Colorful Creatives: Socials in Bloom
This week’s Colorful Creatives feature is Cheyenne Huffman of Socials in Bloom. Cheyenne is passionate about helping ambitious entrepreneurs craft quality brands that help their businesses thrive! Her positive attitude and go getter attitude are infections and inspire others to take a leap of faith even when not feeling 100% confident. Cheyenne shares her journey of discovering her passion, leaving her full time job, and building her business. I hope you enjoy learning more about this girl-boss and find her to be your new business bestie!
Happy Friday!
This week’s Colorful Creatives feature is Cheyenne Huffman of Socials in Bloom. Cheyenne is passionate about helping ambitious entrepreneurs craft quality brands that help their businesses thrive! Her positive attitude and go getter attitude are infections and inspire others to take a leap of faith even when not feeling 100% confident. Cheyenne shares her journey of discovering her passion, leaving her full time job, and building her business. I hope you enjoy learning more about this girl-boss and find her to be your new business bestie! One of my favorite quotes from Cheynee:
“It really doesn’t matter if you have it all figured out in high school or not because it will come together if you don’t give up trying.”
Cheyenne Huffman | Socials in Bloom
Website socialsinbloom.com
FB SocialsinBloom
IG SocialsinBloom
IG cheyenneinbloom
Twitter Socialsinbloom
1. How did you get started as a virtual Branding, marketing and web designer?
I started working right out of high school as a Pre-K teaching assistant in a child care center. At first, I absolutely loved my job, but I could always feel that there was more I wanted to do with my life I just wasn’t sure what exactly. Two years into the job I was miserable, I loved the kids, but the adults made me feel like I was back in high school and there really wasn’t much opportunity for me to grow there. The center had also begun to struggle as a whole, we were cycling through staff members and losing students at the same time, it became harder and harder to know if our jobs were secure and that had us panicking.
I met my best friend, Kya, (aka my blessing in disguise) during this time and she introduced me to the world of Copywriting and Marketing. I was instantly curious about both and started doing some research. She helped me look up online courses and get started on the right path. Fast forward through a few months of studying and I landed my first unofficial client. Her sister approached her saying she was starting her own blog and needed a website designed and some catchy content created for it and Kya introduced her to me. It was the perfect first project and I had so much fun with it.
After that, I started drifting from studying just copywriting and marketing to web design as well and soon things were feeling good. I knew I wanted to start my own business, but I was worried I wouldn’t be good enough or successful because I was so new and didn’t have much experience yet. I was afraid that because I didn’t have a college degree people would overlook me and not take me seriously. So I kept studying and doing little projects here and there and just continued daily life at the childcare center. Well, let’s just say I got my wake up call when a year later the child care center shut down and left me without a job.
I knew I could go apply for other jobs and find something, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was a sign that it was time to start my business. I planned everything out and established my vision and Socials in Bloom was born! It isn’t an extravagant story but it was hard there for a while and without the help of my friend and a little kickback to reality I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have met some amazing people and continue to meet amazing people on a daily basis and I am so content and happy with that. I love what I do and the fact it gives me a chance to explore other passions along with it. I am excited about the future.
2. Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I would like to say that deep down I always knew there was more I wanted from life, I just didn’t know what it was yet. I found that I didn’t take a lot of interest in the classes at school or even career fairs, because I didn’t want a traditional job.
All of my friends were studying for these great jobs in art, science and law careers and for me, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted, I knew I had a love for writing and wanted to publish a book and I also knew I loved my graphic design classes too but I never thought of them in a career setting. I’m still not sure why. It wasn’t until I graduated high school and started hearing more and more about people beginning their own businesses that really tied everything together for me. Part of me still wants to write that novel don’t get me wrong but I’m glad that things turned out the way they did because I have found my passion. So I always try to tell others that it really doesn’t matter if you have it all figured out in high school or not because it will come together if you don’t give up trying.
3. Are you full time on your business?
Yes! I am full time on my business. It honestly happened on a whim. I was in the process of researching starting a business and putting the pieces together when the center I worked for closed. I kept applying for other jobs but nothing stuck and eventually I just turned back to my business ideas and made them reality.
4. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome with owning your own business?
Probably the periods where business is kind of slow which do happen more often than talked about. Things change so as business owners you’re always needing to switch up your strategy and find new ways to reach people. It’s hustle all the time but it’s worth it to be working for yourself and fulfilling your dreams.
5. What is your favorite & least favorite “hat” to wear as a business owner?
Gosh, I wear so many hats haha! I think that is definitely my favorite “hat” though is having the freedom to explore as many passions as you want. I definitely fall into the multi-passionate entrepreneur category and I love being able to explore my interests and try new things out.
6. How did you reach your potential clients when first starting your business?
I have reached clients through Facebook and Instagram mainly. I will find clients in groups where they are searching for specific services, through friends who recommend me, and my social media posts. It’s definitely always changing and I am learning so much on a daily basis because you never know how effective a certain method will be until you see the traction and impressions from it. I am someone who is about authentic connections and growing my business organically so I don’t invest a bunch in paid ads or anything like that. I prefer to talk with people and reach them through the content I post.
7. Do you feel you need to educate people on what you do?
There are definitely times when I have to educate others on what I do. It’s mostly family and family friends because a lot of them are not familiar with social media management, but it’s honestly not a big deal to me at all. I love talking about what I do, it’s my passion so I feel privileged when I get the chance to share what I do with others.
8. How do you stay motivated?
It can be hard to stay motivated at times but I have some incredibly supportive people around me who inspire me and pick me back up when I am feeling a little lost. Other than that, I always make sure I am staying productive and caring for my mind. Personal development is essential as well as resting your mind. It’s really good to take breaks and just have some time to do something you enjoy and be with loved ones.
9. What are you working on right now?
Oh my gosh, I have some incredible projects in the works right now! My best friend and I actually just launched a project together on International Women's Day which went incredibly. We decided to start a Facebook community for female entrepreneurs and business owners called Flourishing Forward. It’s basically a community that teaches us as women how to not compare and contrast but how to link arms and step into the women were meant to be, together. It’s all about supporting one another and inspiring growth while still offering a bunch of business tools and resources to learn from. We have a lot of ideas in the works so I can promise you it’s definitely going to be different than any other community out there so we’re thrilled to see it take off and meet some incredible people along the way.
10. Where do you look for inspiration?
I look for inspiration all around me. I guess it depends on what is happening that day and why I am in need of inspiration because my best friend inspires me a lot, I also like to browse Pinterest to find some things that inspire me and just reading/ listening to podcasts!
11. Where is your favorite place to work?
My Favorite place to work is actually at the beach. Weird right? I love vacationing but being able to catch up on some work while staring out at the ocean and feeling the breeze is the best.
12. How do you start your Monday?
I like to start my Monday off with a cup of coffee and reviewing my plans for the week and make any changes I feel are necessary.
13. What are some colors you are connecting with right now?
I am currently obsessed with rose gold, blush pink and peach!
14. What are some of your favorite textures/ materials?
I would have to say marble is always my go-to
15. If you could travel anywhere in the world for inspiration, where would it be and why?
Probably Montana or Hawaii. I know two completely opposite places. But I have always wanted to visit both and for me, I love scenery and nature so it would be nice to escape to somewhere and be out in nature to regroup. I also love photography so I’d love to photograph some locations out that way. And for Hawaii. I am obsessed with the beach and that has been the beach I’ve always wanted to go to. Both would inspire me in different ways but spark incredible adventures and memories!
16. What’s your favorite season and why?
I would have to say Spring is my favorite season because there is so much happening in those months. The air is getting warmer and clearer, the skies are brighter, flowers are sprouting and blooming and it just feels like a fresh new beginning. I love that feeling.
17. What is something you could not live without?
Hmm, That is a tough one. I am going to sound totally cliche but I would probably have to say my computer or phone if we’re talking about objects. Because, it’s where I do most of my work at and I really don’t go anywhere without them.
18. What’s your favorite thing to do in Virginia?
I actually have three favorite things to do in Virginia. I love going to the drive in movie theater, going to bookshops and I really enjoy going to basketball/hockey games!
19. As a busy business owner, how do you avoid burn out?
I make sure that I am taking breaks throughout the day and not overworking myself. It’s so easy to get burnt out on things and I always find if a certain project is stressing me out I will pause and regroup or work on something else for a while. I also like to read motivational quotes and listen to music to give my mind a break for a bit.
20. What are you looking forward to in 2019?
I am looking forward to seeing the heights my business can reach this year and the places I can go. I love helping other entrepreneurs and their businesses strive so I can’t wait to see the incredible people I get to work with this year. Other than that I am just excited for the possibilities of growth and change and discovering who I am each day.
21. What is a piece of advice you would tell your past self on the first day you started your business?
I would remind myself of the excited, empowering feeling it gave me to finally have made my dream become a reality and then I would tell myself to always carry that feeling around and never let go of it. Because business can be hard, it can be discouraging and it can be exciting but if you can hold onto what it felt like on that first day it will help you to keep going. I want to wake up every day feeling excited and empowered and know that I am making a difference in the lives of others.
21. Any inspirational books you recommend?
Absolutely! Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
22. Anything I missed that you want to share?
I just want to thank you for the incredible opportunity to speak with you about my journey. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you and your business and sharing a bit about mine.
Colorful Creatives: Radically You
I’m so excited to share this weeks Colorful Creatives feature, Jess Bugher of Radically You, a bohemian macrame home decor and fashion accessory line! Jess is incredibly talented and naturally creative. I was lucky enough to come across one of her posts on Instagram and got to her know better. Her story is one that I think so many can relate to, working day in and day out at an office that was’’t sparking joy in her life, leaving her personally drained everyday. She discovered her love of working with her hands at a young age, and started to explore macrame in her early 20’s. From side hustle, to full time job, to exploring opportunities in education, Jess is pursuing her passion: “working with kids and making beautiful things to bring into the world.” I hope you enjoy learning more about Jess, and be sure to check out her Etsy store!
Happy Friday!
I’m so excited to share this week’s Colorful Creatives feature, Jess Bugher of Radically You, a bohemian macrame home decor and fashion accessory line! Jess is incredibly talented and naturally creative. I was lucky enough to come across one of her posts on Instagram and got to know her better. Her story is one that I think so many can relate to, working day in and day out at an office that wasn’t sparking joy in her life, leaving her personally drained everyday. She discovered her love of working with her hands at a young age, and started to explore macrame in her early 20’s. From side hustle, to full time job, to exploring opportunities in education, Jess is pursuing her passion: “working with kids and making beautiful things to bring into the world.” I hope you enjoy learning more about Jess, and be sure to check out her Etsy store! I’m in love with the Boysenberry Macrame Coin Purse! Here’s one of my favorite quotes from Jess:
“I am a firm believer that you can’t think too much about the start of something. If you want to start a blog, do it. If you want to do yoga, do it. If you want to write more, do it. Jump into your life and realize that if you aren’t jumping in, you are placing boundaries on yourself. So in turn you can take those boundaries off of yourself as well.”
Radically You | Jess Nicole Bugher
@imradicallyjess
www.radicallyjess.com
www.etsy.com/shop/radicallyyou/
1. How did you get started with macrame?
I have no professional background in this field, but I have been doing different variations of this since I was very young. I first started exploring fiber art early on in my life, when I was very young I found myself making bracelets pretty much nonstop as a kid. I have always had busy hands, so side projects I have been a constant in my life.
I started to explore macrame when I was in my early 20’s, it has been an exciting journey and I constantly find myself discovering new ways to apply this type of art. My family are all big makers of different varieties: my great aunt, my father, and my mother. My father is an artist, he went to art school and has an exceptional eye for detail and yet somehow can be so fluent with his work. My mother taught me curiosity and the joy of learning a new skill, we explored a lot when I was a kid. My great- aunt is a constant inspiration, she made everything herself and had a unique style of her own. So you could say I come from a long line of makers.
2. Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I never thought I would be an entrepreneur. Coming from a modest middle class family, I was the youngest and I never thought of it as an option when I was growing up.
3. Are you full time on your business?
For the past few months during my transition from Orange County to Santa Monica I have been lucky enough to do this full time. Soon I will be doing it part time and working in an elementary school. In Orange County I was working in an office setting, I didn’t feel inspired by the work I was doing and I felt drained personally. I feel so excited for this new opportunity and combined to parts of my life: working with kids and making beautiful things to bring into the world.
4. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome with owning your own business?
Personally, it is difficult to put my work out there into the world and so rawly show others what I am working on. I, like so many, struggle with impostor syndrome. I question what I am doing, but I feel so honored to have the support system I do that loves and supports me how they can. I am shown time and time again, that others do care and others do want to see what I’m doing. It is funny how I both feel anxiety and then relief from the same action of putting myself out there. I feel it is hard to justify a business where I get to make things I love to make and others will pay for it.
5. How did you reach your potential clients when first starting your business?
To begin with it is hard, slow, and persistence is key! For my type of business, a made item, people want to get to know the maker and who they will be supporting. So something huge is going to markets and selling my goods face-to-face to people. Lucky for me, this is also one of the things I like to do most, surrounding my small business, make connections with others.
6. Do you feel you need to educate people on what you do?
I love the idea of teaching others what I do, the process of macrame. Showing them how hard it can be to have a small business can be good to, if they ask. On the flip side, I don’t feel the need to share that with everyone as it is my personal choice to go this route.
7. What is your favorite & least favorite “hat” to wear as a business owner?
Favorite hat- Creative exploration
Least Favorite hat- Advertising (I feel so connected to what I make, it feels so much like self promotion when I do this)
8. How do you stay motivated?
I listen to a lot of podcasts, read personal development books, and take self care seriously. Some of my favorite podcasts include Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, RobCast with Rob Bell, The Ground Up Show, and From the Heart Conversations with YogaGirl. What does self-care look like for me? Yoga everyday, in some way or another, reading a good book, giving myself permission to take a break and slow down when it feels right. Water rejuvenates me, my summers growing up were spent “on the lake” as we say in Michigan. I love being outside and when I feel overwhelmed taking a walk or going to the water is an easy way for me to wipe my slate clean.
9. What are you working on right now?
Right now, I am working on a bridal order for an intimate wedding ceremony. I am making bridal accessories for the entire party. I also, am putting together a new line of accessories for late Spring/ early summer.
10. Where do you look for inspiration?
Inspiration comes from everything in life. I am emotional and can feel inspired by things from nature, people around me, and places I’ve been. I find inspiration from quotes and books.
11. Where is your favorite place to work?
I love to work in my living room, on a Sunday late morning when it’s sunny and I can look out my window and enjoy the weather while knotting away inside. My dog is around always and loves to be a part of my inspiration. My boyfriend is a designer who challenges me to try new things and reminds me to get uncomfortable sometimes to grow.
12. How do you start your Monday?
Monday’s start with a coffee, along with every other day of the week. I like to start each day of the week about the same, even on the weekend. I read and drink my coffee for as long as I can, typically 20-30 minutes. Then I take my dog out for our morning walk. Now it’s time to make breakfast and make the bed. Then I get ready and get to work.
13. What are some colors you are connecting with right now?
Terracotta, sage, dusty pink, and mustard. A soft palette mostly with a pop of a bright color is where my heart is leading me.
14. What are some of your favorite textures/ materials?
I love textures, lately fringy and flowy looks are something I am enjoying.
15. What is something you could not live without?
I could not live without my support system, they mean the world to me.
16. If you could travel anywhere in the world for inspiration, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel to a Greece, the Greek islands are breathtaking. The style there is so lovely and I would love to take in the endlessness of the Mediterranean Sea.
17. What’s your favorite season and why?
I love every season, I enjoy how nature seems to take it’s time to remind us of how beautiful change can be, if we just embrace it rather than fight it. If I were to choose one really special season it would be fall, there is a lot to look forward to during this season.
18. What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
I love Chicago, especially hanging in Wicker Park and Lincoln Park. I remember a time when I was visiting friends and we went to a small comedy show in their neighborhood, what a good time.
Where I’m living now, in Santa Monica, CA I love going down to the beach and spending time walking along the ocean and watching as the waves crash along the shore. I can’t get enough time spent by the water.
19. As a busy business owner, how do you avoid burn out?
Phew, that is kind of a no-no word! HAHA. Well, the best way is that when I have a day where I don’t feel like doing one thing, I honor that, I do something else that day. I can get up and do something else for a while and get motivated in another area. If I don’t feel like making a new piece, maybe I start writing and focus on that type of creativity that sparks my energy.
20. What are you looking forward to in 2019?
Personally, I am looking forward to a huge trip that I have been dreaming of for years. My grandmother has passed stories down to me about her time spent in South America, and I will soon be able to find my own narrative about this, after my trip to Peru later this year.
Business related I am looking forward to the new things that I will create that right now, I can’t even imagine. Our worlds expand as we dive into different activities and you never can predict where they will go until you are there, staring at the best thing you have made yet.
21. What is a piece of advice you would tell your past self on the first day you started your business?
I am a firm believer that you can’t think too much about the start of something. If you want to start a blog, do it. If you want to do yoga, do it. If you want to write more, do it. Jump into your life and realize that if you aren’t jumping in, you are placing boundaries on yourself. So in turn you can take those boundaries off of yourself as well. I would tell myself to put myself out there and know that you will find your own stride over time.
22. Any inspirational books you recommend?
I love Elizabeth Gilbert and the way that she is in real life really inspires me, she isn’t afraid to start again. She knows that with each beginning their is fear, but diving in will ignite a new fire in your belly. Her book “Big Magic” has been one of the most inspiring books that I have read.
Why I started Colorful Creatives:
I launched my own Interior Design business last fall with the hope of creating a career and lifestyle in which I could explore my potential, help others, create beautiful and functional spaces, and live my passion. I found myself connecting with business owners of all creative fields and asking them for advice how they started their business. The feedback I received was invaluable and I wanted to share it with the world. Thus Colorful Creatives was born to empower, motivate, and inspire anyone out there who is considering going out on their own creative entrepreneur adventure!
Want to be featured on Colorful Creatives?
I’m always looking for inspiring creative entrepreneurs that are living the dream, being their own boss and pursuing their passion. If you are within the first 5 years of owning your own creative business and want to share your story of breaking away from the 9-5, fill out this form and we’ll be in touch if it’s a good fit!
Colorful Creatives: Audrey Simper Photography
This week I interviewed Audrey Simper, a Chicago boudoir and portrait photographer. She’s the queen of female empowerment and helping other woman see how beautifully they truly are. There’s no better word to describe this interview than authentic. She shares with us the journey of finding herself and how she became the boss babe that she is today. One of my favorite lines from Audrey: “When you put yourself in the life you want to be living, you have no other choice but to make it work out.” Enjoy getting to know Audrey Simper and be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram!
Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! For those of you that are new to this blog series, prepare to meet some of the most inspirational and motivational creative entrepreneurs in Chicago. I feature a new young creative entrepreneur each week that is living their best life, to help encourage you to finally turn that side hustle into your full time job!
This week I interviewed Audrey Simper, a Chicago boudoir and portrait photographer. Audrey and I met in college and I immediately felt a wonderfully contagious, positive energy about her. Flash forward to 2018 and I see her amazing work all over Instagram. She’s an inspiration and one to watch. She’s the queen of female empowerment and helping other woman see how beautiful they truly are. There’s no better word to describe this interview than authentic. She shares with us the journey of finding herself and how she became the boss babe that she is today. One of my favorite lines from Audrey: “When you put yourself in the life you want to be living, you have no other choice but to make it work out.” Enjoy getting to know Audrey Simper and be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram!
Audrey Simper | Audrey Simper Photography
www.audreysimper.com
IG @audreysimper
FB Audrey Simper Photography
Blog www.audreysimper.com/blog
1. How did you get started with photography?
I’ve been a creative for as long as I can remember. I dabbled in many different forms of art. It gave me the freedom to express myself and found it consumed me for hours. Before Photography I used to draw. After taking all the drawing classes I could possibly take in high school I found Photography next. I fell in love with Photoshop and creating stories through images. I became so inspired by this medium that I spent most of my free time planning, creating, and dreaming of what I could compose next. I grew up believing that artists don’t make money and that it isn’t a “real job”. So I went to study Architecture for two years only to drop out when I started to get paid for my photography work and a realization that Photography was my real passion.
2. Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
In a way, yes. I always knew that I was destined for something greater than a 9-5 and I really enjoy being the boss ;) I am usually always more comfortable leading than following.
3. When did you know it was the right time to go full time on your business?
I’ve run my business full time since 2015. I knew it was the right time when I was previously living a pretty safe life, I was uncomfortable taking big risks. Committing to my business full time seemed like one. I honestly wanted an escape. I decided to quit working as a Nanny, take a break from my business and move to another country to live with my boyfriend at the time. But there I really hit rock bottom. Nothing was going as planned and my worst fears came to life. During this low I read a book called “You’re A Badass” by Jen Sincero. That book inspired me to completely change my life and the way I was thinking. I decided to move to Chicago, get my dream apartment, and commit to my business 110%. I had no idea how I was going to do that since all I had was one month’s rent. But this book prepared me for that. When you put yourself in the life you want to be living, you have no other choice but to make it work out. And that’s exactly what happened. I had faith in myself and the world, I ignored the worried voices in my head by practicing gratitude, meditation and visualization.
4. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome with owning your own business?
Definitely committing to go full time despite my bank account has been the hardest challenge so far. After that, it was deciding to raise my prices. It’s scary to raise your prices to a number that not even you could afford and having to say no to potential business that doesn’t meet your prices. Really learning to value myself and my work has been a huge mountain to overcome. But on the other side you learn that there is always going to be someone who can afford what you offer as long as they value it. It simply takes believing.
5. What is your favorite & least favorite “hat” to wear as a business owner?
My favorite hat to wear is the creator hat. I love planning for a shoot, visualizing the looks, shooting, and finally editing and seeing my vision come to life. Editing is honestly my favorite part of this process because my vision is 90% complete which is so exciting! My least favorite hat to wear is the networking hat. I love socializing and talking about what I do, but when I force myself to start conversations among strangers with the pressure of selling myself I feel so uncomfortable and usually end up going home. I know that I have the power to overcome this by understanding that networking events are really just an opportunity for socializing! But I just don’t want to do it right now.
6. How do you stay motivated?
This is a great question. I feel that in this society we have a lot of pressure on us to WORK HARD. And if you’re not seeing results then well, “you’re probably not working hard enough”. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I believe in working smarter not harder. And I believe and stand for self-love. Being kind to ourselves in so important. I stay motivated by recognizing when i’m unmotivated, consciously allowing myself to step away from my work and do something that inspires me in that moment, something I DO feel motivation for. Then when I feel motivated and inspired to go back to work, I will. And I don’t worry about when I will because I know I will feel it eventually. If I didn’t it would imply that it’s no longer something I’m passionate about and I really shouldn’t be doing it then should I? So in short I would say that I simply stay motivated by making my happiness my priority and despite what others want to believe, I know that this is right for me.
7. What are you working on right now?
I’m working on launching my third annual Valentine’s Boudoir Event. I’m also working on launching something completely different and unrelated to photography. Something to inspire and help others feel happy and empowered in life in general.
8. Where do you look for inspiration?
I currently get inspiration from my favorite teachers. I have gone to their workshops and continuously listen to them on Youtube, probably everyday. They are:
Sue Bryce | Abraham Hicks |Joe Dispenza | Teal Swan
9. Where is your favorite place to work?
In my live-in studio. I love my space, it’s full of natural light and decor that pleases me and I can get up and dance whenever I want.
10. How do you start your Monday?
I wake up and spend 5-20 minutes in a silent meditation. Then I follow that up with what I like to call a gratitude rampage. The rampage involves listing all the things in my life that I am grateful for, especially the ones I might normally take for granted. I don’t get out of bed until I feel really good. I’ll grab some coffee or make a smoothie or both. I’ll usually do some work at home for a few hours before heading to the gym.
11. What are some of your favorite textures/ materials?
Fluffy faux fur, reflective golds, soft and cozy knit sweaters, dark or grey wood floors, marble
12. What are some colors you are connecting with right now?
Soft pinks, baby blue, tropical greens, & gold.
13. If you could travel anywhere in the world for inspiration, where would it be and why?
Right now, Hawaii. Maybe it’s the winter talking, but I feel so inspired to spend time on the beach, drinking smoothies and constantly waking up to a stunning landscape. Maybe that’s because it’s so different from where I live now, I’d love to create endless images with a backdrop like that.
14. What’s your favorite part of November/December?
Spending the holidays with my family.
15. What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
AcroYoga! About 3 days a week I meetup with other acroyogis and practice for fun.
📸 @dmytro_nor
16. Any inspirational books you recommend?
Colorful Creatives: Wrightwood Candle Company
If you want to check a few people off your holiday shopping list, you have to check out Wrightwood Candle Company. This girl boss is living the dream. Her custom, hand crafted candles are beautifully made and the perfect gift for anyone on your list. I loved chatting with her about how she stated her business, what keeps her motivated, and how she found an awesome and supportive community among other talented makers in Chicago. Check out her interview and be sure to follow her on social media!
Happy Friday! Can you believe we are less than one week away from Thanksgiving? This month is flying by and I’m nowhere near ready for the holidays. I haven’t even started on my Christmas list, though my husband and have decided to make a few creative, thoughtful gifts this year and purchase from small local businesses. It does help to have a creative husband who has so many hobbies and skills. Even as I write this he is accurately painting a miniature (1/32 scale) Mach 5 car that he 3D printed earlier this week, just for fun.
If you want to check a few people off your holiday shopping list, you have to check out Wrightwood Candle Company. This girl boss is living the dream. Her custom, hand crafted candles are beautifully made and the perfect gift for anyone on your list. I loved chatting with her about how she started her business, what keeps her motivated, and how she found an awesome and supportive community among other talented makers in Chicago. Check out her interview and be sure to follow her on social media!
Hannah Perri | Wrightwood Candle Company
www.wrightwoodcandleco.com
IG wrightwoodcandleco
FB wrightwoodcandleco
Etsy Shop
1. How did you start Wrightwood Candle Company?
Funny enough, candlemaking started out as nothing more than a hobby. I was working in recruiting at an awesome ad tech company in Chicago, and although I loved working in recruiting/HR, I had always imagined myself breaking away from my 9-5 job and working for myself one day. My mom always had candles burning in my home growing up so it was no surprise that I would love them just as much as an adult. When I decided to buy my first candle making kit, I figured “hey, at least I don’t have to spend so much money on candles anymore and can make them without all the bad chemicals.” Little did I know, this hobby would quickly turn into something I really enjoyed and was passionate about.
2. Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I had always wanted to work for myself, but it wasn’t until I found candlemaking that I knew exactly how that would come to fruition. I am still learning more and more about small business ownership everyday and that is what keeps it so exciting!
3. When did you know it was the right time to go full time on Wrightwood Candle Company?
I am full-time with my business, and trust me, deciding to leave my full-time job before I started this company was not an easy decision. My husband and I had many long, thoughtful conversations about it. I ultimately felt like this was the “right time” in my life to do it. I felt ready to make a change and wanted to start my company before starting a family. I also wanted to make sure I was giving 100% of myself to whatever I was doing and feared something would have to give. I have so much respect for people that juggle starting a small business and their full-time work, and am very fortunate I was able to dedicate myself to this craft full-time.
4. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome with owning your own business?
There is quite a learning curve and it is an adjustment! I went from working below a manager with a great, supportive team around me to working on my own and managing the business, marketing, sales, accounting, production, etc. I had no idea about the legality behind starting my own company either. There was a lot to take in! Luckily, I have made friends with other makers in Chicago, am active in online candlemaking groups, and have done a lot of networking in general. Everyone’s advice and support has been amazing!
5. What is your favorite & least favorite “hat” to wear as a business owner?
My favorite hat is being able to be creative and do whatever I want with my business! That is what makes it so fun. The possibilities are endless! I don’t know if I want to call it my least favorite hat, but I did have to step out of my comfort zone when I decided to participate in art markets. Although I am outgoing and enjoying talking with people, the thought of having to sell my products in-person to strangers intimidated me a bit. I am glad I overcame it though because I really enjoy them!
6. How do you stay motivated?
I am so motivated by all the other amazing makers out there. They’re incredible!
7. What are you working on right now?
Right now, I am in the process of building my website and developing a line of woodwick candles. I am hoping for a December/January launch for both. Aside from that, I have been busy creating candles for upcoming holiday markets, and I just recently partnered with The Morning List on a fun project. Stay tuned :)
8. How do you start your Monday?
With a chai tea and my to do list. I work on my to-do list for the week every Sunday evening and then organize my week and what I have to work on Monday mornings.
9. Where is your favorite place to work?
When I am not making candles, it is my couch. There is nothing like kicking my feet up, turning on some calming music, and working away with my dog at my feet. She’s the cutest, by the way.
10. What are some colors you are connecting with right now?
This time of year, I start to get excited over jewel tones. Ruby red, emerald green, yellow topaz, rich magenta, and sapphire blue. I don’t know if they’re still popular, but I love them!
11. What are some of your favorite textures/materials?
Anything natural or organic. When I come up with my event displays, I love incorporating natural wood elements, green plants, and galvanized metal.
12. Where do you look for inspiration?
Nature is a big inspiration for sure! I love the smell of walking through a forest, the way the leaves smell once they’ve fallen from the trees, the scent the air has after it rains, etc. All of it comes into play when I am coming up with a new candle scent!
13. What is something you could not live without?
Besides the obvious (family, friends, pets)...I would have to say Mexican food. I could eat tacos every. single. day.
14. Where is your favorite place to travel and with who?
My husband is my travel buddy! We recently visited Kauai and it was amazing. Other than that, we love visiting my aunt and uncle in Portland, Oregon. Sadly, we haven't been able to make it there the past few years. We are traveling to Paris and throughout Italy next summer so I have a feeling those will be in my top places soon!
15. What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
EAT! But really. There are sooo many amazing places to dine in Chicago. I haven’t even scratched the surface. Aside from that, I love spending time near (or on) the lake in the summer.
16. Any inspirational books you recommend?
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. It’s amazing!
Colorful Creatives: The Millennial Adventurer
Recently I met an young woman living her fiercest life. Liz Moorman, founder of The Millennial Adventurer, an inspirational blog to help fellow millennial’s pursue their passion and motivate them to live their best lives. We sat down and talked about how she became an entrepreneur, what keeps her motivated, and some of the biggest challenges of being a business owner. I hope you enjoy learning more about Liz and follow her on social media!
I can hardly believe it’s November already! A crisp fall day is absolutely my favorite, but as usual the Chicago weather has been unpredictable to say the least. This year felt as if we jumped right from summer to winter. Hopefully some beautiful autumn days lay ahead of us. Through this amazing journey of starting my own design business, one of the best things that has come out of it is meeting new people! It’s no secret that I love talking business, especially when I meet someone who is just as energetic as I am. I love supporting other young entrepreneurs in all creative fields.
Recently I met an young woman living her fiercest life. Liz Moorman, founder of The Millennial Adventurer, an inspirational blog to help fellow millennial’s pursue their passion and motivate them to live their best lives. We sat down and talked about how she became an entrepreneur, what keeps her motivated, and some of the biggest challenges of being a business owner. I hope you enjoy learning more about Liz and follow her on social media!
