Lucky Break University LBU Secrets to Wholesale Success Expert Interviews One of my favorite facets of the LBU program is our Expert Interview series. Each week, I tap the mind of an industry heavy-hitter who shares intimate wisdom with my students. These interviews are a fantastic source of inspiration and I’m always impressed with the authenticity + transparency of our guests. When I say they share, I mean they really share and it’s all designed to help you avoid the pitfalls along the journey by walking through real-life scenarios. We have an INCREDIBLE line-up for the summer semester… scroll down to see who’s coming to the party to help cheer you on! Week 1 PADRAIC RYAN OF RYAN DESIGN STUDIO Padraic has designed more than 500 custom sites over the last 11 years and his knowledge of e-commerce trends + SEO is virtually unmatched. The Jedi Master of e-commerce + web design shares how to create websites that attract wholesale buyers and empower us to work smarter, not harder. Week 2 ALANA RIVERA OF ETTA + BILLIE Alana’s small batch bath + body products have been sold through Urban Outfitters + Banana Republic and her company has experienced explosive growth since her 2013 rebrand. This bath + body rock star walks us through the lessons learned via the evolution of her brand aesthetic; plus, Alana shares insight about how she knew it was time to move out of the house and into a workshop. Claim your seat in the winter semester at www.LuckyBreakConsulting.com Lucky Break University Secrets to Wholesale Success Expert Interviews Week 3 JENN ROMERO OF UNURTH Jenn Romero’s modern, organic ceramics have rocked many a maker fair and caught the attention of major national retailers. This talented product designer shares her process-based approach to design and how to craft a company that builds creative renewal into the design process itself. Week 4 ANGIE MYUNG OF POKETO Poketo is an online destination and brick + mortar shop for design-driven wares that take art off the gallery walls and into people’s lives. Angie founded the company in 2003 and has grown it into a leading lifestyle brand, including 3 curated collaborations with Target. Angie will be rolling up her sleeves to discuss emerging product trends + how to catch the attention of today’s buyers. Week 5 MICHELLE KOHANZO FROM THE LAND OF NOD Land of Nod is America’s most forward-thinking + design-savvy catalogs for kids. We’re super-excited to welcome the company’s top brass to chat about what it’s like to work with major national retailers, plus what sparks her interest when reviewing new products + brands. Claim your seat in the winter semester at www.LuckyBreakConsulting.com Lucky Break University Secrets to Wholesale Success Expert Interviews Week 6 ANNA MARIE FAIOLA OF BRAMBLEBERRY Anne Marie is a national-award-winning businesswoman + CEO of Brambleberry, one of the nation’s leading suppliers of DIY kits and cosmetic ingredients. Social media has been pivotal to the company’s success and Anne Marie has amassed 50,000 YouTube followers + 30,000 Twitter followers. She’ll share how she did it + how she’s leveraged that social media presence to build brand loyalty. Week 7 KRISTEN LEY OF THIMBLEPRESS This rising star on the stationery scene joins us to talk trade show strategy gleaned from her appearances at the Chicago Gift Show + National Stationery Show. Kristen dishes about how she’s landed her products in 150+ stores nationwide and details what it’s like to both wholesale + simultaneously manage a successful retail store. Week 8 JAMYLA BENNU OF OYIN HANDMADE Having just landed her hair care collection at Target stores nationwide, the divine Ms. Bennu walks us through bootstrapping her company, how she got her foot in the door with a major national retailer + how she’s managing a growing empire without sacrificing her sanity. Claim your seat in the winter semester at www.LuckyBreakConsulting.com