Savannah Hayes - Blog

When to Pivot & How to Get to the Next Level

2019-06-04T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Alyssa Kerbel of Mini Mioche, the Toronto-based childrens' apparel line well known for their minimal, unisex basics. Alyssa talks about launching her brand exclusively to the wholesale market, gradually introducing e-commerce and ultimately finding her stride in the brick & mortar space. She talks about the power of a store as a marketing vehicle, when to ask for help, and why you should focus on profit not just growth. She shares her own experience with continually shaking things up over the last 11 years & how she pushes the brand to always get to the next level. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Good to Great (book)

How I Built This (podcast)

Ten Percent Happier

Catherine of SoYoung

Jenny Bird

Where You Can Find Mini Mioche

Mini Mioche

On Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Mini Mioche

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

How to Start a Company & TFW Megan Markle Rocks Your Product

2019-05-21T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Ariane Goldman of Hatch, the digitally native brand bringing clothing solutions to women in all trimesters & beyond. Ariane talks about her experience working with sample houses and factories in New York's Garment District, branding and launching her e-commerce site, and the number one tactic it takes to start a company. She chats about her decision to open stores as a way to increase the community experience. And she talks about working with celebrities, influencers & ambassadors to drive new customers to her site and the jaw-dropping moment when she saw Meghan Markle wearing a piece from the Hatch collection. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Twobirds

Steal Like an Artist (book)

Meghan Markle in the Hatch Eliza Dress

HATCH Mama Beauty

Trello

How I Built This (podcast)

Eileen Fisher

Bombas

Glossier

Where You Can Find Hatch

Hatch

On Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Hatch

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Creating an Iconic Brand & Planning Ahead

2019-05-07T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Christina Stembel of Farmgirl Flowers, the direct to consumer e-commerce site offering the most gorgeous floral arrangements in the online gift space. Christina talks about how she grew her company from her 100 square foot living room to a 30,000 square foot warehouse and a team of 100+ people. She talks about creating an idea that would have the potential to scale big, launching her company in the most expensive city in the US, and how listening to her customers through focus groups has led to some big returns on investments. She talks about the power of digital marketing to acquire new customers and how that contributed to the $23 million she did in sales last year. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

San Francisco Flower Mart

Entrepreneurial Winning Women by Ernst & Young

C-Suite

Capital One: Spark Small Business Card

Audible

Culture Code (book)

Dare to Lead (book)

Patagonia

Quickbooks Online

Where You Can Find Farmgirl Flowers

Farmgirl Flowers

On Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Farmgirl Flowers

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Starting with a Big Idea & Where to Go From There

2019-04-23T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Tara Foley of Follain, the popular retailer of over 80 brands in the clean beauty market. Tara talks about the importance of research & education when planning your business, how she's found funding over the years, the unconventional decision to launch with a Brick & Mortar shop before an e-commerce site and why you should always start with a Big Idea. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Best of Boston

NYT, T Magazine Online

Follain Skin Quiz

Follain Stores

Headspace (app)

Peloton Digital (app)

Setting the Table by Danny Meyer (book)

Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia

Where You Can Find Follain

Follain.com

Follain on Instagram

Tara on Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Follain

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

How to Find Your Customers, Get in Front of Them & Listen to What They've Got to Say

2019-04-09T07:52:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Cheryl Kaplan of M.Gemi. Cheryl chats about the benefits of a direct-to-consumer model, finding manufacturers that are true partners & creating a supply chain that allows for scalability. She gives some great insights into the power of pop-up shops & how to choose the best location for them, why it's so important to be constantly analyzing your demand to maximize your inventory position & five big ways she gets customer feedback that massively influences her company's decision making. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Where You Can Find M.Gemi

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of M.Gemi

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Defining Your Customer Profile to Succeed in Your Marketing Efforts

2019-03-26T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Sophie Kahn & Bouchra Ezzahraoui, co-founders of AUrate, the fine jewelry brand bringing you the highest quality and the fairest pricing. Sophie & Bouchra talk about how they launched their brand as an omnichannel vehicle from the start, how they've achieved 400% growth over the last year, and why they see Brick & Mortar stores as a cheaper way of acquiring new customers. In all things they do to grow their business, defining and understanding the customer profile is at the center of it all. From direct discussions, reports from stores, social media comments and even focus groups, knowing who their customer is allows them to spend their marketing dollars in the smartest and most effective ways. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

The Little Prince (book)

Lean In (book)

Warby Parker

Away

Where You Can Find AUrate

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of AUrate

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Leveraging an Ambassador Program to Grow Your Brand

2019-03-12T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Michelle Cordeiro Grant, founder & CEO of Lively. With years of experience working for industry leader Victoria's Secret, Michelle knew there was something big missing in the lingerie industry: the real woman. She took her significant work experience and has spent the past several years building Lively. Michelle chats about the two key strategies that led her to collect 133,000 email addresses and to achieve 300,000 site visits in a single weekend, one month before launch, how she then adapted her launch strategy to fit the demand, how she's managing their 60,000 ambassadors to leverage her company and why the number one thing she looks for in a new hire is passion. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Victoria's Secret

JackThreads

Convertible Note

How Harry's Collected 100,000 Emails Before Launch

Outdoor Voices

Sakara

Pixlee

Blue Ocean Strategy (book)

How I Built This (podcast)

Second Life (podcast)

DVF

Away

Where You Can Find Lively

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Lively

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

How to Find Production Partners Abroad & Tips for Shipping Internationally

2019-02-26T08:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Philippa Briscombe of Little P and The Palmer Studio. Philippa chats about how she's found the right production partners to produce her rugs, from making the first connection, what questions to ask, and what red flags to look for. If you're looking to find production, whether domestic or abroad, this conversation has so many great tips including how to handle sampling, how to deal with shipping & so much more. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Alibaba

Care & Fair Organization

Pantone

NYNOW

Playtime New York (Childrens' Trade Show)

SquareSpace

Shopify

How to Bake a Business (book)

Where You Can Find Little P

Little P

The Palmer Studio

On Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Little P

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Big Lessons from Building 5 Big Brands

2019-02-12T08:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Emily Current & Meritt Elliott. Two friends who met at UCLA who have gone on to start five businesses together: a styling company right out of school, the incredibly popular denim brand Current/Elliott, a design studio partnering with companies like Kate Spade New York and Pottery Barn, lifestyle brand The Great and most recently the Emily + Meritt brand. True brand builders, Emily & Meritt have incredible insights into what works and what to avoid when starting and building your business. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Current/Elliott

A Denim Story (book with Rizzoli)

Emily + Meritt Planners

The Great The Field Jacket

Shopify Plus

Google Analytics

Slack

Essentialiam (book)

Eileen Fisher

Where You Can Find Emily + Meritt

The Great

Emily + Meritt

On Instagram The Great

On Instagram Emily + Meritt

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Emily + Meritt

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

The Power & Influence of Female Founded Companies

2019-02-05T07:10:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Katie Warner Johnson, the powerhouse co-founder and CEO behind Carbon38, a multi-brand retailer for performance fashion. Currently doing $100 million in annual sales, they are on the fast track to building a $1 billion territory. Representing 250 brands, 80% of the companies they work with are female-founded. Katie talks about how they've grown their wildly popular affiliate/ambassador program, Team38, the details behind their signature Takara legging and why she strives to create a company that stands for fun. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Tyler Haney of Outdoor Voices

Electric Yoga

Lululemon

Ariel Kaye of Parachute

Towne by Elyse Walker

Daina Trout of Health-Ade

Headspace

Tracy Anderson

Where You Can Find Carbon38

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Carbon38

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Designing for Your Customer & Investing in Your Team

2019-01-29T06:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Ariel Kaye, the CEO and founder of Parachute, the home essentials brand shaking up the industry. Ariel chats about finding production, hiring a PR team for the 3 months leading up to launch day, why investing in her team is as important as investing in new technologies, and how she used a pop up shop as a testing ground before launching her first store. As she builds her omnichannel brand, managing 70+ employees, Ariel and her team always have the customer in mind. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Clare Vivier Collab with Parachute

Where You Can Find Parachute

Parachute

On Instagram

Career Page

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Parachute

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

How to Engage Your Employees & Manage Company Growth

2019-01-22T08:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Sarah Dusek of Under Canvas, the largest glamping company in the U.S. with 8 locations across the country and a team of more than 300 employees. Sarah chats about starting her first camp, how she's managed such a fast growing, large company, her strategy to buy instead of rent, and her awesome advice for how to engage & listen to your team on a regular basis. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Expensify

Zoom Video Webinar

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown (book)

EY's Entrepreneurial Winning Women

Kara Goldin of Hint

Sara Kauss of S'well

Jamie Kern Lima of IT Cosmetics

Fran Dunaway of TomboyX

Lori Torres of Parcel Pending

Christina Stembel of Farmgirl Flowers

Where You Can Find Under Canvas

Under Canvas

On Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Under Canvas

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

How to Run Your Business Like a Harvard Biz School Grad

2019-01-15T08:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to KJ Miller & Amanda Johnson of Mented Cosmetics, the upscale beauty brand for women of color. As friends who first met at Harvard Business School, KJ & Amanda have so many insights on running a company with a business school mentality. They talk about normalizing the risk of start ups, the importance of product development, why to build a following before your launch, what they've learned from refining 80+ pitch presentations while raising capital, and why you should dream big from day one. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business (book)

Year of Yes (book)

Beauty Bakerie

Where You Can Find Mented Cosmetics

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Mented Cosmetics

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Why Brick & Mortar Shops are Having a Comeback

2019-01-08T08:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Stacy Longenecker of Leif, the lifestyle shop with a large e-commerce presence and a bumping retail space in Brooklyn. Stacy talks about how she launched her company online, but due to the rapidly changing online retail space, has found greater and greater success with her Brick & Mortar shop. For her, it's all about finding the right location. Whether growing her online shop or opening her store, Stacy's strategy has been to start small, scale slowly and always keep her safety net. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits (book)

Amber Interiors

Where You Can Find Leif

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Leif

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Big Learnings from 15+ Years in the Retail Business

2018-12-18T08:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Tara Heibl of Sprout Home which runs very popular floral & garden centers in both Brooklyn and Chicago. In her 15+ year career, Tara has written a business plan, raised seed money, designed storefronts from the ground up, opened several successful Brick & Mortar locations, written a book and generally just not been afraid to learn what she doesn't know. She's an inspiration in perseverance and getting things done. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Rooted in Design (book)

Where You Can Find Sprout Home

Sprout Home

Sprout Home Chicago on Facebook

Sprout Home Brooklyn on Facebook

Sprout Home Chicago on Instagram

Sprout Home Brooklyn on Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Sprout Home

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Why You Should Go to a Design Conference

2018-12-11T08:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Gabrielle Blair of Alt Summit. As she gets ready to host her 15th design conference, Gabrielle is officially a pro. She chats about how she first launched the conference 10 years ago, the logistics of managing an event for hundreds of people, how she finds speakers, gets sponsors, and finds the perfect Instagram-worthy locations. This a great conversation for anyone in the design field & if you're curious, yes, it's totally worth it to attend. Listen along to hear just some of the reasons. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Sundance Film Festival

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Color Factory

Where You Can Find Alt Summit

Alt Summit

On Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Alt Summit

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Launching to a Private Beta & Executing the Perfect Press Launch

2018-12-04T08:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Nidhi Kapur, founder and CEO of Maiden Home, the company bringing you artisan-made custom furniture at a fraction of the designer price tag. Nidhi speaks about the importance of the research phase before entering a new market, the power of made-to-order products, and why customer experience is her number one priority. She also talks about her decision to initially launch her site to a private beta & how she capitalized on a perfectly executed press launch. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

The Outsiders (book)

Shinola

Milk Makeup

Sara Blakely of Spanx

Where You Can Find Maiden Home

Maiden Home

On Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Maiden Home

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Managing Your Workforce & How to Use Interns

2018-11-28T14:06:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Margie Keates the incredible paper florist behind The Lovely Ave. Margie chats about how she launched her company on Instagram, showing proof of concept before investing in her own website. She talks about building her brand and what it was like to be named one the "100 Most Creative People in America" by Country Living Magazine. And she gets into her day-to-day of managing a workforce, employing independent contractors & how she finds and hires interns. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

100 Most Creative People in America by Country Living

Where You Can Find The Lovely Ave.

The Lovely Ave.

On Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of The Lovely Ave.

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Self-Funding & the Power of Good Press

2018-11-20T08:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Milicent Armstrong, founder of Artemis Design Co., the brand behind those extremely cool kilim carpet shoes you're seeing everywhere. Milicent chats about how she's grown the company from $5,000 in seed money and remains completely self-funded to this day. She talks about launching her company with no website and no storefront, building her brand initially through word of mouth, pop-ups and a few great wholesale accounts. She chats about the single press hit that caused her entire website to completely sell out in under five minutes and how she's hiring the exact right people to take her company to the next level. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Best of Boston x Artemis

The Improper Bostonian x Artemis

Shipstation

Nate Berkus x Artemis

Asana

Brimfield Antique Show

Planoly

Derek Sivers on Customer Service

Fabrice Penot of Le Labo

St. Frank

Lizzie Fortunato

Follain

Where You Can Find Artemis Design Co.

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Artemis Design Co.

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Raising $5 Million Dollars & Building an OmniChannel Brand

2018-11-13T08:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Erika Shumate, co-founder and CEO of Pinrose, the omnichannel beauty brand that is popping up everywhere. Erika talks about the importance of researching your market and making sure you know your industry inside and out, how she and her team have raised nearly 5 million dollars in funding while continuing to stay 100% female-owned, and how they've grown their Sephora wholesale account from 20 to almost 400 stores. There's a lot to learn here, enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Scent Personality Quiz

Slack

Shopify

API

Eleven Rings by Phil Jackson

Leslie Blodgett of Bare Escentuals

Where You Can Find Pinrose

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Pinrose

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Testing Before Investing & Defining Your Brand Voice

2018-11-06T08:00:00-05:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Maggie Winter, Jac Cameron & Max Bonbrest, the co-founders behind AYR. Spelled AYR, it stands for All Year Round and that truly is what they're achieving with their timeless & seasonless apparel offerings. Vogue has called their jeans "a gift from the denim gods" and Vogue does not lie. AYR was started under the very popular Bonobos brand and spun off into its own standalone company. The three founders chat about how their backgrounds in fashion design, merchandising and public relations perfectly poised them to succeed in the fashion world from day one. They talk about the importance of knowing your target customer, testing before investing, raising millions of dollars in capital, and why to define your brand voice. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

James Dyson on How I Built This

Celine

Acne Studios

A.P.C.

Where You Can Find AYR

AYR

On Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of AYR

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Creative Problem Solving & Creating Jobs

2018-10-30T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Caroline Hurley, creative director behind Caroline Z. Hurley, a home textiles company that is bringing Made in America to a whole new level. Caroline chats about her experience creating an entire artisan-led factory solely dedicated to her brand's production, how she uses creative problem solving at every turn & the importance of creating systems to scale your business. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Start with Why (book)

Georgia O'Keefe

Agnes Martin

Headspace

Where You Can Find Caroline Z. Hurley

Caroline Z. Hurley

On Instagram

Showroom by Appointment

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Caroline Z. Hurley

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Running a Multidisciplinary Studio & the "Say Yes" Mentality

2018-10-23T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Julia Kostreva, artist, designer and art director behind her eponymous multidisciplinary studio. Julia works with iconic brands to hone their brand strategies and has worked on product collaborations with some heavy hitters including Anthropologie, West Elm, Urban Outfitters and CB2. Julia talks about the logistics of running a studio, including managing financials, drawing up contracts, and negotiating pricing, when and why you should invest in yourself, & how she lives by the "say yes" mentality. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

MICA

Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines (book)

Proposify (app)

Plann (app)

Harvest (time tracking website)

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less (book)

Marie Kondo

Georgia O'Keeffe

Ellsworth Kelly

Where You Can Find Julia Kostreva Studio

Julia Kostreva Studio

On Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Julia Kostreva Studio

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Writing a Business Plan & Crowdfunding Your Launch

2018-10-16T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Suann Song, founder & creative director behind Appointed, the stationary company bringing you insanely gorgeous everyday, elevated paper goods. Or put another way, "Beautiful Tools to Inspire Beautiful Work." With 60 product lines stocked in over 350 retailers across the country, Appointed has seen some serious growth since its launch three years ago. Suann talks about writing a business plan, how she funded the launch through a successful Kickstarter campaign of over 700 investors, how she showed proof of concept at the onset, and how she designed the business to be scalable from day one. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Kickstarter

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Urbanic Paper Boutique

The New York Times Store

Need Supply

NYNOW

HBR IdeaCast (podcast)

How I Built This (podcast)

Design Matters (podcast)

Where You Can Find Appointed

Appointed

On Instagram

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Appointed

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Writing Books, Hosting Podcasts & Publishing Magazines

2018-10-09T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Grace Bonney. Perhaps best known for her incredibly popular blog, Design*Sponge, which attracts over 2 million readers per month, Grace has spent the past few years on passion projects. From writing books, to relaunching her podcast, to publishing a new magazine, Grace is doing it all. All the while, staying true to one of her core missions: championing inclusivity and promoting diversity in design and business. Grace chats about her interest in highlighting the people behind the objects and behind the brands, the importance of a good support system & her favorite thing about being her own boss. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Design*Sponge

Good Company Magazine

Good Company Podcast

Design*Sponge Biz Ladies Series

In the Company of Women (book)

Design Matters Podcast

Our Noise: The Story of Merge Records (book)

The 1A Podcast

The Millionaire Next Door (book)

Where You Can Find Design*Sponge

Design*Sponge

On Instagram

Good Company Magazine

Good Company Podcast

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Design*Sponge

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Desiging into a Price Point & Why to Find a Mentor

2018-10-02T07:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Jeanne Chan and Gloria Wong Tritasavit, co-founders of Harlow & Grey, the lifestyle brand behind some of the most gorgeous modern party supplies & decor on the market today. Jeanne & Gloria talk about the importance of finding a mentor, their experience in finding the right production partners, how they’ve grown their product categories, the importance of the styled shoot for selling products & how they bring high style and good design to market at an affordable price. They also share some really great tips for how to successfully unplug and achieve the perfect work/life balance. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Shop Sweet Things

Third Party Logistics (3PL)

Direct-to-Consumer E-Commerce

Reshma Saujani TEDTALK on Bravery

Interview with Thinx CEO

Rent the Runway

How I Built This (podcast)

Where You Can Find Harlow & Grey

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Harlow & Grey

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Managing a Team & How to Pitch Yourself

2018-09-25T07:49:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Joy Cho, founder and creative director of Oh Joy. Joy started her blog back in 2005 and since then has evolved into one of the top lifestyle brands and creative studios around. Joy talks about how she monetizes her blog, the difference between creating product lines in house vs. licensing patterns to other companies, her incredibly successful collaboration with Target & her experience writing & publishing three books. She shares some big insights about how to be a good boss as well as her very cool way for finding the right contact to pitch an idea to. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

The National Stationery Show

RISE by Rachel Hollis

Alli Webb of Raising the Bar

Where You Can Find Oh Joy

Oh Joy

On Instagram Oh Joy

On Instagram Oh Joy + Co.

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Oh Joy

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

How to Maximize a Photo Shoot by Prepping Ahead of Time

2018-09-18T07:53:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Megan Gonzalez, the creative director of MaeMae. Megan is a true jack of all trades, helping brands with marketing and branding by providing photo direction, styling and design services. Megan talks about how she started her company while still in college, how she evolved from wedding stationary to graphic design to creative direction, and how she maximizes content creation within a single photo shoot. Megan shares a ton of great insights including the importance of planning and prepping ahead of a shoot and several must-dos when it comes to styling. Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

The Foundry Home Goods

Lysa TerKeurst of The Best Yes (book)

Mariam Naficy of Minted

Where You Can Find MaeMae

MaeMaeCo.com

On Instagram

On Pinterest

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of MaeMae

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Producing Overseas & Selling on Amazon

2018-09-11T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Melissa Horvath, owner & designer of Sweet Water Decor, the brand behind the super fun and motivational coffee mugs, travel mugs, & planners that you're seeing all over social media and in your favorite local shop. Sweet Water Decor is now sold in over 500 stores as well as on Amazon and business is booming. Melissa chats about how she's evolved her business from producing all products in her basement, to outsourcing to domestic workshops and overseas factories. She shares some incredible insights and tips about how to streamline your wholesale business, from how to integrate a wholesale website within your existing platform, to where she's creating her wholesale catalogs. She talks about her marketing strategy as it includes brand ambassadors, bloggers, affiliates & more and how she handles inventory & fulfillment. It’s a must listen! Enjoy!

Some Things We Mention

Wholesale Apps by Supple

Shopify Set-Up

The NSS Show

Style Your Brand (book)

Where You Can Find Sweet Water Decor

Sweet Water Decor

On Instagram as Sweet Water Decor and Sweet Water Candle Co.

On Facebook

On Etsy

On Amazon

I hope you enjoy!

Savannah x

All photos courtesy of Sweet Water Decor. Interior store shot via Thirteen & Market.

Make sure you subscribe to the Gamechangers Podcast on iTunes, follow along on Instagram and join the Gamechangers Mastermind group on Facebook.

If you'd like to advertise on the podcast or suggest a guest we should talk to, you can email podcast@savannahhayes.com to chat.

Why to Test Your Product Before You Launch It

2018-09-04T08:00:00-04:00

In this episode of the Gamechangers podcast, I’m talking to Karen Young, founder of Oui Shave, the company bringing you the first safety razor made for women, by women. Loved by Vogue, Refinery29, Bustle & more, Oui Shave is making waves in the shaving industry. Karen talks about how she tested her concept for over two years, proving that the market was ready for this product before diving in headfirst. She shares her decision to keep the company direct to consumer, how she attracted initial customers and press outlets to her site on day one, her killer social media strategy and the biggest financial investment she’s made so far. Enjoy!