Interview with Angie Kim – Founder of Flowlines Design
Posted in Interviews
No Comments »
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your entrepreneurial journey.
My name is Angie Kim and I’m a mother of two wonderful little kids. My little girl Samantha is 2 and she’s this bright and beautiful little ball of energy. My youngest is 6 months old… his name is Logan, and he’s a charmer… smiles for everyone left and right. And of course there’s my husband as well, Jason is my high school sweetheart, he’s the love of my life, my best friend, and my better half. He’s is my support for pretty much everything.
From the support of my loving family, I created Flowlines Design. Here I am able to create and design beautiful pieces for every client. I specialize in creating wedding invitations, because that’s where my passion is, but I also create brochures, logos, and print design pieces.
I wanted to start my own business for 2 reasons. The first reason being that I wanted to do something I love, designing. I wanted to take my college degree, and my past career roles, and combine it into something I wanted to do. I love being able to collaborate with my clients and create something unique to their event. The second reason is the flexibility I would have working from home. I want to be able to be with my kids and be able to spend time with them. Working from home let’s me do that. When the kids are down for their naps I schedule my phone consultations or I’m designing away.
What did you do before launching your own business?
Before launching Flowlines Design my career has always been focused around the design world. This has included employment as a Graphic Designer for an architectural firm, to freelancing design projects for various companies, to being the Marketing Manager for a community bank. I also have a BFA in Graphic Design with a minor in Marketing Management. My background has always been centered on design and business.
I also worked as a Wedding Photography Consultant for three years, and during that time I realized that every couple I’ve worked with have different needs to their event. I loved working in the wedding industry, it not only is fun, but I love the bonding experience I have with my clients.
How did you fund your business?
I funded my business with money from my own pocket. I will admit it was very hard the first year. But after getting that ball rolling it gets easier and easier.
How many hours do you work a week and how much is spent is your home office?
I work about 20-30 hours a week. Sometimes more during wedding season. Most of that time is spent in my home office. Sometimes I will have to do a press check, or run out for supplies, but not too often.
How would you rate your success?
I rate my success by growth. I look at where I am in profits and compare it to the year before. I also look at clientele, majority of my clients are by word of mouth, I see that as a great success because it means that my clients are happy and recommending my services.
What has been your biggest business struggle as an entrepreneur?
My biggest struggle in the beginning was trying to break even in profits. Because I was funding with my own money I wanted make sure that I wasn’t going to lose it. After a few years the struggle was trying to figure out the right balance for marketing. There are so many marketing channels out there, from social media, to print advertising, to expos and shows. Trying to everything is tough especially when I do everything myself, but as the same time, I do love the challenge.
What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?
If you want to start your own business, really sit down and think about all the aspects to your company, make sure to write out your business plan and really understand the ins and outs of your industry. And lastly, start something you have a passion about.
How do you manage all of your personal and business activities?
Hahahha, sometimes I don’t even know. I’m very good at multitasking. And of course, everything is done over the internet now a days so that helps out a lot.
Connect with Angie Kim and Flowlines Design…
Website: Flowlines Design and on Etsy
Blog: Flowlines Design Blog
Twitter: @flowlinesdesign
Facebook Fan Page: Flowlines Design
Would you like to be featured on The Work at Home Woman? Fill out this form and you could be next!
