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Meet Daphne Gahlhoff of Katestin Designs in Sandy Springs

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Daphne Gahlhoff.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Before having children, I was an elementary school teacher. Once my firstborn, Justin, arrived in 2000, my husband and I decided that I’d stay home, and I loved every minute of it. Time flies though and before I knew it, my daughter arrived in 2003 and in the blink of an eye my babies were in junior high and then starting high school. They needed me less and I had lots more free time on my hands. At the time, we were living in Dallas, Texas when I decided to take a beginner sewing class at Urban Spools. I’d always wanted to learn the craft and I had the time to finally see if I liked to sew. The first class was a zippered pouch and upon its completion, I felt super proud of myself. Following the first class, I decided to purchase my first sewing machine, a Juki and began making zippered bags for family and friends. I signed up for the next class, which was a simple tote bag, and after completing that project, I knew I was hooked. Over the next couple of years, I taught myself to make drapes, purses, pillows, roman shades, wallets, and other fun things. Soon family and friends were receiving purses for Christmas and everyone loved the bags. They kept saying, “Why don’t you start selling them?”

At this point, we were living in Atlanta, Georgia and both kids were in High School. I really needed a project so I thought, why not give a business a try. I started brainstorming company names. The name I kept coming back to had been the one I formed using my kids’ names. I took my daughter’s name, “Kate” and my son’s name, “Justin” and formed Katestin Designs. I added a heart over the I in Katestin to symbolize the love I have for my children and to symbolize my mission of spreading positivity through my pieces. When people see the heart on one of my pieces, I want them to be reminded that someone loves them and to spread love and I hope to empower women with positive messages. Over the past year and a half, I’ve been slowly getting the company up and running. I have no business experience nor am I social media user, so I’ve had a lot to learn and I’m still figuring things out. BUT THAT’S OKAY, I remind myself. Baby steps, just like my little ones once took. I have been productive this year by selling at the Sandy Springs Heritage Farmers Market on a monthly basis as well as entering a big holiday event at the Marist School.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No. It has not been a smooth road. There is a lot to learn when starting a business. I can honestly say I often feel overwhelmed and frustrated when it comes to using social media and promoting myself. Making the product is fun and that’s the easy part. Trying to get noticed is definitely a challenge, especially for someone like myself. I’ve never been into social media and I’ve had to learn how to do posts on Instagram and Facebook. I’ve also had to learn to take product photos which is a whole other challenge in itself.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Katestin Designs story. Tell us more about the business.
Katestin Designs is a one-woman company owned and operated by me. I design and produce handbags, wallets, totes wristlets, and make-up bags. I tend to use upholstery fabrics, leather, and salvaged denim to create my products and I enjoy finding the perfect combination of materials to create a great looking product.

I believe my signature heart sets me apart. The tiny red heart represents the love I have for my children, whom I named the company after. It’s there to remind people that they are loved and to radiate positivity, which is one of my missions.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe that the choices a person makes ultimately shape the way a person’s life plays out. Good things happen and bad things happen and that’s life. Regardless of the situation, either good or bad, it is how I choose to react to the situation that determines my success. I believe that if I put good out in the world, then good comes back to me. I’ve had people want to help me promote my business or buy items from me because of the kind of interaction we have had. I choose to treat people with kindness regardless of how they may treat me. You get what you give is very true and I believe this is why I have been successful in life and I will be successful in my business.

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