11 Questions with Chelsea of {frolic}

stylist and blogger, Chelsea of {frolic}!

1. What was the turning point in your life that made you decide to work for yourself? What were you doing before this?
I was working for a large catalog company helping the forecast planners in Inventory Management (basically the numbers end of buying). I knew I wanted to do something creative. But, I had been in business for myself back in my twenties and I wasn’t sure I really wanted to go that route again. I tried to move to a more creative part of the company but in a big corporation stuff like that takes time and involves a lot of politics and I realized it really wasn’t what I wanted. I really just wanted to create for myself, not for someone else’s vision. I had been mulling over leaving for months and then one day I just quit. I was a bit confused by myself and what I was doing, to be honest. But, after I did it loads of opportunity opened up and I had the best feeling. Not sure I’d recommend this route to everyone but it worked for me:)

2. What was your first concrete step after making that decision?
I emailed all my old contacts (and new ones) and let them know the big step I had just made, the services I was offering. I wanted to get the word out as soon as possible! Several jobs came to me as a result of it.

3. What did you find to be the most difficult thing when you decided to make your business your full time job? What one thing do you wish you had known before starting your venture?
It’s always hard giving up the security of a paycheck every two weeks + good benefits. At this point, there isn’t anything I wish I’d known for this go around. But, when I opened up a flower shop at 24 years old- boy did I learn a lot! I was very idealistic and had no idea how much money it would cost to start a teensy tiny little flower studio.

4. Who did you go to for advice? What resources were most helpful for you?
My family is very supportive. My dad is an accountant who works a lot with small businesses so he’s always been there for support. But, this time around, reading blogs and meeting other small business owners has been great. I always learn so much talking with other people who are in the same boat!

5. Being compensated fairly for a service seems to be a difficult thing for a lot of people starting out. How did you decide on pricing? Do you think you were fair to yourself in the beginning?
My prior experience owning a flower shop, helped a lot with this. I am determined not to get involved with any jobs that will cost me money and headache and not result in profit. At the same time, because of the economy, I am constantly re-thinking services to offer and how to make small price points possible. I ask people I know what they would pay for services I offer. I email other blogs and businesses whose owners I know and talk to them about their pricing structure. I think I have been fair to myself this go around. The first time? It took years before I figured it all out.

6. How did you get your name out there in the beginning? What was the most helpful marketing tool? What didn’t work at all?
Blogging. It’s the cheapest and most powerful marketing tool right now. It’s the only way I’ve marketed myself. All of my jobs are a result of my blog. When I owned a shop most of my business (and my best business) came to me by word of mouth. Well, blogging is like word of mouth on speed! If you are a small business owner, you should have a blog and be on Twitter.
The first time around, I tried out traditional advertising in print publications and that was pretty much a dismal failure.

7. There are so many small businesses out there now. How do you separate yourself from the rest of the pack?
I am constantly trying to find ways to keep my blog and my work, different and fresh. The best way I know how is to just be myself and be real. Being nice and offering consistent and personable customer service will always set you apart.

8. How do you keep things fresh? Where do you go for inspiration?
Keeping up on trends through blogs and magazines is essential- that way I know what is totally over saturated and overdone at the moment and also to notice new ideas that seem exciting to explore. I love nature, I love fabric stores (I’ve based entire photo shoots around them). The computer ceases to inspire after a while though, I have to be outside in nature, travel, meet people, shop, and just live to get the best inspiration. I can be on the computer all day and not feel inspired, I take a 15 minute break, and I get a burst of ideas!

9. What is the most challenging thing about being your own boss? What is the most rewarding (besides, of course, being your own boss)?
The most challenging thing is the responsibility of managing all aspects of my work. It can be really hard to keep up with everything. Since I do a variety of things, it can be really hard to balance them all. I love working with so many small business owners --either through my styling or through my blog. I love helping to spread the word about someone really great. The freedom is pretty spectacular too!!:)

10. What advice do you have for people who are thinking about starting their own small business who may not necessarily have a lot of prior business experience?
Do a lot of research about owning a business and talk to people. Find out if this is really something you want. Make sure you are passionate about what you are doing. Try to learn as many things as you can (photography, marketing, etc) so you don’t have to pay people to do things. Be realistic about your start-up costs. It’s always more than what you might think. If you aren’t good with numbers- do hire someone to handle that! While it’s important to try and do as much as you can, it’s also important to not overload yourself with unrealistic expectations. I think a lot of small business owners try to do so much that they lose sight of their inspirations and ideas. I’ve definitely been there! Start small and don’t try to branch out too quickly! There are a lot of great resources, programs.. and even money out there for small business owners through government programs like the SBA and non-profits like Mercy Corps and bunches of others. Also, if you work at a corporate job now, don’t expect to live the same lifestyle you do now. Being a small business owner requires a shift in thinking and expectations. Be sure and have money saved up before you make the leap. Revenue can change drastically month to month. When I decided to make the change to a creative profession, I knew I wouldn’t be earning a lot, so I scaled way back- got rid of my car, moved into a cheaper place, and started keeping better track of my money and saving.

{all photos via Chelsea's porfolio}

11 Questions with Sarah Magid

I have been doing the excited dance ever since Sarah Magid wrote me back to tell me she would participate in my interview series. She is, like, a goddess in my eyes and I can only hope and pray that I will ever be half as good a baker as she is. Feast your eyes on this:

1. What was the turning point in your life that made you decide to work for yourself? What were you doing before this?

i was working in the fashion industry designing jewelry for big fashion companies for a number of years. Although there were downs like working all night on projects and traveling a lot, after a while it would feel like a disapointment for an amazing design or idea get sold under someone else's name, even though I had thought it up. I helped launch a few great jewelry lines, and wanted to feel the full responsibility for making something beautiful-not just the design part, but the response from people. I also was pregnant with my second child, and felt like working in fashion meant that I would not be with my family as much as I would like, since my son was 3 at the time and I had been working full time since he was 3 months old. As a family we decided that it would be a risk but in the sake of our happiness and creative dreams to go for it.

2. What was your first concrete step after making that decision?

drinking a glass of wine! (ok--1/2 a glass with food since I was pregnant)

3. What did you find to be the most difficult thing when you decided to make your business your full time job? What one thing do you wish you had known before starting your venture?

The hardest part was adjusting to the sporadic nature of income. In warmer months I am busier, and in the cold weather less people tend to have weddings. There has been so much to learn throughout the growth of my business, such as fun projects like my cookbook, or challenges like delivering cakes on the pothole-ridden streets of NYC.

4. Who did you go to for advice? What resources were most helpful for you?

I found lots of great resources through internet research and reading local food blogs. I also read cookbooks and baking books all the time to learn how different chefs cook.

5. Being compensated fairly for a service seems to be a difficult thing for a lot of people starting out. How did you decide on pricing? Do you think you were fair to yourself in the beginning?
In the beginning I undercharged because I felt insecure that I had not gone to a proper pastry school, but then after many projects were I would say at the end, "I can't believe how much work that was and how much I charged!". I also realized that I was charging less than competitors who weren't even using organic ingredients. Its hard to charge for your creativity sometimes, because its not like a punch-in, punch-out timecard.

6. How did you get your name out there in the beginning? What was the most helpful marketing tool? What didn’t work at all?

I just baked my brains out for friends in fashion, people, and had a call from Domino magagzine for one of my cakes to be used as a prop in their shoot. Another editor saw it and called me to include it in their gift page for Valentines Day. That day I received 500 emails!

7. Describe your first “sale” or “event”? Did it go well? What did you learn from your first few endeavors?

I started selling at Henri Bendel as a trunk show, it went well although many women swore they didn't eat chocolate but then would have their husband buy one instead. Then I am pretty sure they ate it when they got home.

8. There are so many wedding-related businesses out there now. How do you separate yourself from the rest of the pack?

I am pretty much in my own niche, and the kind of brides that contact me know exactly what kind of vibe I am--they are creative, engaged in food, and love beautiful things just like myself. I have had a great experience with every couple.

9. How do you keep things fresh? Where do you go for inspiration?

I love looking at people in interesting outfits, visiting MOMA or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reading old photography/art/design books. I also try to get out of NYC to get inspired, upstate to the Catskills or on our bi-annual vacations to family in Chicago and Los Angeles. Walking around old buildings, old shops always gives me ideas for detailing.

10. What is the most challenging thing about being your own boss? What is the most rewarding (besides, of course, being your own boss)?

Its hard to motivate sometimes, or to hustle when need be. Also sometimes I have to balance childcare/cakes/and a freelance design project all at once.

11. What advice do you have for people who are thinking about starting their own small business who may not necessarily have a lot of prior business experience?

Life is too short to not try!

{book cover via sarah magid, others images via oh joy!}

11 Questions with Elise of Sweet Penelope

Elise of sweet penelope makes some of my favorite wedding invitations. I'm thrilled that she agreed to be a part of this interview series!

1. What was the turning point in your life that made you decide to work for yourself? What were you doing before this?
Hmmm, good question....I don't think I ever had a full-blown epiphany but instead I think just assumed that "one day" I would be some kind of commercial artist. I worked in the photo industry as a studio manager for about 6-7 years, and I also dabbled a little in freelance bookkeeping (uh, not so fun). I did weddings and portraits too. I found myself working with a wedding planner who asked me if I knew an invitation designer, and I said that I could do invitations. She asked for a portfolio, and I put one together, and while doing so, I was struck by the wedding-invitation-design-bug. I LOVED it and secretly hoped I could do it as a career.

2. What was your first concrete step after making that decision?
It was probably to design a web site. Another HUGE factor that helped me on my way, and coaxed me into the right mindset, was taking a business planning course at the Renaissance Center in San Francisco. It's an amazing non-profit that specializes in teaching entrepreneurship and the basics of running a small business. Af riend of mine told me about it, and it really changed my life, giving me the confidence and basic skills I needed to get things going.

3. What did you find to be the most difficult thing when you decided to make your business your full time job? What one thing do you wish you had known before starting your venture?
The most difficult thing was probably trying to find customers (!) No one knew about Sweet Penelope and no one seemed interested in printing wedding invitation templates at home.
I wish I had known more about retail businesses.

4. Who did you go to for advice? What resources were most helpful for you?

My husband, friends, and family were invaluable for advice. Luckily, I am very lucky and know some generous, talented folks who have started their own businesses and were glad to answer questions. I also reached out to a few strangers and acquaintances. The Renaissance Center for Entrepreneurship was also super helpful. There are also a few online communities/forums I joined where the folks are super friendly and give great advice.
I will always be grateful to Eszter Rabin at EmmaRosePapery.com. She's an amazing wedding invitation designer and a wonderful, wonderful person. I found her, believe it or not, in the yellow pages online since she happened to be living near me at the time. I was doing a business class exercise - I think the task was to interview someone in your industry about the challenges of starting a business. I didn't know any wedding invitation designers, so I just emailed her to see if she'd meet up with me, and she said yes. She is so inspirational, talented, and generous!

5. Being compensated fairly for a service seems to be a difficult thing for a lot of people starting out. How did you decide on pricing? Do you think you were fair to yourself in the beginning?
Big factors that determine my pricing include: costs of production, business overhead for the year, salary for myself, industry averages like graphic design rates/general invitation prices etc.
I think I was unfair to myself in the beginning when I started doing custom design because I wanted to please customers and fall within their budgets even though doing so meant I would not be compensated very well for my time...However, everyone "starts somewhere" and it was worth the experience and allowed me to learn about better pricing practices forthe future.

6. How did you get your name out there in the beginning? What was the most helpful marketing tool? What didn’t work at all?
I spent a lot of time researching wedding planners, editors, writers, bloggers and sent LOTS of "cold" emails and samples out into the world, hoping that "someone" might like my work and pass it on.
The most helpful marketing tool? Possibly customer reviews.
Paying for online ads in wedding directories did not seem to work too well for me. Or maybe I just didn't find the right directory where my customers hang out?

7. Describe your first “sale” or “event”? Did it go well? What did you learn from your first few endeavors?
Things went really well with the first few sales of invitation templates. The customers were nice and happy with my work.
I learned that I have to estimate more time for myself to complete projects, especially custom designs.

8. There are so many wedding-related businesses out there now. How do you separate yourself from the rest of the pack?
When I add pieces to my online collection, I try to stay true to my design and artistic sensibilities and not necessarily "hop on the bandwagon" of certain trends if they don't fit the style that my customers associate with me. Instead, I'll try to come up with something new.
Customer service is also extremely important to me, and I want to make sure my clients are happy with the design process and the final results. I try to be very accommodating and flexible and give the personal service that bigger places might not be able to.

9. How do you keep things fresh? Where do you go for inspiration?

I enjoy experimenting with new techniques and drawings, so that helps keep things fresh.
Funny thing, I like going to supermarkets. It's often packaging - food products, soap, drinks - i'm always lingering in the aisles that stock wine and hard booze. Gotta love those labels!
Anything around me that I fancy is really a source of artistic inspiration to me: other people's homes/living roms, gardens, jewellery, trees, knick knacks. I like to tear pictures out of magazines, too. The pictures can be of anything - a still life of food (food again!) eg.ingredients from a cooking article, a pretty dress, a landscape... If Ilike it, I'll tear it out and keep it for inspiration when I'm stuck. Sometimes I'll look through my sheets and go - "what the hell did I like about this?" If it doesn't speak to me anymore, then I don't hang onto it.
I'm also inspired, on another level, by artists who make their living solely from their fine art. I really, really admire painters, musicians,photogaphers, performers - who stay true to their personal vision and don't give up, even when it's super tough.


10. What is the most challenging thing about being your own boss?

Giving yourself a break and knowing "when to stop."
What is the most rewarding (besides, of course, being your own boss)?
Being able to have creative autonomy when I design for my collection.

11. What advice do you have for people who are thinking about starting their own small business who may not necessarily have a lot of prior business experience?
All experience is transferable, so don't be too discouraged if you're venturing out into foreign territory b/c so much of your history and skills - eg. ability to communicate and form relationships, ability to stay organized and focused - will still help you.
If you are passionate about what you are doing, then you will have the motivation to weather the yuckier tasks that everyone has to deal with at the start (paperwork, bookkeeping, etc.) Pick up a book and learn whatever task you need to tackle, or hire someone to teach you. The internet also has lots of forums with helpful people and information.
Keep your customers' interests at heart. It's wonderful to enjoy the creative aspects of your work, but always remember that "you are here to serve."

Stay positive and just accept that you will make MANY mistakes in the beginning from which you'll learn.

Thank you, Elise! You are so eloquent and your answers have been really helpful!

11 Questions with Christine of Pretty Pretty Paper

Christine of

Christine owns the sweet "one-of-a-kind correspondence" shop CEVD as well as the Etsy store Pretty Pretty Paper. Thank you, Christine, for taking the time to answer these for me!

1. What was the turning point in your life that made you decide to work for yourself? What were you doing before this?
i had been working for a custom stationery studio for about a year when things changed and the studio closed. it was just me and the owner and i LOVED it so you can imagine how sad i was. after that i spent some time in the corporate world doing all of the graphic design for a handbag company. it was not my cup of tea. i didn't like the constraints that working for a medium-large(ish) company came along with. everything i did was critiqued my a minimum of four different people that didn't talk to one and other. plus there wasn't a lot of room for creativity and i quickly discovered that i needed a lot of room for creativity. so the thoughts slowly crept into my head and then finally i got the nerve to do it.

2. What was your first concrete step after making that decision?
business cards. i had them made before i even met with my accountant ... before i set up a business bank account ... before a lot of things that i probably should have done first.

3. What did you find to be the most difficult thing when you decided to make your business your full time job? What one thing do you wish you had known before starting your venture?
after severing my ties with a steady pay check things changed, and pretty dramatically. all i can say is thank goodness i have a husband that is as committed to my business as i am. seriously if it wasn't for him i don't think i would have been able to make it through the first six months.



4. Who did you go to for advice? What resources were most helpful for you?
the advice i seek comes from everywhere. my husband, my friends, the wee little blogging community i have found myself part of, my old boss and my parents. and my most useful resource has been and most likely will be an accountant. he doesn't do much for the creative side of the venture but he certainly helps out with every other aspect.

5. Being compensated fairly for a service seems to be a difficult thing for a lot of people starting out. How did you decide on pricing? Do you think you were fair to yourself in the beginning?
in the beginning i was practically giving away my work .. no, in fact i was absolutely giving it away. the first few (paying) customers i had didn't always cover what it cost me to print the invites, let alone cover my time designing them. but it was worth it. i am still working to obtain my pricing goals but am being a lot more fair to myself. i think it is a constant battle and i do try to work with EVERY budget that comes through the door, and for the most part i am able to.

6. How did you get your name out there in the beginning? What was the most helpful marketing tool? What didn’t work at all?
i am still looking for the perfect marketing tool, and hope i have found it by way of my new pr company!! but other than that i started a blog, started communicating with local wedding planners, did a couple of event invites for big bridal events and tried my hardest to talk to people in the wedding world. so far making the connections with other vendors hasn't exactly proven to be the best client generating way to go about it.


7. Describe your first “sale” or “event”? Did it go well? What did you learn from your first few endeavors?
my first paid invitation job went pretty well. my bride was super picky (which was actually a plus) and relatively decisive. this made the designing process a snap. the printing process however ... well i just didn't pay enough attention to the details. we ended up going over the agreed upon budget because i just couldn't figure out how to charge her. so in the end she received a rocking good deal on a pretty snazzy set of letterpress invites.

8. There are so many wedding-related businesses out there now. How do you separate yourself from the rest of the pack?
oye, there are so many people out there doing what i am doing so it is hard. i try to separate myself through my service. my favorite part of my job is working with other people to help them get their ideas on paper. the discussions and meetings and phones calls are by far the best part. i don't limit my clients to a certain number of proofs or re-works. i really want them to be thrilled with their invite and lets face it that can't always be done with three pdfs.

9. How do you keep things fresh? Where do you go for inspiration?
the number one source of my inspiration comes from my clients. everyone i have had the pleasure to work with has brought such a new a refreshing perspective and i can't help but credit that for most of my creativity. however i do like to wander around galleries and museums and paper stores ... not to mention spend all of my free time scouring blogs for new ideas.


10. What is the most challenging thing about being your own boss? What is the most rewarding (besides, of course, being your own boss)?

i love the freedom. love it. i don't have a certain amount of vacation days i need to keep track of, i am not required to work from 9-5 (though honestly i typically put in much longer days than that), i can work from anywhere and still have time to do the home things that i love so much ... walking my dog, cooking ... meeting my husband for lunch 45 minutes away. the hard part is i don't always have someone to go to for work approval. i really like to have other people look at the work i do before i send it back to my clients, i tend to get attached to some pieces that just don't work.

11. What advice do you have for people who are thinking about starting their own small business who may not necessarily have a lot of prior business experience?

i don't think that business experience is a must, but one absolutely must have a clear idea of your concept and goals. i would highly recommend writing a business plan for yourself. wether or not you are planning on filing for any kind of funding it is good to get your ideas down on paper. it keeps you more organized and allows you to be more true to your ideas. plus dabbling doesn't seem to work. you have to go all out and dedicate yourself entirely to your business ... if you don't who will. and after all you are going in to business for yourself because you want to do something for yourself.

Next week: Elise of Sweet Penelope

11 Questions with Noa of Feather Love

Noa of Feather Love!

1. What was the turning point in your life that made you decide to work for yourself? What were you doing before this?
I always sort of did freelance work as a designer (graphic, web & flash) but I had a contractual flash design job for about a year and once that came to an almost-end, I freaked out and decided to move on this idea I was bouncing around in my head of being a wedding photographer. Plus I had really been grooving on working from home during that time- it ruled. As you know, being a bride makes you spend WAY too much time on wedding sites, blogs, and looking at photographers & their work. I was becoming convinced that I could do it. And as from the very beginning I had a style in mind that nobody else was really doing. I always did sort of work for myself but never like this. Most wedding photographers "ease" into it by keeping their regular day job. I did not.

2. What was your first concrete step after making that decision?

I went and got my fictitious business name, a license, and some business cards. Then asked my super-stylish friends (Josh & Kristen of Mountain Home) if they would pose for me, e-session style, so that I could show the style of work I wanted to do. Their session is still one of the ones people comment on the most. It was 100% my style. Then I started designing my website after that.

3. What did you find to be the most difficult thing when you decided to make your business your full time job? What one thing do you wish you had known before starting your venture?

I wish had known that I should be more fearless with my style and do EXACTLY what I wanted, not what I thought people wanted. I was always somewhat fearless, but I never went “the Full Monty” so to speak. As soon as I did though, I got tons more attention. I went to The Image Is Found's Shootshop & that finally convinced me to just do it all the way-- as Nate so eloquently put it "grow some balls", don't be "safe". Show your style. The most difficult thing when I decided to make it my full time job? Uhm, money. And plus it didn't feel that great to sort of be financially partially-dependent on someone else (Stuart was my fiancé at the time) when I had been fiercely independent for so much of my life... but then I got married and I got used to the concept and you start to see it differently: it's not really depending on each other, it's each partner helping the other make their dreams come true. Stuart and I are very supportive of each others arts, careers, & dreams…

4. Who did you go to for advice? What resources were most helpful for you?
There was a small business center advice thingy downtown, they were ok. But honestly- I really need someone else to handle all that sort of business stuff for me if I want to remain on the creative side of my business. Taking care of that stuff is a pain in my ass. I can do it, but it’s like one or the other, both takes too much and my job already takes millions of hours every week. Oh, and there was also my dad and sister, both entrepreneurs who offered up advice. Other than that, most recently I would say Shootshop (The Image Is Found) was certainly helpful. Very pricey, but for me it was well worth it.

5. Being compensated fairly for a service seems to be a difficult thing for a lot of people starting out. How did you decide on pricing? Do you think you were fair to yourself in the beginning?

No, I don't think I have ever priced myself right- especially in the beginning. It’s hard for artists to put a tag on their work. At first, I really just wanted to get work. On May 15th though, when my rates go up, I feel like I will finally have a good competitive price list that’s still affordable but also reflects my originality- and that’s something people will choose to pay for if they want it. I feel like it also helps me choose my clients.

6. How did you get your name out there in the beginning? What was the most helpful marketing tool? What didn’t work at all?

Luckily I was a flash/web/graphic designer for many years before. So my website was probably the best thing I had at the time and I have always put all my heart and perfectionism into designing my web sites. The worst thing I ever did was take my first year's profit and blow ALL of it on a bridal bazaar because that's what other vendors told me to do. I didn't even book one wedding from it. And not only did it suck, it was lame too. There was really horrible photography there… so far from what I was doing & what I was interested in that nobody understood my work, at all. Bridal bazaar was like a gazillion zombie brides walking around having thousands of flyers being shoved into their hands and drinking their slurpee dessert-thingy’s from the booth next door all over my srsly expensive albums that I put every bit of money I had earned into. No thanks. Now the best marketing tool for sure in my opinion is the internets, blogs etc. Oh and they are like free, so that rules. I say, use what you have: if you can design websites, design yours... if you have a blog that tons of people read-- use it! Find creative ways to put your name out there. Especially if you are “different” or considered an “alternative” or “indie” wedding vendor. Bridal Bazaar might not be the place for you.

7. Describe your first “sale” or “event”? Did it go well? What did you learn from your first few endeavors?

It went fine, luckily. I was terrified, nervous as hell, but the gigs went well overall. Couple of snags like a bride's dad who didn't want to pay me full price etc. I learned very quickly to get FULLY PAID BEFORE A WEDDING, no matter what your client says or how sweet they are- you won’t be talking money with the bride and groom that day so get all that handled before the wedding. What I learned from the first few gigs was that it was really terrifying to do this dream of mine, but I wanted to do it anyway.


8. There are so many wedding-related businesses out there now. How do you separate yourself from the rest of the pack?
I make things look how I want them to look. What's pleasing to me, my eye, and my taste- not what I think is pleasing to others... if you are trying to please others, your job will never be done. You are the artist so they are depending on you to show them what’s beautiful from your perspective. Plus I am honest & I blog how I talk. I have nothing to hide... I think people want to see that, that you are human, an artist, so that they can feel confident in you based on who you are and what you do. I separate myself from the rest because I come up with new and fresh ideas that nobody else has done and my style is distinct. You can see a photographers work online and sometimes know right away who shot it. Like Max Wagner and Labor of Love. You know it’s their work immediately. That’s because they have their own style and they are constantly developing their art, and it’s obvious that they love what they do. I love that.



9. How do you keep things fresh? Where do you go for inspiration?

Your blog! ;) Well, I don’t go to wedding photographer's blogs to look at their work. Unless I end up seeing their work on another blog, but it’s important for me to look at other types of photography & art: fashion, music, vintage photography, films, magazines & album covers etc… Sometimes my dreams influence me, seriously. I am learning to trust myself more and follow my gut more as I continue to develop as an artist.

10. What is the most challenging thing about being your own boss? What is the most rewarding (besides, of course, being your own boss)? Challenging?

It’s hard to keep on top of business administrative stuff AND do all my editing AND be creative AND do my many forms of art... especially if you are a perfectionist. Eventually I will hire some peeps to help out. You HAVE to love what you do intensely because it takes many hours of your life. It doesn't feel like overtime when you really love it- you don't even really notice if you just worked 16 hours. In any other job, I couldn't wait to leave or be done for the day. Another really challenging thing is that all the stress falls on to your shoulders, there isn't some boss somewhere that has to deal with the stress but still guarantees you a paycheck at the end of the day. It’s a whole other kind of stress when it’s your business. You have to be pretty tough. That can be intense.... Most rewarding? Make my own hours. Work from home. Working with my husband and making art together! I can totally challenge my own authority and win sometimes ;) Being creative. Not having to work in a fluorescent-lit office all day. Taking breaks whenever I damn-well feel like it and for as long as I want. Taking a random day off sometimes... although most of the time it doesn't work- I end up working because I love it. Oh also, I get to make all the creative decisions and I don't have to consult in anyone or deal with what other people want, which is usually what happens when you work for someone else.

11. What advice do you have for people who are thinking about starting their own small business who may not necessarily have a lot of prior business experience?
Read the E-Myth. Follow your gut creatively. In the beginning it's usually just you so you have to do it all. Make up challenging creative projects for yourself. Even if you are afraid people won't like your ideas, do them anyway, don't be safe because too many others are and then you won't stand out from the crowd. Plus, nobody ever got anywhere from being concerned about what other people think. You need elephant skin! And maybe also keep your day job until you have enough business to quit it, too stressful otherwise. I would know. You have to know what your personality type is and learn to accept it & work with it to the best of your ability... Make it work for you! If you have had people call you "pushy" or "bossy" a lot in your life, you will probably become an excellent entrepreneur. It usually means you are efficient and can get things done. Once you accept the type of person you are, then you can use it to your benefit, in a positive way. Oh, and also another piece of advice: quit thinking about starting your own business and JUST DO IT! You don’t need to know that much, you can learn as you go- just like with anything else. One more very important thing: don’t ever half-ass anything. If you aren’t willing to do it 120%, you probably won’t be competitive enough to succeed.

Thank you, Noa! You have been such an inspiration and a great friend!

Figuring out what to be when I grow up (I don't think you're ever too old to figure this out!) is always at the forefront of my mind. I am an idea person. Sometimes I drink too much coffee in the morning and I come up with all these crazy ideas. The problem is I don't know what to do with them after the initial brainstorm session. I decided to get into touch with a bunch of business-savvy folk that I admire and ask them how they did it. I figured you guys could find some inspiration from their answers as well!

Up first, you know him, you love him...Mr. Michael Antonia of The Flashdance! I am beyond thrilled that Michael agreed to answer my questions. (and head on over to Perfect Bound for some FlashDance guest blogging!)

1. What was the turning point in your life that made you decide to work for yourself? What were you doing before this?

I have always been freelance so it wasn't a big jump as much as it was cutting out the middle man! I have toured as a dj since 2002 and in addition did a ton of event production, concert producing, and advertising/marketing for gigantic corporations such as Nike, Microsoft, Target and Product (red) but I also did a lot of small events for indie film festivals, local museums, artists, fashion shows etc. The turning point was finding out my wife was pregnant... I knew I couldn't hack the desk job, but also couldn't be on the road 6 months of the year. The Flashdance is the perfect compromise.

2. What was your first concrete step after making that decision?
Turning down work... That was incredibly hard because the money was good, and I was getting really stir crazy being home all of the time. During that time I built the blog.

3. What did you find to be the most difficult thing when you decided to make your business your full time job? What one thing do you wish you had known before starting your venture?

The most difficult thing now is finding the time. If I could do anything over again it would be to start 5 years ago! Now I am juggling this business, starting another, and I have a 5 month old. I basically never sleep.

4. Who did you go to for advice? What resources were most helpful for you?

Well my business partner (Whitney Our Labor of Love) and I have worked together since the late 90's and OLOL has been through all of the same things that Flashdance is going through now so he is a wonderful resource. Beyond that marketing and advertising is something that I have a lot of experience with and I have been djing so long that I don't really have to think about that anymore... One thing that is different is dealing with so many wedding professionals. In the music industry (majority of my background) people are so hostile, and way too cool! So you really have to play games with them and schmooze a lot. I find wedding people to be way more real and WAY more approachable, I have learned a lot from my blogging pals.

5. Being compensated fairly for a service seems to be a difficult thing for a lot of people starting out. How did you decide on pricing? Do you think you were fair to yourself in the beginning?

My prices are pretty fair but I'm not trying to undercut my competetors. I provide a unique service, if you want it you'll pay for it. The last thing I want to do is play weddings for people looking for a bargain! If someone is awesome, their wedding is going to be rad, and they don't have the cash I might agree to meet them and work with them on prices. Mostly, I try to stay true to my rates, I find that people typically come around. A wedding budget is always subject to change!

6. How did you get your name out there in the beginning? What was the most helpful marketing tool? What didn’t work at all?

I partnered with some really popular photographers who have a great reputation so that was my foot in the door, but I provide something that most don't and that is the real challenge. I don't advertise really I prefer to spend money on marketing right now.

7. Describe your first “sale” or “event”? Did it go well? What did you learn from your first few endeavors?

The first wedding we did as Flashdance was this one and it couldn't have been better. They are a perfect couple with incredible friends, they have great style and were really fun to work with. We have all done a lot of weddings in the past before Flashdance so it isn't really a first event. One thing I have learned is to be more picky about my clients, because I want everyone to be like Shana & Rob. Sadly most are not like that.

8. There are so many wedding-related businesses out there now. How do you separate yourself from the rest of the pack?

We all offer something pretty specific. Anyone would be interested in beautiful pictures, and a great dj but we don't market or advertise to everyone. We are trying to be a boutique not a warehouse. I think that a lot of wedding vendors try to offer something for everyone, we try to offer something for people who are like us.

9. How do you keep things fresh? Where do you go for inspiration?

The record store and the book store. If I tell you more than that my stuff won't be very fresh now will it?

10. What is the most challenging thing about being your own boss? What is the most rewarding (besides, of course, being your own boss)?

It is difficult to call it a day when you know how much more there is to do. It is amazing to take all the tools I have acquired over the years and apply them to my product instead of some corporation that I probably don't like, or for a product that I don't believe in... It is also great to finally have an outlet for all of the ideas I have had that everyone thought were too this, or too that! Ha! they were right, they were TOO THIS for them... Just right for me.

11. What advice do you have for people who are thinking about starting their own small business who may not necessarily have a lot of prior business experience? Make sure it is something that you really love to do, and make sure you are cool with working 12-15 hour days for little or no money for months, sometimes longer... Everyone glamorizes owning your own company, and sure it can be amazing, but you have to do things that are below you in every way, all day, everyday... You have to love what you are doing to be able to get up in the morning and do that to yourself everyday. There are easier ways to earn a buck.

Thank you, Michael! You are the best! Up next...Feather Love!

(all photos via The Flashdance}

Style-for-Style Interview

I am extremely flattered and honored to have an interview over at Style-for-Style today. Laura is totally enviable in every single way from her decorating skills to her wedding dress making skills. If you want to hear some blabber from little ol' me please head on over there.