But for the first few years, the constant struggle to come up with new designs, pitch my product, and create content wore me down. It felt like I was running a marathon where the finish line kept moving. Eventually I wasn't running but crawling, and all the while I told myself I could reach the end if I just tried harder.
Um, I couldn't. And neither can you. At least, you can't if you don't define who you're actually serving.
That's what I realized when my business partner asked me what I felt our customer really wanted...and I couldn't answer.
So I took a week off and chatted with my customers. It blew my mind to learn what they were looking for in my product, how cool they were, and what motivated them to buy.
Six months later, I had rebranded the business, increased our revenue by 150%, and created a monthly subscription club. Even better, I could finally enjoy my weekends work-free. I celebrated with a flaming drink at the downtown tiki bar.
Now, in my new business, I help business owners like you reach that flaming drink stage and I celebrate every win with you.
Business can be crazy if you do it long enough.
Here are some of the crazy things I've done over the years:
- Started 3 businesses
- Rebranded a business and enjoyed a 150% increase in revenue for my troubles
- Sold over 16,000 embroidery kits and nearly 10,000 subscription kits
- Products carried in 200+ shops across the US
- Wrote a crafting book published by C&T Publishing
- Led the Portland branch of the Freelancers Union SPARK
- Landed my first freelance UX client after breaking my collarbone at her cycling camp
- Named one of the 100 Most Creative People by Better Homes and Gardens magazine
- Art Student
I took all the fun classes and earned BAs in Art and English. I spent my time learning how to draw the human form, craft a quirky character, and run my own art print business. I began teaching other students (and some professors) how to open an Etsy shop, pay taxes, write blog posts, and figure out their brand. It wasn't long before I burned out though.
- Business Maven
The business shifted into a 6-figure embroidery kit business after lots of user input. Over the next 10+ years I ran it, I stocked 200+ shops across the US, wrote a craft book, vended at countless holiday shows, and ran 3 monthly subscription clubs. I also spoke at conferences and helped friends tweak their businesses to be more profitable and easy to run.
- Designer + Consultant
Wanting another change, I started taking user experience design courses online and discovered I'd been using these skills for years. So I jumped in and began helping small businesses delight their customers with customer-centered websites, services, and products. I'm also digging deep into their businesses to see how we can streamline their offerings.
I'm also a fan of:
- fantasy books
- finance podcasts
- mint matcha lattes
