Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia White.
Hi Olivia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I received my BFA in Graphic Design in 2017 and started Olivia White Designs back in 2018 providing graphic design services. I never took the means to grow my business because I was employed as a graphic designer for another company shortly afterward. Beginning of 2021, I became very unhappy with my job. I felt stagnant and unfulfilled. I started to work on getting my business off the ground and made plans to make my exit at the end of the year. Well God had another plan, in April of 2021, I was laid off. Two weeks after my layoff, I discovered the Cricut machine and the world of crafting. I was instantly hooked and purchased everything to craft from the cutting machine to the heat press. I feel like the reason why I was drawn to crafting was from my inner child. I may have not crafted things like this as a kid, but I know for sure is that my hands were made to create and creating is all I’ve ever known. At that point, I decided to merge my graphic design side with my craft side. From there on, my business took flight and landed into a new realm. Since then I have made many custom pieces and graphic designs for weddings, national businesses, schools, and other special events.
Alright, 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?
I’ve hit some bumps on the road for sure with marketing and funding. Though one of my biggest struggles would have to be setting my prices and knowing my worth. Of course, you know some people don’t see the value in paying for creative services. They just wanna nickel and dime you. Most people don’t have any clue about the process of making a custom wine glass or a website. How much time, creativity, materials, software, etc. goes into these creations. Fortunately, I’ve gained clients along the way who told me I wasn’t charging enough. So in reality, you can’t please everyone. I’m learning to accept that I’m not for everyone and that’s okay.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Olivia White Designs specializes in handmade gifts, decor, apparel and graphic/web design services. I’m a one-stop shop for your advertising and decor needs! Whether it’s for businesses, bridal, baby showers, birthdays, etc., I’m able to create for your special event! Ranging from custom signage, drinkware, apparel, gift sets, flower shadowboxes, flyers, web design, and more!
Let’s say you’re a realtor, you may want your logo on mugs and shirts, well I provide that. You want to give gifts to clients for closing a home? I can curate gift sets! You even may want a flower shadow box with your logo on it for office decor, I can create one specifically for you! Also, you may need a flyer and website, I provide those services too! Yes, I do logos as well!
What sets me apart is my variety of services offered. Normally you will see business sell crafts OR graphic design services and within a crafting business, you tend to see them make only signs, or tumblers, or any other one specific niche. Of course with graphic design, I provide original work, but with crafts, I provide original work as well. Most times you see crafters using the same templates, but for my handmade products, I like to create from scratch and sell most of my own art.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Show up for yourself, for your business every day. Stay consistent. Comparison is the thief of joy. Don’t feel defeated by looking at what every other business has because you have no idea what their journey was like to get where they are at now. Fall in love with the process of growing your business. You’ll make mistakes along the way, the important thing is how you’re going to provide solutions to those mistakes. Simply give yourself grace and keep pushing. Lastly, have your structure and organization within order finances, documentation, branding, etc. before selling. May not be perfect in the beginning, but the more tight-knit you are the better off you’ll be in the long run.
Pricing:
- 10% OFF your first purchase when you sign up for our email. (no minimum)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oliviawhitedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviawhitedesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliviawhitedesign
