Watercolor Greeting Cards & Stationery

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maya Boniek, Founder of Seeds of Gratitude LLC, located in Denver, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is Seeds of Gratitude LLC, and I sell greeting cards, stationery, and watercolor artwork. I have a variety of customers ranging from businesses who want to send thank you cards to their clients to folks who want commission art pieces. I’ve also done bridal showers and wedding invitations. Those are fun!

Tell us about yourself

I started making greeting cards for coworkers and customers back when I was bartending. When a member of our team would move on to another job, I would make a card for the company to sign. Soon, I had customers wanting greeting cards for themselves and their loved ones! That summer, I took a vacation to Alaska, and I did a lot of thinking about what I wanted to pursue. I decided that I wanted to help others recognize the relationships that are important to them because that is something that is incredibly important to me. Life is short, and we should be telling each other “thank you” and “I love you” a lot more often, and encouraging others to do that is incredibly motivating to me! I want to make the most funkiest and most beautiful art I can to make the exchange of love and gratitude that much more special for my customers.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Getting my work in the retail space has been monumental! I have loved selling at markets, art shows, and online, but selling through my retail carriers has brought an exponential opportunity to my business.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest thing that has come with being a business owner has been on overcoming self-doubt. When I let slivers of doubt creep in, they make way for more insecurity, like a trickle of water growing into a stream. Being human warrants the constant reminder to set aside the fear of failure, not being accepted or understood, or not making the most of the opportunities I am given. When I can set that self-inflicted pressure aside, I can get my best work done. No one is perfect; we’re all just humans figuring it out! All we can do is our best with the intention of getting better, and that is often going to result in a dang cool job well done. Hopefully, with some funky paintings to show for it.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Research the businesses in your desired field from as many angles as possible. Look into how they manage their finances, outsource, market their products, use certain programs, etc.
Connect with your local community. There are people in your area who I will inspire, teach, and hire you. The more you integrate your growth and creativity with that of your community, the greater the success will be for the collective environment.
Take time to operate in a state of play. We make discoveries, explore new ideas, and awaken our passion when we allow ourselves to be fearless and play. There will be times to grind and meet that deadline, and there should also be times when you take hours to flow and move in your creative medium.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/seedsofgratitudellc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maya.warnock
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seedsofgratitudellc/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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