We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Schulte and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Being one of a kind. Over the years there has been a boom among in-home small businesses. These small businesses cover such a wide range of products, it is truly amazing to see so many talented and driven people. This world, sometimes referred to as “the maker community” was something I was completely unaware of until I started my own business. When I explain to people that I create stickers and other products for small businesses, they usually give me a look of confusion. You wouldn’t think there would be success in something like that especially when there are very large companies that provide close to the same products. However, I have found that small businesses want to stand out from the crowd and they can do that with some simple additions to their business — like a sticker or holiday-themed card insert. About a year after opening my online business I discovered the ability to draw and design using a tablet and stylus. From there I taught myself modern calligraphy — which was no joke, it took practicing every day and even now, three years later, I am practicing daily. Today, almost all of my designs are completely written and/or drawn by me or have some element of my writing. By taking this route for my business I have built a brand around my writing style which is something that cannot be duplicated exactly which keeps me apart from similar businesses. Aside from the technical aspect of learning and growing in my craft, I have also never lost the drive to succeed. As cliche as it sounds, I hustle all the time. I am a mom, a wife, an older sister and friend first and foremost, but being a business owner takes up a lot of my time. I have friends that tell me I’m not truly “off” and to some that may be a downfall, but to me it is just part of what I have chosen to do. I knew going in to this that it would not be a 9-5, Monday through Friday kind of job and thankfully my husband realized that as well. Without the support of my husband I do not think I would be nearly as successful as I feel I am now. He has understood the late nights and the work-filled weekends and it makes it much easier for me to keep moving forward and expanding. Ultimately, the passion I have for creating and sharing my creativity with others is what keeps me going. I love that my designs allow other businesses to bring their branding to the next level. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
All of my art is digitally created. Over the past three years I have been mastering the ability to create modern calligraphy/hand lettering using a tablet and stylus. To get where I am now has taken practice. When I first started I did drills which was writing the same letter or word over and over in order to build my muscle memory for when I would write entire phrases. To this day, three years later, I still do the same practice. My style has changed significantly over the years and continues to change which I think makes for a more unique overall brand for my business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have lived in Colorado for 14 years and there are still so many places I would want to visit! Some of the places at the top of my list would be Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, Silver Grill Cafe in Fort Collins, seeing a baseball game at Coors Field, and of course Estes and Rocky Mountain National Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My biggest shoutout is to my family. Without their support I would not be able to keep pushing forward towards my goals. Also, some of the best friendships I have cultivated over the years are because of my business and without the support of people like Rachel, Crystal, and Ashlee there would be days I would just want to throw in the towel. I’d especially like to thank Raquel for nominating me for this amazing opportunity — another wonderful friend I have met through this community.

Website: www.purplecarrotdesigns.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purplecarrotdesigns/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purplecarrotdesigns

Image Credits
Cookie picture via Instagram @kjkflakes All other photos Copyright © Purple Carrot Designs, LLC All rights reserved

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