Today we’d like to introduce you to Steph Brown.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Steph. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Looking back, I always had somewhat of an entrepreneurial spirit. It started with my babysitting business and re-selling handbags in high school. After changing my college major six times, I landed in Early Childhood Education. I was a teacher for one year and lost my job due to budget cuts. I found myself working in an insurance office, feeling unfulfilled.
I started designing and selling announcements and invitations on Etsy purely as a hobby. It didn’t take long to realize the potential of having an online business. I quit my insurance job to pursue my dream job in less than three years. I now specialize in designing wedding invitations for modern couples – it’s the best!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely hasn’t been easy. There are so many struggles that come with starting something new and different problems that occur at each stage of growth.
In the beginning, I overworked myself because I was so scared of failing. I didn’t say “no” to anyone or anything, because there was a mindset of scarcity. It’s hard to identify it as working too much because I truly enjoyed what I did (most of the time!) However, there were a lot of sacrifices during that time that really made me question if it was worth it. I’ve since realized that saying “no” to something that isn’t a good fit is ok – it leaves room for saying “yes” to even better things!
I really try to take any struggles as a learning experience, it’s just part of the process! Without some failure, you can’t grow – personally or in business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
I design wedding invitations for modern couples. I love working with busy brides and grooms to take something (invitations!) off their very long wedding to-do list. Wedding planning is SUCH an exciting time for people, but it can be stressful. There are a lot of decisions to make, especially in the details.
Wedding invitations are not only the first impression of the big day but something a couple can keep once the big day is over. With some virtual hand-holding, I work with couples to help in choosing a design, wording their invitations, address envelopes, and assemble everything. They get one-on-one service from start to finish.
I’m super proud of the excellent feedback I get from couples once the process is over. I strive on making the process fun and stress-free, really forming a relationship with the amazing people I get to work with.
What were you like growing up?
I was pretty shy as a child but overcame that gradually as I grew up. I loved being social, but as a true introvert needed my alone time to recharge – I’m still very much this way!
I loved reading and learning, two things I still very much enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ohmydesignsbysteph.com
- Email: orders@ohmydesignsbysteph.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ohmydesigns_
- Facebook: facebook.com/ohmydesignsbysteph
- Other: pinterest.com/ohmydesignssteph
Image Credit:
Kiley Shai Photography
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