Logistics - Direction - Relationships: the business of stumbling

When I started Lonely Door Creatives, I knew two things only: that I liked to paint, and that I wanted to paint for others.

From those two truths came over 100 paintings, projects, prints, shows, markets, and a business bursting at the seams. From knowing those two things, to where LDC stands today, there has been one constant: stumbling.

Business ownership is hard, especially doing it independently. Daily decisions accumulated turn in to a sprawling entity that is you, but is separate from you, too. It’s own… thing.

It’s those decisions I want to share - the ones that helped me, the ones I got right. And maybe the ones I got wrong, too.

Disclaimer: I am not a business coach, a boss babe, an expert - in any of these areas. This is my personal experience only, and these things may not apply to you, your circumstance, and your goals for your business!

Logistics: Get it right the first time

Over this content series, I will share in three areas that have driven the growth, sustainability, and enjoyment of LDC. So - let’s get started on the Logistics.

Let’s chat start-up. There are two things I did, before anything else, that aligned with my values, personality, and felt good to me.

Register

I registered LDC under a trademark name. For this, I used Ownr - a website where you can file online! This is the first step I took to establish my business, in regards to logistics. Registering your business is region and industry specific - search registering small business & your province, territory, or state to get started! The requirements differ for your business, depending on your circumstance.

For many opportunities, I was asked to provide my registration. This included opening a bank account, registering for Amazon Business, and more!

Figure out your $$$

For me, this meant registering for a bank account, establishing Auto Deposit, and securing an accountant to do my taxes! I opened an account as part of a promotion on Ownr that returned my investment for registering, and then some, when opening a business account. I was approved for a credit card, which helps me to cover expenses & pay bills, regardless of what the month looks like. My credit card has been essential for my larger investments, as well!

Secure Supplies

The next step to establishing the logistics, was securing supplies. Early on, I found two primary suppliers who I commit to and work with exclusively for my products. This ensures consistency, allows me to set up billing appropriately, and takes the guess-work out of supplies - I know exactly what is carried, where to find it, and how to get my hands on it.

I purchase all of my art supplies from Delta Art and Drafting Supply local to Edmonton, AB. An incredible long-term staple for the art community here in Edmonton with an incredible story of its own. A top piece of advice I received while very, very new to the art of supplies was standing right there in that store, where an employee leveled with me that I should always, always use the same paper for my work. I even tried to cheap out on that for a while this year, and promptly came crawling back. Thanks, Delta.

I personally use Uline for packaging materials! I purchase in bulk, so the pricing model works for me. I have made some big mistakes in supply procurement, too - I’ll save those for the mistakes post.

Set-up your Physical Space

We are living in a post - brick & mortar world. That means, your physical space can be anywhere that works for you! Personally, I need a lot of space, for the vast physical items I need to have to run my business. This includes a computer set-up, an easel work station, a portable work station, a laptop, a printer, a place to store finished work, a place to store materials, and a space to store packing materials,

My partner helped me clear our office to make room for a studio, though I do still have two wedding dresses currently taking up prime real estate in the closet, so I have spilled in to our spare room as well.

You need a safe place to meet clients, if you are doing so! As a general rule, I do mail or drop-off, unless with a client I know personally.

Website Time!

A website was a later decision for me, but an absolutely crucial one. While socials are great, websites are still a key factor to establishing legitimacy, consistency, and a brand protected from changes to social media platforms.

I used Squarespace for my website (obvs - hi Squarespace!) which allowed me the artistic flexibility of creating an online space that suits my brand, with a user-friendly interface. Websites take considerable time to build, contribute to, and maintain, so I recommend doing this after establishing your community, products, and brand to an extent.

I built my website at the one year mark, though I would recommend sooner if selling products! I am still merging product sales given that I sold for a year through Etsy before making the switch.

There are more decisions that helped, but let’s stop there for now! Next up on the journey is a little more exciting - direction. We chat branding, ethics, social media, and more coming up whenever I actually sit down to write on this thing again.