We were lucky to catch up with Chelsea Buttner recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chelsea, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
Persisting despite the haters and nay-sayers is a universal challenge that every entrepreneur encounters along their journey, including myself. It’s an inevitable part of the process, but what keeps me going is my unwavering passion for what I do.
When you’re truly passionate about your work, it becomes easier to weather the storm of negativity. Criticism and negativity often stem from those who aren’t actively pursuing their own dreams or taking risks in their lives. It’s easier for them to judge and criticize from the sidelines.
I’ve learned to shift my focus away from those negative voices and stay true to my vision. It’s crucial not to lose sight of why I embarked on this journey in the first place. By remaining steadfast in my dreams and taking consistent action towards my goals, I find the strength to persevere.
In fact, I see the presence of haters as a sign of progress. As the saying goes, “the haters are my motivators.” Their skepticism serves as confirmation that I’m making waves and challenging the status quo. It only fuels my determination to keep pushing forward and proving them wrong.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the co-founder and CEO of Puff Cards, where we’ve pioneered a patented card capable of housing cylindrical containers inside. Our mission is simple yet innovative: to revolutionize the gifting experience by creating the only greeting card that doubles as product packaging. It’s not just a card; it’s a multi-purpose product that serves both as a heartfelt gesture and a creative packaging solution for brands.
What excites me most about Puff Cards is its sheer versatility. We began our journey by enhancing the cannabis gifting experience, but quickly realized the broader potential of our concept. Now, we’re expanding our reach by including a diverse range of gift items that appeal to a wider audience.
At the heart of Puff Cards lies our passion for art and creative expression. Traditional greeting cards often lack authenticity, with generic designs that fail to capture the essence of meaningful communication. We sought to change that by transforming each card into a miniature canvas, adorned with original typography, illustrations, and graphic design. But what truly sets us apart is the surprise element – every card comes discreetly enclosed with a carefully selected gift, accompanied by a custom-fit envelope and sealing sticker. We encourage recipients to cherish their cards as more than just ephemeral greetings; they’re pieces of sentimental art to be displayed and cherished.
Behind the scenes, Puff Cards has a story rooted in personal passion and collaboration. My journey began with a deep love for cannabis and the shared experiences it fosters. As an event manager in New York City for a renowned guitar brand, I embarked on a side hustle creating cannabis-themed greeting cards. Teaming up with a college friend, we initially launched in the West Coast market, debuting our collection in Colorado. However, as our vision diverged, I made the difficult decision to part ways and pursue my own path. With the support of my brother TJ and his partner Liz, Puff Cards took shape, culminating in the development of our patented greeting card concept.
One of the most significant aspects of our journey is the intellectual property we’ve secured to protect our product. Puff Cards holds utility and design patents in key markets across the globe, including the US, Canada, UK, and Europe, ensuring that our innovation remains safeguarded.
Our recent expansion includes an exciting array of product offerings. In addition to the gift items housed within our cards – such as bath salts, lip gloss, candy, and soon crystals – we’ve expanded our collection to feature our best-selling artwork on everyday essentials. From towels and blankets to candles, totes, stationary, and accessory pouches, our customers can now bring our beloved artistry into their homes in a variety of ways.
We’re thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly our white-label ventures that will enable us to share the joy of gifting and creating lasting memories with people worldwide. With Puff Cards, the possibilities are truly endless, and we’re excited to continue exploring new horizons in the art of gifting.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve identified negotiation, adaptability, and problem-solving as the three most critical qualities and skills that have profoundly impacted our path.
Negotiation skills have been indispensable, particularly in the early stages of our bootstrapped venture. Managing tight funds and adhering to our bottom line required savvy negotiation tactics. It’s essential to approach every deal with clarity on our objectives and firmness in protecting our interests. Learning to strike mutually beneficial agreements has been instrumental in navigating the financial landscape of our business.
Adaptability emerged as a cornerstone trait as we encountered shifting market dynamics and unforeseen challenges. Being able to pivot swiftly in response to evolving consumer trends or industry regulations has been paramount. For instance, our initial launch targeting the cannabis market on the East Coast confronted us with consumer mindsets unfamiliar with legal cannabis gifting. Recognizing the need to adapt our approach early on was crucial in overcoming this hurdle and positioning ourselves for success.
Problem-solving prowess has been integral to navigating the myriad challenges inherent in entrepreneurship. Whether it’s addressing supply chain disruptions, resolving payment issues with vendors, or managing customer service concerns, quick and effective problem-solving is essential. Embracing a proactive approach to troubleshooting enables us to tackle obstacles head-on and maintain operational efficiency.
For aspiring entrepreneurs embarking on their journey, my advice is to prioritize data-driven decision-making. Paying close attention to key metrics and performance indicators can illuminate areas ripe for improvement or necessitating a pivot. It’s vital not to become entrenched in strategies that aren’t yielding desired results. Instead, take the time to evaluate, iterate, and realign strategies to better align with the evolving needs of the market. Remaining adaptable and resilient in the face of adversity will ultimately be the key to sustained success in today’s volatile business landscape.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We’re always on the lookout for like-minded brands eager to explore new avenues of marketing, packaging, and product presentation. Our ideal collaborators are those who share our passion for innovation and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo to create something truly memorable.
Whether you’re an established brand or just entering the market, if you’re driven by a desire to break boundaries and leave a lasting impression, we want to collaborate with you. We’re particularly interested in partnering with brands that offer product sampling, subscription boxes, gift items, fragrances, confections, libations, and beyond. If your product can fit inside a Puff Card, we’re excited to explore the possibilities together.
If you’re reading this and believe your brand aligns with our vision, we invite you to reach out and connect with us. Let’s join forces to bring innovative, immersive experiences to our customers and make a meaningful impact in the market. Together, we can create something truly extraordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.puffcards.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puffcards?igsh=MXV6YnFhdGE1dHgycA==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseabuttner?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: Email address: chelsea@puffcards.com
Image Credits
Image 7 – Kimber Arezzi of Chime & Chill (one of our white label clients for product packaging)
