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15 Years in Business & Success – What’s Next with Kimarie Santiago

Kimarie Santiago is a Stay-at-home-mom turned salt company pioneer celebrating 15 years of business.

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Guest Resources

Hive Shop – Check out and Download Kimarie’s E-commerce platform. Learn more and join the movement.

Hive App on Apple Store – Download the Hive App in Apple Store.

3 Value Bombs

1. Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Real growth takes time, resilience, and preparation for the unexpected.

2. Don’t scale until you’re busting at the seams. Growth should be sustainable, not forced—it must be funded and supported by strong direct-to-consumer sales.

3. Amazon isn’t your only path. The future of ecommerce is in platforms that value small businesses—build the ecosystem you wish existed.

Sponsor

HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!

Freedom Circle: A powerful community of entrepreneurs led by JLD! Are you ready to go from idea to income in 90-days? Visit Freedom-Circle.com to learn more.

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: 15 Years in Business & Success – What’s Next with Kimarie Santiago

[1:13] – Kimarie shares something that she believes about becoming successful that most people disagree with?

  • Success isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon.
  • Prepare for setbacks, and keep showing up.

[2:22] – Kimarie tells why you shouldn’t go big until you’re busting at the seams.

  • Too many entrepreneurs rush into big box stores or wholesale before they’re ready.
  • Growth should be sustainable, and your direct-to-consumer sales must fund expansion.
  • Renting too much space or taking on more than you can fulfill can sink your business.

[5:06] – Kimaries talks about how to pivot when times are tough—like COVID tough.

  • Kimarie’s business was shut down for 9 months during COVID despite a major warehouse upgrade.
  • Legal protections like lease opt-outs and emergency planning saved her.
  • Always plan for worst-case scenarios—be ready to pivot.

[8:13] – Kimarie talks about choosing the right ecommerce platform (Hint: she loves Shopify).

  • Migrating from older platforms can be overwhelming—but necessary.
  • Shopify offers automation, SEO tools, and apps that empower sellers without expensive developers.
  • Migration services make the switch easier and affordable.

[11:10] – A timeout to thank our sponsors.

[13:43] – Kimarie tells why you should do SEO yourself—even if you think you’re too busy.

  • Agencies charge big fees and don’t always deliver.
  • DIY SEO is doable with YouTube and simple Shopify integrations.
  • Tagging and optimizing as you upload products saves time and delivers real results.

[15:39] – Kimarie talks about cutting through the noise of Amazon and big commerce.

  • Amazon’s fee structure is punishing for small brands—dynamic fees, warehouse charges, knockoffs, and more.
  • Competing against low-quality imports and Amazon’s private labels is increasingly difficult.
  • The anti-Zon approach: Kimarie and other small biz owners are launching The Hive.

[20:31] – Kimarie talks about The Hive, and why it matters.

  • It is a new ecommerce platform launching in May 2025.
  • Built by small business owners for small business owners—fee-free until you sell.
  • Prioritizes U.S.-based vendors, full vendor control over customer service, and no overseas copycats.
  • Social commerce meets marketplace in one tech-forward app.

[21:49] – Kimarie gives her final takeaway.

  • If what you need doesn’t exist, create it.
  • After 15 years of running a successful salt business, Kimarie knew it was time to build something bigger for everyone.

[22:57] – Call to action

  • Hive Shop – Check out and Download Kimarie’s E-commerce platform. Learn more and join the movement.
  • Hive App on Apple Store – Download the Hive App in Apple Store.

[24:31] – Thank you to our Sponsors!

Killer Resources!

1) The Common Path to Uncommon Success: JLD’s 1st traditionally published book! Over 3000 interviews with the world’s most successful Entrepreneurs compiled into a 17-step roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment!

2) Free Podcast Course: Learn from JLD how to create and launch your podcast!

3) Podcasters’ Paradise: The #1 podcasting community in the world!

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