# 33 How to get product into big-box stores: the inspiring journey of Christi Kmecik
Do you dream of your product on the shelves at Big-Box stores like Target, Home Goods, or Home Depot? Then this episode is sure to inspire you! Christi and I talked about how her business took a surprising turn, and she landed her greeting cards on the shelves of Home Goods. She shares her journey from "I don't have a plan" to building her successful but unexpected greeting card business. She shares her real-life experiences with scaling her business and the art and science of landing your product in Big-Box stores. Christi is a resilient and creative entrepreneur who has overcome personal challenges to transform her artwork into a thriving business, defying the odds to pursue her dream.
Unpacking this episode min-by-min:
00:02:30 - Starting Written Hugs Designs
00:09:26 - Researching and Understanding Audience
00:12:39 - Challenges of Product Validation
00:13:11 - Gathering Feedback
00:16:04 - Overcoming Creative Blocks
00:17:34 - Digital Art and Tools
00:19:34 - Resilience and Experimentation
00:23:26 - Navigating the Logistics of Mass Production
00:29:13 - Finding the Right Partners
00:31:44 - Key Lessons Learned
00:33:37 - Asking Questions and Seeking Referrals
00:35:05 - Working with Big Box Stores
00:39:04 - Supportive Communities and Resources
00:43:12 - Impact and Changes
00:47:30 - Knowing What Matters
00:49:37 - Believing in Your Voice
00:50:36 - Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
00:53:38 - Relaxation and Inspiration
00:57:57 - Making the World a Better Place
00:02:30 - Starting Written Hugs Designs
00:09:26 - Researching and Understanding Audience
00:12:39 - Challenges of Product Validation
00:13:11 - Gathering Feedback
00:16:04 - Overcoming Creative Blocks
00:17:34 - Digital Art and Tools
00:19:34 - Resilience and Experimentation
00:23:26 - Navigating the Logistics of Mass Production
00:29:13 - Finding the Right Partners
00:31:44 - Key Lessons Learned
00:33:37 - Asking Questions and Seeking Referrals
00:35:05 - Working with Big Box Stores
00:39:04 - Supportive Communities and Resources
00:43:12 - Impact and Changes
00:47:30 - Knowing What Matters
00:49:37 - Believing in Your Voice
00:50:36 - Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
00:53:38 - Relaxation and Inspiration
00:57:57 - Making the World a Better Place
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Reach out! Send your feedback and comments. What would you like to hear about on this podcast? Email me at ridingtandem@thetandemworks.com
Related Episodes:
#9 Taking an idea from paper to reality, making tough decisions and creating a values driven business with Alysia Hess, Founder of The Occasional Collective
#13 Uncharted adventures: Neal Eilers' journey to opening a storefront
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