Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelsey Shonkwiler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kelsey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve done is my annual Christmas project; creating letters from Santa. My Letters from Santa package consists of a personal message signed by Santa and a good or naughty certificate. Every personal letter is different because I get info about the child beforehand (this is always so much fun). The certificate includes the child’s name, Santa’s signature, an elf’s signature (ie. usually checked twice by the child’s elf on the shelf), and Santa Claus’s official red wax seal . Both items are put into a metallic gold envelope addressed to the child, with Santa postage stamps and a North Pole postmark (rubber ink stamp).

I started the Santa Letters for a couple different reasons. First, I love Christmas and the letters became something I could do during my slow seasons that made people happy. Second, I love letters and its physical form of communication. Letters used to be the most basic form of sending and receiving messages between people, but because of technology that’s not the case anymore. This makes letters and invitations more memorable and cherished because of the effort put into them. I love the reaction videos I receive when kids open these letters and it’s so special to know how many of them hold on to the letters. Lastly, I’ve been thinking of ways my business can give back to others and this year I’ve decided to incorporate the Santa Letters into that. I hope to share more information with you all in the next month!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I graduated from the University of Kentucky (Go Cats!) with a degree in Creative Advertising and Graphic Design. I fell in love with not only design but the process leading up to it as well. After graduation, I landed a dream internship as a Creative Planner. This internship was EVERYTHING I wanted to get my foot in the door of a big advertising agency. However, I learned very quickly that my dream hybrid role didn’t entirely exist in the corporate world. I found myself forced to choose between two roles, but I wasn’t ready to give up on either. So, I left the corporate world and started to work as a Freelance Designer for small businesses. Working as a designer for small businesses allowed me to take on many creative roles and to design without boundaries.

After two years of freelancing for small businesses, I took a leap of faith and started my own business. I still brand for small businesses, but now I also create custom stationery, invitations, signage, gifts and more! Sweet Thangs will be four years old in September and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Word of mouth, hands down. I get most of my customers from previous customers passing my name along. Being referred is truly the best feeling; it’s a push whenever I feel burnt out and a constant reminder that I’m supposed to be doing what I’m doing.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Facebook is your friend! Join groups that are relevant to your industry – they are so helpful! I’m part of a stationery group on facebook and whenever I’m in a bind, need resources or any recommendations I know I can count on someone in the group to help out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sweet-thangs.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetthangs_designs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetThangsDesigns/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/sweet_thangs_designs

Image Credits
Colette Marie Photography, Sloane Photo, One July Photo