Stepping Out to Shine and Serve

There are times when you arrive at a moment of distinction and direction in the most unexpected way.

Sometimes, unpredictable events unfold that, in the end, make perfect sense. It’s like finding that last puzzle piece without the box cover, and the whole picture becomes clear. 

The transition we’ve just completed feels a lot like that. 

If you’ve been with us for a minute, you know that Rugged retired from his 40-year day job this past December in 2023, an opportunity that occurred earlier than we anticipated (read more on that here). His new-found freedom allowed us to complete passion projects that had been on hold, host new artisan client experiences, and relax in reflection, dreaming of possibilities. 

Over the summer, as Rugged and I discussed our vision and next business steps together, we realized his retirement opened up options for both of us - in different ways. The more we talked about the future, the more it became clear that we’re excited about a host of personal options together but different business directions. And so we shift into our next exciting evolution at Red & Rugged.

Red (on right), here we go!

Starting in September, Rugged will transition to fully enjoying retirement—the freedom to fish, hunt, golf, cook (make us pizza!), travel, and more! On the flip side, I’m excited to weave my decades of business experience with my artful and imaginative skills. Given my long history working with entrepreneurs (read more here), I feel like this piece completes my puzzle picture. In my new role as a business creatives’ coach, I’m expanding my existing work with women, engaging and uplifting talented, creative professionals as they build thriving businesses they love. (Read more of what’s next at BizCreatv.)

What about the artisan element? I’m a big believer in elevating the everyday, and that unique, beautifully textured elements embolden sharp thinking and inspire fresh approaches. Simply put, they make life more fun! As such, I’ll infuse a distinct artisan experience into my individual, special group, and VIP activities.

Looking back at the last seven years, we are proud and humbled to have built lasting relationships and many treasured friendships - in our artisan community, inside the corporate C-Suites, with global executives, renowned hospitality professionals, boutique business owners, and discerning individuals.

We invite you to raise a beloved artisan glass and celebrate with us. I hope you’re excited to see what’s ahead as Rugged enjoys a well-earned retirement, and I move forward with great enthusiasm in this new direction.

Declare Yourself Game-Ready

Hanging on the edge of our seats, forgetting to breathe, is how we’ve watched Olympic events thus far - and we still have a week of thrills to go.

One of the things we appreciate most about the Games is watching athletes declare themselves game-ready.

Each step onto the pitch, into the pool, or out on the road tests their ability to rise above, believe in themselves, and summon their best in the moment. #respect If you watched the final pommel horse routine of the USA Men’s Team Gymnastics or the USA Women’s Rugby 7’s win, you enjoyed two examples.

As business owners, these stories are an inspiring reminder of three important lessons on the road to success:

Pause the testing and tweaking, and give yourself a chance at winning. Once you’ve built strong fundamentals, it’s time to start talking about and sharing what you do in the Wild West of social media and online platforms. Let people get to know you and learn from your work - while you learn from them. Start posting, send the email, upload your video, or record that podcast. You can only get so far on the practice field.

Cultivate your creative edge and connect it. If you spend all your time immersed in skill development but never risk people seeing it, you miss the reward. While it takes persistence and commitment, impact happens when people value your work (buy), share it with others, and treasure it. Seeing your services transform someone’s life or your products make a lasting impression is powerful. Don’t stop before the connection part, keep going.

Building relationships and gathering feedback doesn't happen by chance; it’s the result of intentional engagement. Stand in the spotlight, attend events, and talk to potential clients—actual humans—to learn what's working. What if you score a win?!

As we enter August, the Games encourage all of us to sharpen our skills, focus our efforts, and prepare to shine in the season ahead.

It's Not Downtime; It's Deposit Time

Stepping out onto the back patio, iced coffee in hand, I appreciate the opportunity to dial back the intensity and scale up the creativity. These long sunny days invite us to actively deposit into our creative account. It’s not an actual bank account but the space in your mind that holds all your lucrative, unique ideas.

Eastern Shore, Maryland

If you’re feeling depleted or need a boost, you’re in good company. Spring was a fast-paced season. From planning promotions to writing emails, social media to new product designs, and connecting with customers—all activities that require your unique touch to be memorable. Don’t think of summer as downtime; it’s deposit time.

You can dial it back and infuse the sights and sounds around you to replenish your creative coffer. This season of greater outdoor adventure is your chance to refill the imaginative energy you withdraw all year long.

We’ve learned that this mindset isn’t nice to have; it’s a must-do. Your distinct gifts are what make your work valuable, whether in a career, job, side gig, or full-time business. You need a clear mind and a full creative cup to deliver.

I heard someone recently suggest taking time to learn nature’s first language: silence. See the beauty of what’s unfolding on your neighborhood walk, hiking the trails, or strolling the shorelines. Notice the colorful beach towels and festive umbrellas. Enjoy the patterned plates, vibrant fruits and vegetables at the market, and the bubbly spirits. And, oh, the sunsets.

Mother Nature works hard to inspire you, elevate your thinking, and plant the seeds of ideas destined for your fabulous future. Accept the invitation and slow down long enough to receive it.

For more on this topic - visit our BizCreatv page.

Elevate Your Epic Event Experience

The seats are filled with close friends and loved ones sharing memories of a vibrant career and a legacy of contributions. Stories of lifelong relationships and funny moments circulate around the table. These are your lasting memories as an honored guest at a Hall of Fame occasion.

When you’re planning a milestone event, your goal is to craft an experience guests will deem unforgettable. Distinct details and attention to subtle points keep the attendees reminiscing about this special evening.

For these memorable occasions, we support your vision of excellence by focusing on three aspects of unique artisan gifts: planning, personalization, and presentation.

Here, we share an example of these elements at work for a recent Hall of Fame recognition.

Planning:
Avoiding the scramble to find the perfect gift means allowing time for valuable discussions, learning about your special guests, and exploring artisan options. It’s a relaxed and creative process that delivers the best results with thoughtful intention. This client began our discussion four months in advance, allowing time to imagine how they wanted the experience to feel and who the honored individuals were as colleagues and friends. This level of planning translates into a beautiful celebration of accomplishments enhanced by meaningful gifts.

Personalization:
A custom gift that speaks to an individual’s passions is accomplished in different ways. For this occasion, a meaningful mantra was transformed into an elegant engraving. The particular phrase, Agape Love Time (unconditional love), elevates the gift box and leaves a lasting impression. (This is another reason why advance planning is key.) Read more timeless engraving ideas here.

Gaining insight into your gift recipients allows us to select individualized elements. In this case, a custom coffee flavor and unique packaging, along with festive wrapping paper that acknowledges a commitment to community, is paired with the artisan pieces. A genuine note, also designed by an artist, is a treasured addition.

Presentation:
Giving your gifts in a handcrafted gift box turns the presentation into a work of art. Not only are the elements inside the gift box meaningful, but gift recipients have a custom, engraved, wood box for their home (Read home display ideas here). A premium gift box is a gift they’ll enjoy well beyond one evening.

We’re fortunate to have a gift moment captured on video: Watch this short Instagram reel of a Hall of Fame recipient surprised by one of our custom gift boxes. Our favorite part is that the gift-giver's passion for the gift box is appreciated not only by this individual but also by others who turn to see the exchange.

We love seeing these kinds of memorable gift-giving experiences for you.

Next time you lead the event details for a milestone occasion, consider your planning, personalization, and presentation as you create your unforgettable evening. We invite you to connect with us using the form on our Custom page.

Find Space for a Fresh Take

Each season is a new opportunity to spark the imagination and defend against the doldrums. 

Most of us love being energized by new ideas and experiences not yet discovered by the masses. Uncovering hidden gems is exciting, especially if it’s you doing the unveiling. 

When you’re passionate about the art, entertainment, and joy of your skills, you learn to envision new scenes and settings for people to enjoy them. The ability to photograph your work in distinct and delightful surroundings reveals a host of ideas for those looking for a fresh take.

The challenge is where to find charming nooks and spaces —with minimal travel and expense.

Your answer may be just around the corner — friends and family who are avid supporters of your creative talents and whose homes offer an easy alternative. 

Those who champion your skills often enjoy sharing their gardens and green spaces to help you create unique photos.  For example, we’ve found properties with wildflower gardens, benches, old wood chairs, window seats, wrought iron, and stone paths that add great character to photographs. 

A note of caution: If this is your first time going off-site to take photographs yourself, it can be a tricky experience. Be patient; this effort takes multiple tries to get it right. 

Having your photo shoot at someone’s beautiful home is an inviting opportunity. In your mind, you see the finished pictures—your creative products in the midst of gorgeous greens, florals, or sweeping scenery. Once you clear those dreamy thoughts, you realize the planning and preparation required to make it happen. 

We’ve had artisan chocolate cookies melt in the hot sun, and apples turn brown while racing to locate items. If you’re a perfectionist, rearranging a shot for the millionth time is problematic. That fizz in the drink only lasts a few seconds. These can be frustrating, character-building hours when you’re unsure of what to do and how to prepare. Here are a few tips for you:

• Preplanning ensures that everything is selected and packed in advance, leaving no room for last-minute surprises. There’s no going back tomorrow to take more photos if something is forgotten. And, it’s a bummer when you leave one of a pair behind (been there!). 

• Show respect and consideration for their space. 

• Don’t expect your generous host to think of scenes like you do. Their lives don’t revolve around clear, unobstructed photos with beautiful backgrounds on the patio. Sometimes, you’ll need to prepare an area for the scene you have in mind. 

• Take every accessory you need. If you want food items or accent pieces, natural greens, florals, or tape to hold things in place, that’s your job. Need side bowls, napkins, or silverware? Bring it along. 

• Find an assistant for the day. Another set of hands allows you time to focus. Timing is harder if you’re taking photos and retrieving the products, too. 

• If you’re taking pictures alone, keep it simple. Plan on it taking longer than you expect, don’t pack the truck full and trim your shot list. 

• Take your most important photos first.

It sounds exciting to shoot all day, but you may run out of steam —the prep, ideas, arranging, shooting, and clean-up take valuable space and energy in your brain. And the weather matters. Mother Nature isn’t always on board with your plans. 

Pack your sense of humor. 

Lastly, create surprise postcards for your gracious host. 

• Look at your photos and see if a handful would make fun postcards. We realized that some of our photos make festive invitations, like a cozy chair looking out over a beautiful view or scenes of an inviting backyard pool. 

• Wrap the postcards in ribbon and add a playful note of inspiration (Ex. “Sip and splash with us”) – be sure to include the stamps. 

Colorful postcards show your appreciation of their home - and just maybe secure you an invitation to come again. 

Embracing New Artisan Trends

You’re a unique creature living and lounging with an intentional personal style. Artisan companies understand this. Whether your vibe is subtle and spiritual, nature-based, bold, or one of refined elegance, business owners like us get it.

This week, we walked the floors of an industry trade show to see and share a glimpse of notable trends that support all things distinct and delightful. Luxurious textiles, rich scents, lush, all-natural cosmetics, colorful patterns, and artful craftsmanship are just a few of the options:

Designs from women-owned franca NYC

Eye-catching designs in an array of colors are painted on ceramic pots and vases. Plants continue to capture the limelight nestled in chic, fashionable pots that accent a space. For those who prefer a muted pallet, don’t worry; you’ll find earthy hues as well. With the full spectrum of designs available, there’s an artisan style sure to capture your discerning taste.

Ignite your journey. Candles expand into a full experience, offering an elusive escape with the flicker of a scented flame. This relaxation tool is not just a pleasing aroma; it amplifies your style with fashionable graphics and packaging alongside unique fragrance combinations. Muted greens mimicking wood textures inspire calm, while other tapers are wildly colorful and ready to party.

Matches. We wrote about matches earlier here, and the pattern continues as the new hot (pardon the pun) accessory. Unique colors, bigger sizes, shapes, and specific messaging, are all ready to strike when the time is right.

Elegance, casual comfort, and silky styles abound. Textiles are covered in bold prints with sassy trims cut into distinct sizes. Cashmere bandanas, handmade mini wool scarves (that feel fabulous) accent your wardrobe with warmth or a pop of color.

All aboard with lush eco-travel products. Simple, sophisticated packaging and all-natural products tout higher quality and better care of the earth. These beautifully condensed multi-purpose products attempt to reduce the size of our toiletry bags with award-winning creams, shampoos, body lotions, and cleansing products - all in one lathering bar.

It was especially exciting to see the women-owned businesses bring their passions to market with inked collaborations, diverse leadership, and bold moves in the works.

Top left to bottom right: Pilgrimwaters textiles, Lohn candles, DMC Home Decor, Tenn Prairie matches, Fossette cosmetics, Pinkstories tapers.

The Surprise Big Finish

We entered December with what we knew were exciting plans, but we finished with an even bigger surprise.

It’s been a year of unexpected twists, turns and exciting opportunities. As Co-founders, we are fully committed to this business. And, as many of you who are, or have been, business owners can appreciate, we have also both worked in additional roles that added value or provided specific perks. In Rugged’s case, he has created exquisite gifts of superior craftsmanship while working full-time in another role that provided key benefits. Yes, that’s a lot.

When we first began discussing Rugged’s time commitments, we estimated his day job departure for five years. However, by early 2023, we accelerated that plan to two years, considering the pace of things. Our priorities had shifted, and the job perks began to feel more like an anchor than a benefit. Today, we are thrilled to report that the plan again accelerated - Rugged retired (from his other job) in December 2023.

Is this a happy guy or what?! The Day he turned the retirement papers in at his day job.

It has been a whirlwind, one we continue to celebrate. As you might imagine, it opens up all kinds of discussions about doing more, less, and different in our personal lives and in this business.

In our seventh year of Red & Rugged, we’re reflecting and making intentional choices regarding our newfound freedom. What comes next? What projects do we love? Is there anything new we’d like to add? What isn’t serving us anymore?

For those of you who are business owners, we share these thoughts for your consideration.

• Know from the start that your business will change in unexpected ways you can’t predict (2020 is just one example).

• The same changes may impact each of you differently. Your passions, health, and priorities may recalibrate in surprising ways.

• If you’re running a business with a life partner, you may witness their changes before they do. These shifts need to be discussed openly and honestly (monthly, quarterly, bi-annually) to keep you moving in the same direction. Or raise questions if you’re not. For us, it became clear that five more years of Rugged serving two professional roles was not sustainable (Note: he worked there for 40 years!).

As we ponder and adjust, we’ll keep you posted. One thing is for sure: there will be more freedom to relax, make pizza, play golf, travel, hang out with family, and focus on the artisan business opportunities that are the most fulfilling. So, if you have a request for a product, event, or custom artisan experience, now is the time to let us know! Email us at greetings@redandrugged.net.

Here’s to a peaceful and prosperous year.

Holiday Happenings

Last updated: 12/11/23

We’ll continue to update this page throughout the holiday season… here’s the latest:

Special Shipping Note - Orders placed now will begin shipping in January!

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Jack Frost brings more than a nip in the air as we unwrap a festive season that extends beyond our talented artisan network. Connection and community are the themes infused into our Holiday Happenings to create the most merry and meaningful season with your artisan gifts. Today, we share fresh new designs and pairings for the holiday.

luxe edition serving boards in two exquisite styles.

1. Your Free Guide to Gift-Giving - Wondering where to start or what to do for unforgettable gifts? Get our free guide: Luxurious & Lasting, 10 unforgettable gift-giving ideas.

2. You’ll Swoon Over These Serving Boards. New luxe serving boards are here! Whether you want more panache for your holiday parties, a unique business gift, or an exceptional wedding or new home gift, these special edition serving boards make an exquisite gift.

3. An Old Travel Favorite Touts a New Design. A unique playlist inspired by each National Park, colorful new designs, and fresh scents representing your Park destination are all part of this new travel accessory. The age-old auto air freshener got a fabulous design upgrade. The custom-designed packs come with two individually wrapped freshener tags to hang. One scented tag has a QR code to access a recommended playlist as well as suggestions for hikes and trails close to the destination. You’ll find this fun, new addition in our Glorious Getaway Gift Box.

4. Philanthropy Through Art - For our gift wrapping, we’ve selected Giftiply, a company that supports artistry, philanthropy, and sustainability. Their mission is philanthropy through art. (We love that idea!) With any artisan order through December 15th, we’ll include a holiday accent wrap using their seasonal paper. Giftiply offers a variety of unique paper wraps designed by artists in support of different non-profits. “Matching Sweaters” (see photos below) supports blood donor matches for cancer patients, and “Snowflakes for Love” supports suicide prevention. These are the two paper designs we selected this season.

5. Java on the Journey – Friends and colleagues traveling this holiday will appreciate a freshly brewed cup of coffee on their trip. This artisan coffee gift box invites them to relish the road trip. Find tasty travel packs of Dark Star coffee tucked inside our Brimming with Bold Gift Box. Little Amps Coffee Roasters in Harrisburg, PA, makes each flavorful packet of instant coffee.

Top L to R: Giftiply “Matching Sweaters” wrap, new luxe serving boards. Bottom L to R: Brimming with Bold Gift Box, new travel air fresheners featuring the National Parks, and Glorious Getaway Gift Box.

A Fresh Spark for Beloved Scents

One might say that the traditional gift of scented candles has seen a new spark.

Candle fragrances can set the mood for romance, invite calm, and transport us back to exotic travel destinations. How often does the Christmas Cookie scent bring back memories of Grandma’s kitchen? It’s no wonder candles are a favored gift to ourselves and others. While these flickering mood enhancers come in delightful varieties, there’s another way to strike someone’s fancy.

What was once an afterthought found at the bottom of a purse or lost in jacket pockets, artisan matches have arrived on the scene in colorful collections, clever packaging, beautifully illustrated boxes, and sassy styles. The new match sets are artful gifts in their own right and can elevate or add a touch of whimsey to your favorite aromatic, soy, or beeswax candle.

For your next occasion, complement a treasured candle scent with a unique match set to light up your gift-giving.

Peaceful Destinations Immersed in Nature

The Catskill and Adirondack Mountains have been the backdrop for business discussions and personal exploration recently. We set off to meet new people in unique places and enjoy small town charm, the tranquility of back roads, and luxurious destinations immersed in nature - a valuable combination as owners of a handcrafted artisan business. We’re pleased to share a few distinct travel discoveries with you below.

The Great Porch at Wildflower Farms is a beautiful stop for stunning views and farm fresh plates. The spacious, open porch welcomes you with cozy sofas and chairs, a place to connect with guests and visitors in a peaceful atmosphere. The Shawangunk Mountain Range (otherwise known as The Gunks) is on full display from the porch, inviting you to rest and recharge by the oversized fire pit. It’s a property infused with elegant artisan style.

Our journey continued into Kingston, a lively town in the midst of the Hudson Valley. Thanks to the locals’ generous sharing (hat tip to Clove & Creek), we discovered Rough Draft Bar & Books for a coffee boost, and sipped sparkling German wine with sardine pate at the natural wine bar, Brunette.

Next, an intentional drive on long, windy roads led us to Fellow, in the mountain town of Hunter. This friendly sandwich and coffee stop offers tables inside and a charming wrap-around porch for visitors and seasonal skiers. And it’s just down the road from Scribner’s Lodge and Deer Mountain Inn.

In the Adirondacks, boaters were thrilled to have another sparkling water weekend to race across Lake George. Quieter souls chose to glide by on their paddle boards and kayaks in the early morning hours. A drive to Vergennes, Vermont, introduced us to delicious toffee bark at Daily Chocolate (Oh my!) and yet another coffee shop and bakery (notice a theme here?) called the Laundry.

During our downtime, we listened to the loons calling, and watched as flocks of geese began their flight south. The temperatures dropped at night enough to unpack our beloved flannel shirts, kick back by the fire, and partake in the spicy flavor of ginger-infused (hard) Citizen Cider (Dirty Mayor) or the seasonal non-alcoholic Oktoberfest by Athletic Brewing.

It was a productive and refreshing week, filled with local stops, interesting people, and destinations we recommend for those seeking simple luxuries surrounded by nature.

Photos L to R: Rough Draft, Fellow, Daily Chocolate box, the Laundry, Lake George