Lessons in Entrepreneurship & Community from Sandi Hendry at the Utah Business Speaker Series
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Author: Michelle Dufford
Lessons in Entrepreneurship & Community from Sandi Hendry at the Utah Business Speaker Series
In March, AvantLink had the privilege of attending the Utah Business Speaker Series at Kiln SLC, where Sandi Hendry, founder of Minky Couture, shared her inspiring journey of building a brand from the ground up.
Sandi’s story is a powerful reminder that the heart of entrepreneurship isn’t just about product innovation—it’s about people, resilience, and vision. What started as a simple idea—creating ultra-soft, high-quality blankets—has since grown into a household name with a fiercely loyal following.
People First: The Foundation of Growth
A central theme in Sandi’s story is her people-first philosophy. Minky Couture didn’t simply succeed because the blankets were well-made; it succeeded because of the relationships Sandi cultivated—customers, employees, and her local community.
She emphasized the importance of authentic connections:
- Personalized customer service that makes every buyer feel seen.
- Philanthropy and giving back to the community that supported the brand’s rise.
- A strong internal culture that kept her team motivated and aligned.
For those of us in affiliate marketing, that message hits close to home. Whether you’re a merchant building a program, a publisher building an audience, or an agency scaling campaigns, the thread is the same: authenticity drives loyalty.
Why This Resonates in Affiliate Marketing
In an industry where trust and long-term relationships are the real currency, Sandi’s lessons apply directly:
- Merchants thrive when they treat affiliates as true partners, not just channels.
- Publishers stand out when they build real communities, not just traffic.
- Agencies grow when they prioritize lasting collaboration over short-term wins.
Affiliate marketing, at its best, is community-driven growth—and Sandi’s success with Minky Couture illustrates just how powerful that mindset can be.
A Space for Inspiration
Beyond Sandi’s story, the event itself was a reminder of the value of community. The Speaker Series created space for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders to connect, share ideas, and recharge with fresh perspective.
We’re grateful to Utah Business and Kiln SLC for curating such a thoughtful session. These gatherings aren’t just about hearing from inspiring leaders; they’re about strengthening the community of professionals who believe in building businesses with both purpose and perseverance.
Looking forward to the next event in the series! 🚀✨
