Let's Support Our People

I keep thinking back to one lesson I learned in 2007-2009 recession while working at Two's Company as sales rep/sales manager. The power of showing up - visiting retailers daily, checking in on them. Sometimes you'd get a whopping $180 reorder other times it was a hug, but either way that face-time made a huge impact on my relationship with them. Many of which are still good friends. And, when the economy improved, the re-entry back into their stores (and budget) was easier. 

Yes, the times have changed and those hugs are being replaced with virtual high-fives, zoom conferences and Instagram comments, but there's power in showing up.

As one of my clients shared, “There’s no better time than now to be bold, creative and authentic.”

The three words that I keep going back to within my business. ENGAGE.CONNECT.EMPOWER.

How are you engaging with your community?

How are you connecting with your community?

How are you empowering your community?

Thank you Riddle Design Company for the inspiration.

Making Midlothian (and the world) more beautiful

When the editor of Midlothian Lifestyle Magazine asked if I’d write an article featuring local makers from our community, it took me 0.0031 seconds to say YES. I’m an entrepreneur nerd… I jump at the chance to hear how/why business owners get started. For some it’s a natural evolution, for others there’s a need in the market that they want to fill. Either way it takes a lot of hard work and passion.

Cheers to these three women-owned businesses who are making Midlothian (and the world) a much more interesting place to live through their goods, art and creative spirit! 

“Surround yourself with great people and look local. You’ll be surprised the talent you find within your own backyard.” - Kimberly Fleming - the “K” of KEVA Style

“Don’t be afraid to try something new.” - Meredyth Archer - the mother of MOTHER shrub

“There’s something special about sitting outside an ancient building or in a busy cafe with my sketchbook recording a memory by hand rather than by a snapshot.” - Laura Marr of Flourish Studio

Lessons in business and in life that we can learn from.

Keep engaging…connecting… and empowering!

Hello 2020!

Finished up my 2020 vision for the New Year. It feels so good to take time to reflect and get those ideas, goals and dreams dow on paper. Now, time to get to work and have a lot of fun along the way. It’s simple:

1. make a plan

2. write it down

3. share it with the world

4. take steps everyday (no matter how big or small)

5. make it happen

What are your ideas, goals and dreams for 2020? I’d love to know.

2019: lessons and reminders

Starting a business as many of you know is like riding a rollercoaster - there are ups & downs but if you’ve got the right people sitting next to you, it can be a lot of fun! Thank you 2019 for these lessons and reminders:

• family first

• take it step by step

• growth is uncomfortable at times

• surround yourself with positive and kind people

• you know more than you think you do

• life can change in a blink of an eye

• celebrate the everyday wins

• do the next right thing (thanks, Anna from Frozen 2)

What lessons have you learned? What reminders has the world given you? Post them in your office. Add them to your journal of goals. Take these lessons and reminders and GROW!

Holiday Gift Guide 2019

When local lifestyle magazine Midlothian Lifestyle Magazine asked me to curate their Holiday Gift Guide, I jumped at the chance! Wait… you’re asking me to gather a list of some of my favorite brands to share their story!?!? Sign me up!

Each brand has a story and every opportunity to share that story {big or small} is important to building your brand. Need help articulating and sharing your story? I can help.

Magic Happens when Retailers, Brands and Influencers Lock Arms!

When my talented friend, Julianne Taylor, of Julianne Taylor Style and Taylor Burke Home shared that she’d be in my hometown of Richmond, VA as the keynote speaker of IFDA’s Day of the Day, my brain started swirling with ideas on how we could make some magic together.

1. Start with a beautiful setting. Thank you, Quirk Hotel for lending your perfection (if you’ve never visited, even if just for a drink and nibble, it’s a must!)

2. Add brands with strong visual appeal that see the benefit of partnering with a local retailer to create relevant, local-centric content. Cue the happy dance when catstudio, KEVA Style and SCOUT Bags wanted to be involved.

3. Icing on the cake? Adding local retail store Tweed {the go-to store in Richmond- again another Richmond-must see}

Magic. Happens.

Not only are brands getting great content that they can use in their marketing and sales initiatives, they are supporting one of their retailers with increased exposure on social media, in-store and web sales and visual content from their hometown.

Check out Julianne’s Blog Post - “Quirk-y Weekend in Richmond” with a few of her favorite places!

Beautifully photographed by local photographer Nancy Bare @shutterbugloverva

Shown: SCOUT Richmond Bag sold exclusively at Tweed, castudio Richmond glass (you literally can’t have just one), KEVA “Spotted in Black Leather Wrap Bracelet, catstudio’s hand-embroidered Richmond, KEVA Leather Cuff (assorted).

Lessons from IFDA's Day of Design

The International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA)’s Richmond Chapter hosted their annual Day of Design at The Boathouse at Rockets Landing this past weekend. It was an afternoon of inspiring conversations and connecting with the Richmond creative community. From hearing Julianne Taylor of Taylor Burke Home’s story to finally meeting the wonderfully talented and colorful Dana Gibson, I’m so thankful I was invited to attend.

With lessons like “put good into the world, living life with purpose, believing in yourself, follow your dreams and the beauty of a collaborative spirit” you can’t help but leave inspired.

Growing my local RVA network has been a goal of mine this year because as they say…. your network is your net worth! With only 3 months left of 2019, what goals are you looking to accomplish this year?

Engage. Connect. Empower {ing} as much as I can….

Exciting News - Curated by Ginny Ball is ATLANTA-BOUND!

Ginny Ball Consulting announces a hybrid approach to sales and branding growth

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - With 15+ years in the home and gift industry, Ginny Ball has launched a new business helping brands create a hybrid approach to revenue growth through store placement, sales and marketing strategies, collaborations and licensing.

“We want to make it easier for companies to reach their fullest potential. Whether it’s developing new business channels or relationships to increase revenue, serving as a project manager to turn ideas into reality, or serving as a Brand Ambassador to share your story and goods with the world, my team and I are here to help,” says Ginny Ball. “And, not simply to consult but to do the work that needs to be done to turn your ideas, goals, and dreams into a reality.”

"Ginny has been a game changer for KEVA Style", shares Kimberly Fleming, Founder of KEVA Style. She helped create the foundation and tools we needed for our emerging brand to successfully launch into the wholesale industry.  We have already seen an increase in revenue through her connections within this industry and excited about the retailers who are now a part of the KEVA family.”

Curated by Ginny Ball will launch their first collection of emerging brands during AmericasMart Atlanta this July in High Design (Booth 812). From beautifully crafted textiles by artist Sue Henry of Tulusa to vintage inspired glassware by Victoria Vergason of The Modern Home Bar to KEVA Style’s genuine leather jewelry handcrafted by two moms who met at their childrens’ bus stop, each brand has a beautiful story to tell, handcrafted touches, and all made in the USA.

For more information or to connect with Ginny, please visit www.ginnyball.com

Curated by Ginny Ball Presents

KEVA Style: Lightweight. Bold Style | www.kevastyle.com

The Modern Home Bar: Vintage inspired barware and glassware | www.themodernhomebar.com

Tulusa: Beautifully handcrafted textiles for your home or on the go | www.tulusa.com

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LEGOS and Life Lessons

I have to admit- I did not play with LEGOS growing up. I’ve actually asked my parents why and there’s not a clear reason or maybe it’s just the fog of parenthood. Either way, my first experience with LEGO was through the eyes of a 3 year old (thank you, DUPLO!).

On December 28th 2017, I sat with my 5 year old for over an hour and completed my first fire truck (all 214pcs!). I’m not exaggerating - the feeling of accomplishment left both of us pretty darn proud. And, whether you’re 5 or 105, the lessons, inspiration and joy that LEGO shares is ageless.  

The wonderful life and business lessons LEGO has taught me:

• Visualize your goal or desired end-result

• Break down goals into smaller actionable steps

• Create procedures and an organizational system so that you’re set up for success

• Keep building, growing and learning

• Don’t stop short of hitting your goal- A to Z

• Celebrate and enjoy your accomplishments

• Have fun along the way!

With the desire for personal and professional growth (which in some capacity, we all are working towards), LEGO"‘s motto of “Keep Building” is a refreshing reminder to us all.

What have you built recently that you’re proud of?

Cheers to YOU!

PIVOT

I am a brand cheerleader at heart

What is a brand cheerleader? It’s being the steadfast foundation needed to allow ideas and others soar. It’s the energetic spirit that inspires others to join you as you cheer, jump up & down, or do the wave. It’s feeling the heartache of losses and the determination to build, grow, and win next time. I am a brand cheerleader.

With ever-growing to-do lists, ideas that never turn into reality, more and more opportunities that aren’t maximized or followed-up on, every business needs help. Whether you are looking for a project manager, business development consulting, store placement, or simply a fresh perspective on your business, I’m here to help.

Thank you for being a part of this journey - your support and kindness means the world to me!

Cheers to a bright future ahead!