Today we’re excited to be connecting with Kimberly Lavon again. We’re excited to feature one of their products in our gift guide – learn more below and we encourage you to use your gift budget to support small businesses & creatives whenever possible.

Kimberly, so thrilled to have you joining us again, this time to talk all about products and so let’s jump right in. Please give our audience some background on the product side.
Thank you for your interest in Pad Tie! I’m thrilled to share more about it. Pad Tie is a versatile, sticker-based book band specifically designed for sketchbooks and notebooks that lack built-in elastic closures. It’s a simple yet elegant solution to the common problem of keeping books securely closed and their contents protected.

The concept for Pad Tie came from my own experience as an artist. Sketchbooks are indispensable tools for creatives, but they often lack closures, leading to issues like crumpled papers, smudged sketches, and loose items falling out. This recurring frustration made me realize there was a gap in the market for a solution that wouldn’t damage the book and could be added after purchase. That’s where Pad Tie comes in.

What sets Pad Tie apart is its two-part design: the “Pad” and the “Tie.” The Pad is a durable sticker that adheres securely to the book covers, while the Tie is a stretchy, cloth-based band that wraps around the book to keep it closed. This design is highly adaptable—it doesn’t rely on built-in fixtures and works seamlessly with any book, whether old or new, softcover or hardcover.

Pad Tie’s unique blend of practicality and style makes it a standout product. It’s lightweight and functional, ideal for artists, writers, students, or anyone who wants to keep their notebooks neat and protected. Its sleek design also complements the aesthetic of creative tools, making it as visually appealing as it is useful.

Whether you’re tossing your notebook into a bag, storing it on a shelf, or carrying it on the go, Pad Tie ensures your work stays safe and organized. This product is more than just a tool—it’s my way of enhancing the creative process by solving a small but significant problem with a thoughtful, user-friendly design. My hope is that Pad Tie inspires people to take their sketchbooks everywhere, confident that their ideas are secure and ready to share.

What’s been the most exciting part of the journey of taking this product from idea to real life?
The most exciting part of bringing Pad Tie from an idea to a tangible product has been seeing my vision come to life and witnessing how it resonates with others. It’s one thing to imagine a solution to a problem, but it’s another to hold that solution in your hands and know it works exactly as you envisioned.

Every step of the journey has been rewarding in its own way—from designing prototypes to refining the functionality and aesthetic, to finally seeing the finished product. But what truly stands out is the first time I saw someone use Pad Tie and genuinely light up because it solved a problem they didn’t even realize they had. That moment of connection, where someone else validated the purpose and utility of my creation, was incredible.

Another thrilling aspect has been the opportunity to merge my skills as both an artist and an advertising professional. I’ve been able to apply my creativity not just to the product itself, but to the branding, storytelling, and marketing behind it. Watching it gain traction and knowing that people believe in its potential feels like a culmination of my years of experience and passion rolled into one.

Ultimately, the journey has been a mix of challenges and triumphs, but seeing Pad Tie become a reality—something that’s helping people protect their work and embrace their creativity—makes every obstacle worthwhile.

If you had to boil your product or brand down to one core message – what would that message be?
Core Message: Pad Tie helps you “keep it together”—both literally and figuratively. As a product, it keeps your books closed and your ideas safe. But beyond that, Pad Tie is about supporting creatives in every aspect of their journey. From funding and resources to practical tools and community, we’re here to help you not only organize your notebooks but also organize your creative life.

That’s why we’re launching a new arm of the business: a community-driven resource hub where creators can connect, learn, and grow. I’m calling it “Pad Tie PRO.” Starting with monthly virtual chats next year, we’ll create a space for sharing struggles, finding solutions, and accessing templates, tools, and funding opportunities tailored to the needs of creative entrepreneurs. Pad Tie isn’t just a book band; it’s the beginning of something bigger—a community built to help you succeed.

Do you have any advice for folks who are just starting out?
Absolutely! Starting out as a creative entrepreneur can feel overwhelming, but here are a few key pieces of advice to help you navigate the journey:

1. Start Where You Are, With What You Have.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment, tools, or resources to begin. Use what’s available to you and take small steps forward. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

2. Focus on Solving a Real Problem.
Your success will often depend on how well you understand and address a need. Whether you’re creating a product, a service, or art, ask yourself: What problem am I solving? Who will benefit?

3. Invest in Your Network.
Community is everything. Surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge, and support you. Don’t be afraid to reach out for advice or mentorship—it can make all the difference.

4. Learn to Celebrate Rejections.
Not every pitch, idea, or product will land perfectly, and that’s okay. Rejection is part of the process. Use it as an opportunity to learn, refine, and grow.

5. Stay Authentic.
Your voice, style, and perspective are what make your work unique. Stay true to yourself, even if others don’t immediately understand your vision. Authenticity builds trust and sets you apart.

6. Prioritize Mental and Physical Health.
It’s easy to burn out when you’re passionate about your work. Remember to set boundaries, take breaks, and care for your well-being. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

7. Document Everything.
Keep track of your successes, challenges, and lessons learned. This will not only help you refine your approach but also provide inspiration when you hit rough patches.

8. Keep Learning.
No matter where you are in your journey, there’s always something new to discover. Take advantage of free resources, workshops, and online communities to continue growing.

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help.
Whether it’s funding, advice, or moral support, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Building something from the ground up is rarely a solo effort.

10. Believe in Your Vision.
If you don’t believe in your work, it’s hard to convince others to. Stay grounded in why you started, and let that passion drive you through the tough times.

Starting out is equal parts challenging and exhilarating, but every step you take gets you closer to your goals. Trust the process, celebrate the small wins, and keep going—you’ve got this!

Image Credits
@kimberlylavonink @padtie.co