Proof to Product

Katie Hunt
  • 4.9 (283)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ranked in the top 1% of ALL podcasts, the Proof to Product podcast is your trusted resource for sustainable business growth - especially if you make and sell physical products! Join Katie Hunt, each week as she shares strategies & solutions to enhance your sales & marketing so that you're building a business that supports your best life. If you've ever asked yourself can I make money selling physical products? Am I ready to sell my products wholesale to stores like Target, Anthropologie, Nordstrom or Barnes & Noble? When should I consider hiring a sales team or sales reps? Can I really turn my passion into profits? Whether you're a just starting out on your business journey or you've been at it a while growing an empire, this show is for you. Proof to Product is like on-demand business school for product sellers spanning a wide range of industries. Whether you're in home decor, apparel, beauty, food & beverage, hand-made items, jewelry, consumer gifts or the stationery world, you'll gather new ideas each week to help you grow your profit, build your team and lead with integrity. Host Katie Hunt and her guests bring you actionable ways to expand your product line, manufacturing overseas, optimize your e-commrce websites on Shopify, Faire, Etsy, Abound, Tundra, Squarespace or in brick & mortar locations. How to start or scale wholesale sales including pitching stores, wholesale outreach, trade show exhibition, working with sales reps, managing inventory, warehousing product, sales systems, wholesale follow-up strategies and working with key accounts. Marketing strategies for small businesses including content creation, leveraging tik tok and instagram tactics without feeling burned out, why you can't rely solely on social media for sales and why email marketing systems on platforms like Klaviyo, Flodesk and Active Campaign are so powerful. Listen in as Katie and our guest experts help you strategize and tackle your biggest business goals. Host Katie Hunt brings a unique perspective to entrepreneurship. Since 2011, she's helped thousands of product brands get their products on the shelves of their favorite retail stores through her Paper Camp program (www.prooftoproduct.com/papercamp). Prior to that she worked in the corporate world for over a decade leading business development and marketing teams. She has two MBAs - one in finance and one in marketing. And, she owned & operated her own product based business for over 8 years, selling her products to stores throughout the world from her garage. Katie knows the struggles you face as a product based business and she's here to pull back the curtain and share her best kept secrets so that you don't have to learn things the hard way. Find our free trainings & resources for product based business owners at www.prooftoproduct.com/resources

  1. 425 | How Doing Trade Shows Landed Her Artwork in Target & HomeGoods with Isabella Montano Ghazarians, Isabella MG

    4D AGO

    425 | How Doing Trade Shows Landed Her Artwork in Target & HomeGoods with Isabella Montano Ghazarians, Isabella MG

    Today on the podcast, I'm talking with Isabella Montano Ghazarians, the founder of Isabella MG. Isabella MG is a Latina-owned stationery brand known for its cheerful, light-hearted cards and cositas, that's Spanish for little things.  One of the things I really enjoy about Isabella's work is how naturally she weaves her culture into her products, creating designs that are both in English and Spanish. These products feel thoughtful, inclusive, and genuinely joyful.  In this episode, Isabella shares what it's been like growing her business since she launched in 2020 while also navigating some really big personal shifts. We're talking about becoming a mom recently, moving from San Diego to Los Angeles, and continuing to lead a growing team remotely. We also talk about building products that resonate across cultures, managing that remote team we mentioned, and the opportunities that have helped bring Isabella's work into big box retailers like Target and HomeGoods. Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners.  Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. We will open enrollment for our next round of Paper Camp soon, and we sell this program out every time we run it. Join the waitlist, and you'll get early access to enroll. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/425  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

    25 min
  2. 425 | How Doing Trade Shows Landed Her Artwork in Target & HomeGoods with Isabella Montano Ghazarians, Isabella MG

    4D AGO

    425 | How Doing Trade Shows Landed Her Artwork in Target & HomeGoods with Isabella Montano Ghazarians, Isabella MG

    Today on the podcast, I'm talking with Isabella Montano Ghazarians, the founder of Isabella MG. Isabella MG is a Latina-owned stationery brand known for its cheerful, light-hearted cards and cositas, that's Spanish for little things.  One of the things I really enjoy about Isabella's work is how naturally she weaves her culture into her products, creating designs that are both in English and Spanish. These products feel thoughtful, inclusive, and genuinely joyful.  In this episode, Isabella shares what it's been like growing her business since she launched in 2020 while also navigating some really big personal shifts. We're talking about becoming a mom recently, moving from San Diego to Los Angeles, and continuing to lead a growing team remotely. We also talk about building products that resonate across cultures, managing that remote team we mentioned, and the opportunities that have helped bring Isabella's work into big box retailers like Target and HomeGoods. Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners.  Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. We will open enrollment for our next round of Paper Camp soon, and we sell this program out every time we run it. Join the waitlist, and you'll get early access to enroll. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/425  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

    25 min
  3. 424 | The Reality of Juggling Multiple Business Models with Stephanie Clarke, Dahlia Press

    JAN 6

    424 | The Reality of Juggling Multiple Business Models with Stephanie Clarke, Dahlia Press

    This week on the podcast, we have my friend and Paper Camp alum Stephanie Clarke of Dahlia Press and Chloe Clarke Paper. Stephanie has been on the show a few times, sharing how she started her business and different pivots along the way (episode 021, episode 160, and episode 308). But today, we are discussing where she's at now, including the complexities of running two sister businesses.  She has her greeting card and stationery line called Dahlia Press and a bespoke custom invitation studio called Chloe Clarke Paper.  We talk about the importance of building relationships in wholesale and custom work and the realities of juggling multiple business models including, a brick-and-mortar storefront, online sales, wholesale partnerships with big box accounts, and independent retailers. You will also hear her talk about the challenges and victories of maintaining consistent growth as a business. This has been a really challenging year in 2025, and she's going to share how she has maintained and sustained during those challenges. We also talk about the evolving industry changes that are happening and how we deal with that, and the strategies that Stephanie uses to keep both her team and her customers engaged. Today's episode is brought to you by our Paper Camp program. Paper Camp is our wholesale coaching program where we teach you everything you need to know to build strong wholesale foundations. Over the course of 4 weeks, we tackle your product line, sales tools, and marketing plan, and we even talk about how to exhibit at trade shows if that's what you want to do. We start with your product line and go into everything from how often you should be releasing new products to ensuring that your numbers are sustainable for the wholesale market and their price for profit. Then we move into sales tools you must have for selling wholesale so you make a strong first impression with buyers like catalogs and your terms and conditions. Then, we cover marketing strategies and ways to reach various store owners.  Each week's teachings build on the previous week, and we host weekly live, engaging coaching calls to answer all of your questions. We will open enrollment for our next round of Paper Camp soon, and we sell this program out every time we run it. Join the waitlist and you'll get early access to enroll. SIGN UP FOR THE WAITLIST You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/424  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

    36 min
  4. We're on winter break!

    12/23/2025

    We're on winter break!

    The Proof to Product podcast team and I are practicing what we preach and the podcast is taking a winter break! We will be back with a new podcast episode on Tuesday, January 6, and we have some incredible things lined up for you! While we're gone, be sure to dip back into the archives. We have over 420+ incredible episodes to help you strengthen your business. Have a great two weeks and I will see you on January 6th!

    1 min
  5. 423 | Indie Retail Update: Trends, Challenges & How Buyers Are Adapting with Jen Palacio, Tiny Turns Paperie

    12/16/2025

    423 | Indie Retail Update: Trends, Challenges & How Buyers Are Adapting with Jen Palacio, Tiny Turns Paperie

    Today's episode is a look at what is going on with independent retail shops right now.  I sat down with my friend Jen from Tiny Turns Paperie. She's one of our Paper Camp speakers and a longtime advocate for small businesses. We talk honestly about some of the hardships that shop owners have been facing during 2025: everything from operational curveballs to tariffs and other things that have impacted the way they do business. We did get into some specifics about unpredictable buying patterns, last-minute shopping, the rise of treat yourself, and community-driven products.  We also talked about some of the less glamorous stuff that goes into running a brick & mortar like inventory delays, tariffs, shipping headaches, and things like that. I think it's important for you to hear today's episode because the things that the indie buyers and brick and mortar shops are navigating do impact how they're doing business with you, too, so Jen's perspective is invaluable as always. You'll hear specifically how she's possibly adjusting her buying, why planners are hot right now, and why she's focusing on collaboration across indie businesses to really strengthen customer loyalty. If you want ongoing analysis like this about trends, data, systems, sales, and marketing strategies for your product-based business, come join us in LABS. We break down what's happening across the industry and help you apply it directly to your business REQUEST YOUR INVITATION You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/423  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

    35 min
  6. 422 | How Athletic Brewing Doubled Subscriptions — And How You Can Apply It with Katie Hunt

    12/09/2025

    422 | How Athletic Brewing Doubled Subscriptions — And How You Can Apply It with Katie Hunt

    Today, I'm sharing a case study and an analysis that I originally shared with our LABS members.  The reason I'm doing this is, one of the most valuable things that we can do as a product-based business owner is look outside of our industry for inspiration, ideas, and new ways of thinking about our own business.  When we study how other industries structure their revenue models, how they build community or how they create demand for their products, we really start to see new and fresh opportunities that we can adapt in our own way for our own business.  In this episode, we're looking at Athletic Brewing Company and how they doubled their D2C subscription sales in 2025 by positioning their membership as a VIP lifestyle experience rather than a discount program. It's a simple shift, but a strategic one.  It really sparked two ideas that I think you can use: One will be for your D2C sales ecosystem, and one is for your wholesale channel. We will walk through what Athletic Brewing Company got right, why their approach works, and how you can apply versions of this inside of your own business in a way that again fits your particular audience, your product line, margins, and, of course, your capacity.  If you want to see more case studies like this, real examples from outside of the consumer gift world, and you want to see how we break them down into actionable insights and ideas for your product brand, this is exactly the type of work we do inside of Proof to Product LABS every single week.  This is a coaching program specifically built for product-based business owners, with members from across industries and across the globe. We have member-only events inside of LABS, so request your invitation to join below!  REQUEST YOUR INVITATION You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/422  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

    13 min
  7. 421 | End-of-Year Financial Planning for Product Business Owners with Mary Beth Storjohann, Allora Wealth

    12/02/2025

    421 | End-of-Year Financial Planning for Product Business Owners with Mary Beth Storjohann, Allora Wealth

    On today's episode, we are digging into the financial side of running a creative product business and I've invited someone that I deeply trust with both my personal and business finances.  It's Mary Beth Storjohann from Allora Wealth. Mary Beth and I have worked together since 2016 and she has guided my husband and I through everything from financial planning for the family to long-term business strategy.  She's one of the few financial planners and advisors who really understands how intertwined your life and your business become when you are a small business owner. Her approach to "whole life wealth," is exactly what so many founders need. It's a practical framework for building stability today while also setting yourself up for future security. In this conversation, we're going to get into real, actionable steps that you should be taking before the end of the year. These are things that can save you money come tax time and also support your long-term financial health. We will talk about blind spots that she sees most often with creative entrepreneurs and why getting clear on your enough number can change how you plan and make decisions. Now, if you want to finish the year on solid financial footing and also set yourself up for success in the future, this episode is going to be incredibly useful for you.  Before we get into today's conversation, if you are serious about growing your product-based business, you need to be inside of Proof to Product LABS. LABS is where creative product brands go for coaching and strategies, community and accountability that actually move the needle.  We're talking stronger sales, better systems, smarter marketing, and a clearer plan for profit. If you are ready to stop guessing and start really growing with proven guidance, then come join us in LABS. REQUEST YOUR INVITATION You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/421  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

    34 min
  8. 420 | Communicating Your Holiday Shipping Deadlines with Katie Hunt

    11/18/2025

    420 | Communicating Your Holiday Shipping Deadlines with Katie Hunt

    I know you are deep in preparation for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Q4 holiday sales season. So I want to make this a real quick episode, but I want to make it tactical and actionable for you.  I want to talk about setting your holiday shipping deadline and where you should be updating your website to reflect the shipping deadlines. This is something we're talking about in depth in our LABS program. If you're looking for further support in your business, check out our Proof to Product LABS coaching program. This is a coaching program specifically built for product-based business owners, with members from across industries and across the globe. We have member-only events inside of LABS, so request your invitation to join below!  REQUEST YOUR INVITATION You can view full show notes and more at http://prooftoproduct.com/420  Quick Links: Free Wholesale Audio Series Free Resources Library Free Email Marketing for Product Makers PTP LABS Paper Camp

    7 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
283 Ratings

About

Ranked in the top 1% of ALL podcasts, the Proof to Product podcast is your trusted resource for sustainable business growth - especially if you make and sell physical products! Join Katie Hunt, each week as she shares strategies & solutions to enhance your sales & marketing so that you're building a business that supports your best life. If you've ever asked yourself can I make money selling physical products? Am I ready to sell my products wholesale to stores like Target, Anthropologie, Nordstrom or Barnes & Noble? When should I consider hiring a sales team or sales reps? Can I really turn my passion into profits? Whether you're a just starting out on your business journey or you've been at it a while growing an empire, this show is for you. Proof to Product is like on-demand business school for product sellers spanning a wide range of industries. Whether you're in home decor, apparel, beauty, food & beverage, hand-made items, jewelry, consumer gifts or the stationery world, you'll gather new ideas each week to help you grow your profit, build your team and lead with integrity. Host Katie Hunt and her guests bring you actionable ways to expand your product line, manufacturing overseas, optimize your e-commrce websites on Shopify, Faire, Etsy, Abound, Tundra, Squarespace or in brick & mortar locations. How to start or scale wholesale sales including pitching stores, wholesale outreach, trade show exhibition, working with sales reps, managing inventory, warehousing product, sales systems, wholesale follow-up strategies and working with key accounts. Marketing strategies for small businesses including content creation, leveraging tik tok and instagram tactics without feeling burned out, why you can't rely solely on social media for sales and why email marketing systems on platforms like Klaviyo, Flodesk and Active Campaign are so powerful. Listen in as Katie and our guest experts help you strategize and tackle your biggest business goals. Host Katie Hunt brings a unique perspective to entrepreneurship. Since 2011, she's helped thousands of product brands get their products on the shelves of their favorite retail stores through her Paper Camp program (www.prooftoproduct.com/papercamp). Prior to that she worked in the corporate world for over a decade leading business development and marketing teams. She has two MBAs - one in finance and one in marketing. And, she owned & operated her own product based business for over 8 years, selling her products to stores throughout the world from her garage. Katie knows the struggles you face as a product based business and she's here to pull back the curtain and share her best kept secrets so that you don't have to learn things the hard way. Find our free trainings & resources for product based business owners at www.prooftoproduct.com/resources

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Hunt
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    505
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©Proof to Product & Katie Hunt
  • Show Website
    Proof to Product

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