Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Susan Kaczorowski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Susan, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I have a strong passion for my work and a clear vision of my goals. This passion and vision act as a driving force, motivating me to persevere through challenges and setbacks.
I have become adaptable and open to change. I recognize that the business landscape is constantly evolving, and I am willing to adjust my strategies and approaches to meet new challenges and opportunities.
I Maintain a positive mindset and optimistic outlook which can help navigate tough times. I focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, which enables me to find creative ways to overcome obstacles.
I have a support network of mentors, advisors, peers. This network of amazing people provide me with valuable guidance, encouragement, and assistance during difficult times.
I view failures as opportunities for learning and growth. I don’t let setbacks define me but use them as stepping stones toward improvement.
Having a long-term perspective. Success takes time and effort.
Embracing change
Taking care of one’s physical and mental well-being is crucial. It has helped me handle stress and maintain focus.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Our business journey started in December 2017 when my husband and I were hanging out with a friend and local comedian Dhawk. He started telling us how he wants to expand his merch options but the shirts he was currently getting were too expensive and he just wasn’t impressed with them. My husband Dan said we can do that! The next day he bought me a cricut cutting machine and we got started learning all we could about creating custom shirts . We got our LLC in June 2018 and expanded into sublimation after we attended an expo and purchased our first Sublimation printer. We were both working outside of the home at the time so we were only operating part-time and trying to learn all we could. In October 2018 I lost my job unexpectedly which turned out to be a blessing. I took over the business full time dedicating myself to growing our business and learning as much as possible while my husband worked out of the home. In November of 2020, we expanded a little bit more and began offering White Toner printing. Which allowed me to offer more to our customers. In Feb of 2022, we began offering embroidery in-house. We have had the opportunity to work with amazing music artists, sports teams, schools, local businesses in the Cleveland area along with building a loyal customer base that have all become apart of our CKC family. Everything our company offers is about giving our customers Kustom Quality items that you cannot find in stores.
I am focused on giving our customers personalized items that cannot be bought in stores and offering a high level of customer service that most companies have gotten away from. There is something to be said about creating custom items. Wether it is a T-Shirt or a tumbler you are creating an item for a customer that they will cherish, it could be to remember a wedding day, or the passing of a loved one I am given the chance to preserve a memory for our customers.
Unlike most custom printing companies we do not set a minimum purchase amount. We strive to be affordable no matter if it is 1 item for a customer or 1,000 items for a company.
On Sept 9th 2023 from 10am-4pm we will be set up selling halloween themed items at the Mohician Haunted Market.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In our industry, creativity and design skills are essential. Having a good eye for aesthetics, understanding color theory, typography, and layout design can help create unique and visually appealing prints. To improve in this area, individuals can take courses or tutorials in graphic design, practice regularly, and seek inspiration from various sources like art, nature, or other successful custom prints.
Being proficient with printing equipment is crucial for delivering high-quality custom prints efficiently. Knowledge of different printing techniques (e.g., screen printing, digital printing, sublimation) and understanding how to calibrate and maintain the machines can make a significant difference in the final output. Early-stage custom printers can invest time in learning about the specific printing methods they plan to use, attend workshops, watch videos, and collaborate with experienced printers to gain hands-on experience.
Building strong relationships with clients is vital for a successful business. Excellent customer service, effective communication, and the ability to understand and meet clients’ specific needs are key. Working on communication skills, practice active listening, and learn to manage client expectations to create a positive experience for customers.
Advice for those early in their custom printing journey:
Never stop learning and improving. The printing industry and design trends are constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest advancements, attend trade shows, workshops, and online courses to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Don’t be afraid to try new techniques or experiment with different materials. Innovation can set you apart from competitors and lead to exciting and unique custom printing solutions.
Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects. This portfolio will be a valuable tool to demonstrate your capabilities to potential clients and collaborators.
Connect with others in the industry, attend networking events, and collaborate with fellow designers, artists, or businesses. Building a strong network can open up new opportunities and provide valuable insights into the industry.
Understand your target market, identify your unique selling points, and develop a solid business plan. Knowing your niche and having a clear strategy will guide your decisions and help you stay focused.
Prioritize quality over quantity in your work. Satisfied customers will be more likely to recommend your services, leading to organic growth for your custom printing business.
Remember, building a successful business takes time, dedication, and persistence. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and always strive to deliver the best possible products and experiences for your clients.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents taught me strength and independence. Both of which have been incredibly beneficial both in owning a business and in everyday life.
In business ownership it helped me with resilience. Running a business comes with its fair share of challenges and uncertainties. Strength, both mental and emotional, helps me face adversity with determination. I can often bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward despite obstacles.
It has helped me with decision-making. I often face tough decisions that can impact the success of my business.
Independence allows me to make objective choices based on my own judgment and analysis, rather than being overly influenced by others’ opinions. This self-reliance can lead to more decisive actions.
Strength inspires confidence in employees and clients alike. As a strong leader, I can motivate my teams, set clear goals, and lead by example. Independence helps me stay focused on my vision and make autonomous decisions that align with my business’s objectives.
The business landscape is constantly changing, and independent thinkers are more open to new ideas and approaches. Strength enables me to embrace change and take calculated risks, which can be crucial for business growth and survival.
In business dealings, independence allows me to negotiate confidently and assertively. I can stand my ground when needed and make decisions that align with their best interests.
In everyday life strength and independence empower individuals to be self-reliant. I can take care of myself make myown decisions, and pursue my goals without being overly dependent on others.
Independence encourages me to explore my interests, learn new skills, and grow personally. The ability to take charge of one’s own growth leads to a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Being strong and independent helps set healthy boundaries in personal relationships. It allows me to maintain my individuality while engaging in meaningful connections with others.
Independence fosters a sense of resourcefulness. When faced with challenges in everyday life, I am more likely to proactively seek solutions and take action.
It leads to increased self-confidence. Confident individuals are more willing to take on new opportunities, meet new people, and step outside of their comfort zones.
It contributes to improved mental well-being. It allows me to take charge of my emotions and seek help when needed without feeling overly reliant on others.
It’s important to note that strength and independence should be balanced with openness to feedback, collaboration, and support from others. While independence is valuable, recognizing when to seek help and work with others can also lead to greater success and personal growth in both business and everyday life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clevelandkustomcreations.com
- Instagram: clevelandkustomcreations
- Facebook: clevelandkustomcreations
