We had the privilege of chatting with one of the mamas behind design molloy, a graphic design duo specializing in custom word art. Colette, and her partner Debbie, run two little shops over on Etsy where they have been turning your ideas into beautiful keepsakes since 2014.
Tell us about your business.
Recently, we expanded and started offering downloadable art in our sister Etsy Shop, where clients can purchase pre-made designs and print them instantly. We also have a handful of clients who ask us to complete different projects for their commercial needs. This service includes creating large banners, posters, print advertisements, infographics, and more.
How did design molloy get its start?
Debbie contacted me by email in 2013 and asked me if I wanted to collaborate and create a birth story for her son. The rest is history! We worked together on that first design and the process and result came very naturally to us. After being friends for over a decade, we decided to take a stab at being business buddies. I own design molloy and Debbie is a consultant that I pay for service. I suppose that first project together just felt right. We are both highly intuitive people who trust our gut instinct.
How do you generate new ideas?
Usually through daydreaming. I suppose in some ways by meditating. A spark of something will ignite and images/visions of how it may unfold play in my mind until I settle on something that is worth trying to represent tangibly. Sometimes it works! We are at the point now in our business where we don't force anything 'new' into our product line. Everything new is organically grown and can happen at any time.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful Momtrepreneur?
In no particular order... the ability to multi-task well, top-notch organizational skills (you need a system because you can not rely on memory alone!), and a sense of humour. You need to be able to let the little things go and laugh off a lot.
Can you share a time when you've had to laugh something off?
Autocorrect hasn't always been nice to me. Let's just say I accidentally used a bad word in a hurried email reply to a client. Luckily, she had a good sense of humour.
Any advice for new Momtrepreneurs, other than proofreading?
Believe in yourself, believe in your product, and be willing to adapt and learn.
What do you find most challenging about running your own business while raising little ones?
Mindfulness. Ensuring that I am a mindful mother, while also being a mindful business owner. Tuning out the business and shutting off the phone notifications while parenting is a challenge but it is so important for our family's well being. And vice versa... forgetting about doctor's appointments, school commitments, and play date schedules while sitting down and focusing on the business. This isn't a unique struggle, as I am sure most Momtrepreneurs feel this tug-of-war for their attention. Being mindful and fully aware of each present moment is something I strive for.
What is in store for the future of design molloy?
I would like to explore different print mediums to present our designs on. This would vastly expand our product line. Our business is growing steadily, at the right pace for our families and busy lives. If this growth continues, we will be in a fantastic position of working during regular school hours, while our children attend elementary school. The last child, of our combined 5 youngsters, will be in Kindergarten in 3 years time. We see ourselves having more regularly set business hours instead of just trying to fit things in where we can. We very much look forward to that growth in our company.
Who do you admire most in the creative industry?
We have a huge amount of respect and admiration for illustrator, Breakfast Jones. Her talent and creativity is seemingly endless and she has always been encouraging and supportive of our business. She has a consistency in her brand that we admire.
Any last details you would like others to know about design molloy?
We love to create in collaboration with our clients. It makes us happy when we can help someone's vision come to life. We are honoured when art has a healing effect on a client. When a client shares a part of themselves with us, when we learn the back story or the motivation behind a purchase, it fills us with pride to know we have been trusted with the project. It means the world to us! We wish everyone knew how meaningful and therapeutic it can be to create art.
Where can we find design molloy?
Visit either Etsy Shop and use code MOTHERHOOD15 from September 1 - 10 and save 15% on your order!
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