Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Schott
Hi Kathy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Badge Pizazz began when my daughter, a 3rd grade teacher, expressed an interest in adding a little pop of color to her plain badge reel, but couldn’t find one.
I thought about it and decided this was a creative opportunity. Every day so many people wear badge holders, which can hold their ID and can be clipped to their clothing at work. Why not make it an accessory? A way to infuse some fun and sunshine into the day? Most everyone wears one at work. Let’s take every chance we can to be cute, fashionable, or just plain fun. So I gathered a lot of different designs and a lot of plain badge reels and got to work sprucing them up
Badge holders are a fun way for hospital employees, teachers, office workers, or anyone who wears a name badge to work to show their personality, flare, or put a smile on someone’s face.
So the story is simple. The accessory is simple. But simple is good, simple can be fun, simple can be flowery, simple can be colorful!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle in selling was distribution – where would I sell it? I started in small local gift shops, bookstores and coffee shops. I have a daughter who is a nurse – she suggested I try local hospital gift shops. That is where I found my niche. My badge holders are now found in hospital gifts shops in Indiana, Kentucky, New York and Ohio.
A challenge is keeping up with my orders! Each badge holder is unique and different – all handmade by me. My husband is my help and support – with the entire business side – my IT and finance guy. My kids also pitch in when I need extra help.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I started Badge Pizazz in 2013 with badge holders for anyone who wears one to work. My business slowly grew until 2020 when Covid hit. My sales fell by 75% . I started as a sole proprietor, then when business picked up in 2022 I became a LLC. The badge holders are handmade and unique and my inventory is always changing. What started out as a hobby has become a successful business.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, my family owned a local arts and crafts store, Cappel’s. Our entire family grew up working in the store, so I was always around crafts and creative people making stuff! I am always looking for clever and creative business opportunities.
