Starting Your Own Creative Business

As many of you know, I’ve poured my creative passion into two small creative businesses that I’ve started in the past couple of years; The Lifestyle Creative Photography and Laurel Lane Accessories. Both of which have brought me more challenges and growth than I ever imagined when I first started on the path to small business ownership. And while I still have to work every single day to keep these businesses inspiring and engaging, it’s been so rewarding to see small monuments of success along the way. Monuments like launching my brand new ETSY shop this month with a new line of home accessories that I custom designed and created myself. Exciting moments like this make me reflect on how I got here. How did I start two creative businesses in my early 20’s out of nothing but the mere challenge to myself to see if I could be really good at what I was doing?

Today, I wanted to share with you how I did it! This post is the exciting launch of a new series on making your own successful small business out of your creative passion. Prowling around the internet for tips on starting your own business left me feeling really unmotivated. Silly suggestions like “Believe in yourself!” made some people’s list of top 5 tips for starting your own business. And while you should believe in your dream, I wanted to offer up 5 tips that you can actually use and apply to your life to see your dream growing and becoming the business you envision it could be.

So here are my TOP 5 TIPS on starting/launching your own creative business.

1. HAVE A TALENT TO OFFER.
Do you know how Laurel Lane Accessories was born? I literally stumbled into the idea when I decided to make my own floral crown for a photo shoot I was in. When other people saw the images of said photo shoot, they started asking where I found my lovely over-the-top floral crown. When I saw the images of said photo shoot, I saw a gorgeous product I could make and possibly sell. Most of all, I saw potential for growth in myself and in my talents. And that potential is what sparked all of my ambition.
When you start your own small business, you need to have a driving idea behind it. Something to offer, something to share with people. What do you have going on that’s exciting and engaging? What talents can you offer that get people excited? What talents do you have that get you excited?! The foundation of all creative businesses is passion; an ambition that is born out of the idea that you have something unique to offer to people.
Are you really good at giving advice? Do you take amazing photos of your nephew? Do people ask where you got your adorable jeans (bedazzled them yourself, did you?) We each have talents waiting to be discovered, waiting to be harnessed and trained into something of great quality. Knowing what talent you have to offer is the first step towards using it to build a great business for yourself.


2. GREAT PRODUCT PICTURES.
Once you know what talent you have to offer, you start using it. Unfortunately, this isn’t enough. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a product or shop that’s only being held back by this one little tip. Great product pictures are essential to your success. Great pictures not only get people looking, but it gets people talking! Talking about how gorgeous your product is, about how they just have to have it for themselves. Ask yourself which you are more likely to buy, the product on the right or the product on the left?

Having great product pictures helps your business grow tremendously in quality and following. But how do you find somebody to take professional pictures of your products? It’s all about networking! Your friend’s sister from high school whose an amazing portrait photographer now? Send her a message with a picture of your product and see if any of her clients would want to use it in their sessions. Are you making home décor items? Offer to lend them to an interior designer while she has her talents photographed for her portfolio. Collaborating with other creative’s is a great way to not only get quality images for your portfolio, but to network and get the name of your business out there! If you aren’t sure where to start looking for a photographer, try searching for a local photography or modeling group on Facebook; that’s where I met some of my first friends in the creative market!


3. CATCHY BUSINESS CARDS.
Great business cards are so crucial when it comes to presenting yourself as a professional! It’s also a great way to make sure the people you meet, remember you. I use my business cards whenever I meet somebody I’m interested in working with or making something for. When I meet a beautiful bride whose looking for the perfect hair accessory for her flower girl? I whip that card out. When I see a gorgeous high school student who would look amazing in one of my designs? I hand her my card and tell her that I would love to hear from her if she’s interested in modeling a few of my designs for a photo shoot. I also make sure that current clients have it, too. Every time somebody places an order through my ETSY shop, their product is accompanied by a business card so they know where to call/go online when they want more. You have to make remembering you and contacting you convenient for them. People love convenience.

So how do make sure that your business cards are eye-catching and not easily forgotten? One- put a picture of your product/business on it. Two- make it unique. I included one of my favorite images of one of my floral crowns on my business card and I also made mine a really fun, square shape. A breath-taking image and fun sized/shape card? That leaves an impression. When you have a great, eye-catching business card, people are so much more likely to remember you and to be excited about your business afterwards. I ordered my gorgeous, square business cards through Tiny Prints.


4. BE PERSONABLE.
I believe that your biggest asset when it comes to your business’s success is you! People love supporting businesses that are run by people who are friendly, kind, and easy to get along with. As a creative business owner, so much of your business centers around you. Do you offer a great experience for your clients? Do they feel as if they could be friends with you in real life? If so, you’re 10 TIMES more likely to make another sale to that customer in the future AND more likely to build your client base when they recommend you to their friends.
Word of mouth is the greatest marketing tool you have. Give your clients something good to say about their experience with you and your business! An extra touch that’s easy to implement even if you’re not the social type is sending out a “thank you,” with every one of your orders. I like to include a hand-written “Thank you for ordering from my shop! I love my customers and hope you love your products!” on a pretty piece of paper and include it in their package.


5. AN ONLINE PRESENCE.
Are you posting daily on social media to keep people engaged? Facebook, Instagram, ETSY. Do you have a separate business page on Facebook aside from your personal page? When people fan your page, they look forward to reading about your growth as a business and most of all, they look forward to seeing when you post new products and new session pictures. Keep your fans involved in your brand. Give them something new to look at, something exciting to discuss.
Social media has so much potential to get people interested in your business. Send all your friends a link to your page and make sure you are marketing your business as you want it to be seen. One of the most important things to remember about social media presence is quality over quantity. I don’t post on Facebook every day, but when I do, I make sure that I am excited about what I’m saying. I make sure that I’m speaking in a positive, encouraging and exciting manner. Remember that what you post directly effects how people think of your business. When you keep your posts happy and filled with gorgeous pictures, that’s what people associate with your brand. That’s not to say you can’t be real if you’re having a bad day or are going through something major. Just keep in mind that whatever you share is the impression people get of you and your brand. Make sure what you’re saying is a reflection of what you want your brand to stand for!

There you have it! My top 5 tips for people who are interested in starting their own creative businesses but aren’t sure where to start. What do you think about these tips? While suggesting things like “believing in yourself” would be true for your success, I wanted to make sure that I gave you tips that you could actually implement and use to see tangible results. What suggestions do you have for real advice on starting your own creative business?

I can’t wait to share more from this new series with you guys. I’ll probably make it a monthly post, sharing tips on starting your own creative business and seeing it thrive afterwards. I hope you guys enjoyed! Make sure you check out all the exciting things I’ve made for you in my ETSY shop too J

Xoxo, Laura

I Just Launched My New ETSY Page!

So much excitement while wrapping up 2013. It's been a year of learning and growing. My goals continuously change as do my creative passions. And after taking a 6 month break from Laurel Lane Accessories while moving to Charlotte and falling in love with our life here, I have decided to relaunch my business with new enthusiasm and drive.

I've completely restructured my business plan and goals. I have re geared my business to cater towards those who appreciate the finer things in life. High quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that really catch the eye. I've also added home accessories to my shop! This is probably the change I am most excited for! It's so thrilling to spend hours creating a lovely new design and making it come to life afterwards.

So what is my new Etsy shop offering?

Perfectly Romantic Floral Crowns
My absolute favorite thing to design because they are oh-so-lovely and add the perfect touch of elegance and romance to any occasion. I LOVE marketing to brides and creating custom pieces for their perfect day.

Gorgeous Headbands
Of course I stuck to my tried and true knack for designing eye-catching headbands. Here's one of my favorites which debuted with the opening of the shop. This headband is called the black and white socialite. I just love the polka dot ribbon, feather and beaded accents.

Home Decor Elements
After much thought and consideration, I'm finally adding custom made home decor elements to my shop! I adore making things for my home and wanted to offer the same gorgeous things to my clients as well. Among the home decor elements I'm offering are rustic hand-painted wooden signs, floral letters and sequin monogram letters.

 

I am so excited to share all of these new changes and additions with you guys. Please stop by my new ETSY shop and let me know what you think of all the new things we are offering. (As always, every item in my shop is designed and created by me. "Yah!" for supporting small creative businesses.)

 

xoxo, Laura

A New Pink Floral Crown

Happy Monday everybody. Today I've got a new lovely floral crown to share with you guys. I absolutely love creating new floral crowns for my shop and this one is one of my new favorites! It took me 3 hours to hand craft, delicately fanning out cream rose buds from each of the the full pink blooms.

What a perfect addition to my floral crown collection. I swoon over all things romantic, rustic and wedding related, so my floral crowns are probably the designs I'm most proud of in my shop. My heart goes pitter-patter everytime I see a happy bride wearing a stunning floral crown. In case you missed my other favorites, check them out here and here.

I'll also be sharing a bold floral headband tutorial soon so follow along with google friend connect if you don't wanna miss that later this week!

Patriotic Creative- New styles from Laurel Lane Accessories

I am so excited to share the first of two lovely patriotic headbands I'm making for Laurel Lane Accessories this year. I just adore this awesome fascinator- perfect if you love being the life the party and showing off your quirky character. It takes confidence to wear this show stopper!

Introducing- The "Heritage" Headband

I personally, love to wear it like this, with the lace and feathers facing back. But if you're looking for a more fun, face framing, 20's era look- flip it around and you get this...

Each piece takes approximately two hours to hand craft. Lots of layers created with varying satin fabrics, polka dotted accents, feathers and hand-sewn pearls. All on a two strand, red elastic headband. Perfect for pictures and parties.

The Heritage headband is now available for purchase $13.95 each. All transactions completed via paypal or in person. Comment with your email address here to order :)

Ash. is Lovely

 Last night Ashley and I were sitting through Connor's baseball practice and decided to make good use of our otherwise frivolously wasted two hours.

I had just finished up a huge floral crown order of 5 custom made pretties like this and decided we should try to take a few pictures of 'em before I delivered them to their new home today.

 

Isn't she lovely?

I can't imagine not being with the family for a whole 2-3 years. and I just found out that after orders to England are fullfilled, they're going to try and get orders for Italy! That's a whole 5-6 years stationed in a foreign country. How could I possibly live without them that long? And doesn't Italy sound amazing? What a catastrophe.

It's a good thing I have these lovely pictures to distract me -sigh-

When I took Melissa her order today, she was thrilled with each piece. I love that feeling I get when a client finds my work beautiful. I get the biggest smile when they rave about their new accessories! Thank you so much for your order Melissa!

If you've fallen in love with my floral crowns, you may place an order here or here.

If you haven't heard about the giveaway I'm doing, check out this post!

xoxo

Another Deer

 

Oh my lanta- two blog posts in one day? This is insane people. When do I ever have this much time? When am I ever this productive in my free time?

Check out this gorgeous plush deer.
I think she's lovely.
Pink with light pink floral accents and golden accessories.
She's the perfect addition to a baby girl's nursery.
(Intended for decor only, on a shelf or dresser. Small pieces are a choking hazard.)

Deer plush are usually $18, but this beauty is on sale for $8.

Rustic Floral Crown

I love creating beautiful things. It brings my heart such happiness to see other people enjoying the beautiful things I have created for them.

A couple weeks ago, Sharon Elizabeth Photography and I were talking about collaborating for an upcoming photo session she was planning. She needed a floral crown and I happen to be in the business of creating such pieces. I was delighted to provide this gorgeous crown for your viewing pleasure. I hope you adore these pretty pictures as much as I do! 

My desire for Laurel Lane Accessories is to expand my market this year. Obtain more bridal clients and provide props and accessories mainly for weddings. Combining two things I'm passionate about- love and creating beautiful things. Sounds perfect to me.
All while remaining affordable and able to make one of a kind pieces for each woman who desires them. I am so proud of this gorgeous floral crown. (Only $45)

Many thanks to Sharon Elizabeth Photography for capturing these lovely images. It's always such a pleasure to work with her. Check out more of her work here.

Stop by the Laurel Lane Accessories facebook page to see more accessories or to place an order.

xoxo

Regroup

Today I want to share Ashley's birthday present with you. My dear Ash turned 11 last month.

[I take care of Ashley and her brother. I've been their nanny for almost 2 years.]

Ashley wanted the Taylor Swift cd. We're both obsessed with love Taylor.

And I took my first swing at making a plush deer to match the cd I was giving her.
 

 

 I decided she needed another accent color so I made her a fabulous twine and rose headband.

 

Ashley named her "Deary."

I think Deary is gorgeous. And such a great result for my first ever attempt at making one! It's amazing, the things you can learn to do with google, youtube and determination.

She opened up her present right after school, then we immediately left for a fun girls night to celebrate.

I took her to the cinema cafe to see Breaking Dawn 2.
Beforehand we played ski ball and air hockey (I kicked her butt.) And arcade style bastketball (Where she slammed me, winning with more than a 40 point lead.)

We had a lot of fun!
 

Time to go have a girls craft night now :)

To relax, craft, and regroup.
 

Have a lovely day!

Afterthought- terrible day yesterday.

Maniac screamed, cursed at me, laid down on their horn.

All because there wasnt enough room for her to go from behind me into the turn lane beside me when we were at a red light in Newport News. Phrases like "Move yo ass out tha road" and "Pull the f*** up you b****" were screamed at me.

I almost cried.

I couldn't move. We were in bumper to bumper Hampton Roads traffic. The only place I could have gone was into the rear end of the truck in front of me. So I had to sit there and deal with her window down, head out, screaming hateful and unnecessary things while honking at me. Everybody's looking out of their windows like "Whats going on?" This lady was clearly nuts.

I truly had nowhere to go. I have no idea how she expected me to get out of the road or move up for her.

What fills people with such hatred and pure ugly?

I don't understand.

I truly do not understand.
 

Which relates to yesterday's tragedy in Connecticut.

I don't understand what fills people with such hatred and ugly.

Those poor families.

I hope they are strengthened by our nations thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time.

I wish I could go up there and give hugs. I can't give a lot, but I can give a good hug.

xoxo

Oh, last PS. I'm going to be making more variants of the wonderfully gorgeous plush deer if you want to order. Laurel Lane Accessories (my business of homemade goodies) is selling them for $18 each.

You can request a personalized one with your fav colors :)

Lace Crowns from Laurel Lane Accessories

I've been very inspired the last couple of months with the fall weather. Here are a couple of accessories and pictures from a photo shoot I did this week.

Isn't this shoot just dreamy?
 

Lace crown $8.
The lavender and gold tutu dress is $40.

 

 

This headband is called "Always Sunny" and is available in different colors, $3.
The lavender and gold tutu dress is $40.

 

See more of my accessories  here.

You purchase items by leaving your paypal email address on the picture of the item you want. I send you an invoive and the goods :)

Marry Me? New Floral Crown for the Occasion.

I LOVE floral crowns. They are perfect for every occasion I think. Especially for a flower girl or bride. Here's a new design I created for Laurel Lane Accessories.

 

This beauty is only $30- I pride myself on making AFFORDABLE accessories.

You can find more of my items here.

My Second Craft Fair Display

I had my second craft fair experience today and loved it! I was a vendor at the boutique crush fashion show in downtown Norfolk. Ive spent the last couple of weeks preparing and making new displays. My first craft fair experience was great, but my display was poor! I simply laid the headbands on the table which didnt do much to attract buyers (luckily it was an elementary school though so my target age of customers were present and bought things.) Well 3 months after that I decided that my second craft fair would be amazing! It was MUCH better than the first but I still have a lot of work to do!

This is me with my half of the table!

As you can see Ive got some awesome grey paisley printed headband displays. And that gorgeous floral cylinder which holds all of my non elastic headbands is even taller than I am (5'2!)

My hand painted blue vase displayed a bouquet I made and my business cards were scattered around. Overall I was very pleased with the vases! I loved the way they added design to the table.

Next time I will be making changes though :)

I want to find a way to make a few of the grey displays into one large vertical display and I need to add height on top of my table at my next event. Other changes I have in store: Getting a table cloth that has my business name on the front of it   =D