In preparation for Re:Make SF (it’s THIS weekend folks!), we have been stalking our featured artisans. Kidding! Totally kidding. But we have been prepping our shopping lists, and reaching out to makers and artists for some creative advice and studio tours.
In general, managing a small business is a tough, full time job. Add a toddler son to the equation and it’s no surprise that Lisa is constantly working. Each day’s tasks vary, and Lisa either finds herself in front of the letterpress or working at her computer. She reserves her down time for catching up on social media and e-mail. The woman never stops.
So how does she stay on top of everything? Lists, lists, lists! We wholeheartedly agree. Lisa told us that she loves putting tasks down on a physical sheet of paper because it creates a feeling of accomplishment when things start getting checked off. Lisa also admitted to using the voice memos app on her phone —“great for reminders when you’re on the go!” We just might steal that life hack.
Productivity aside, Lisa manages to find creativity in each day. She shares the airplane hangar workspace with many other artists and makers, and she has found that talking to others about her projects can lead to new perspectives. Also, what’s a maker without her creative playlist? Lisa works to the beats of Lorde and Lana del Rey.
So yes, we are impressed and in love with Lisa of Missive, and her beautiful studio spaces. Seriously, sign us up for the next open spot within the airplane hangar. We asked Lisa to leave us with one last bit of advice on pursuing the maker dream. She said to start small, set achievable goals for yourself, and you will eventually get closer to the career you’ve always wanted.
Be sure to check out Lisa’s letterpress goods at the Missive booth during Re:Make’s Saturday festival. That’s where we’ll be!
Haven’t registered for Re:Make SF yet? Be sure to snag your FREE ticket here!
What do you think of Lisa’s workspace? Let us know in the comments below!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.