Bad for Business

"Kids are bad for business. No one's kids are as cute as their parents think they are." 

These are the words spoken to me on my first call with a prospective client. To give some background if this is not being read at the time I write it, we are in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools are closed, and childcare is not an option. Parents are all finding their new normal in the midst of the truest "work-life balance" we have ever met. Teach your children, entertain them to their fullest, excel at your jobs, and do your best not to get fat. Easy-peasy.

I am embarrassed to say that when I first spoke to this person, I didn't write them off immediately. I felt challenged. "Sure, you think kids are a hindrance, I will show you how hard I can create in the midst of the current world state." However, one call later I saw the light. Previous to owning my own company, I worked as an in-house designer for many different companies in many different industries. I've felt the guilt of leaving work to take a child to the doctor, or needing to exit a meeting to take a call from the daycare facility. 

That is part of why I was thrilled to take the leap to focus my energy on my own company. I had been doing it on the side of my full-time employment for 7 years. When my second child was born, I wanted the flexibility to be with my children, and run my graphic design company. Owning your own business is not this flowery ideal some people imagine. No one reminds you of deadlines, does your marketing, or direct deposits your paycheck. It can be grueling, stressful, and overwhelming at times. But what I have always loved about it, no matter the obstacles, is that I have the power to choose who I work with.

Over the past decade, I have partnered with the most incredible people. Educators, entrepreneurs, healthcare / medical device companies, publishers, and so many more. I truly feel lucky to have been able to join them in their journey to build their own businesses, companies... dreams.

This particular prospect had a lot of high-profile connections, which gave me greater pause to listen to the voice inside my head alerting me to a bad situation. I found myself worrying about what would happen if my oldest child walked into the room while I was on a call. I want to say this LOUDER for the people in the back... we can be parents AND business people. These are not mutually exclusive–this is 2020.

I grew my business for that child, and now also for his brother. I will never apologize for the fact I chose to have kids. I love my kids; I love my business; and I will forever choose to work with other human beings who want to focus on being a good humans. I want to work with people who want to grow their businesses; talk through ideas and concepts, and get creative together. I want to help you realize your branding dreams even if right now during a pandemic we need to schedule calls during nap times or when spouses are off work. Unless we're all cool with hearing "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" in the background while we discuss marketing materials (spoiler alert, I'm fine with it).

Kids are not bad for business. Bad people are bad for business. Make your mom proud, let's design something awesome.