Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meredith Kinney, Owner of Meredith Kinney Studio, located in Lookout Mountain, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
After being in the design industry for 18+ years, I've worked for a range of different clients—ranging from global tech giants to local non-profits. Now, I've been focusing on creating a style and aesthetic that's all my own—through paint, collage, mixed media, and pattern-making. A lot of my 'fine art' work is commissioned, but I also have pieces available through my website and a few retail locations. However, part of my business remains at the heart of my graphic design roots, continuing to design and collaborate on a variety of projects. Recently my design work has ranged from designing a 200-page lifestyle book for an architecture firm to designing 5 custom prints to be launched on a bespoke clothing brand.
Tell us about yourself
I have always wanted to create 'something' that was mine to nurture every day. I wasn't quite sure what it looked like, and I'm still evolving every day to figure that out. I have always painted and created throughout my more traditional design profession, but it feels good to be able to work with my hands more and practice design in a new way. Being on my own has also given me the flexibility to have more time and energy to show up for the important people in my life—including myself sometimes! It's exciting to not know exactly what the future may look like, but trusting that an intentional practice each day can lead to something great.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment is knowing that I can connect with others with what I create. You never know who is going to like your work—or why. It's so satisfying to know that you can inspire or move someone with something that comes out of your mind, heart, and hands. I always want to be able to do that.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think one of the hardest things is charting your own path! It's exhilarating but scary all at the same time. I've always loved the structure of a plan or the parameters of a project. Sometimes there is so much freedom it can be paralyzing. That's when you have to get practical about what you want to say, why you want to say it, and then ultimately, how.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- I would always 'enlist' others to be part of your creative sphere. They will hold you accountable, nudge you forward, and pull you back when needed. After coming from a large firm with lots of voices and collaboration, it can feel isolating to be on your own. So I would recommend creating a small 'team'—whether it be your friend, spouse, or sister. It doesn't have to be super formal, but make sure you are sharing your thoughts with people you trust to be honest with you.
- Little things can add up to big things. There are only so many hours in the day, so give yourself grace. A small and intentional practice can grow into a thriving business if you give it time, space, and a growth mindset.
- Be vulnerable. Putting yourself out there can be scary and intimidating. Everything you do, say, create may not be home runs all the time—and that's ok. It's a journey that requires pivots, redirects, and new paths in order to hone the skills and experience that it will ultimately take to create a sustainable and satisfying practice.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.meredithkinney.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merekinney/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.