Mom Entrepreneur: Kari King
Business: Design King Kards
Website: www.designkingkards.com
Design King Kards is a graphic design company who specializes in custom notecards – designed by YOU to look like you, your friends, and your family.
What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve always loved things that “stand out.” I write a lot of thank you notes… and I just could never find something that was so unique and so different from most products you can buy in stores…. so I started making my own – using a character I drew to look just like me. My friends started getting the thank you notes in the mail, and wanted some of their own. The business grew from there.
How long have you been in business?
5 years doing the notecards, 8 years doing graphic design work.
What did you do in your past work life?
I used to be a television news producer.
Describe your ideal workday.
Filling orders in the morning hours, having lunch with my daughter, working some more in the afternoon, and trying to shut down by 4pm… although that rarely happens – ha!
What have been some of your major successes?
Just starting the notecard business and finding there was a lot of interest in the product… that was very encouraging! Another thing I would consider a major success is having a great repeat-customer base.
What have been some of your major challenges?
Getting my website url out to the masses! Google now helps with that, but my best advertising is word-of-mouth from satisfied customers!
On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?
I’m motivated by the fact that I have my OWN business, I’m my own boss, I enjoy what I do – I get to be creative and have fun with that. And at the end of the day, I have an amazing husband (who cooks dinner EVERY night), and the most wonderful 3-year-old daughter that is my very best friend and sidekick.
Do you have a motivational quote?
“Play the cards you’re dealt, and the path to proceed will eventually become clear.”
What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?
Family comes first – they are the reason my world goes ’round. And work comes second. But scheduling strict time for work makes work a priority during “business hours.”
If there was one piece of advice you could give to your children about running a successful business, what would it be?
Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.
What is next for your business?
I hope to grow my customer base for the notecards, and continue designing creative, innovative pieces for my graphic design clients.
Your two cents sales pitch
Whether you’re looking to find the perfect gift for the person who has everything, or you want to stand out in the sea of thank you notes, stationary and greeting cards – our product is the perfect solution.
Our unique approach to personalized stationary lets you design fun and exciting notecards that look like you, your family, and friends! Our cards can be customized for just about any use or occasion.
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Amazing product….and a man that cooks dinner every night? What a hot stud!