Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenn Bryan, Founder of Tied Notes Designs, located in Lawrenceville, GA, USA.

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

Tied Notes Designs is a greeting card company. The heart behind Tied Notes is art connecting hearts together for one moment in time. Inspired by my favorite things, I am creating images and cards to help others with their heart connections. My inspirational imagines for connection and value in relationships come from notes that blend together to create your favorite flavor of coffee, the tie that curves two notes together played in music, and the handwritten note from a loved one. It’s these little “notes” in life that create lasting memories. They come away feeling that I hope is felt when someone receives a Tied Notes card is that you are seen and loved.

Tell us about yourself

I am primarily a self-taught Atlanta-based artist, wife to an Engineer, mother to three children, and caretaker to our adopted dog, Piper. As a child, I grew up hearing my mother every morning play her piano and sing. I’d listen and watch her spend hours talking and caring for friends, and I’d patiently wait for her as she tediously crafted letters to loved ones. Growing up in that environment, I learned that people’s hearts are tied to moments, songs, and words. As a child, I loved drawing pictures to give to teachers, friends, and family. I saw the smile on their face, and I felt the joy that overflowed from their heart. I embraced the artistic talent God gave me and have worked for years to develop, share, and steward it well.

Through my journey, I find myself drawn to people who desire to be seen, have their stories heard, and feel a meaningful connection. It brings me great joy to create images that speak to their heart, words, and the details of their story. My passion is to use art to help others connect with and remember life’s special moments. Whether a loved one is near or far, in a moment of celebrating, having a moment of reflective sorrow or needing a smile brought to their face, art ties two hearts together in a way that resonates through eternity. It’s the opportunity to serve and create for what one’s heart might not have the words to say but understands what it wants to feel. This is my inspiration.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being a brand new entrepreneur, taking the leap of faith to start has been my biggest accomplishment. I truly believe that many of us stop short of what could be because we are afraid. I knew God had more for me than just being a “small artist.” He was just waiting for me to step out and trust what He had put in my heart.

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

Being a business owner, the hardest thing for me has been the shifting of mindsets. I have been a stay-at-home mom for over 20 years, with thoughts only on the family schedules and household chores. Now that I own a business, my mind is focused on learning, creating, and connecting with people. These are all components that I love, but it is definitely stretching me!

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

  1. Do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Before I decided to start Tied Notes Designs, I researched and read about how to start up a business. I went to conferences, listened to podcasts, and asked questions of other business owners. It wasn’t until I made the decision to dive in that I understood the commitment it would take to make my dream business a reality.
  2. Be ok with starting slow. I am learning that no business is an instant success. Most businesses take years before they show a profit and have name recognition. I am learning more and more about myself and the company I am developing that I know God will use as a testimony of inspiration for others.
  3. Community is valuable. I enrolled in a Mastermind program called The Business Reboot, and I have found the value of community that is needed when being an entrepreneur. When I get around people who come alongside me and encourage me, it is priceless. There are so many moments that I have thought, “I can’t do this!” but then my community rallies around me. They become a resource for instruction, their words of encouragement are fuel to keep going, and their challenges stretch me to go farther than I thought possible. There are so many things to learn as you grow as an entrepreneur, and you can’t expect yourself to learn it all or know it all.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://tiednotesdesigns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TiedNoteswJB/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jenngbryan_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-bryan-65807660/

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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