Lessons from Lakeside

Sitting on the shores of Lake George, I realize the life lessons it’s sharing. One of the best things about being here is that the view constantly changes without ever leaving our chairs. At any given time, the lake can shift from sparkling silver to a shimmering blue or deep green, and finally, sunset orange or pink. Storms roll in out of nowhere, and what was once crystal clear can’t be seen. Rain clouds unfold from behind the mountains, and an ominous gray mist slides slowly across the lake, overtaking everything in its path. Casual boaters caught off-guard race back to avoid danger. Eventually, what was once dark and gray, becomes bright and clear again. And on a few select days, a rainbow appears. Sitting in our Adirondack chairs, I recognize the same thing is happening in our lives.

Right here on the water’s edge, Mother Nature gives us perspective. We wake up each morning, assess the current situation, and then go about our business adapting to what we see before us. It seems simple here. Sunshine means being outside. Rainy days bring puzzles, trips to the market, and reading. One of the books I’m enjoying is Alicia Keys’ memoir, More Myself. In it, she shares her view of the constant change in life, “Nothing but uncertainty is certain. Circumstances come together, only to fall apart moments or months later. And then, in a flash, we must rise up and regain our footing…it’s not that the ground underneath me was suddenly shifting; it’s that it is never still.”

Here, it doesn’t occur to us to try and control our environment; we roll with it. Yet, somehow when we transition back to our working world, we spend a lot of energy trying to gain control over the current circumstances. There’s a rigidity that creeps into daily living that constricts our creativity and thinking over time. Spending time away with Mother Nature reminds us that we need to practice letting go more often.

Next Step, New Ideas

There is so much noise and heightened online activity right now. Some days small business planning is a big rock to push up the hill, but movement means progress over time. Better to move slowly forward than be stagnant and disappear. Each week we take steps like the ones outlined below, to be creative, add value, and move forward.

One could easily decide to sit it out, but then what are we waiting for? This global situation will take months to settle, and the level of unknowns is unprecedented. What we do know is that we can continue to share new content and ideas on how to relax, enjoy, entertain, and celebrate with handmade artisan elements. Despite the news, daily living with family, friends, and colleagues does continue.

Our focus has been on existing and prospective customers, with whom we already have a connection. Now seems like a tough time to start from scratch with a potential client, or cold contact. When you decide to publish content of any kind, you’ll face the challenge of being seen and heard. Breaking through the noise was hard pre-2020, and it’s even more difficult now.

We decided to make a hand-crafted specialty item in our workshop, a custom doorstop. It’s timely; everyone wants their doors to be open (safely) to warm weather, sunshine, friends, neighbors, and customers. And it’s a piece that’s functional and beautiful. A small token of joy that brings a smile seems worth the effort.

We documented the process of making the doorstops and posted photos on our social platforms and the Workshop page of our website. People love a look behind-the-scenes. You can record and share your creative process and use it as content across your channels. We've received so much positive feedback that we may add it to our Marketplace, which was not the original intention.

Because we focus on hand-crafted products, visual images are a significant aspect of our business. Custom printed note cards, gift tags, and high-end mailing envelopes are areas where we leave a visual impression. We included a personal, handwritten note on quality paper stock inside each package.

We were intentional about the timing of the doorstop mailing. Using social media, we followed specific companies and sent our packages when their doors opened for business. As a result, several executives reached out personally to connect with us, which was a welcome surprise. You never know what will resonate with people, that’s why you have to keep trying new things.

Current events will test even the most determined of us, but small wins like this are another reason to keep pushing that rock over the top of the hill.

Enjoy an Out-of-Box Experience

Once you remove the artisan elements from your gift box, you know the hand-crafted box is a work of art too. It’s one of the pieces we want you to enjoy as part of your personal style. Each one is hand-made and finished in our workshop, and is part of the gift itself. So, how do you use the gift box? How can it be elegant or festive (and useful) in your home or office? Let’s talk about a few different ideas and then you pick what works for you.

Think about a space where items are used regularly as part of your daily routine. Is there a collection of elements that you consistently place together? Are there items that you reach for as part of a regular activity? It could be in your kitchen, at the bar, on your desk, in your living space or bedroom, here are a few examples:

• Combine your gourmet kitchen tools in a hand-crafted box along with salts, spices, and olive oil.

• A custom gift box creates a showcase for your favorite collection of artisan pieces, small plants, and books.

• Organize your writing instruments, notepaper, envelopes, and coasters as an efficient and elegant way to clear your workspace.

• A custom-crafted gift box is a classic addition to the bar for your go-to mixers, stirring spoons, and beverage accessories.

Be creative, blend different textures and sizes together, arrange by color if that’s a passion of yours. It’s all about making it work in your daily life. Find more ideas, including how one couple used their wedding shower gift box on the day of their wedding, here.

And the Screens Go Dark

We're not even halfway through 2020, and it’s already a year we’ll never forget. As neighbors, parents, and small business owners, there was no way for us to predict what this year would bring. Many weighty events have occurred within three months, even more so this week. These events deserve our full attention, consideration, and action. If we weren’t living through it, I’d say this convergence of events is almost unimaginable.

As I write this, our screens are dark; the marketing and promotional stories are silent, the chatter is gone. Black screens across social media are trying to lift other voices, ideas, and the words of leaders and people of color to speak, share, suggest, invite, and educate. We listen for what we don’t know, for what we can do, and decide what action we will take.

The pandemic meant we had to revamp marketing, messaging, and be sensitive to so much loss and devastation, so much unknown. In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, following a long list of unjust deaths of people of color before him, the unknowns of COVID-19 have faded into darkness.

This week, as our cities burn, peaceful protestors are met with tear gas, and small business owners of all ethnic and racial backgrounds pray their buildings are still intact. One thing is painfully clear: Lives are at stake. As Ruhel Islam, owner of the restaurant Gandhi Mahal in Minneapolis, said, when he got word his building was on fire, “I felt like we can rebuild with bricks, but we cannot rebuild people's life, and we have lost a lot of life.”

We are trying to show support for our brothers and sisters of color, in what we hope are meaningful ways. We have used our time in silence on social media to listen and learn. A video by @prestonsmiles is both informative and thought-provoking, check him out. If you search on the hashtag #amplifymelanatedvoices, you’ll find much more information. The Obama Foundation has a list of resources and links to action items with which we have engaged. We have sent letters to our Senators requesting their next steps, and are committed to making a positive impact on voter suppression beyond our home state. We’ve also realized we do not have artisans of color represented in our work. That’s embarrassing to admit and not even to realize, but it’s true. That needs to be addressed moving forward. We have much more to do.

Intertwined in all of this is the reality that vast numbers of people are without jobs, and bills need to be paid. People of all ages, backgrounds, and skin colors are trying to bootstrap, start new businesses, initiate side jobs, scrambling to make ends meet, and put food on the table.

In the stark quiet of the day, we sit in our uncomfortable silence, determined to remain hopeful, to look, listen, learn, and help build a path forward together.

With this blog, we attempt to document what it’s like to run a small business in the midst of global events and turmoil in America's streets. We document these lessons learned to remind ourselves, and others, who might also reflect and learn from this.

Creating Top Notch Take-Outs

With soft grass under their feet and sunshine at their backs, customers have embraced the idea of selecting a take-out menu that suits today’s mood and carrying it to a destination of choice for their dining pleasure. Eating out has taken on a whole new meaning, it’s no longer limited to a fixed menu that must be enjoyed at only one location. Savvy restaurant owners have recognized that grab-and-go is here to stay. Chefs across major cities and owners of popular rural bakeries have the opportunity to attract clients who view the carryout food option as an important alternative to traditional restaurant dining. What was once perceived as a side service has now arrived front-and-center. Classing up the grab-and-go option gives restaurant owners the chance to share the best their kitchen has to offer while customers get to pick the dining location that suits them.

As the takeout travels so does the brand. With customers moving across town or across a property with a take-out in hand, the package itself becomes a focus. Think of it as a party on the move. It’s a new opportunity to make an impact. What does the container look like? Is it casual, fun, or formal? What impression will the contents leave, are they reusable, environmentally friendly? Are all the items disposable or do you plan to include unique elements they can enjoy again?

Imagine a relaxing experience. Carryout doesn’t have to mean paper-thin napkins shoved inside a crumpled white bag. As a preferred dining style, a top-notch take-out can combine great food in a relaxed and safe atmosphere. This is a chance to be intentional around the full experience, from the food to dining location options, and the unique contents inside each to-go order.

Where views and verandas abound. With access to beautiful scenery and the invitation of private settings, resorts and hotels have the chance to offer a new experience around the grab-and-go. When guests prefer to eat outside rather than remain in their hotel suite or dine in the restaurant, they can be encouraged to enjoy a fireplace on the patio or spread out across the property. Cozy corners, an expansive lawn, and private hide-aways will be attractive.

Here are a few different ideas on what to include in your stylish carryout:

A mid-afternoon treat. Add a splash to the afternoon by combining a custom bottle opener together with a favorite regional microbrew, sparkling water or kombucha, nestled beside folded napkins. Be creative with a homemade snack mix of sweet and salty delights placed inside a reusable bag, and you've got a lively getaway.

When wine tasting is on the menu. Match your featured wine with an elegant hand-stitched bar towel. For openers, add a forged metal corkscrew with wine goblets to blend unique textures. Pair the wine with a taste of aged Manchego or Brie, along with classic crackers or pretzels, for a winning recipe to unwind. Perfect for a sunset view or blanket on the beach.

Bring along brunch. Homemade granola, fresh fruit, and a steaming mug of coffee or mint tea can start the day off right. Select a colorful pouch to hold the granola and reuse it on your next adventure. If bread is your go-to option, wrap a few slices, pack a dash of honey, a sprinkle of sea salt, and flavored butter tucked inside a basket to make it a glorious day.

Have fun with the packaging. Imagine different options for your carryout container. It can be as easy as a sturdy paper bag with your logo and a ribbon attached or use a bucket with whiskey cups for casual fun. If you’re going for a more upscale look, tie a hand-lettered tag to a classic basket filled with goodies.

The shift to customers being in control of their carryout food choice, along with their preferred location to enjoy it, is an opportunity. Be thoughtful and creative in considering what’s in and on this traveling party, and how you can encourage interesting destinations. Grab-and-go has become the here-and-now, and it will be fun to see how we can make the most of it. Of course taste-testing will be required!

Bon Appetit!

Like the Arrival of Your First Born, There's No Going Back to the Old Normal

Being in this time reminds me of my first days of parenthood. During those first weeks, I wondered aloud, at what week our lives would go back to those regular days of sleep and order? What every other parent knew then was there’s no going back, sister. It's a new normal; you have to move forward and find your way. People depend on you. It feels the same today. I keep hearing people say, “when things go back to normal…” but the old normal feels like it’s gone forever. So here we are, tired of being stuck inside, having no idea where we’re headed, but ready to press on.

If I’m being honest, some positive things have emerged in the last eight weeks. I mentioned a few in an earlier post (here). It’s a time of exploration. We have tried more new things on social media in the last four weeks than in the previous year. And we’ve watched a lot of others do the same, which encourages us, and the cycle continues. This time forces us to have courage. (As entrepreneur, Rachel Hollis, shows us here.) All of our marketing documents, from emails to pop-ups to sign-up forms, got a refresh. Then there are the new social media apps to learn (or new to us), like Tik Tok, who knew? Somehow, it seems we need to design a dance routine while holding artisan gift boxes. Still working on that one.

Everyone, including the industries thriving today, is working on new protocols, processes, and offerings. We're all in complete heads-down, creative, innovation mode. For some of us, this will turn into bold, new opportunities, or so my virtual podcast coaches keep telling me. Having to do all this for sheer survival isn’t the preferred reason for making these changes, but it may get us where we need to be, or should already have been.

So, this too keeps us up at night, forces us to try all kinds of creative things, and motivates us to reach out to friends and mentors for advice and counsel (as if they know the answer?). We try, we fail, we have great days, then we scramble to avoid a meltdown. We do our best to find joy in each day. Along the way, we learn patience, perhaps a little grace, and one day we look back at the fond memories and appreciate all we’ve accomplished in our journey. This is our hope for the birth of this new age.

Designing a Tasteful Transition

Creative ideas, new approaches, and nimble behavior, that’s the name of the game. Plans are in motion, albeit on a smaller, more intimate scale. There may be less fanfare and greater challenges, but the world keeps turning. Families are moving into new homes, couples are getting married, and business projects continue. As this transition evolves from weeks into months and lays the foundation for a different future, what plans are you putting in motion? How will you create touchpoints to connect with existing customers?

As you consider your outreach strategy, here are a few things we’ve observed in recent weeks. First, the sincerity of the message matters, with more attention being given to the note accompanying each artisan gift box. People are pausing to reflect on their relationships. Second, now more than ever customers appreciate meaningful gestures and candid conversations. We work closely with clients who are genuine about their intention to recognize valuable colleagues, who still want to celebrate big life events like the milestone anniversaries and weddings, and acknowledge special business partners. They’re sending thoughtful ‘thank you’ gifts to executives who lend an extra hand and to colleagues who’ve stepped up as mentors. And for the newlyweds on honeymoon at home, well, special artisan gift boxes are arriving on their doorsteps too.

We’ve included a few examples here of artisan gift boxes selected by those who understand the value of quality, hand-crafted elements, and how much the thought behind them means to their recipients.

Embrace the Shift to Simple Comforts

Elegant vacation photos and highly produced event videos disappeared almost overnight in March. The landscape shifted from high-end glamour to the simple comforts of home and real-life, behind-the-scenes access. Suddenly, we were inside the sous chef’s kitchen and the home office of corporate CEO’s with their family pets. This silver lining moment grants all of us a hall pass to try some new things.

Meeting chefs, designers, and entrepreneurs in their personal space, via Instagram stories or live video, has been inviting and interesting. Seeing people dressed down, not made-up, sharing tips and ideas in a more personal way has been a big positive. Their willingness to be genuine, less than perfect, and vulnerable is refreshing. (On the flip side, we’ve also seen some big brand names do a less than stellar job hosting these more personal interviews.)

This is a moment to seize and apply to our businesses. How can we enhance the story around our core products or services and share unique tidbits of interest? Who can we introduce via a live video, YouTube or Instagram stories to let viewers see the genuine people behind the curtain? It’s a chance to build on what we already do if we’re brave enough to take the chance.

A couple of ways to put this opportunity to work:

• Many hotels have Artists in Residence, let’s meet one virtually each week, and learn more about their creative process, business lessons?

• Can we meet the restaurant’s sommelier and learn about a different wine each week that’s under $10? And what to pair it with that I can make on my grill?

• If you’re in the design space, what tips can you share for keeping my workspace looking cool, fun, energized? Anything to uplift our moods. What are the new trends in design, color, fabrics?

If you’re looking for current examples:

• @makerhotel in Hudson has gone live on Instagram with their chef making different plates, from pesto to pancakes (with his little girl).

• Masterclass is doing a free Q&A interview every Wednesday for anyone (nonmembers) to enjoy.

• Magazines and tech companies (Verizon Small Business webinar) are interviewing entrepreneurs on timely topics like how to manage finances in a crisis.

• Fashion influencers like Tom Ford are sharing tips for looking good on computer video chats.

It’s time to let our guard down and be super creative. Try something new. While we don’t love the reason that initiated all of this, we do think that the unintended outcome of genuine, unproduced content is a welcome bright spot in the day.

Telling the Artisan Story Behind Our Gift Boxes

Being in the business of hand-crafted means we have artisans from all over the country, working in their studios and workshops, to make the elements you see inside our gift boxes. Whether the items are hand-woven, created from clay and kiln-fired, or milled from rough cut lumber, it’s real, custom work. 

There are many interesting details about a makers’ process and we began to get questions from customers. Where is each piece made? Is it ceramic, porcelain, stainless steel, maple or walnut wood? The craftsmanship is part of the gift experience, and ultimately their clients appreciate that same story.

With all the inquiries and appeal of the maker space, here are four different ways we share the details of each unique gift box. As the storytellers of artisan work, it’s as important to us as it is to you:

• A written summary in each gift box. We include a summary detailing each piece and where it’s made. This way the recipient knows the care and craftsmanship that they’re receiving.

• On the website, we share content details under each gift box photo. On the web page of each gift box, you can page down and see a description of each piece inside the gift box, and where it’s made.

• Featured artists each month. Once a month we post an article about a different featured artist in our community. While this section continues to expand, we write about the artists with whom we have ongoing relationships.

• The addition of the Workshop page. People were intrigued by the craftsmanship involved in the gift boxes themselves. We received so many questions and comments that we added a Workshop page for a behind-the-scenes look at selecting the wood, making the boxes, cutting boards and more. We even launched a YouTube channel to share.

We know there are a wide variety of gift boxes options out in the world today, and the prices vary as wildly as the content. For us, we choose the path of hand-crafted because we believe in the talent and skill of the people behind each gift box. We hope that’s exactly why you’ll enjoy working with us too.

Creative Gifts Keep Important Connections

Travel plans may be delayed or postponed on any given week, so what better time to get your creative juices flowing and boost your client outreach. How do you stay connected and top-of-mind when you’re not meeting face-to-face? While clients are in the midst of deciding when and where to schedule their vacations, attend conferences and plan strategic meetings, this is a chance to surprise them with a bit of light humor and a stylish reminder that you’re ready to welcome them when the time is right.

Consider a new twist to the usual client note and office plant or bottle of wine. Pen your creative message and pair it with a tasteful gift that conveys business yet also brings a smile. (And it’s a gift that will last for years to come!):

Here are a few thoughts to get your wheels turning and the outreach moving:

• A note of enthusiasm for pending meetings; elegant porcelain glasses paired with a handwoven bar towel, and thoughtful note, “Cheers to our next get-together, we‘re excited to see you again.” (Shop Toast of the Town)

• When strategic discussions are in the works; ceramic mugs with fresh coffee along with the message; “We look forward to brewing up great ideas with you.” (Shop Now or Latte)

• When an off-site conference or vacation is on the horizon: a pair of whiskey cups and colorful handwoven coasters may be the perfect way to say, “We invite you to kick back and relax with us, when you firm up your travel plans.” (Shop Fireside Reflection, Midnight Rambler, and Evening Sipper.)

• An invitation for the next business dinner; a hand-crafted cutting board, (with your logo or customer initials); “We welcome the chance to serve up an exciting plan during your next visit.” (Shop Marketplace)

Being creative and willing to think differently can leave a lasting impression. It’s these small gestures that make the difference when selecting business partners. When plans change unexpectedly, whether it’s now or in the future, send an upbeat note and lighten the mood with a tasteful, unique gesture.