Because I am writing about entrepreneurs/entrepreneurship I decided the best way to gain insight into the life of a successful entrepreneur would be to ask! So this post is a product of that idea! I created a 5 question survey and a list of fantastic entrepreneurs, then sent out the survey! Now it’s time to introduce you to the first beautiful person on the list!!
Elsie Flannigan: Full time designer and boutique owner
Ok, Elsie owns this fantastic vintage boutique called Red Velvet! She runs the Red Velvet shop with her sister Emma, her best friend Rachel, and together they form the RVA team. Currently RVA has been crazy busy preparing their new website, and lookbooks, and Elsie has been designing her first dress line!! I can't wait to fall in love with them! All of the stuff on there is incredibly cute! SO artsy!
Here are some photos of Elsie's art and also her answers to my 5 questions!
1. When did you start your business/entrepreneurship and what inspired
you?
While I was working as a designer for a paper crafts company I started doing my own illustrations and handmade items and selling them on etsy. I promoted myself through my blog and eventually it became a significant part of my income. So when I had the chance to work for myself full time I did it, that was 3-4 years ago.
2. Have you noticed a rise in entrepreneurship over the past few years?
In my industry I have seen a lot of handmade artists come and go, I
think working for yourself and being an artists often go hand in hand
so it's always something that has been there. It's just more
noticeable now since everyone is online.
3. Do you have any words of wisdom for those of us just starting out?
I don't know if I have any wisdom to hand out, probably not. :) But I
will say that if you want to work for yourself and be an artist you
should know that it is a LOT of work, and there is much more to it
than just art. You also need to be able to do marketing, bookkeeping,
customer service and all those other parts that make up a small
business.
4. How do you feel you contribute to our society?
I make pretty things and I hope that some people out there enjoy it.
It's nothing big or noble, but that's how I contribute.
5. What do you do to relax and prepare for the tasks ahead (such as
daily to-do’s, client deadlines etc.)?
To relax I like to watch reality shows with my fiance and eat snacks.
We are really into Project Runway and Top Model. Ha! To prepare, I
make an ungodly number of to-do lists, goal lists and inspiration
journals. They keep me moving forward.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be inspired!
God Bless,
Megs
//©2011Megs Colleen//MegsColleen.com//Megs@MegsColleen.com//Photos curtsy of Elsie Flannigan and the RVA team//Used by permission//
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