Five Experiences that Shaped Blades Creative
Has it really been 5 years!? I can remember so clearly filling out my business license paperwork for Blades Creative on my 24th birthday. Every year moving forward has felt like double time - more personal and professional growth than I could ever imagine. 5 years of managing a brand, business development, community involvement, design projects, building relationships, and countless other things on top of maintaining myself and my personal life. In many ways Blades Creative remains the same, but the business has molded with me as I’ve grown and changed.
For this big anniversary I had hopes of doing a slight brand refresh, throwing a big a$$ party, and basking in all of the incredible projects, special people, and general achievements, but in true COVID-19 fashion, I am pivoting. Below you’ll find a few key events that I feel have shaped Blades Creative into the successful design business it is today.
Moving Into the INCubator
After using my dresser as a desk, working at coffee shops, and borrowing a room at my parents house, I decided to get an office in the INCubator to bring more focus to my creative work. I entered the building looking at a space with windows and walked out with an application for my first dream space singing “All I Do is Win” by DJ Khalid. In all seriousness, I had no idea how much having an office would help me take myself seriously. With that, the support from other founders, mentors, the Chattanooga Area Chamber, and of course my friends at the TSBDC, I was able to start seeing myself as more than a design practice. I began viewing Blades Creative as a living, breathing business with niche services, values, processes and so much more.
Letting Go of My First Client
Obviously I’m not going to name names here, but let’s just say they were my first long term client and basically sustained my lifestyle at the time. We had worked together for three years total, even before I established Blades Creative. When it came time to move on, we had simply grown out of each other. In any relationship, including client relationships, it’s hard to say goodbye, even when you know it’s not serving you anymore. I chose to let this client go due to a few differences, and it was one of the best decisions I could have made in order to open up new opportunities. As Alexander Graham Bell (I had to google this) once said, “When one door closes, another opens.”
My First Hire
There are a lot of difficult things that come with scaling a business, and I’d say the scariest that I’ve experienced is hiring. Ok ok, it was more exciting than scary to hire - I knew I had the right gal, but the responsibility of paying and leading another person for the first time when you have no idea what you’re doing is horrifying. When I hired my executive assistant it was purely based on intuition - we were both pumped but had no idea what to expect. I literally told her “This is going to sound a little crazy, but would you be interested in helping me grow my business? It’s going to be VERY experimental.” Stoked enough about helping a small design practice, she committed and we made amazing growth happen together for two years. It’s sentimental to think about to say the least. Although we grew out of each other at some point (and COVID-19 forced a decision), my first hire allowed me to figure out what I could delegate, taught me what kind of leader I am in a “boss” role, and how it’s ok if a role has to change over time.
Small Business Awards of 2019
I didn’t win (ok… I was in the top three of the 1 - 20 employees category which is really amazing for a 28 year old with a 4 year old business *humble brag*), but the application and selection process were a huge part of shaping my business today. It forced me to dive into Blades Creative in a way I never had before - think research paper on three years of profit and loss, changes in services, clientele patterns, community involvement, general purpose and goals, etc. Before this process, I flew by the seat of my pants with no awareness of my business stats. Now that I have taken the time to learn about my own history I can better grow my skills, brand, clientele, and financials. Not to mention going through this award process allowed me to gain the title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year in TN in 2019 *just another humble brag.* (Listen, I am an enneagram 3 and I love to being the best I can be.)
Exploring My Needs as a Human
For the first two years of my business, I didn’t think about anything but Blades Creative. Don’t get me wrong it’s similar today, but the difference is that I have found some other interests and learned how to rest. Burnout is so real, so in the past three years, I’ve slowly picked up interests like ashtanga yoga, cooking, and cycling so I have reasons to step away from the computer. I’ve learned that I need to take a day off on the weekend, and that doesn't mean thinking about work or checking email - it means TAKING A DAY OFF. Owning a business and being a human is hard, so I’ve started prioritizing my mental health through meditation, journaling, and counseling (it’s for everyone folks). Through all of these new discoveries, I found out that I love learning about the metaphysical, astrology, tarot, and other witchy things. This all may sound totally non-business-y, but realizing what brings me calm outside of work has helped me run Blades Creative in a more intuitive and mindful way.
--
Five years, baby. I’m grateful. This time in my life has seen the absolute highest highs and lowest lows. Can I just give myself a big ole pat on the back now? Can I applaud all of you who have been there for the tears and the celebrations? Blades Creative is still kickin’ y’all, and I plan on being around for another 5 years, so hold on tight. It’s only the beginning.