We were lucky to catch up with Kelsey Haver recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsey, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity is a muscle that needs flexed frequently but also needs time to rest. For me, creativity is something that ebbs and flows and I’ve learned to give myself grace when it’s not flowing. When I’m not feeling particularly creative, I like to focus on the more administrative tasks in my business, like tending to my email list, updating my Pinterest, finances, etc. When the creativity is flowing, I tend to lean into it as much as possible! During this flow, a lot of my artwork is created and then I finalize the layouts and designs later.
To nurture that creative muscle, I typically keep a notebook on me to jot down ideas as they come and my phone is filled with random notes and voice memos to revisit when I’m ready to create. I try to participate in a creative challenge a few times a year with my favorite being One a Day in May hosted by Cami Monet every year in May. During this challenge, participants are encouraged to create something new everyday for a whole month! The last two years, I designed a new product each day – some of my favorites have been the So Mush To Do Notepad which featured mushroom illustrations (big fan of puns!) and a greeting card for the newly engaged that said “Welcome to your Bride Era.” I highly recommend joining a creative challenge!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My business has two pillars to it – the Daisy Market Co. by Kelsey Haver Designs is a small shop filled with digitally designed stationery and lifestyle goods. This is where my love for product design really thrives! Right now I’m working on creating my holiday and Christmas collections – it’s my biggest collection of the year and will launch in early October.
Kelsey Haver Designs is the part of my business that focuses on freelance, custom design work, primarily for other small businesses. I love helping other brands showcase their personality, products and services through intentional design and detailed artwork. I’ve worked with businesses with a variety of specialties from photographers to jewelry brands to salsa makers and more! Are you a small business owner? I’d love to work with you! Send me an email: kelsey@kelseyhaverdesigns.com
Local to Ohio? I participate in live events, vendor shows, craft markets and pop up shops most weekends! You can view my schedule here: https://shopdaisymarketco.com/pages/events-market-schedule
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?
Three qualities that I have found most impactful for me have been my creativity, ambition and passion! I started my business in college back in 2017 and spent many years growing it on the side of my corporate design job, without passion and my ambition inspiring me, I wouldn’t be where I am today!
As far as skills go, I believe that there’s always learning and growing to be done. Continue to practice, participate in challenges and push yourself! Some of my best work has developed from pushing myself to do things I thought I wasn’t “good enough” to do!
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal design client is a small business owner who is passionate about their product or service and ready for growth! Often times they have been in business for a year or so and are ready to invest in professional branding and design work. They’re ready to take their business to the next level through a new logo/branding package, updated packaging, new website assets, refreshed printed materials and brochures, social media assets and more! My clients are looking for intentional designs, custom illustration and thoughtful artwork to showcase their individual personality and brand.
Contact Info:
- Other: Daisy Market Co.: https://shopdaisymarketco.com/ Kelsey Haver Designs: https://www.kelseyhaverdesigns.com/ KHD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyhaverdesigns/ Daisy Market Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopdaisymarketco/ Events + Market Schedule: https://shopdaisymarketco.com/pages/events-market-schedule
Image Credits
Brooke Nicole Photography Maddie Nicolette Photography
