226 – Concept to Wholesale in One Year with Meg Sutton of Belle & Union
Play • 58 min
Meg Sutton is the boss lady and doodler behind Belle & Union, a company that sells letterpress printed cards, art prints, southern-inspired wrappings and hand-crafted artisan goods brimming with vintage wit and wisdom that tote a bit of a foodie twist – all 100% made in the USA. Meg started the business in 2012 after falling in love with letterpress while working in a boutique shop. Surprisingly she went from concept to wholesale in just a single year. Belle & Union launched their first brick and mortar store in San Antonio, Texas, in July 2018. The shop houses the working studio as well as offers creative workshops across a variety of subject matters. Meg values encouraging people to slow down and enjoy the sweet moments in life, gathered ’round a table filled with smiles and laughter. When she’s not doodling or coming up with Belle & Union’s next great product, you can find her sipping chai tea, chasing her pup with her husband and curling up with a good book. Belle & Union’s products have been featured in Garden & Gun, Country Living, Rachael Ray, Southern Weddings, Southern Living, Southern Lady, and Oh So Beautiful Paper. Meg has been interviewed on KENS 5 in San Antonio, SA Live, Texas Lifestyle Magazine, Proof to Product podcast, and more.

Business Building Insights

  • Continually taking the next step will get you where you want to go.
  • If you’re struggling, take some time to stop and look around and see what you’ve already built. Sometimes we forget how far we’ve already come.
  • Create a cohesive brand identity and vision. By doing this you present a line to retailers that they can merchandise.
  • Running a business is a marathon not a sprint. Look beyond that one show.
  • For wholesale, make sure you offer your re-sellers a variety of product options to make it easier for them to reach your minimums.
  • Shows are not just about orders. They’re also about networking and planting seeds for the future.
  • Follow up is key to building relationships with clients. Take time to remember them after your order has been received for feedback and additional opportunity.
  • Invest in avenues that bring new people through the door. For Meg it is in-store workshops.
  • Treat your small business like a big business right from the start.

Resources Mentioned

Verb House Creative Katie Hunt and Tradeshow Bootcamp – GBU Podcast #199

Contact Links

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Thanks! Sue
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