Did you know that 3rdGenBlinds is the second small business I have started from scratch?
As you may have noticed, the first one didn’t pan out - but you know what they say, "It's not how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up that matter most.”
In case you’re unfamiliar with my entrepreneurial journey, I have a background in graphic design. Yep! After graduating high school, I attended art school in Philadelphia - not too far from where I call home - to study graphic design. I loved my time in art school, as well as the experience living in Philly after growing up in the suburbs.
Living in a lively and creative environment gave me motivation to work toward my graphic-design career. My plan was to open a custom wedding-stationery studio and have designers working with me. I had everything planned out… but the universe had other plans.
In April of 2016, we were struggling financially and we had just brought home a newborn the year before. I had also just lost my mother to cancer, adding to life’s stressors. But through it all, I kept hearing this little voice in my head.
“Just take on a little extra work. It will be enough to help you get by.”
After pushing the voice aside for far too long, I approached my father and asked him what I would need to do to start 3rdGenBlinds. So, with the knowledge my father brought to the table, a snazzy set of business cards and samples in my trunk, I got to work.
And in six years, we’ve come a long way.
Let’s try this again
When you fail, it’s so hard to see ahead of you. When I failed, all I could think about was how it was a representation of me. In reality, it wasn’t me. I needed to find a new way to create a business that was sustainable and exciting.
This “failure” led me to one of my proudest accomplishments to date: founding, operating and loving all I do with 3rdGenBlinds.
I just had to look at my passions in a different way. One of the reasons I wanted to get my graphic design business off the ground is because I love working with people and coming up with a solution they love. That’s exactly what I love most about 3rdGenBlinds. Over the years, I have gotten to know many wonderful clients - some are now a regular part of my life, which is my favorite part.
And guess what? I get to use my art background in ways I didn’t think were possible. I love all aspects of design - not just graphic - and my work literally helps people design the home they love. I know I wouldn’t be the business owner I am today without that foundation.
Was this the plan I had set out for myself? No way!
Did it end up being the solution I actually needed? Absolutely!
Remember, “failure” isn’t final. There is always something better around the corner, as long as you keep your mind open.
Thanks for reading,
Jess