The pivot I never saw coming

Hey there friends, colleagues, clients and collaborators - It’s your pal Kat, Owner + Operator of kat&co.

I’m feeling reflective today, so let’s take a walk down memory lane…

Did you know that I originally started my business with the intention to design, create, and sell wallpaper + textiles? Talk about a pivot!

It’s true - One evening while walking my dog, the idea came to me fully formed. I should start a creative endeavor (AKA “side hustle”) to start earning passive income so that eventually I can leave my unfulfilling day job.

Using my collective knowledge of the trade from previous roles and my own creative hands I started painting and creating patterns. I created a collection look book. I made renderings of the patterns in various rooms to show scale. I ordered samples. I hired my friend to build the patterns at print size for me. I engaged a commercial printer and sent them the assets they would need to distribute for me. I put together my pricing, SKUs, and calculated logistic timelines. I sent my collection deck out to showrooms.

I’m connected in the industry, my designs are cute, print to order is good for the environment - There is no way this won’t work! Spoiler - It didn’t.

I didn’t make a single sale. Not one. (Unless you count me ordering my own samples). Talk about a humbling experience 🫠 

But, this wasn’t my first entrepreneurship endeavor…

• When I was a child, I attempted to start my own dog walking business (never got a client)

• When I was in my twenties, I started my artist side hustle (ended up doing 7 art shows before I realized I didn’t actually want to sell my art)

• Then in my thirties, I attempted a wallpaper + textile company (but actually getting my LLC this time!)

In the years following when I started doing creative business consulting on the side, I didn’t expect it to be the thing that STUCK… but it did! And who’s to say what my business will look like 5 years from now, but the important thing is that through trial and error I have finally arrived at the version of entrepreneurship that utilizes the full range of my skills and feels right for me.

So - If you need a little reminder today:

Our businesses are meant to evolve! Trust the process! Pivots are OK!

Reflection:

How has the original vision for your business changed over time? Do you still feel aligned to the original “spark” for why you got started? What is next for your in your business evolution?

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Interested in working together? Fill out the form below to get our current services + pricing guide sent straight to your inbox!

Ready to schedule a call or refer someone my way?

I am truly excited to be building community around creative small businesses, entrepreneurship, and authenticity.

Until next time - We got this! ❤️ 

Love from your friend,

Kat