Today we’d like to introduce you to Teaira Abston.
Teaira, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved graphic design, but after graduating from Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University in 2010, I was extended a job offer for a position that was totally unrelated to my degree. So, I decided to put my love on the backburner to focus on my career in engineering/IT and complete my Master’s degree in Project Management. Well, a couple of years into my corporate career and bouncing from one company to the next, I realized I wasn’t happy. Although my career was thriving, I just didn’t have a sense of belonging, and it didn’t allow me to grow creatively. However, it really wasn’t until I started planning my very own wedding that I rediscovered my passion for graphic design. I created all of the stationery for my wedding including the save the dates, invitations, and all of the day of items (i.e. welcome signage, menu cards, etc.). My family and friends complimented all of my work and even asked why I haven’t explored my talent further. Then a couple of months later, I garnered up enough courage to officially start Dreamcatcher Stationery and launched in a big way at my very first Wedding Expo in August 2015.
I specialize in creating custom stationery and personalized gifts for those that value celebratory occasions such as weddings, corporate events, and more. Since the beginning and still to this day, I focus on providing superior customer service and excellent quality so that clients feel a sense of relief knowing that the products I provide are one less thing they have to worry about. I love working with people who trust my creative abilities and value all of the practical knowledge (etiquette, wording, paper choice, etc.) I have picked up along the way. They also understand that bringing certain things to pass is best kept to the professionals.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh no, the road has not been smooth! There has been plenty of bumps along the way. I have encountered so many challenges including finding resources, establishing relationships, etc. It’s a tough industry and coming in as a newbie has its own set of difficulties. You have to prove yourself and show those seasoned professionals just how serious you are about establishing a profitable business.
I’ve also dealt with self-doubt or the term that some people refer to as imposter syndrome. In today’s world of social media, people often get caught in the comparison game that does nothing, but leaves you feeling like sh!t.
Anyone who decides to start their own business should go in with an open mind, but also know that there will be challenges along the way that may potentially knock you down. You may fall on your face or get distracted by what others are doing, yet you have to stay the course.
The key is to have grit, but also give yourself grace when needed because it’s hard being an entrepreneur. I have found that surrounding myself with positive people who are interested in building a successful business helps me keep going. I even think you should get in rooms with people who you aspire to be like in order to give yourself that drive and extra motivation.
Find what you love, continue to learn your craft, determine your niche, and perfect it!
What should we know about Dreamcatcher Stationery? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a boutique stationery company based in Virginia that designs beautifully crafted stationery and personalized gifts for weddings, corporate and social events, and other special occasions. I also specialize in creating polished marketing material for small business owners. I’m known for designing things that elevate the guest experience as stationery is the first thing guests see before attending an actual event.
I like to learn the most I can about the event, person or company hosting, and transform it into a paper product. For weddings, that means I simply get to know the couple, how they met, what elements or details they deem important, the decor and floral inspiration, and incorporate it into all of their stationery. Not to mention I am pretty hands-on, which means I carefully guide clients through the personalization process of picking specific details that will complement the essence of their event.
I’m most proud of building my company debt-free. I literally used my 9-5 corporate job to fund my 5-9 business all while saving to prepare for my exit in December 2018. Taking the leap of faith was one of the scariest things I have done, but also the most empowering. That lesson taught me that it’s okay to take risks and reset if needed.
I think the skills (i.e, professionalism, responsiveness, poise, etc.) I learned from my corporate job sets me apart from others. I have managed to use these things to hone a seamless process for clients so that they will always know what is going on.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
So, as of recently, I’ve been listening to a lot of podcasts to fuel my passion for entrepreneurship rather than reading books. Some of my favorite ones include The Nicole Walters Podcast, Myleik Teele Podcast, Goal Digger Podcast, Strategy Hour, The Well-Rounded Life.
Other podcasts that are non-business related, but I like to indulge in during my downtime include Therapy for Black Girls, Oversaturated: The Podcast, Schoolin Life Podcast, Deadass by K&D, and so many more!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dreamcatcherstationery.com/
- Phone: 2029302815
- Email: info@dreamcatcherstationery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamcatcherstationery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamcatcherstationery
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcstationery
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/dcstationery/
Image Credit:
Sarandipity Photos – https://sarandipityphoto.com/
Jofotto – https://joffoto.com/
M Harris Photo – https://mharrisstudios.com/
The Lock n Co – https://www.thelockandco.com/
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