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Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms
Supermaker is a guide to business and career development by Jaime acclaimed entrepreneur, founder of Schmidt's Naturals, and icon of the Maker Movement.In Supermaker, she shares how you too can start or grow your own business with advice on branding, product development, social media marketing, scaling, PR, and customer engagement, all based on her own hard-won mastery.In just seven years, Jaime Schmidt went from making natural products in her Portland, Oregon, kitchen to turning her brand into a household name and selling her company to Unilever—without sacrificing the integrity of her product or her creative vision.• Readers learn how to get ahead on their own terms and while maintaining their commitment to fair and sustainable principles.• A valuable resource to the ever-growing community of business owners and entrepreneurs who want to go from maker to magnate.• Candid advice from an industry disruptor.Following her growth from farmers' market stand to international brand, Jaime's book is a riveting mix of inspiration, the honest airing of mistakes, and indispensable instruction. Supermaker empowers and unites the next generation of entrepreneurs.• A go-to guide for the passion-to-profit journey.• The perfect read for aspiring entrepreneurs, makers, creatives, and anyone with an interest in natural products, selling your products online, retail strategy, and digital marketing.• Great for anyone who enjoyed Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie, Craft, Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business by Meg Mateo Ilasco, and The Girls' Guide to Starting Your Own Candid Advice, Frank Talk, and True Stories for the Successful Entrepreneur by Caitlin Friedman.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2020
95 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Schmidt
3 books12 followersJaime Schmidt is the acclaimed entrepreneur, investor, and Maker Movement icon that started out making natural products in her kitchen, and in short time, grew her brand into 30,000+ stores and sold it in a nine-figure acquisition.
Suffice to say, she's got quite the story to tell. Not only about how she did it, but all the unbelievable twists and turns along the way that threatened to sink her business.
Through unfiltered storytelling and instructive takeaways learned during her growth from maker to magnate, Supermaker shares Jaime's secrets to financial success, marketing, operations, sales growth, product development, PR, partnerships, and customer engagement.
Following Jaime from kitchen to acquisition, Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms is a riveting mix of inspiration, the honest airing of mistakes, and indispensable instruction.
Suffice to say, she's got quite the story to tell. Not only about how she did it, but all the unbelievable twists and turns along the way that threatened to sink her business.
Through unfiltered storytelling and instructive takeaways learned during her growth from maker to magnate, Supermaker shares Jaime's secrets to financial success, marketing, operations, sales growth, product development, PR, partnerships, and customer engagement.
Following Jaime from kitchen to acquisition, Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms is a riveting mix of inspiration, the honest airing of mistakes, and indispensable instruction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 22, 2020
Thanks so much to the author, BookSparks, and Chronical Prism Publishing for the complimentary finished copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and participation in this blog tour. All opinions are entirely my own. { partner } All of my reviews can also be found on Instagram @Tackling_TBR and on my blog at tacklingtbr.home.blog
I was so excited to jump into this book! Last year, in December 2019, I started my own small shop on Etsy, and it has been a crazy just under a year trying to figure it out as I went along. So I was so excited to be chosen to be a part of the blog tour for this book, and learn all of the things that Jaime had done early on in her business's life, and how she made it what it is now.
I flew through the first half of the book, because I found it all so fascinating. The stories about her starting at craft fairs and farmers markets, to going in to her local shops to learn the process of getting her products on those first store shelves. Watching her in the middle of the learning process that is a constant once you pass the moment of "I like making this product, and I think that people would be interested in buying it" and are trying to figure out what comes next and what you would like the future of that business to look like. I got some answers to a few questions that I have had in my own experiences, and some answers to a few questions that I didn't know that I had, and even a few answers to questions that I haven't gotten far enough in my process yet to have been curious about.
All of that being said, once I got into about the second half of this book I hit a bit of a wall that I found myself really having to push through to the finish line and the last chapter. And that is nothing against the book, but I think that at this point in my own process only the first half of the book was really aimed at me and my business. Let me start off this portion by saying that we have very different types of businesses, Jaime and I, so it wasn't like the whole book was going to be a one to one comparison. But more so than that, about halfway through the book is when she and her business really started to blow up - being able to shop it at target, moving into really large production spaces, hiring more and more staff members, etc. And that just isn't a place that I see myself ever going with my own business. The biggest I could ever see my shop, in my absolute wildest dreams for my business, would be a small storefront with myself and at most one other person selling things that are still each made by my own hand. So by the time the book was all about her bringing in business partners and giving interviews on television, or being mentioned by celebrities in magazines, it just became a little bit more difficult for me to get through and I ended up finding myself putting it down in favor of my other reads.
Overall I would say that this was a fairly interesting book, written very narratively, and with lots of categorized tips and tricks from someone who made something really huge and international truly out of nothing. I would say that this book may be more interesting for you if you see yourself wanting to really take your business and make it something very big like Jaime did. Otherwise, if you're a small business like me, maybe you'll get more out of the first half than the second half. I am very glad that I read it, and there are a few tips and bits of inspiration that I have taken from the book since having read it. So if you are in that situation, it will just be up to you to decide for yourself if it is something worth picking up and reading, if you will potentially only be getting the information out of that one half.
I was so excited to jump into this book! Last year, in December 2019, I started my own small shop on Etsy, and it has been a crazy just under a year trying to figure it out as I went along. So I was so excited to be chosen to be a part of the blog tour for this book, and learn all of the things that Jaime had done early on in her business's life, and how she made it what it is now.
I flew through the first half of the book, because I found it all so fascinating. The stories about her starting at craft fairs and farmers markets, to going in to her local shops to learn the process of getting her products on those first store shelves. Watching her in the middle of the learning process that is a constant once you pass the moment of "I like making this product, and I think that people would be interested in buying it" and are trying to figure out what comes next and what you would like the future of that business to look like. I got some answers to a few questions that I have had in my own experiences, and some answers to a few questions that I didn't know that I had, and even a few answers to questions that I haven't gotten far enough in my process yet to have been curious about.
All of that being said, once I got into about the second half of this book I hit a bit of a wall that I found myself really having to push through to the finish line and the last chapter. And that is nothing against the book, but I think that at this point in my own process only the first half of the book was really aimed at me and my business. Let me start off this portion by saying that we have very different types of businesses, Jaime and I, so it wasn't like the whole book was going to be a one to one comparison. But more so than that, about halfway through the book is when she and her business really started to blow up - being able to shop it at target, moving into really large production spaces, hiring more and more staff members, etc. And that just isn't a place that I see myself ever going with my own business. The biggest I could ever see my shop, in my absolute wildest dreams for my business, would be a small storefront with myself and at most one other person selling things that are still each made by my own hand. So by the time the book was all about her bringing in business partners and giving interviews on television, or being mentioned by celebrities in magazines, it just became a little bit more difficult for me to get through and I ended up finding myself putting it down in favor of my other reads.
Overall I would say that this was a fairly interesting book, written very narratively, and with lots of categorized tips and tricks from someone who made something really huge and international truly out of nothing. I would say that this book may be more interesting for you if you see yourself wanting to really take your business and make it something very big like Jaime did. Otherwise, if you're a small business like me, maybe you'll get more out of the first half than the second half. I am very glad that I read it, and there are a few tips and bits of inspiration that I have taken from the book since having read it. So if you are in that situation, it will just be up to you to decide for yourself if it is something worth picking up and reading, if you will potentially only be getting the information out of that one half.
February 20, 2021
I haven't read in a book in months.
This book has been on my TBR list for a while, but it has been hard to find the energy to read lately.
If you are planning on launching a CPG product, I highly recommend reading Jaime's story. She takes Schmidt's from kitchen experiment to big name retailers in a span of roughly 7 years. The book is part her story and part tips for companies who are looking to build similar products.
I wish she'd have gone more into the mistakes they made as a business, but overall highly recommend this book.
This book has been on my TBR list for a while, but it has been hard to find the energy to read lately.
If you are planning on launching a CPG product, I highly recommend reading Jaime's story. She takes Schmidt's from kitchen experiment to big name retailers in a span of roughly 7 years. The book is part her story and part tips for companies who are looking to build similar products.
I wish she'd have gone more into the mistakes they made as a business, but overall highly recommend this book.
February 11, 2021
I read this book in one sitting and highly encourage it to anyone interested in learning about Jamie's journey on building a world class brand. Her story is so inspirational because as it resonates with so many of early founders fears of knowing nothing but still saying yes to everything! She writes really well and made it easy to follow her journey along.
August 24, 2020
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a pop-up book tour for Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms by Jaime Schmidt. Does Jaime’s name sound familiar? It should. She’s the creator of Schmidt's Naturals - the “natural deodorant that actually works” that you see on shelves at all your favorite retailers.
With her book Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms, Jaime gives the consumer goods startups who were begging her for advice the ultimate gift: her wisdom informed by experience building a global brand from scratch.
After fielding non-stop requests from the maker community to “pick her brain,” she decided the best way to let all of those people in on her journey climbing the ranks as a consumer packaged goods brand and ultimately negotiating a sale of her product to Unilever, was to write it. I’m so glad she did.
Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms is a great read for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit, anyone in the maker community, anyone interested in starting a business, anyone with a passion project or creative endeavor, and especially anyone who wants to break into or navigate the complicated consumer packaged goods market.
As someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, it was fun to follow Jaime's story from farmer’s market selling and kitchen-sink mixing to board-room negotiating and media company building. While I don’t have a consumer packaged goods business and I’m not a “maker” of goods of any kind, I read this book through the lens of being a PR professional and an early/new podcaster. Many of her messages extend beyond the maker community including: perfecting the product and share your passion; say yes now then figure out how; stay true to your path and power through.
As someone starting a new passion project with a podcast and exploring a medium I’ve never worked with before, I was so inspired by her encouragement to “jump in, hone your process, and commit to your product.” My product is my podcast and her guidance is relevant to my starting-up journey with it.
Jaime Schmidt also writes about her first-ever press interview with FOX news and the story resonated with me as a PR professional. She appeared on a taped episode of A Healthy You and Carol Alt in 2014. What she thought was a flop national TV appearance served up some great lessons for business owners. I wrote about the PR side of these lessons here.
Jaime Schmidt is such a generous business owner and this book is one example of that. I recently listened to an episode of The Michelle Obama Podcast and Michelle said something that I think rings so true about Jaime:
For Jaime, her own success is not enough. Something good has happened to her and she isn’t hoarding it. She’s sharing it. She’s reaching out and giving back with Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms and beyond.
Disclosure: This book was sent to me by BookSparks as part of their pop-up book tour for Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms by Jaime Schmidt, but this review on Goodreads was not a requirement or request of the book tour.
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Find more of my writing here.
Follow me on Instagram.
Tweet me what you thought of this book!
"Maybe we'll be coming out of Covid (by the book release date)," said Jaime Schmidt to Inc Magazine Editor-at-Large Leigh Buchanan in July. "And if not, what better time than when you are stuck at home to build a business in your kitchen?"
With her book Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms, Jaime gives the consumer goods startups who were begging her for advice the ultimate gift: her wisdom informed by experience building a global brand from scratch.
After fielding non-stop requests from the maker community to “pick her brain,” she decided the best way to let all of those people in on her journey climbing the ranks as a consumer packaged goods brand and ultimately negotiating a sale of her product to Unilever, was to write it. I’m so glad she did.
Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms is a great read for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit, anyone in the maker community, anyone interested in starting a business, anyone with a passion project or creative endeavor, and especially anyone who wants to break into or navigate the complicated consumer packaged goods market.
As someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, it was fun to follow Jaime's story from farmer’s market selling and kitchen-sink mixing to board-room negotiating and media company building. While I don’t have a consumer packaged goods business and I’m not a “maker” of goods of any kind, I read this book through the lens of being a PR professional and an early/new podcaster. Many of her messages extend beyond the maker community including: perfecting the product and share your passion; say yes now then figure out how; stay true to your path and power through.
As someone starting a new passion project with a podcast and exploring a medium I’ve never worked with before, I was so inspired by her encouragement to “jump in, hone your process, and commit to your product.” My product is my podcast and her guidance is relevant to my starting-up journey with it.
“I was figuring it all out on the go. Yet when an opportunity arose, I was determined not to let my lack of knowledge or experience stop me. So I’d say yes in the moment, then figure it out, one way or another. The more I did it, the easier it became, proving to myself how much I really could accomplish...Say yes, even if you don’t think you’re ready or official enough…”
Jaime Schmidt also writes about her first-ever press interview with FOX news and the story resonated with me as a PR professional. She appeared on a taped episode of A Healthy You and Carol Alt in 2014. What she thought was a flop national TV appearance served up some great lessons for business owners. I wrote about the PR side of these lessons here.
Jaime Schmidt is such a generous business owner and this book is one example of that. I recently listened to an episode of The Michelle Obama Podcast and Michelle said something that I think rings so true about Jaime:
"...my personal obligation– Michelle Obama –is that it is not enough that I succeed on my own."
"...if something good happens to you, if you have an advantage, you don't hoard it. You share it. You reach out. You give back."
For Jaime, her own success is not enough. Something good has happened to her and she isn’t hoarding it. She’s sharing it. She’s reaching out and giving back with Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms and beyond.
Disclosure: This book was sent to me by BookSparks as part of their pop-up book tour for Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms by Jaime Schmidt, but this review on Goodreads was not a requirement or request of the book tour.
-------------
Find more of my writing here.
Follow me on Instagram.
Tweet me what you thought of this book!
August 16, 2020
Thank you BookSparks for this copy of the book in exchange for a full and truthful review.
Truthfully, I loved this book! In college I studied business and entrepreneurship, and since graduating I have missed all the learning and educational materials that came along with it, and this book was just what I needed! I also run a small etsy business, so there were parts of this book that really pertained to me too. I took notes on every chapter, and I can't help but think if I was still in college today this would have been the perfect book for me to read as extra credit!
Not only does this book tell you tips and tricks on how to successfully run a business, but its laced with Schmidt's own stories of successes and failures, and all the things she has done along the way that worked for her! The writing is absolutely captivating and I read half this book in one sitting. While the story is mostly her own, she adds in little boxes with tips to handle the situation she just discussed, and at the end of every chapter she adds a "what make about it" to summarize the points she was trying to get across. I know not everyone will have the same chances and opportunities to blow up their business in the way that Schmidt did, but it is still inspiring and there is a lot she talks about that can be scaled for smaller businesses too.
I also want to add in that Schmidt does talk a little about the difficulties of being a women in the industry as well, as she was constantly being told she was "discovered" in her own kitchen (when she had far surpassed the kitchen at that point), and her legacy was often told inaccurately. Everyone would like to believe that she was making and packaging orders for Whole Foods and Target in her own kitchen, but by the time she had reached those points she was already in a warehouse with her own employees, and people were just trying to undercut her success. Or they say her success was all due to her partner she had (again, who came further down the line in her success story), saying she did not "get big" until having his connections. It does irritate me that she had to go through such things because I know what it feels like to have your accomplishments undercut or not believed by others (read: men), but I am also glad she added this in the book and didn't try to dismiss it like it was not a thing that happened.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book and it was equal parts informational and entertainment. It is insane to think of how far along she came in seven years, and it is also cool to know the origin story of one of the products I see normally in my local grocery stores. I wish Jaime Schmidt the best in her future adventures, and I am thankful I had the chance to read this story!
Truthfully, I loved this book! In college I studied business and entrepreneurship, and since graduating I have missed all the learning and educational materials that came along with it, and this book was just what I needed! I also run a small etsy business, so there were parts of this book that really pertained to me too. I took notes on every chapter, and I can't help but think if I was still in college today this would have been the perfect book for me to read as extra credit!
Not only does this book tell you tips and tricks on how to successfully run a business, but its laced with Schmidt's own stories of successes and failures, and all the things she has done along the way that worked for her! The writing is absolutely captivating and I read half this book in one sitting. While the story is mostly her own, she adds in little boxes with tips to handle the situation she just discussed, and at the end of every chapter she adds a "what make about it" to summarize the points she was trying to get across. I know not everyone will have the same chances and opportunities to blow up their business in the way that Schmidt did, but it is still inspiring and there is a lot she talks about that can be scaled for smaller businesses too.
I also want to add in that Schmidt does talk a little about the difficulties of being a women in the industry as well, as she was constantly being told she was "discovered" in her own kitchen (when she had far surpassed the kitchen at that point), and her legacy was often told inaccurately. Everyone would like to believe that she was making and packaging orders for Whole Foods and Target in her own kitchen, but by the time she had reached those points she was already in a warehouse with her own employees, and people were just trying to undercut her success. Or they say her success was all due to her partner she had (again, who came further down the line in her success story), saying she did not "get big" until having his connections. It does irritate me that she had to go through such things because I know what it feels like to have your accomplishments undercut or not believed by others (read: men), but I am also glad she added this in the book and didn't try to dismiss it like it was not a thing that happened.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book and it was equal parts informational and entertainment. It is insane to think of how far along she came in seven years, and it is also cool to know the origin story of one of the products I see normally in my local grocery stores. I wish Jaime Schmidt the best in her future adventures, and I am thankful I had the chance to read this story!
December 23, 2021
It's funny, I signed up with @booksparks for this book tour with no particular intention. I don't have a business I'm running or even a mock up of one I'd like to run and yet something about @jaimeschmidt 's journey appealed to me on a deeper level.
Reading Super Maker, I immediately connected with Jaime- she totally spoke my language in regards to searching for self-fulfillment, with that "old nagging question that persisted: what's my purpose?" I felt heard without even realizing I was speaking the language to my own deaf ears, and was infused with newfound hope just reading about her tenacious spirit. I found myself glued to the book, reading thru her candid journey and humble beginnings.
It's amazing how once fueled by belief in yourself and ur product u can be naturally thrust into roles u never imagined u could occupy. In Jaime's case, product developer -> salesperson -> marketing expert -> operations manager -> ceo and leader. It's a remarkable thing really, if I tried now to think of myself in these positions, I immediately hear an inner scoff. And yet, I also very assuredly know that if I found myself passionate enough about something, I can easily see myself successfully occupying all those hats.
Some thoughts I plucked that resonated particularly with me;
- I put "figuring things out" on pause and allowed myself to enjoy being exactly where I was.
- If you're in the unsure-what-my-passion-is realm, and experimenting, exploring and seeking, keep going. Trust your curiosity. Pay attention to what gives you joy.
- Making compromises and difficult decisions is an ongoing part of being self employed, no matter your field. It's a huge risk to work for free. You hope it pays off later but you can't predict the outcome in advance. Looking back I'd tell my former self to charge for her time or propose a project budget, and to ask for more support. *From this I take courage in remembering never to sell myself short, know my value and not shy away from projecting my worth and confidently asking for things that I'm rightfully due.
I can easily continue with many more helpful tidbits but I implore you to read this on your own. Whether you're looking to start a business or not, there is much to gain from reading this book. I'm super thankful to @booksparks for putting this on my radar and providing a copy and to @jaimeschmidt for so willingly sharing her success story with us
Reading Super Maker, I immediately connected with Jaime- she totally spoke my language in regards to searching for self-fulfillment, with that "old nagging question that persisted: what's my purpose?" I felt heard without even realizing I was speaking the language to my own deaf ears, and was infused with newfound hope just reading about her tenacious spirit. I found myself glued to the book, reading thru her candid journey and humble beginnings.
It's amazing how once fueled by belief in yourself and ur product u can be naturally thrust into roles u never imagined u could occupy. In Jaime's case, product developer -> salesperson -> marketing expert -> operations manager -> ceo and leader. It's a remarkable thing really, if I tried now to think of myself in these positions, I immediately hear an inner scoff. And yet, I also very assuredly know that if I found myself passionate enough about something, I can easily see myself successfully occupying all those hats.
Some thoughts I plucked that resonated particularly with me;
- I put "figuring things out" on pause and allowed myself to enjoy being exactly where I was.
- If you're in the unsure-what-my-passion-is realm, and experimenting, exploring and seeking, keep going. Trust your curiosity. Pay attention to what gives you joy.
- Making compromises and difficult decisions is an ongoing part of being self employed, no matter your field. It's a huge risk to work for free. You hope it pays off later but you can't predict the outcome in advance. Looking back I'd tell my former self to charge for her time or propose a project budget, and to ask for more support. *From this I take courage in remembering never to sell myself short, know my value and not shy away from projecting my worth and confidently asking for things that I'm rightfully due.
I can easily continue with many more helpful tidbits but I implore you to read this on your own. Whether you're looking to start a business or not, there is much to gain from reading this book. I'm super thankful to @booksparks for putting this on my radar and providing a copy and to @jaimeschmidt for so willingly sharing her success story with us
February 11, 2022
This is the review I wrote in August 2020 after receiving an ARC from BookSparks:
A must-read! Supermaker by @jaimeschmidt is out on September 8th! It’s the kind of book you mention to all of your family and friends. Seriously... in the past week, I’ve mentioned it every chance I’ve had!
Jaime, the founder and former CEO of Schmidt’s Naturals, gives readers an inside look of her entrepreneurial journey. From creating natural skincare in her own kitchen to running a consumer goods business, she offers a genuine and empowering account of triumphs and success. After creating her global brand @schmidtsnaturals and being a pioneer in the natural skincare lifestyle, she sold her company to Unilever, a consumer goods company.
She did all of this in seven years, and her story is only getting started! She and her husband have also created Color, a fund that aims to invest in emerging businesses created by women and people of color. They've even launched their own podcast called Supermaker Radio.
As a recent graduate in the Advertising/Public Relations field, I loved how she seamlessly integrated marketing terminology into her memoir. Her memoir is like the perfect case study on how to start a business from your passion. Through her vivid storytelling, you'll literally feel like you're sitting in on intense business meetings with her. Readers will learn so much about essential oils, natural products, business operations, and so much more! Personally, I related to this book because of my interest in making homemade makeup. And as someone with my own health challenges, I admire how Jaime Schmidt's own struggles didn't stop her from being a graceful go-getter.
Reading this book gave me a boost of inspiration! We all have dreams and goals, and no matter what yours is, I truly believe this book is a must-read! Thank you @booksparks for the opportunity to read this book and share an honest book review! 6 out of 5 stars! Can I do that?! Well, I just did!
A must-read! Supermaker by @jaimeschmidt is out on September 8th! It’s the kind of book you mention to all of your family and friends. Seriously... in the past week, I’ve mentioned it every chance I’ve had!
Jaime, the founder and former CEO of Schmidt’s Naturals, gives readers an inside look of her entrepreneurial journey. From creating natural skincare in her own kitchen to running a consumer goods business, she offers a genuine and empowering account of triumphs and success. After creating her global brand @schmidtsnaturals and being a pioneer in the natural skincare lifestyle, she sold her company to Unilever, a consumer goods company.
She did all of this in seven years, and her story is only getting started! She and her husband have also created Color, a fund that aims to invest in emerging businesses created by women and people of color. They've even launched their own podcast called Supermaker Radio.
As a recent graduate in the Advertising/Public Relations field, I loved how she seamlessly integrated marketing terminology into her memoir. Her memoir is like the perfect case study on how to start a business from your passion. Through her vivid storytelling, you'll literally feel like you're sitting in on intense business meetings with her. Readers will learn so much about essential oils, natural products, business operations, and so much more! Personally, I related to this book because of my interest in making homemade makeup. And as someone with my own health challenges, I admire how Jaime Schmidt's own struggles didn't stop her from being a graceful go-getter.
Reading this book gave me a boost of inspiration! We all have dreams and goals, and no matter what yours is, I truly believe this book is a must-read! Thank you @booksparks for the opportunity to read this book and share an honest book review! 6 out of 5 stars! Can I do that?! Well, I just did!
December 31, 2020
Outside of my bookish life, I own a photography studio. I have been a photographer for over 15 years now. It’s crazy, it started as such a small, scary thing - stepping away from corporate America and starting my own company. Then it grew into a behemoth I hardly had any control over with employees and deadlines and conventions. After a time I scaled it back, redirected, and now its a well oiled machine that basically runs itself. But that didn’t come without a whole lot of growing pains.
I really wish I had this Supermaker book back in the day when I was first starting out. Jaime Schmidt, the queen of the maker movement, shares her tips, tricks and life lessons on running a business built off your passions and interests. It is full of stories of her own success and failures. I love that she boils it down to defining your purpose, staying in your lane, and staying true to yourself.
And how timely is this book? As more people are laid off or stuck home because of Covid, this is a perfect time to look at more creative pursuits, whether thats starting a business, finally moving on that passion project or just trying to navigate the world of online commerce. I love that she boldly encourages us to just GO. Stop overthinking and trust your curiosity. Do the thing that brings you joy. You can always pivot as you go but just START.
“say yes in the moment, then figure it out, one way or another...Say yes, even if you don’t think you’re ready or official enough…”
As someone who loves to encourage and support other small business, I also love that she’s so willing to look back and help others with the knowledge she has gained. She encourages all makers to do the same.
"...if something good happens to you, if you have an advantage, you don't hoard it. You share it. You reach out. You give back.”
I really wish I had this Supermaker book back in the day when I was first starting out. Jaime Schmidt, the queen of the maker movement, shares her tips, tricks and life lessons on running a business built off your passions and interests. It is full of stories of her own success and failures. I love that she boils it down to defining your purpose, staying in your lane, and staying true to yourself.
And how timely is this book? As more people are laid off or stuck home because of Covid, this is a perfect time to look at more creative pursuits, whether thats starting a business, finally moving on that passion project or just trying to navigate the world of online commerce. I love that she boldly encourages us to just GO. Stop overthinking and trust your curiosity. Do the thing that brings you joy. You can always pivot as you go but just START.
“say yes in the moment, then figure it out, one way or another...Say yes, even if you don’t think you’re ready or official enough…”
As someone who loves to encourage and support other small business, I also love that she’s so willing to look back and help others with the knowledge she has gained. She encourages all makers to do the same.
"...if something good happens to you, if you have an advantage, you don't hoard it. You share it. You reach out. You give back.”
December 20, 2020
jaimeschmidt is a goddess entrepreneur who embodies a bunch of talent in the form of a successful all rounder woman of this century. She is charged with creativity and anyone who is exploring Abby market as a 'makes should read this book!
This book is an essential reading. I have listened to Jaime's pod and it's just mind blowing. You learn something everytime! This book is her story. Her climb, her lessons and her wisdom, packaged into a must have on your shelf and your minds, no matter where you come from and where you want to go....
Business and it's parallels are drawn beautifully, the prose works as you read about not only tips and tricks but turning tables, acquisitions, a journey of two souls, expanding a small business into a successful brand.
I know so many small businesses and most of them on the Gram. I am sure each one of you should pick this read based on just the attempt to pick some ripe ideas to inspire you and answer your doubts. That's what this book does... I have an entrepreneurial spirit nagging me away but I have never been able to act on it. Kinda feel old now. 😂🙌 Yet, this book made me question my decisions. I like it when a book does that... Show facts, issues, problem solving and generosity of heart, all at once. Making you read something unforgettable. That's what Christmas is all about. As I am getting oldie mouldy, I want to feed my insatiable brain.
Even as we stumble along an ending to an year which has been shitz, Super Maker brings a fresh perspective and old days spirits back in our lives, nudging you to look within, work with the resources you have and you can achieve a lot of what you must, cause everyone is worth it... Read the Super Maker if you must..
This book is an essential reading. I have listened to Jaime's pod and it's just mind blowing. You learn something everytime! This book is her story. Her climb, her lessons and her wisdom, packaged into a must have on your shelf and your minds, no matter where you come from and where you want to go....
Business and it's parallels are drawn beautifully, the prose works as you read about not only tips and tricks but turning tables, acquisitions, a journey of two souls, expanding a small business into a successful brand.
I know so many small businesses and most of them on the Gram. I am sure each one of you should pick this read based on just the attempt to pick some ripe ideas to inspire you and answer your doubts. That's what this book does... I have an entrepreneurial spirit nagging me away but I have never been able to act on it. Kinda feel old now. 😂🙌 Yet, this book made me question my decisions. I like it when a book does that... Show facts, issues, problem solving and generosity of heart, all at once. Making you read something unforgettable. That's what Christmas is all about. As I am getting oldie mouldy, I want to feed my insatiable brain.
Even as we stumble along an ending to an year which has been shitz, Super Maker brings a fresh perspective and old days spirits back in our lives, nudging you to look within, work with the resources you have and you can achieve a lot of what you must, cause everyone is worth it... Read the Super Maker if you must..
September 8, 2020
I'm just going to dive right in and say this book is fantastic! My parents were entrepreneurs and my sister and I worked their businesses with them and so much of what Jaime wrote was how we started and grew too. The markets, the gift shows, the cold calling, the trade shows, sampling, etc. They learned the business as they went along as well. But not only was it a walk down memory lane, it also inspired me to get excited about trying something new again.
I really enjoyed the way the author wrote this book. She tells her story, but always points out what worked or what didn't work along the way. She gives tips throughout and a nice conclusive roundup at the end of each chapter. Her desire to help others succeed is obvious and writing this book is such a fantastic way to do that.
Her story is so inspirational and what she's achieved did not come easily, but she is very encouraging and proof that hard work and a dedication to your purpose can take you as far as you want to go.
Thank you to @booksparks and @jaimeschmidt for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed the way the author wrote this book. She tells her story, but always points out what worked or what didn't work along the way. She gives tips throughout and a nice conclusive roundup at the end of each chapter. Her desire to help others succeed is obvious and writing this book is such a fantastic way to do that.
Her story is so inspirational and what she's achieved did not come easily, but she is very encouraging and proof that hard work and a dedication to your purpose can take you as far as you want to go.
Thank you to @booksparks and @jaimeschmidt for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 3, 2021
I was excited to read this book because I’m very familiar with the product and how well it works. I also knew they’d been purchased by Unilever, which is headquartered a few minutes from my house, so that made it appealing.
The book is well written, and there is a lot of good advice in here for small businesses. It’s structured well, and she gives explanations and definitions of terms that people new to the business world may not be familiar with. There is a lot of good info here.
The relationship with the outside investor, Michael, didn’t seem very opaque. For example, we’re told how he felt about the acquisition, and how he stated on the phone through dinner, and his name doesn’t come up again. I realize the author probably couldn’t disclose everything about the relationship, but since dealing with a partner is a part of business and her story, I thought that could have been handled better.
Overall, this is an interesting and very readable book about one woman’s journey turning her passion project into a successful business.
The book is well written, and there is a lot of good advice in here for small businesses. It’s structured well, and she gives explanations and definitions of terms that people new to the business world may not be familiar with. There is a lot of good info here.
The relationship with the outside investor, Michael, didn’t seem very opaque. For example, we’re told how he felt about the acquisition, and how he stated on the phone through dinner, and his name doesn’t come up again. I realize the author probably couldn’t disclose everything about the relationship, but since dealing with a partner is a part of business and her story, I thought that could have been handled better.
Overall, this is an interesting and very readable book about one woman’s journey turning her passion project into a successful business.
April 4, 2021
Narrative is a good aspect of the book plus it’s a nice story of the benefits of consistency and grit. Otherwise, it’s a typical capitalist approach to any project in life. The dream of being so big and so famous while making lots of money and as much profit as possible. The lessons and tips are nice in some places as a reminder of the reality when you are dreaming about a big idea or a project, but there is absolutely nothing new or different from all other businesses in a capitalist society or any lessons that haven’t been taught in other books and schools.
Again, i respect the consistency, but personally couldn’t see any new ideas on how you can create or make consciously in the new age where the new generation is threatened in different ways and forced to change the way they consume and live.
Again, i respect the consistency, but personally couldn’t see any new ideas on how you can create or make consciously in the new age where the new generation is threatened in different ways and forced to change the way they consume and live.
February 22, 2024
The book delves into Jaime's entire journey, starting from her taking a class and conceiving the idea to create her own products, leading to massive production and placement in big-box stores like Target, Walmart, and Costco. However, more than half of the book proved to be unrelatable for me. I initially picked it up for the female entrepreneur narrative, expecting to be inspired by someone who started from scratch in her own kitchen and grew into an industry-leading figure. My intention was to gain insights and perhaps a few small business tips.
Unfortunately, I found myself struggling to connect with the narrative, prompting me to purchase the audiobook version to help me push through. While the writing is decent, presented chronologically for easy tracking of business development and company growth, and featuring a touch of Jaime's humor, it simply didn't resonate with me.
Unfortunately, I found myself struggling to connect with the narrative, prompting me to purchase the audiobook version to help me push through. While the writing is decent, presented chronologically for easy tracking of business development and company growth, and featuring a touch of Jaime's humor, it simply didn't resonate with me.
December 6, 2021
I'm giving Jaime Schmidt's overly long valentine to herself 2 stars instead of 1 because she made the effort to impart some no doubt hard-won business lessons on the reader. But be warned: One too many "and they fell in love with Schmidt's" -- all while still doing what sounded like basic tweaks to her formula -- and you'll be tempted to throw your Kindle across the room. The last part of the book, after she makes the sale to Unilever with considerable help from her downplayed business partner, Michael Cammarata, reads like a Christmas letter from someone you don't particularly like.
My advice? Don't pay full price for this book if you can help it, and skim over the copious self-congratulations.
My advice? Don't pay full price for this book if you can help it, and skim over the copious self-congratulations.
September 26, 2020
This book was extremely relatable to me as a small business owner creating handmade products. I felt SO seen and validated throughout this book. I am a user of Schmidt's deodorant and didn't even realize its origins before reading this book. I'm truly amazed at the way Jaime and Chris were able to scale Schmidt's in only 7 years! I felt stressed just imagining the amount of pressure it must have been on her to go from fledgling business owner to such a big operation. I really enjoyed this book and how she laid out her business journey. I can't wait to see more about where Jaime and Chris take Supermaker. A quick and easy read!
October 27, 2020
Really appreciated hearing this perspective on starting a business, and especially in a friendly and casual tone. And the story behind Schmidt's is super cool!
The beginning of the book felt a lot more useful and relevant than the end, in my opinion, as it was more accessible to think about some of those earlier stages of business. Toward the end of the book when Schmidt was talking about the acquisition with Unilever... I thought, how many other entrepreneurs are going to get to this step and need advice for being bought by a multi-billion dollar company, ha. Still, interesting to hear how it all went down. Gonna pass this on to my friend who is a local designer/business owner!
The beginning of the book felt a lot more useful and relevant than the end, in my opinion, as it was more accessible to think about some of those earlier stages of business. Toward the end of the book when Schmidt was talking about the acquisition with Unilever... I thought, how many other entrepreneurs are going to get to this step and need advice for being bought by a multi-billion dollar company, ha. Still, interesting to hear how it all went down. Gonna pass this on to my friend who is a local designer/business owner!
January 13, 2022
What a nice little story - I'd recommend this to anyone who don't like content heavy business books. Jaime is telling hyper-successful story and pausing in the end of each chapter to mark the biggest lessons taken from that era. While the book is centered around real life products, there are so many lessons to be learned from the whole process, starting a company and making a clean satisfying exit. I did not take a lot of notes from it, but I'm sure the whole story got stuck on my brain and I will remember some good advice in the years to come.
December 28, 2020
Absolutely inspiring
This book was just what I needed. I was at a point in my business that seemed still and not making any movement. This book was so inspiring that it sparked enthusiasm and gave me a renewed sense of energy to continue to build and push forward in my business. Running a small business is sometimes lonely and when you are not recognized it can be very deflating. This book has certainly lifted my spirits!
This book was just what I needed. I was at a point in my business that seemed still and not making any movement. This book was so inspiring that it sparked enthusiasm and gave me a renewed sense of energy to continue to build and push forward in my business. Running a small business is sometimes lonely and when you are not recognized it can be very deflating. This book has certainly lifted my spirits!
March 21, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this, the story was very interesting and fun to read. I had a Youtuber recommend this book saying that it would help with trying to start a business like that, but this was mostly for people who actually make physical things and consumables to sell. So while I didn't find much of the information relateable, it was still really fun to read and learn about the company in general.
July 6, 2022
An absolutely amazing book! If you are an entrepreneur in the cpg space. This is an absolute must read. The ease of read and the flow make this book very easy to finish in a few sit downs (I read it in 2 days).
There are loads of detailed information on things to consider for your brand and what to look for in the future.
Disclaimer: I own a cpg brand so this book was relevant and inspiring for me in every way
There are loads of detailed information on things to consider for your brand and what to look for in the future.
Disclaimer: I own a cpg brand so this book was relevant and inspiring for me in every way
January 23, 2021
This is a fantastic book. It is full of tactical wisdom but reads like a highly engaging fiction novel - it's hard to put down. Jaime's voice shines through and she speaks in a compelling, modest manner about the personal and professional challenges of building from scratch. I will be purchasing several copies of this book for budding entrepreneurs.
November 21, 2020
I generally stay far away from business memoir-type books but Jamie’s story of going from farmer’s market to nine-figure exit is an inspiring one and this book is an engaging and useful read for a bootstrapping entrepreneur in the CPG space.
December 1, 2020
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to start a CPG (consumer packaged goods) business. It's like a mini MBA in CPG, taught via a personal narrative from a woman who built a wildly popular, all-natural deodorant company from the ground up.
February 4, 2021
A really great book for all who are makers and entrepreneurs (and obviously all who are on the way to be)!
Jaime‘s story is so real and fascinating. She wrote the book really easy to understand and you can learn a lot from this book!
Thank you Jaime to share all that information and tipps 😊
Jaime‘s story is so real and fascinating. She wrote the book really easy to understand and you can learn a lot from this book!
Thank you Jaime to share all that information and tipps 😊
June 11, 2021
Informative, inspiring for entrepreneurs and small business
Quite educational written in conversational style, I was so invested in her story I was really cheering her on her success and touched at how much she shared with others beginning their own journey
Quite educational written in conversational style, I was so invested in her story I was really cheering her on her success and touched at how much she shared with others beginning their own journey
September 3, 2021
Good founders story
Gives colour and lots of background to how Jamie grew her business , leading with much intuition and also being relentless in her pursuit. Knowing what to do and how to grow and when to let go, trusting the outcome.
Gives colour and lots of background to how Jamie grew her business , leading with much intuition and also being relentless in her pursuit. Knowing what to do and how to grow and when to let go, trusting the outcome.
October 21, 2023
I finished reading this as a break fr a fantasy world.
It’s like a memoir of a natural deodorant 😅 still picked bits of advice but it’s too grandiose for my intentions as a small business owner. This js inspiring if you’re someone who wants to be acquired as a business someday.
It’s like a memoir of a natural deodorant 😅 still picked bits of advice but it’s too grandiose for my intentions as a small business owner. This js inspiring if you’re someone who wants to be acquired as a business someday.
September 30, 2020
“If you’re on a mission to make a name for yourself, to better your own business or workplace, or to contribute to a more responsible and equitable society then you are a supermaker.”
October 12, 2020
Jaime Schmidt is awesome. What a great story. So empowering. Really makes entrepreneurship seem approachable.
January 26, 2021
slow start but good info as the book develops
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