150. How to Create Products People Love with Kristina Schlegel

Hey you wild women!  This week, I chat with Kristina Schlegel, former Silicon Valley developer, trained pastry chef, and founder of Make Bake, a food & craft company that specializes in edible baking stickers and decorations. She has over 20 years of experience creating category-defining products and customer experiences that deliver strategic, measurable growth for businesses. In this episode, we discuss how Kristina used her knowledge and interest in baking to launch Make Bake in January 2020, and how the pandemic forced her to pause and reposition her brand. We also get real about the challenges of growing a consumer goods business, the key differences between direct-to-consumer (D2C) and wholesale models, and some practical steps for anyone looking to test their product idea. Kristina reveals why being intimately connected with your buyers is one of the best strategies you can use when growing and developing products.  We also talk about the importance of enjoying the stages of running a small business, instead of constantly being fixated on scaling up too quickly.  Whether you're in the early stages of product development or looking to refine your customer experience, join us for this great conversion!  In this episode you will learn about: Strategies to move your small business forward on a budget The value of forging close relationships with customers for product insights Setting realistic growth expectations that fit your life and resources  How easily we feel the pressure to scale too quickly Taking the long view of success to grow your business sustainably  ------------- Got a minute? Would love a review! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap, and give me 5-stars. Then select "Write a Review." Make sure to highlight your favorite bits. Subscribe to level up your business Subscribe here. ------------- Connect with Kristina Schlegel @letsmakebake www.letsmakebake.com Connect with Renée Warren @renee_warren @we.wild.women www.wewildwomen.com