FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHARK TANK Alum, Kiersten Hathcock, Shares Brand
Building Tips At Las Vegas Market

CONTACT: 

Kiersten Hathcock

818-399-1172

publicrelations@modmomfurniture.com

(Los Angeles, CA., July 18, 2012)  Kiersten Hathcock, CEO of Mod Mom Furniture, will share tips on what worked and what didn't work while building a brand with $0 and running a company despite roadblock after roadblock during her session, “Building a Brand From The Beginning.” She'll also discuss how she learned to trust her intuition even when the world was saying she was nuts to try to build and design furniture without start-up capital, design know-how, and carpentry experience.  “I’m honored to have been asked to speak by World Market Center to share my experience with my industry peers.  Going from a corporate marketing job to carpentry was never my career strategy but lay-offs, the economy, and a crazy idea made it a reality.  If what I share helps even one person better their situation, I’m over the moon,” says Kiersten.

Hathcock will also share her experience on ABC’s SHARK TANK as well as working with celebrity clients.  Attendees can expect to take away easy-to-apply brand building techniques from a down-to-earth entrepreneur who succeeded at building a respected brand in a tough economy. 

Most recently, Kiersten was invited to be a speaker on the “Influential Women in Home Furnishings” panel for World Market in January of this year as well as a keynote presenter for the American Society of Furniture Design annual dinner in High Point, NC in April 2011.  Katie Hatch, founder of Design | Intuition and former American Society of Furniture Designer Vice President said,  "I've been in the furniture industry for twenty years, and when Kiersten contacted me out of the blue asking for sourcing advice, I was blown away by the amazing brand she had built for herself in such a short time and for quite literally zero dollars. In my experience, the home furnishings industry is strong on product, sourcing, and infrastructure, but we lack brand recognition. Every retailer, manufacturer and designer can and should capitalize on this wonderful session and learn from Kiersten's experience and brand building know how.”

Julia Rosien, CEO of Social North and WithIt President adds, “Kiersten and I met when we sat on a panel together for a WithIt event. To say I was impressed with her sincerity and passion on stage would be a gross understatement. Kiersten connects with her audience because she’s fought a hard battle in the trenches of entrepreneurship and she’s happy to share both the missteps and the successes with her audience. She knows true learning comes when we’re open and honest with each other about how hard (and rewarding) is to be an entrepreneur.“

BUILDING A BRAND FROM THE BEGINNING takes place on August 1, 2012 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Las Vegas World Market World Forum 16^th Floor - Building B.  For more information, go to http://www.lasvegasmarket.com/show-highlights/calendar-market-events.html.

Mod Mom Furniture was born in a Los Angeles garage in 2007, the product of self-taught designer-turned-carpenter Kiersten Hathcock.  Her unique, eco-friendly, child-proven furniture has been sold throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.  Hathcock’s storage pieces have been featured in Dwell Magazine, Elle Décor, Los Angeles Times and Better Homes and Gardens as well as in episodes of ABC’s Shark Tank and the Nate Berkus Show.  For more information visit modmomfurniture.com.

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Faith

Meet Mr. Peaches.  (Formerly just Peaches)

These days, there seems to be so much change.  Horrendous fires :( , flooding in Tampa to the point people were kayaking down their streets :(, Tom and Katie splitting :), and we have a bunny that we thought was a girl but turns out is a boy :).  Change all around. Change used to scare me more than it does now.  I think over the last year, I've gotten better at living in the moment and realizing that no matter how much control I feel I have over things, I really don't have much at all.  I can only do my best and recognize that in my world, things happen as they should.  Even the bad stuff.  It's taken me a long time to get to this point, and I'm sure I have a lot more to learn, but I am taking comfort now in not knowing the answers or how things will play out tomorrow.  I know lots of folks I know would call that faith.

Here's my faith list today:

1.  I have faith that I will successfully fix a horrible highlighting job I did on my own hair with two lovely products from Loreal.  I also have faith that I may just be calling my fantastic hair dresser to fix it after I've "fixed it".  I'm ok with it.  Hair is an adventure, right?

2.  I have faith that I am on the right path in regards to Mod Mom Furniture growth as long as I recognize and listen to my intuition.  If I don't, I will likely take the long road to where I'm going.  I prefer the short road.

3.  I have faith that I won't mysteriously lose 15 lbs for a video segment shoot next Tuesday even though my silly mind would like to make me think I should.

4.  I have faith in Spanx for said video segment filming.


What do you have faith in today?

Keynote at Las Vegas World Market: Building a Brand from the Beginning

I've mentioned this before but now that its coming closer and closer (and I'm starting to work on the presentation and am getting SUPER excited about it), I thought I'd put it out there again.  If you're heading to Las Vegas Market in July, come by on Wed, August 1 at 10am to hear me talk about what is working (and what didn't work) as Mod Mom grows.  I'll share some inside stories, tips, failures, and in general, what I'm hoping folks will benefit from when building their own brands.

Hope to see you there!!

WHERE/WHEN: 

Building a Brand from the Beginning

10:00 am - 11:00 am | World Forum - 16th Floor of Building B

DESCRIPTION:

Kiersten Hathcock, CEO of ModMom Furniture, will share tips on what worked and what didn't work while building a brand with $0 and running a company despite roadblock after roadblock. She'll also share how she learned to trust her intuition even when the world was saying she was nuts to try to build and design furniture without design or carpentry experience.

Sponsored By

The Nothing About Furniture Post: Gluten Free Recipes

Happy Summer!  We're finishing up school around here which is why this blog has been quiet.  I do want to pass along some info that has nothing to do with wood but everything to do with good health.  A friend of mine has started a gluten-free cooking website where she shares recipes and I have had at least three friends tell me recently they are going gluten-free.  Check out Jessica's fantastic website and you're on your way to gluten free goodness. :)

Jessica's Website Link:  http://livelightfood.moonfruit.com

One of my favorite recipes is......

Chocolate Cake/Cupcakes
1 1/2 cup(s) gluten free all purpose flour (Bob's Red Mill® All Purpose Flour)
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
1/2 cup oil
1 cup(s) sugar
1/2 cup [quality] Cocoa Powder
2 large eggs,
1 1/2  teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
3/4  cup(s) rice or coconut milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all wet ingredients in a small bowl. Combine all dry ingredients in a separate, medium size bowl. Next combine wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Whisking together until batter is smooth.

Prepare a: cake pan, sheet cake pan, muffin or mini muffin pan by spraying with a non-stick spray. Spoon or pour mix into pan or muffin cups. Cook until inserted toothpick (or butter knife) come out clean.

Let cake/cupcakes cool, then eat and/or serve!

A Letter to our Mod Mom - By Scott Hathcock

A letter to our Mod Mom…

To our mother, wife, teacher, furniture designer, encourager, lover, friend, disciplinarian, giver, healer, counselor, volunteer, technician, organizer, printer, worker, shopper, seller, marketer, play buddy, History Channel viewer, Vampire lover, non-bather, homework helper, listener, laugher, cook, partner, animal lover, bad impressionist, non-gamer, driver, entrepreneur, learning coach, mentor, visionary, artist, soul mate, and self-taught carpenter,

We offer our thanks on this Mother’s Day.  We appreciate and love the work you do with us and those around us to make this planet a better place. Balance might be “bullshit” in your world, but in our world you help keep us balanced.        

Love,

Your family

Profile: Amazing Slovenian Furniture Manufacturer

One of the perks of being on the TV Show Shark Tank is that people from all over the world reach out offering congratulations, encouragement, asking for advice and offering opportunities.  I'm really touched each time I get an email from someone who saw my Shark Tank segment.  

Recently, out of the blue, a very kind man by the name of Gregor reached out to me telling me about his family-owned Slovenian furniture manufacturing/design business, MizarstvoGrm.  I've been talking about European expansion (even investigating the Baltic region) for about a year now, starting to put the pieces in place to make it happen. As soon as I read his email, I knew it was one of those cosmic connections.  We shared stories and I told him, due to European interest, I had been looking to manufacturer with a small, family-owned shop in Europe similar to Ray's in Ohio.  I could manufacture in China like almost everyone else does but it doesn't fit the core values of MMF...and it just doesn't feel right. Gregor and I are working to make MMF Europe happen but I also know the down economy has hit business hard and I want to do whatever I can to help them bring in new clients.  


In the past, they've worked as manufacturers for Ikea and Habitat.  Gregor has also launched a very cool slot together crib that is being sold exclusively through BeeZee Designs.  Check some of their work below!


If you or someone you know produces furniture (modern or otherwise) in Europe, please consider Gregor and his family business for your production needs.  Also, they are looking for potential investors as well.  Feel free to contact me for more information, if you'd like!  I'm happy to rave about them. :) 


CHECK OUT THIS NEW CRIB DESIGN BY GREGOR EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT BEE ZEE DESIGNS!  WILL SHIP TO THE US FLAT PACKED!  (This is not an MMF design.)

Teddy Bear Slot Together (No TOOLS!) Crib

(I used Google Translate from Slovenian to English on the text below) 
For you developing a new children's program. The first product from the child development program that develops ga Woodworking Plant is quick to assemble and to dismantle bed that allows for easy transport and quick assembly of cribs. Bed is a design solution and designer Gregory Bush accomplished by Bianca Žvorc, dizajnerke and business owners BeeZee Designs. 
The idea has evolved from the need for easy, usable and safe crib, which will be the design, ease of use and delight the most demanding parents, and children and provide a pleasant sleep. Bed is made of birch wood veneer panels (thin layers of wood glued in thickness), which gives the bed of high strength and flexibility. All edges are fully rounded, merges elements are designed to be easily folded up bed by simply sticking items into one another. 
Bed is composed of the exhibition and in 3 minutes and is suitable for frequent transport, as well as for permanent installation.Comes in a natural birch wood, waxed with beeswax or painted with white water-based paint. 
The number of registered patent 1-360882811 in New York, USA. 
When you purchase you get a GIFT summer stickers BeeZeeEcoKid BeeZeeEcoKid and healthy toy of your choice!SIZE: 130 cm x 72 cm x 102 cmFor the mattress 120 cm x 60 cmMATERIALS:- Laminated birch wood- Natural wax- White water-basedFor all questions: info@mizarstvogrm.si or info@beezeeecokid.comDELIVERY:5-10 days outside the EU2-5 days in the EUFaster delivery available on demand.

How cool is this bedroom set?!?!?  I would've killed for a slide as a kid!  (Gregor design. Not an MMF Design)

WHO IS MIZARSTVOGRM?
The company was founded in 1987, throughout its existence, grows, builds to production, as well as personnel capacities. From the very beginning until today the company has successfully operated in the production of finished joinery products for domestic and foreign clients. Through different periods involving large Slovenian and world known companies and organizations. Founder Anthony Plant was his carpentry business started operations in 1987 in a village not far from the center Trebnje. The workshop, which did not measure more than 95m2, initially sufficient for the initial needs of the self-employed craftsman. Soon, this working environment has become too small for new orders and additional staff. The family business has expanded, has also joined his wife, but the practical knowledge with theoretical fundamentals and build an expertise and an excellent son and daughter, who with his academic focus further influence on the modern wind in the company, which he has contributed a significant added value .

One of the gorgeous doors they've produced.

Cool Things That Have Happened Over the Past Few Weeks that included Rachel Zoe and Vegas

How do ya like that blog title?!?  I couldn't come up with something cool, funny, ironic or poignant so there it is.  Not that I went to Vegas with Rachel Zoe but I bet that would be fun!

I've been plugging away on Mod Mom, homeschooling Noah, that other job of mine, and life in general and in between all of that, a few really cool things happened and I wanted to share!

Rachel, Rodger, and baby Skyler

This is not Rachel's living room :)  It was mine in 2008.

I had the pleasure of delivering a toy box bought and paid for by Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist and TV star on BRAVO network.  And ya know what?  She couldn't have been nicer or more complimentary.  She showed us Skyler's nursery and asked our opinion (Scott with with me to help me deliver.)  She's already put an order in for more toy boxes!  She and her husband bought the Gracie Toy Box for their living room for their adorable son, Skyler's toys. I'm thrilled she's a Mod Mom Furniture fan and I'm looking forward to working with her again in the next few weeks.   Rachel bought the Gracie through http://www.modernnursery.com, one of my favorite retailers who's been with me since 2007!

Now for Vegas....

Las Vegas World Market - July 30-August 3, 2012

I was recently asked to be a keynote speaker at the Las Vegas World Market (international furniture and home goods convention)!  I'm really excited to share how I built an international brand with no money...or carpentry experience...or design experience.  I'm not sure exactly when my hour session will be held yet but I'll let you know ASAP.  I'll give real-world tips and talk about things that worked for me in terms of social media, marketing, and strategy.

If you're in Vegas for Market, I hope to see you!! 

The Finished Outdoor Feature Wall Using Old Pallets-- By Scott Hathcock

A few months ago I blogged about building an outdoor feature wall using old pallets....AND, NOW THE BIG REVEAL!
 

 

One significant change you will notice from the original concept rendering (pictured on the left) is that I ended up doing a patchwork layering rather than a precise lining of the planks.  I've learned it is rather difficult to find pallets with similar lines and wood types, so I had to embrace all types of pallet wood, including the split pieces.  But, with using so many variations of pallet wood types, one of my favorite outcomes is that it is texturally pleasing as well.  Weather will certainly continue to play a major role in the overall color pallet of the wall, so that should be interesting to watch. If we should ever grow tired of the colors, repainting will always be an option.  Vertical gaps left between some of the boards have allowed for removable shelving for the occasional row of candles.

I call her "Mod Pioneer." For no money and little time, I am very pleased with the outcome. 

For renters with small or large patios, the feature wall may be a great design option without breaking the bank or losing a deposit.  Free pallets are everywhere, so have fun and start creating something with them today.           

Met up with Shark Tank entrepreneur, Shelly from SHOWNO

I'm proud to call Shelly Ehler a friend.  We met when she reached out prior to her episode of Shark Tank airing and I instantly knew I really liked her.  We even have similar experiences (job loss, struggle, building something from our homes, and our spiritual beliefs).   Shelly is the owner/designer of SHOW NO - poncho style towels for you and your kids. www.showno.com

We recently met for lunch at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles in Hollywood and snapped the picture you see above.  To top off our fantastic lunch, we got to meet Little Richard who was seated one table away.  He gave us both books about "Finding Peace Within," which was amazingly kind and generous. And ironically, we were talking quite a bit about peace and spirituality over well, chicken and waffles, before a very kind gentleman in Little Richard's entourage handed us the books. It was surreal to say the least.

I'm finding more and more that amazingly good, caring, genuine people are coming into my life while others are or have moved out of my life.  And I don't think this is a coincidence.  In my experience, nothing really is a coincidence, not even the hard stuff.

I feel like Shelly and I, despite our past trials and tribulations, have found our peace.  And a fantastic friendship.

Don't miss Shark Tank on May 4th -  there's a follow-up for Show No and some fantastic things happening for Shelly since accepting Lori's deal in the Tank.

You win some, you lose some

I've learned a lesson this weekend.

My best design work is done when I'm actually building the prototypes.  This past Friday, Fed Ex delivered an impeccably built Chase Toy Box design but as it turns out, I'm not really sold on my design.  The Amish construction quality is exceptional as always but I'm just not a fan of this piece.  Funny how the one I design on paper and don't build in my garage is the one I'm not really so sure about.  I think I've learned that I am very much a hands-on designer, at least when it comes to toy boxes.  I can design things on paper (beds, dressers, etc) and they turn out just fine but somehow, the toy box is surprisingly harder to make happen on paper for me.  I have to be able to see how the elements look together in real life before I commit.  I know what I want to do to change the Chase so I'll work that out from a design and a manufacturing cost standpoint (and will reveal it soon!) but I think the lessons learned are priceless.

Time to get some sawdust in my hair again!