Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtnie Kidd
Hi Courtnie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been curious about how things work or the process of how they were made. Art class was one of my favorite classes because I could make things exactly how I wanted to. I started to make birdhouses for an organization I volunteered for. Then I taught myself how to knit so I could make my sister a gift of baby booties and a head band. I love to give people handmade gifts because I feel it is more thoughtful to take the time to create something for someone, it’s just more personal. When I briefly moved to St. Louis, I joined a makerspace for the first time because I wanted to learn how to solder and make clocks. During that time, I also learned a good bit of woodworking, jewelry making, and 3d printing. I was even voted to represent “inventor forge” at the white house in 2016 at the nation of makers conference in DC. Some members and friends would see everything I was creating and wanted to buy some of the items and eventually someone told me to open a store. I was reluctant to sell in a store, but I had created so much inventory and this new passion was not cheap, so eventually I did open an Esty shop. After a while on Etsy, I felt I had outgrown the platform because of the range of products I sell. I noticed most people on Etsy and other sites focus on one or two item styles to sell. My passion is a variety, I want to be able to make almost anything for all types of people. I love making and creating and I want to be all inclusive as much as possible. After I moved to Chicago, I decided to build a website for my products and sell online and at in person events. This has been a long and exciting journey for me since I am a small business and doing it all alone. I’ve learned so much and still have a lot more to learn. I want people to buy knowing every item was handcrafted with love and care by me. I have lived in many places but now I am back home in Atlanta and I’m very excited to be involved in the industry here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth process. I have built everything from scratch. Steadily, I had to learn who my target audience is, how to take product photos, how to build and design a website and make sure everything works. I still have so much more to discover and learn as I grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a technical designer and project manager. I design blueprints, electrical design, product design, 3d design, etc.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can message on any platform or email me or even text me. I have social media so a follow, comment, like, subscribe are all welcome.
Contact Info:
- Email: thesedavii@gmail.com
- Website: sedavii.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesedavii/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesedavii
Image Credits
I am the photographer
