Reader — h+h americas is one week away — in Illinois, NOT Houston (got the location wrong in our last newsletter). If you’re attending, this is your reminder to be intentional about how you spend your time. h+h is not a consumer show. It’s where the business of craft happens. It’s a place where you can find new products, new relationships, and new ideas all under the same roof. As a second-year speaker, here is what I remember after my last appearance: Retailers leave inspired but they still...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Reader — Today is the last day of the first quarter. Which means one of two things is probably true. You’re feeling good about how the year has started. Or… You’re realizing that some things didn’t unfold the way you expected. Neither outcome is unusual. What matters more is what you do with the information Q1 just gave you. Because the first quarter always reveals something important about how your business actually works. Maybe you discovered that demand is stronger than expected. Maybe you...
5 months ago • 2 min read
Reader — As we near the end of our training I want to remind you that commitment over the long term is where the exponential value lines. Although folks often find value in the first few weeks, the compounding effect over time is where the real ROI lies. Make a commitment to fully implement the process for at least 90 days before making any final evaluation. In our experience, the first 90 days establishes the rhythm, the second 90 days are where the bigger insights come to light and the time...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Reader — If your business feels heavier than it should right now, this is for you. You’re established. Sales are consistent. You know your market. You know what you’re doing. And yet… You’re still: Second-guessing major decisions Spinning on priorities Working constantly but not getting ahead Carrying your business in your head 24/7 Most people try to solve that with more marketing or more strategy. Sometimes more mindset work. Or jumping between productivity tools. That’s not the answer....
7 months ago • 2 min read
Reader — There’s a stage of business where expanding your world is exactly the right move. You say yes to introductions. You take the coffee chats. You show up in rooms just to see who’s there. That phase is useful — even necessary. But if you’ve been in business for more than a few years, you’ve likely crossed an invisible line. The point where more connections no longer equal more opportunity. What I’m seeing now — in my own business and in my clients’ — is often mistaken for overwhelm or...
8 months ago • 3 min read
Reader — With just two days left in 2025, I’m making this email relatively short and sweet. No matter how you feel about this year, it’s about to be over. The calendar page turns whether we want it to or not. If you haven’t yet, I recommend spending a little time reflecting on the year and deciding what you want to carry forth into 2026 and what you want to leave behind. Deep Thoughts on Finish Lines Tonya and I had some fun crossing episodes with our friends over at Listening for the...
8 months ago • 1 min read
Reader — Running your own business can take so much from you – but it can give so much back, too. What are you grateful for in your business? What does running your own business allow you to do, that you might not otherwise be able to? I’d love to hear what comes up for you, so let me know! I read and respond to every email personally. Speak soon, Gwen
10 months ago • 1 min read
Reader — As we head into the final stretch of the year, I want to pause and simply say thank you. Thank you for opening these emails each month. Thank you for replying — we really do read every single one. Thank you for listening to the podcast, showing up to our events, sharing the episodes, and telling your friends about the work we do here. Every time you engage with something Tonya or I create, it reminds us why we do this. Your trust and attention are gifts we don’t take lightly. Back to...
10 months ago • 2 min read
Reader — Sometimes our business grows in directions we didn't intend. What aspect of your current business model exists more by accident than by design? Is it serving your long-term vision? I’d love to hear what comes up for you, so let me know! I read and respond to every email personally. Speak soon, Gwen
10 months ago • 1 min read