Of all the wedding professionals out there, I have a special connection with invite designers. Being one myself, I feel that when I meet another stationer there is a feeling of, “Oh – you know! You know what it’s like to be in my shoes, doing the things that I do every day.” I felt that way when I started chatting with Carey Bunker, Owner of Lasso’d Moon Designs on Paper Peeps and on Twitter. I was living in Seattle and Carey is in Vermont… quite a distance between us! But, she’s been in biz for a long time. We’ve seen the ebbs and flows of styles and designs. We’ve seen changes in the way people buy and generational shifts. (Yes, in five years I have noticed a distinct generational shift away from Gen-X and into Gen-Y.) I know she’s seen it too. I always tell people who are new to the industry: meet other people who do what you do. You’ll end up building a collection of people that you like and trust. It’s good to know you Carey!
Carey Bunker
Owner, Lasso’d Moon Designs
Brandon, Vermont
www.lassodmoondesigns.com
Established 2005
Why did you start your business?
Truthfully, it was kind of a fluke. My best friend was getting married, and was looking to save a little money. So I designed and printed her save the dates, invitations and some other goodies as her gift. The response from friends and family was amazing and people kept saying to me I should do it as a business. So here I am, five years later!
What reading do you recommend to new business owners?
I see a lot of people just starting up in business because they might be new moms, staying home, looking for creative outlets, or they’re a bride who had a successful DIY experience. From the outside, it seems like fun, and it is. But it’s seriously hard work to get your name out there and to make money. I recommend doing as much research as possible into the field you want to start, and to start reading blogs like Sage Wedding Pros, The Business of Being Creative and finding other pros on Twitter and Facebook. There’s a wealth of information out there. Figure out what type of products or services you want to offer. Then figure out how to do it well and differently. What’s interesting, to me anyway, is that I’m a different person than I was five years ago. My personal tastes have changed, my personal style has changed and it’s reflected in my business. It sounds like odd business advice, but if you’re starting a creative business, it’s helpful to know who you are. The more you can incorporate yourself into your business, the more successful you’ll be. But, as I’ve also learned, a business is ever-evolving and changing, and will take on a life of its own.
Do you have any cool goal-setting tips to share with us?
My goal this year is to further define my brand and style. To align myself with people who think like I do and are positive forces in the industry. But perhaps my biggest goal is to let go of my worries about what everyone else is doing and focusing on what I WANT to do. I’ve been working on this for the last few months, and so far the results have been nothing but positive.
What do you find to be the biggest challenge as a business owner?
Finding time to do everything. As I’m pretty much my only employee, finding time to get it all done and to start projects I’ve been putting off is tough. Particularly because I do stay home with my 15 month old (and have two older kids in school as well). I often wish there were two of me!
If you were starting your business all over again, what would you have done differently?
Honestly, I probably wouldn’t change anything. Everything I’ve done is an experience that’s led me to where I am. There are some decisions I’ve made along the way that I would change- times where I didn’t listen to my instincts and should have. So I could do something differently, I’d listen to my gut and know that it’s okay to say no.
Thanks Carey!
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by Michelle Loretta
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