The unlikeliest fast-growth story

INC. THIS MORNING The unlikeliest fast-growth story Good morning, When the 2008 financial crisis erupted, Melanie Casey was trading sub-prime mortgages for an investment firm in Boston. Unsurprisingly, she quickly decided she wanted out of that industry. So, on evenings and weekends, she took every jewelry making and computer-design class she could find--despite never previously selling any art, or considering herself much of an artist. Her first year selling jewelry, she managed to net $10,000 in sales. Last year, that figure grew to $5.6 million, earning the Melanie Casey Corp. the No. 642 rank on this year’s Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America. If her story stopped there, it would be plenty dramatic. The Small Business Administration advised her not to quit her day job. She quit anyway. She scaled her business on Etsy, which very few people do, and became profitable by year three. Then, in 2017, she took a leap of faith and gave up her Etsy shop to go fully independent. Yet there’s more: Amid the pandemic, Casey’s company continues to grow. It’s a remarkable turn of events, since every item she sells is still handmade. “The idea that a business like mine could grow so fast must seem crazy,” she tells Inc. “Handmade anything isn’t scalable. The only way it works is with lots of amazing hands.” Read our story to learn how Casey has grown her business in an unconventionally old-fashioned way for a surprisingly successful 2020. Inc.’s Best Workplaces. Apply today! Inc.’s Best Workplaces awards the company cultures that thrive in the face of adversity. Cultures that in response to a pandemic redefine the workplace and continue to enrich it. Cultures that foster employee growth and advancement at all levels. Apply today to be recognized as a place where people love to work, one that sets the standard for excellence in company culture. Regular rate deadline: January 15, 2020. Apply Now.  SPONSORED CONTENT These Socks Will Warm Your Feet (And Your Heart) Bombas socks are a cozy treat for your feet. They’re made with soft materials like merino wool and have special comfort features like built-in arch support. Plus, for every pair you purchase, Bombas will donate a pair to someone in need. Use code INC for 20% off your first order.  HERE'S WHAT ELSE I'M READING TODAY: Some people are hesitant about the Covid-19 vaccine. Here’s the best way to talk to employees about it. --Inc. More restaurants are close to shuttering their doors permanently, just as they’re becoming more vital than ever. Here’s their Winter survival plan. --Inc. A federal judge says the Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit against Google likely won’t go to trial until late 2023, setting the stage for a drawn-out battle. --CNBC Congressional leaders on Sunday agreed on a $900 billion stimulus package that would help individual households and businesses. --New York TImes Facebook isn’t usually a small-business champion, but it may have a point in its privacy war against Apple. --Inc. Still scrambling to finish your holiday shopping? Let these six brilliant last-minute gift ideas inspire you to finish your list. --Inc. --Cameron Albert-Deitch Reporter, Inc. How are we doing? Send me ideas and feedback for Inc. This Morning at calbertdeitch@inc.com or on Twitter, and sign up for daily text messages. Click here to forward to a friend. This email was sent by: Mansueto Ventures 7 World Trade Center, 29th Floor New York, NY, 10007, Unsubscribe • Update Profile • View in Browser • Privacy Policy