February Member Monday Recap!
Meet Catherine Cartie, Artist
I am a watercolor artist, illustrator, and calligrapher based in Fort Worth, Texas. I specialize in licensing custom artwork and watercolor patterns to brands, designers, and wedding stationers across the country. I also love creating for my online product shop, which consists of original paintings and art prints, silk scarves, notecards, gift wrap, playing cards, and an annual Holiday Collection featuring desk calendars, Christmas cards, and ornaments. I am probably most known for my butterflies. A few years ago, I created a series of watercolor butterfly paintings that resonated with my audience in such a beautiful and unexpected way. To be able to connect with people through sharing their stories of butterflies really made me understand the power that art has to bring us together. When I am not painting or dreaming of new products or pattern ideas, you can find me on the tennis court, at a kid’s sporting event, or at my favorite local coffee shop with my friends and my 3 beautifully crazy children.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined the TSC membership so I could play in the pickleball night at the Summit! Really though, I admire so many of the people involved in TSC, and I am looking forward to being a part of this community where we can learn from each other, understand each other, make possible collaboration connections, and build real friendships despite physical distance.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
My favorite small business I like to support is Blue Quail Clothing Co. Not only because they gave me my first real shot at designing for a clothing company (we have had a wonderful working relationship and friendship for 4 years now), but also because Amanda is the most intentional, kind hearted, and generous person, and I really admire how she runs her brand with such love and integrity. Plus, her children’s clothes are the cutest and most practical clothes for my wild children who love to play hard and be outside in the sunshine!
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I am first and foremost inspired by my children. They are so interesting and it’s so fun to follow where their curiosities lead them – to different kinds of animals, flowers, insects, they are always excited about something and I admire and want to emulate how they find such magic in the everyday. I am also so fortunate to have so many creative business owner friends that are also moms, and I am inspired all the time by their grit, their innovation, and their passion to keep building when things get crazy and hard.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
The best advice I have ever received is “Bet on yourself.” In any big or pivotal decision, where the variable of success or failure is me, take that bet!
Meet Dominique Paye of Field Trip
I really rely on the weekly membership webinars—it’s the one time each week I come out of the weeds of my business to think on a higher level and learn from experts how to make my business stronger. And because I live in an area where there isn’t a huge creative community in my field, being on a call with other creative business owners makes me feel less alone in the work. It’s amazing how many other business owners are facing the same challenges I am.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I really rely on the weekly membership webinars—it’s the one time each week I come out of the weeds of my business to think on a higher level and learn from experts how to make my business stronger. And because I live in an area where there isn’t a huge creative community in my field, being on a call with other creative business owners makes me feel less alone in the work. It’s amazing how many other business owners are facing the same challenges I am.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
Skin care products from One Love Organics. I’ve been using them for years now. And when I travel, I am a sucker for any local bookstore and boutique.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I am a little obsessed with conquering travel—my goal is to be able to confidently pack (using only a carry on) for any trip in under 30 minutes—so I am inspired by the demands of travel. We visited the Portuguese island of Madeira this past summer and I came home and immediately designed four new styles based on what I wish I’d had in my suitcase. I tested all of them in Brazil in October, then came up with two more styles that I am designing now. We are planning a trip to Greece this summer and Madrid in the fall, and I am already thinking about what I want to pack and what wardrobe holes still exist. It’s a fun challenge—I depend on any item that makes it into my suitcase to really perform—it has to be versatile, comfortable, breathable, and easy care. The great thing is, if it works under those conditions it can handle my every day with no problem.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
If someone offers you professional advice and your first reaction is to dismiss it, ask yourself why. Is it TRULY not a fit for your business or are you dismissing it because of fear, or arrogance, or maybe it isn’t the right timing, or due to a lack of resources?
Meet Carrie Hawkins of Pearly Gates Designs
Hi! I am Carrie, the artist and designer behind Pearly Gates Designs, a creative studio based out of West Texas. I create whimsical patterns inspired by color and celebration that can be found on a range of products from clothing to homegoods to wallpaper and more. I find so much joy in collaborating with other small businesses and celebrating how our products and artwork can complement each other. My hope is that when you see my artwork on your clothes or your walls, it reminds you of the joy and beauty in the world.
https://www.pearlygatesdesigns.com
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined TSC because working by myself, I have realized the value in being a part of a community. I am so grateful for the amazing group of women it has already connected me with- truly a community that supports, mentors, collaborates and cheers each other on– what more could you ask for!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
Oh my goodness there are so many! I could list a 100, but to name a few that I love to support and have inspired me– Parmelee & Anna at @smockingbirdclothing are so encouraging and creative. Liz and Lindsey from @weezietowels share the best business advice (not to mention amazing products), I love brainstorming ideas with Callie from @dearjames and they may not be very small but Alexandra (@alexandralucie) from @dillards has taught me so much about taking chances and thinking outside the box.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
Forever and always by being outside- flowers, nature, animals. I also have found so much inspiration from seeing the world in my children’s eyes. I love the joy they find in the simplest things and the stories they create. Music is also a big influence on my artwork– I like to design patterns to create visual rhythms, moods and melodies similar to hearing a musical piece.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Do everything you do with love– love what you are doing, create pieces you love, treat customers with love, work with brands you love! This has been helpful when I get off track and keeps me on my brand and in my lane.
Meet Lark Champion of Larkin Lane
Hi! I’m Lark Champion, founder of Larkin Lane. Following in my mother’s footsteps, I partner with global textile artisans. Through respectful collaboration, the Larkin Lane label combines ancient craftsmanship with a chic and modern aesthetic. Working with artisans who are masters of their craft, we create exquisite apparel, accessories, and home decor in an ethical and sustainable way. We believe that textiles are text. They share the stories of our past – how we lived, celebrated, and marked life’s most important milestones. Our mission is to share these stories, to preserve textile traditions, and to promote the dignified employment and entrepreneurial spirit of artisans around the world.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
My favorite part about TSC is the weekly zoom calls. I have learned so much from them. I love connecting with other entrepreneurs and getting that sense of validation ie: “I’m not the only one dealing with this, I’m not crazy…” 🙂 So much of entrepreneurship is trying to figure it out on your own because there is no manual and things can seem like they are behind closed doors. One of the most valuable things I’ve gotten out of the zoom calls was the straightforward answer to a question I asked Sandra Campos about margin goals for scaling. It was one of those questions that I was almost afraid to ask because I felt like I should know it as a business person. But the “all are welcome” feel of TSC, along with Sandra’s candor and generosity made me feel comfortable enough to ask. Having access to that kind of expertise is invaluable. I’ll always be grateful for that!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
My mom’s! Galerie Bonheur www.galeriebonheur.com I grew up traveling with my mom for her international folk art gallery – now in its 44th year – and it’s where my love of global textile art began. Lenora – www.shoplenora.com If I’m not wearing Larkin Lane or workout clothes, I’m probably in my pajamas. Luckily my friend (and one of my earliest LL supporters), Claudia Garrard has the most beautiful line of pajamas and nightwear.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
Creatively, I’m always inspired by travel, of course! Motivationally, I’m endlessly inspired by my artisan partners. Despite challenges such as lack of infrastructure, support, or government stability, they are incredible entrepreneurs. My partner in Ukraine is the perfect example. She has been so determined to keep working despite the conditions in her country. We even have to have her pieces driven out of the country to ship because their airspace is closed – but she keeps going! And Haiti. The definition of resilience! I always think of the way my partner there phrases her answer when I ask how she is… “Par la grace de Dieu…” By the grace of God, I am here!
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” – Sara Blakely
This advice has given me permission to not follow “big” fashion launch schedules. I’ve let go of that pressure and learned to embrace our hand-made, heirloom quality process, and let that set me apart as a slow fashion brand. I once read that “the future of luxury is hand-crafted”, and I could not agree more!
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