Hey everyone!
Today I would like to tell you my story - how I got into stationery design and how it all began.
Even when I was studying health management (what a long word), it was my dream to one day be self-employed and independent. I wanted to create something that would not only bring me joy, but also put a smile on other people's faces. But for a long time I didn't know which direction to go in.
After graduating, I got a permanent job at a well-known insurance company. A really well-paid and secure job. But to be honest, it got too boring for me at some point. And then there were the 9 to 5 working hours, little home office (at least until Corona came along), annoying colleagues, this dependence on vacation plans when you wanted to travel spontaneously...
Then came my own wedding in 2019. I still remember the feeling of anticipation and excitement as we planned every detail of our wedding. From the location to the decorations - everything had to be harmonious. But it was the stationery that captured my heart. The invitation cards, the place cards, the welcome sign - all these little details made our wedding something special. And suddenly I knew: This is it! This is my passion! (Fun fact: Even as a child I did an incredible amount of crafts and painting, but why did that never occur to me?)
While we were still planning our wedding, I began to look into wedding stationery in depth. I researched, experimented with different designs and materials and gathered inspiration. And then I dared to take the step into self-employment, but initially only as a side business. After a short time, I got my first orders thanks to Instagram. It went really well. I soon had my own online shop where I could buy personalized place cards, table numbers, etc.
But then, after about 1.5 years, the point came when everything became too much. My passion project had become "too big". For months, I was working on orders and contracts until 11 p.m. I had to decide how I wanted to continue. A part-time job was not an option for my employer, so the only options were to quit or give up my passion. The latter was not an option for me. You listen to the well-meaning advice of adults: "Being self-employed in this field is far too risky, don't do it under any circumstances!" So weeks went by in which I racked my brains. Then, on a Thursday (I still remember it clearly), right after an unnecessary meeting, I handed in my notice. It hadn't been planned for long. It just felt right at the time. "But what if it goes wrong?" I never asked myself that question because I was simply sure that it would work out. I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
It wasn't easy and there were many ups and downs along the way. Every day a new little adventure begins, but I couldn't be happier. I want to encourage you to believe in yourself and your dreams. Sometimes life takes us on detours, but in the end we find our way. Because who knows, maybe behind a wedding invitation lies the starting signal for your dream project?
Well, did you expect the story to be like this?
Photo: Anna Kuhn