This week in our ongoing Meet the Maker series, we’re getting to know Kelsey Baldwin, the entrepreneurial designer extraordinaire and super-mama behind Paper + Oats!
LBC: What inspired you to take your leap as an entrepreneur?
Kelsey: I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart and wanted to be my own boss, but was never sure what that would look like. When my side hustle income started exceeding my day job income, I knew it was time to make the switch.
LBC: When you first got started, how did you envision your business would be defined?
Kelsey: When I started my Etsy shop, I tried a lot of different types of products, so I really didn’t know what was going to stick. I had a lot of flops in the beginning, and the printable planners were a hit, so I ran with it. Looking back, it made sense because I’ve always been an organizing fanatic.
LBC: How would you describe what you create?
Kelsey: I create organizational stationery products and printables to help you simplify your systems and record your life on paper, and I also provide graphic design services for other creative entrepreneurs.
LBC: Where can we find your products?
Kelsey: On my website at www.paperandoats.com, or on Etsy at paperandoats.etsy.com.
LBC: Walk us through your typical work day.
Kelsey: Every day is different! I work from home with my 10-month-old daughter, so I usually get my work done during naptimes and after bedtime – but those naptimes aren’t always guaranteed! 8pm to midnight is my jam.
LBC: What are 2 things makers should think through when they initially decide to start a business?
Kelsey: 1.) How are you going to be different and stand out from every other person offering the same thing? 2.) You need to invest in quality design – it makes a huge difference in your customers trusting your brand or not. Hire a professional.
LBC: When you’re overwhelmed, what brings you back to focus?
Kelsey: I ask myself, What things can I do to move my business forward right now? What things on my list really matter in bettering my business, and what things are putzy time-suckers that could be put on the back burner?
LBC: Tell us about a few of the best business decisions you’ve made to date.
Kelsey: Getting on Instagram was a game changer. My business was a little stagnant until I joined the IG world, and then it really took off. I met a whole community of other creative entrepreneurs I didn’t even know existed and they’ve become my cheerleaders. It makes a huge difference to interact with people who actually get what you’re doing.
LBC: Please share one mistake or obstacle from your business experience. How did you bounce back/overcome it?
Kelsey: I’ve released a few products that didn’t sell well at all. It’s discouraging at first, but it has helped me narrow down what things work for my business and what doesn’t. Just because someone else can sell them, doesn’t mean your customers will buy it too.
LBC: Is there a cause or organization that you contribute to that you’re particularly passionate about?
Kelsey: This year I started “P+O Gives Back,” which takes a portion of my profits for a few months out of the year and donates them to different causes I’m passionate about. The first one was in March and went towards the no-kill animal shelter where my dog is from. This month it’s going to a family in the process of adoption. I’ve got two more coming later this year! You can read more at paperandoats.com/giveback.
LBC: What are 3 essential resources in your business toolbox that you can’t do without?
Kelsey: Adobe Creative Suite, Asana, and Evernote.
LBC: Suppose we had a time machine. If you blasted ourselves forward a few years, where would we see your company?
Kelsey: I don’t know yet! I’m constantly having new ideas and inspiration for where I want my business to go. A lot of them are things I never considered even a few months ago, so I feel like it’s always evolving.
LBC: If you could hire someone to do just one thing that you sort of loath doing, what would it be?
Kelsey: Bookkeeping and accounting.
LBC: If you were given a million dollars, but were not allowed to keep a single penny for yourself, friends or family, how would you spend it or give it away?
Kelsey: Give it to adopting or foster care families. That world is so expensive, but so needed.
LBC: What’s your favorite quote and who said it?
Kelsey: A year from now you may wish you had started today. – Karen Lamb
Thank you, Kelsey, for sharing your talent with us! We absolutely love your work and we look forward to all the wonderful things ahead for Paper + Oats! We’re cheering you on…
Want to see your brand featured in our continuing “Meet the Maker” series? Drop us a line: hello AT luckybreakconsulting.com. Please use “MEET THE MAKER” as the subject line and be certain to include your web address. We look forward to hearing from you!
