Welcome: Anne Holland
Position: Graphic Designer. Anne plays an important role in designing and producing graphic art and visual materials for print and digital media for the creative department. She ensures that the layout and design adhere to brand and production standards. Anne says, “I love to help create our private label customers’ label dreams come to life while also ensuring that our existing customers are happy with their label look!”
Background: At the age of 16, Anne started working at a grocery store, where she dedicated 23 successful years, seizing numerous opportunities along the way. She worked at the customer service desk, was the first clerk in the general merchandise department, served as the price accuracy coordinator, and ultimately became the sales and service leader.
In 2021, Anne resumed her education to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Media Arts. Anne says, “My retail experience has equipped me with the skills to create an attractive environment for our customers so that they want to keep coming back. I learned how to merchandise and how products and labels work well together to draw customers’ attention.”
Years with Divina/Phoenix: 2 Years, Anniversary date 9/12/2022.
Unique Fun Facts: Anne says, “I coach our town’s middle school softball team, which is the best!” She also loves participating in craft fairs, especially those around Christmas. Halloween is her favorite holiday!
Personal Life: Anne says, “My husband and I are proud parents of two absolutely amazing kids! Our son just graduated high school in 2024 and works as a prep chef in a popular restaurant. Our daughter is starting her high school career in 2024. She is a three-sport athlete and an amazing saxophone musician. I couldn’t be prouder of both. I am also a dog mom of two, Charlie and Macy. There is nothing more important to me than family.”
Personal Message: Anne says, “I have been in customer service my entire working life, so the transition to Divina/Phoenix, which is 100% customer-orientated, was easy. In the creative department, we strive to make our customers’ vision for their packaging a reality. Whether new or existing customers, we want to make your products’ look, design, and packaging an integral part of your storefront!
We value your support and business.
Thank you!”
Lead Times – From Invoice to Ship
Lead times from invoice to shipment vary based on the product category. Current lead times are:
Divina Brand Products
4 to 6 Weeks
Private Label Products
4 to 6 Weeks
10+ Pallets Divina Brand & Private Label
4 to 6 Weeks
Thanksgiving Day
Closed: Thursday, 11/28/24
Reopen: Monday, 12/02/24
Communication, Communication, Communication
We all know it is important, but communication skills can be challenging to develop and implement at the workplace. Effective communication at work can be transformative for individuals, teams, and businesses, and is A HUGE KEY TO SUCCESS!
LISTEN AND OBSERVE. Communicating is one of my best assets. I spent many years learning effective communication skills, not only understanding what is being articulated but also understanding what is not said. In many situations, how it is delivered, such as tone or the actions of one’s being. Ever heard of the phrase “actions speak louder than words?” Well, there is some truth to the matter unless one is tired, sick, or not their typical self, which could throw a whole different vibe out there. During my training early in my career, I was taught effective ways to communicate, and one of the sessions was to understand body language — the unspoken language. The biggest advice I would give in my teachings about communicating and public speaking was to “listen and observe.” That still holds true to this day. You learn more in a conversation by actively listening and observing what is being said.
Over the next several months, I plan to take you through a series on communicating effectively to help you in business and staff meetings and public speaking.
How We Say It — Body Language & Tone
Communication is not just about what you say—it is also about how you say it. Make sure you are not crossing your arms or coming off curt because you will be sending a different message than intended.
BODY LANGUAGE. Nonverbal behavior like body movements and posture, facial expressions, eye contact, and hand gestures play an important role in how we converse. Most of the time body language may have nothing to do with the current situation, but it has a lot to do with what you are not saying. It could be that you are tired or stressed about something in your personal life. But keep in mind that your team members or business colleagues, who might not be privy to that information, could see your actions and assume you are angry or upset about something or, in some cases, that you are bored or feel like the conversation is beneath you. The workplace is not just about colleagues; it is about clients and overall outside business contacts. If prospects think you are bored, distracted, annoyed, or anything that is off-putting, they could decline your contract. People are usually unaware they are giving off negative nonverbal cues that others notice.
On the other hand, displaying positive nonverbal communication that increases your credibility and trustworthiness could help you land the deal. Clients want to see your actions and facial expressions align with your words. It is particularly hard in conversations to be aware of our body language but try to relax your body language and facial expressions to avoid giving off any unintentional cues. Have you heard of the expression “keep a poker face”? Do not allow others to read more into something that is not there. Be mindful of your body language (fidgeting, hand gestures, head movements, body posture, physical distance, etc.), and make your whole body a part of the conversation that you want to convey.
Tone of Voice
TONE. Our tone of voice holds strong in a conversation and can influence how others perceive us and the message we are trying to convey. A confident and assertive tone can inspire trust and credibility, while a hesitant or unsure tone may lead others to doubt our abilities. Being mindful of our tone through pitch, volume, intonation, pace/rate of speed, and emphasis allows us to shape others’ perceptions while creating positive interactions. Tone allows us to express emotions, convey meaning, establish rapport, and influence others’ perceptions. Developing a positive and effective tone can enhance our communication skills and foster stronger connections. If you have a big event or meeting coming up, it never hurts to rehearse a potential conversation or information you want to deliver effectively. By rehearsing a conversation, you will come across more confidently, and your conversation intentions will be clear. In conclusion, no matter whom you are communicating with, colleagues, acquaintances, or loved ones, knowing active listening and your tone of voice, play a critical role in building and maintaining relationships.
