On this episode of the podcast, I talk with my friend Keith Kralik (website, Instagram, twitterfacebook) about how he started his company, WriteRoots. He sells mini books and aims to help people rejuvenate the art of writing and personal touch of gift giving. He talks about the specifics of setting up his product, and even if you’re not going to be producing anything similar, you can hear his research process that will help you think about your own!
We talk about how he started, research he did, the best parts about being at a craft fair, some of his failures, some resources, and how important connections are in succeeding as a maker.
Things we discussed/takeaways:
The gallery of some mini books already made.
AmeriCorps NCCC (where we met 7 years ago!)
Walk with Keith, his first blog where he explored writing, and the post that I commented on, finishing his story.
Simplicity is key; you don’t want to overwhelm your customers at the start!
Knock off little tasks to get the larger goal.
Be prepared to try MANY things before something works!
ULINE for packaging!
Stay patient with it!
You’re not the customer; you’re the creator. You have to think like the customer and get out there and find people to talk to about your product.
Benefits of being at a craft fair:
Meeting your customers
Getting feedback from people
Learning from other vendors
“Getting the feedback was more beneficial than selling anything because it gave me more confidence.”
Join meetup groups that are made up of other people who have small businesses. Talk to them and learn from their experience too!
Artifact Uprising
The podcast I talked about where I heard about this company.
People are willing to help you but you have to find it. You can’t just sit back and expect help to come to you. Everyone has a crazy life; you have to make an effort to search people out.
Book covers I made:
Answers to the podcast’s signature questions:
First thing he made: A viking ship!
Magic wand to be perfect at a part of the creative process or a skill:
woodworking and welding.
His go to karaoke song:
Just keep pushing forward.
There’s always a solution to a problem you have;
just keep looking for people to help you.
Find Keith online:
website, Instagram, twitterfacebook
Thanks for listening!
Leave a comment to let me know what you think!
