We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kourtney Coleman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kourtney below.
Kourtney, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic has been instilled in me from my family from birth. My family isn’t stricken with poverty but we are not what most would call well off either. My parents were the generation in both their families that was determined to change that and break unfortunate cycles. Those same work ethics, faith, and values were instilled in me at an early age. I played sports in school, but played basketball in high school, college, and still play in a semi pro-league in Memphis now. The same passion and grind that I have learned to play with on the court, propels me in everything I do. Basketball taught me accountability and gave me the understanding that you only get what you work for. I think that has made all the difference in my work ethic with anything I pursue.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a self taught/learning graphic designer and crafter. I do a little of everything from logo designs, flyers, and business cards, to T-Shirts, Baby Bundles, Skirt Sets, and lots of things in between. All of what I do is exciting to me. I love being able to freestyle on a flyer and surprise a customer with a design, or bring someone’s idea for their business logo to life. The feeling of satisfaction after a customer receives their final product and seems to fall in love with something I created, NEVER gets old.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Patience is number one for sure! When you get started on a journey it is so easy to see the finish line and want to cross it before the race even begins. Sometimes there are lots of road bumps along the way that initially make you feel so frustrated and second guess what you are doing. But I have learned that those are just lessons that are necessary to make sure you become the best you in the process.
Customer Service is definitely a close second. You are nothing without your customers. Protect yourself and set boundaries as a business owner and a person, but also treat your customers with care and make sure their needs and satisfaction clearly comes first. Fewer consistent returning/loyal customers usually goes a lot further than dozens of random one time customers.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The most challenging things that I face right now concerning my business is my actual work schedule and space. I am a full time teacher and coach so crafting/orders for my business is something I do after hours. In the thick of season, balancing orders and getting them out in a timely fashion on top of working during the school day and my game/practice schedule can get hectic. I also run my business out of my home which I plan to do for the foreseeable future but I don’t have the ideal set up that I think truly allows me to flourish and explore all the things I could offer. My family is looking to purchase a new home soon and a space for my crafts is at the top of the “must have” list.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_kreationsbyko
- Facebook: Kreations By Ko
