By Ginny Mumm
Jensen Bradfield, proprietor of Notes in Knots in Burlington, Ont., made her first hand-painted signal as a favour to a pal. As she bought extra requests, she used her sign-making facet hustle to assist pay for school. Nevertheless, she quickly realized she was extra focused on rising her enterprise than utilizing her educating diploma. Notes in Knots turned her full-time job.
We talked with Bradfield about how she launched her enterprise, how her success led her to embrace digital manufacturing, and the way having a benchtop UV printer has expanded her product line—and profitability.
How did you launch your corporation? What steps did you’re taking?
JB: I began my enterprise in 2019, after I was working in Autism providers. Certainly one of my co-workers couldn’t discover a store to accommodate her {custom} signage request. I’ve all the time been inventive, so
I believed I’d give it a strive.
I began producing hand-painted indicators, then determined to go to lecturers’ faculty, utilizing my enterprise to pay for college. In the course of the COVID pandemic, I started receiving loads of orders and knew I wanted a extra environment friendly manufacturing methodology.
By the point I graduated, my enterprise was thriving, and I had expanded my product vary with my UV printer. Since then, I’ve pursued my enterprise full time.
What was your facility like? Are you in the identical area now?
JB: I’ve all the time labored out of my dad and mom’ basement. In the course of the COVID pandemic, I checked out increasing right into a industrial area, however determined towards it. Maybe at some point I’ll transfer, however for now, that is all of the area I want.
At what level did you determine to spend money on UV print know-how?
JB: I made a decision to spend money on a UV printer when enterprise began to choose up with my retail companions. I wanted a extra environment friendly manufacturing methodology. UV printing was additionally not quite common on the time, and I needed to discover a approach to stand out throughout the trade. Transitioning to UV printing enabled me to offer full-colour merchandise and effective element work quicker and with greater high quality.
What made a benchtop UV printer the appropriate alternative for you?
JB: The Roland DG LEF2 sequence benchtop UV flatbed printer was a no brainer resulting from its measurement, velocity, and color/gloss choices. I additionally like having the choice to include gloss ink into my prints.
What kinds of merchandise are you making today?
JB: I’m all the time making one thing new. For probably the most half, I print on painted medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and acrylic. I produce framed indicators, magnets, bookmarks, hockey pucks, wedding ceremony decor, pens, books, ornaments. Consider one thing you’ll be able to print on, and I’ve in all probability made it. A lot of my enterprise is custom-printed photograph ornaments—I print hundreds of them within the fourth quarter yearly.
The place do you promote your merchandise?
JB: I promote primarily by way of my web site and Etsy. My largest in-store retailer is The Barntique in Simcoe, Ont. Whereas I used to promote merchandise in 16 retail shops, since I’m a one-woman operation, I made a decision to focus on direct-to-consumer and wholesale. At current, I’m primarily centered on rising my wholesale choices.
What are a few of your best-selling gadgets?
JB: My greatest sellers embody custom-printed photograph Christmas ornaments, classic indicators, {custom} indicators, and seasonal tags.
Are there colors or graphic developments you might be seeing currently?
JB: I lately added classic public area prints, which have been a success. We used to print loads of wordy indicators, however classic prints appear to have taken over. Clients have been loving moody prints with lighter frames. I additionally print loads of gadgets with brilliant, enjoyable colors and fonts, lots of them for kids.
Why do you suppose folks purchase from Notes in Knots?
JB: I believe purchasers select Notes in Knots primarily for the personalised customer support. I’m all the time comfortable to assist carry somebody’s imaginative and prescient to life. Having each a laser and a UV printer permits me to create so many alternative merchandise. These units additionally allow me to offer a fast turnaround and really high-quality merchandise. Lastly, I believe I’ve constructed a small model with a really loyal buyer base. They know the individual behind the model—it’s not only a web site.
What lies forward for your corporation?
JB: I hope to proceed constructing Notes in Knots’ on-line presence and increasing my record of wholesale companions. This 12 months, I plan to broaden our wedding ceremony/bachelorette product line, in addition to our Christmas decoration choices.