#66 Pitching with Purpose: How to Share Your Business Story with Impact - Christi Kmecik Written Hugs Designs

How do you refine your business pitch, build partnerships, and scale your business without losing your mission? In this episode, we welcome back Christi Kmecik, founder of Written Hugs Designs, to dive into her entrepreneurial journey—what’s changed, what’s working, and how she’s using storytelling to scale impact.

We discuss navigating pitch competitions, the power of product testing, vendor challenges, and balancing creativity with business strategy. Plus, Christi shares how her one-to-one giveback program is bringing meaningful connections to those who need it most. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with actionable insights, inspiration, and encouragement.

Tune in to hear:
 ✅ How Christi refined her pitch through competitions and coaching
 ✅ The power of product testing before scaling
 ✅ Why tracking data can transform your business decisions
 ✅ The realities of working with vendors and big retailers
 ✅ How Christi’s cards are helping nonprofits and families in need

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Unpacking this episode min by min: 

02:59 The Mission Behind Written Hugs Designs

06:05 Growth and Confidence in Entrepreneurship

08:59 Pitch Competitions: Insights and Experiences

11:49 The Importance of Structure in Pitches

14:59 Navigating Challenges in Pitching

17:51 Feedback and Its Impact on Business

20:21 The Power of Connection Through Cards

31:10 The Importance of Customer-Centric Storytelling

33:49 Navigating Pitch Competitions and Effective Communication

35:02 Product Presentation and Messaging Challenges

41:06 Overcoming Roadblocks in Product Distribution

42:02 Building Trustworthy Vendor Relationships

44:59 Testing Products and Market Fit

50:05 Expanding Product Lines and Consumer Insights

56:00 Evaluating Vendor Events and Consumer Behavior

59:48 Building Connections and Email Lists

01:01:07 Diversifying Revenue Streams

01:05:13 The Importance of Focus in Business

01:06:39 Understanding Customer Acquisition

01:12:06 Implementing a One-to-One Give Back Program

01:18:32 Future Partnerships and Community Impact

Related Episodes:

# 33 How to get product into big-box stores: the inspiring journey of Christi Kmecik

#35 Unleash Your Pitching Potential and Presentation Skills: Expert Advice from Kelsey Stupfell and Niki Ferguson

Vivian Kvam:

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• Instagram - http://instagram.com/writtenhugsdesigns 
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-kmecik-11395b271/
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