Happy Hump Day my friends! Today I’ve got a very special treat for you lovelies! It’s another edition of this month’s feature series, Handmade May! I can’t believe this month has gone by so quickly. It seemed to just fly by didn’t it? I know it did for me!
Well, today’s feature comes courtesy of a new friend of mine. When I first discovered
Ashley’s blog, all I could do was read. And read. And read… You get the point. Her blog is full of helpful hints and bits of wisdom. So when she agreed to participate in my little series, I was super excited! I just love Ashley’s story, and I hope you will too!
1. Your shop, After Nine to Five Decor, focuses on graphic art in the form of decals and prints. Have you always had a love for graphic design and home decor?
My love for graphic design started in high school and carried on through college even. I took a few courses in graphic design with the hopes of being a Graphic Designer after college, but quickly got caught up in the idea that it’s not a “real” career. A few years later, I was ready to resume my teenage dreams and treat them more as a part of my career instead. As for home decor, I probably didn’t start really getting into it until about 6 months ago. The idea of getting our own fixer upper home popped into our heads and I’ve been smitten since.
2. Many of your prints and decals are so fun and playful. How do you come up with new designs? And where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
My goal has to always live life to the fullest and I try to have that reflected in my designs. I base them off of things, events, or people in my life and go from there. Sometimes a movie sparks an idea or even a book, too. I can generally find inspiration in almost anything though, honestly. I have a passion for life so it works out pretty well.
3. In addition to your shop, you also provide graphic design and ‘pay-what-you-can’ consulting services. I think it’s such a great idea to offer consulting in this way. What gave you the desire and idea to offer this unique form of service?
I was never able to afford consulting when I first started out so I wanted to find a way to reach people who were in my shoes at one point. I still don’t make millions of dollars so I don’t consider myself very far from where I was. I also have always made a point to live my life in a way that it’s not reflective of how much money I spend/earn. I wanted to give everyone a chance to receive the help they wanted and to know that just because you have a dream but can’t drop thousands of dollars on it, doesn’t mean you can’t receive assistance.
4. You’ve mentioned on your blog that you left your 9-5 corporate gig in order to pursue self-employment. Did you have any hesitations about that? What gave you the final push to leave your day-job? Did it all happen spontaneously, or did you have a plan?
I did pretty much the opposite of what everyone says to do, haha. I jumped into the swimming pool with no idea how to swim and hoped I’d be able to come up for air at some point. I was scared, nervous, and overall unsure of myself . . . but it was a long time coming. I have yet to reach the point of being completely sure of what I’m doing and positive I’m on the right track. My guess is that I’ll never get there and I’m okay with that. Life has been such an amazing adventure since I just dove in to follow my dreams that I’d never change a thing.
5. With so many different routes available, how did you decide on pursuing a handmade business? Did any other ventures cross your mind?
It kind of fell in my lap, honestly. It was a hobby, I was bored, and all of the sudden I found profit in something I loved. It changed a lot since I first started as I began to evolve as a business person and just as a person in general. Sometimes I think it’s the best decision I’ve ever made and some days I think it’s the worst, haha. I don’t know that it’ll be with me long term as my interests seem to change on a pretty regular basis, but right now I’m content.
6. What is a normal day like for you as a creative business owner? Do you find it beneficial to maintain normal “business hours” or do you work any time of day?
I don’t think I have a clue as to what a normal day for me is. I’m just now figuring out how to not overwork myself just because my business is “open” 24/7 so it’s hard to say. I can say a good normal day for me is one where I get up with my husband, work while he’s away, and then get to enjoy all or most of the evening with him/our pets. I do find it beneficial to keep the weekends clear of as much work as possible though. It helps me stay focused.
7. In addition to your shop, you also maintain your blog; and you’ve started a fresh new blog as well. How do you find time to pursue other hobbies and interests?
I used to be SO bad at this up until the past few weeks. I’ve started forcing myself to take a minimum of two hours away from the computer when my husband gets home to exercise and eat dinner. If I have work I still need to attend to after that, then I do so once those are done. Otherwise I use the time to do things with my family. I’ve found I can incorporate 75% of my hobbies into my work so it works out pretty well for the most part.
8. How has the support of family and friends benefited you throughout your journey as an entrepreneur? Was there ever a time when you had to ‘win them over’ so to speak?
I think that time is now, honestly. Other than my husband, everyone else just looks at my work as a hobby and nothing more. I’ve been looked at as a house wife going to school by a lot of them and needless to say, it kind of sucks. But I believe in myself, my husband believes in me, and I’ve found a lot of people through my blog that make me feel like I’m not alone so it’s not that bad. I wouldn’t trade the life I’m living for anyone else’s so whether or not I have their support, I’m happy where I’m at in my journey.
9. What is one thing you’ve learned that you wish you would’ve known when you first started your handmade business?
To stop comparing myself to others. I spent a majority of the beginning stages of my business and blog comparing myself to anyone and everyone. It took a huge toll on me, my personal life, my business, and my blog. I struggled with far too many insecurities in the beginning that I’ve learned to let go of now. When I stopped comparing myself, everything got better. It was almost like magic! I just needed to focus on me and be the best me I could be.
10. What advice would you give to someone {like me!} who is looking to start their own handmade business?
Just do it! Don’t let all of the “logical” thoughts cloud your judgment and prevent you from making the first step. I’m not saying to go all in like I did, but just make the first move and stop waiting for the right time/right product/right everything because it’s just not going to happen. Your business will flourish much sooner if you just go for it.
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Talk about words of wisdom! I couldn’t agree more with Ashley’s advice about letting go of comparisons! I think most {if not all} bloggers suffer from this from time to time. In reality, all we really need to do is focus on what we’re doing, not on what others are doing. Right? {Easier said than done, I know!}
Well, I have to give a big thank you to Ashley for taking time out of her busy schedule to do this interview! I hope you found her words as encouraging as I did!
Be sure to stop by
Ashley’s blog and
shop and take a look around. If you’re looking for a little blog makeover, check out her
design services! Or maybe you’re just looking for a little advice? She does
consulting too!
And in case you missed it, be sure to check out episodes
one,
two, and
three of this month’s feature series!
PS – I’ve still got some sponsor spots available for June, so drop me a line if you’re interested!
