lessons learned from exhibiting at the National Stationery Show and how being at the show opened the door to working with Paper Source.

ON TODAY’S EPISODE:

What Christine was doing before Bundle Design
 How starting her family influenced her decision to step away from her full time job
Starting her business a hobby and a creative outlet after having her son and transitioning it to a business a few years ago
Opening her Etsy shop in 2011 and what made her realize that Etsy may not be the best path for her
 Making the decision that wholesale was the direction she wanted to go
The difficulty she faced in establishing her own brand identity and creating products that had a cohesive aesthetic
How her style has changed over the years
The fears and concerns she had going into her first National Stationery Show and the mistakes she made
The importance of sending out mailers and advertising your booth number to anyone and everyone prior to the show
 The changes Christine made her second year at the National Stationery Show
Meeting the Paper Source buyer at the show and how it has been fruitful even years later
 The advice Christine would give to someone just starting out in a product based business
The goals she is setting for herself and for Bundle Design
What’s next for Bundle Design

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KEY TAKE-AWAYS

“My mentality is, “Well, if I just make it people will just buy it.” Unfortunately it doesn’t quite work that way.” – Christine Miller

“When you’re developing a line, one of the most important things is to have a unique style, a brand that’s recognizable.” – Christine Miller

“The biggest fear is no one is going to buy anything.” – Christine Miller

“That first year, my mantra was, ‘Okay, I want to make sales but if I don’t make sales at least I’m still learning this and I’m making connections and I’ll know more for the next year.’” – Christine Miller

“Your booth number is your address on the show so you want to make sure that you’re telling everyone where you’re going to be at all times, add it to your social media profile, your bio. Make sure you’re sending out those mailers, include it in the footer of your emails that go out. Don’t keep that a secret, shout it from the rooftops where you’re going to be.” – Katie Hunt

“I never would’ve made that connection had I not been to the show. I’m sure I could’ve found out her information another way, LinkedIn or asking around and things like that, but I think her maybe seeing it in person gave it a little bit of an edge when they made their final selections.” – Christine Miller

“I’ve always had the mentality of slow and steady. So, if I’m making steps, even if they’re small steps, I’m moving in the right direction then that’s what I’m always striving for.” – Christine Miller

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE MILLER

Websites: Bundle Design | Instagram: @bundledesign | Facebook: @bundledesignonline

LINKS

Portfolio Center | National Stationery Show | Paper Camp | Paper Source | Farewell Paperie

Connect with Katie Hunt

Katie Hunt is a business strategist, podcaster, mentor and mama to four. She helps product based businesses build profitable, sustainable companies through her conferences, courses and coaching programs.

Website: prooftoproduct.com | Instagram: @prooftoproduct