Dreamers Into Doers -- marthastewart.com

Doer of the Week: Rebecca Lynn Propes

What were you doing (careerwise) when you decided to create your own business?
I had been working as a model-home designer. While pregnant with my first son, I was laid off due to the drop in the housing market. I went back to a career in residential property management, where I remained until the birth of my second son.

What inspired you to create Fresh Chick Design Studio?
I wanted to stay at home with my kids and work at something I loved. What ultimately drove me to pursue my own business was the mere thought of continuing to work at a job that provided no creative outlet. I knew that if I didn’t make a major change, I would’ve indefinitely wondered about taking that initial leap.

When did you start your business?
April 2010.

When did you know that you could really make a go of this?
I didn’t; I just knew that I was not happy. I missed feeling passionate, creative, and driven. I knew if I could find that happy place, success would follow.

How did you turn your idea into a business plan?
Oh, yeah ... a business plan: I’m still working on that. My plan evolves daily, one day at a time. Don’t get me wrong, it’s necessary to have “The Plan,” but right now the customers are driving my business. They're telling me what they like and dislike.

What was your start-up cost? How did you get the money and what did you use it for?
My start-up costs were pretty minimal and came from my personal bank account. I invested in two great printers and a laptop. On the interior design side, design consultations require no overhead ... just my time and knowledge. On my graphics side, I sell a lot of digital files, but many of my repeat customers want me to do their printing now.

What was the biggest obstacle?
Finding time to be a one-chick business while taking care of two small kids and being a wife.

Did your friends and family support your dream?
Absolutely! They were so excited to know that I finally made the decision to pursue my passion.

How did you maintain your confidence when doors were closed in your face, when people didn’t get it or said “no”?
I know my style of designing is not for everyone, and that is perfectly fine with me. Just like ice cream, there are a gazillion flavors to choose from. I have a super positive outlook and I take each and every experience as an opportunity to grow my business.

How long did it take you to get everything off the ground?
I am still in the process! Every day I learn something new.

How long did it take for your business to become profitable? It became profitable almost immediately.

What's the hardest part of what you do?
Finding balance. I have sacrificed many hours of sleep in order to expand upon what I currently offer.

What's the most fun part of what you do?
The opportunity to connect with so many creative individuals and customers has been amazing. We all share this contagious enthusiasm and passion for inspiration!

Where do you work from?
Right now I work from home. I would love to open up my very own studio or shop someday.

Do you have employees?
Nope ... just me!

How have you been using social media to grow your business?
My first outlet is Facebook; between my personal and business pages I’m able to reach out to peers and customers on a daily basis. Whether it's launching a new design, sharing info, or highlighting another creative chick, I love the opportunity it brings to my business. I also love Dreamers into Doers! It's so fun to see what the creative community is up to. The networking opportunities are unbelievable. I have also recently set up an account on Twitter but have yet to dive into that -- stay tuned!

Do you have entrepreneurial role models?
Of course! I have lots, like Martha, Oprah and women like Rachael Ray. They are all such strong, beautiful, creative women. I find that their unwavering drive and passion for what they do has led them down the road to success. I know that hard work and commitment on my end will get me to where I would love to go!

How did you learn and acquire the skills you use to make your business successful? How do you continue to grow and learn? I am an interior designer by trade, but as far as graphics go, I am self taught. Creativity is a trait that must be utilized; if you don’t embark upon that skill, it fades.

What's the best piece of business advice you ever received? Believe it or not, it came from my accountant. He told me, “Rebecca, you have always been such a creative person who is full of life. You will never find the true feeling of success if you continue to work at a job you dislike. Take a chance on your creativity and rediscover your passion!” This bit of advice was the icing on the cake and the shove I needed to venture into the unknown. I am so glad I did. It's not about the money; it's about the personal journey and creative wealth I experience every day!

If you had it to do over again, what, if anything, would you do differently? I should’ve have done this sooner! I’m still not sure what I was waiting for -- probably the fear of the unknown. It’s scary to put yourself out there.

What advice would you give to Dreamers who haven’t become Doers yet?
Fulfill your dreams! It’s totally worth taking the risk. You will never know until you really give it a try. Although it has been more work than I ever anticipated, I am totally in love with what I am doing.

Keep up with Rebecca and Fresh Chick Design Studio
Facebook
FreshChickDesigns.com
FreshChickDesigns.etsy.com

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Comment by HeartFelt 4 Kids on October 27, 2010 at 8:54am: Congratulations!!

Comment by Rebecca-FreshChick Design Studio on October 26, 2010 at 11:11am: This experience has been incredible! Thank you to all the people that have reached out to me!! You all are so gifted!! xoxo rebecca

Comment by Paola-Designs by Paola on October 25, 2010 at 5:03pm: Congrats! I love your designs you are an inspiration!

Comment by Melanie Scott on October 22, 2010 at 4:23pm: Rebecca love your work! I am an interior decorator in Australia, and also have a handmade range of products that I sell one line. My question is I have always been afraid to combine the two, to avoid confusion for my customers. Have you ever found that your customers are confused with the 2 different services you provide? Or do they end up using both services? Your feedback would be very much appreciated!:)

Comment by Nicole Wills on October 22, 2010 at 1:15am: How fun, another Gilbert gal! Congratulations on your remarkable success--it's well deserved! Love your style.

Comment by Rebecca-FreshChick Design Studio on October 22, 2010 at 12:54am: Another HUGE thanks for all of the amazing and creative dreamers that have reached out to me to say hello!! This is so amazing!!! Thank you!! xoxo ~ Rebecca

Comment by Amy Locurto on October 21, 2010 at 11:03pm: Congrats!!

Comment by LaToya Tracy on October 21, 2010 at 10:51pm: Awesome story!! Glad for all your success (:

Comment by Gretchen Seefried on October 21, 2010 at 6:48pm: Congrats on such a cool business from one fresh chick to another! Would love to share your story and site with our members at MidChix!

Comment by Ann-Margaret Arnold on October 21, 2010 at 3:26pm: Congratulations, Rebecca!! :) So happy for you!

Comment by Lindy Harnarain@itsy bitsy paper on October 21, 2010 at 11:28am: Congrats Rebecca! What an inspirational story. I love it.

Comment by deborah acquino on October 21, 2010 at 11:08am: congratulations!!! we can do anything if we work hard enough at it! IT WILL HAPPEN!!!

Comment by Rupa Wickrama on October 21, 2010 at 9:24am: Congratulations!

Comment by Anu Majkvist on October 21, 2010 at 4:16am: Go girl! You are an inspeiration to many women! Dare to follow your deams!

Comment by Gaynor Marshall on October 21, 2010 at 3:46am: Congratulations! I love your work. :)

Comment by Rebecca-FreshChick Design Studio on October 21, 2010 at 2:47am: Each time I visit this site I am blown away by all of the amazing support and sweet comments from everyone!! A million thanks for making me feel so special! You are all so gifted and I am so lucky to be a part of this!! xoxo~rebecca

Comment by Carrie, DoodleZ Designs on October 21, 2010 at 1:36am: Congratulations! Love your designs!

Comment by Andrea Fraga - Dolce Drive on October 21, 2010 at 1:21am: Perfect! You are truly such a sweet, smart and creative woman. I don't personally know you but your humbleness and genuine kindness makes me feel like we have known each other for years. Cheers to you Rebecca and wishing you all the best! Thanks for inspiring us all!!! xoxo, Andrea~

Comment by Cheri liefeld on October 21, 2010 at 12:56am: Congrats - fun reading about how you started your business. Encouraging to those who are just starting! Cute designs!