We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brynita Greene a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brynita , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I came up with the idea for my current business, Bryn’s Design Shop after I decided to close my first business.

My first business was making headbands, hair bonnets, and other hair accessories. I had the business for 3+ years and one day at the fabric store I had a feeling of dread and I just wasn’t excited anymore to make the products. It was a lot of work looking for fabrics, prepping them for sewing, photograph them, then add them to my website. I also felt stifled creatively; it was the same old colors and prints and I just could not come up with any new ideas for new accessories – so I made the choice to close the business.

I’ve always had a knack and eye for creating, & began to think about what my next move should be – I love designing. I realized this when I was always trying to add products to my first business that were not hair related. Around this time home laser cutter machines were new and a big deal. I spent about 3 months researching them and what would be the best fit for me. I made a decision on a machine, next my business name came to me. Next I began a deep dive on everything I could do with this new machine – how to make my own laser files, all of the different types of wood and acrylic, just a ton of research.

Once I felt I had a good grasp on everything, I got to work. Looking back I have come a looong way from some of my early products, but I trusted myself and the process and it’s been a beautiful journey.

Brynita , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m the owner of Bryn’s Design Shop – I make laser cut gifts, party decor, and custom designs. I’m a mother to one soon to be 15 year old son, who keeps me busy with his many extracurricular activities. In addition to my business, I work a day job in the Healthcare field – Release of Information for the last 13 years.

I came into the world of laser cutting when I closed my first business making hair accessories. I love to make my own designs and have always been a creative at heart; having my own laser cutting machine allows me to get the many ideas that come to me, out of my head and in the hands of my many supportive customers. One of my top favorite products are my many variations of “Do Not Disturb” door hangers, which are perfect for those that work from home, or for your office at work. I also offer lots of customized gifts, cake toppers, and routine signs for kids.

I’m most proud of the consistent Star Seller status I’ve had on the Etsy platform where my products can be found for the last 3 years. Quality and great customer service are extremely important to me and I don’t take it for granted whenever someone chooses to shop with me. I take great care and pride in how your order is packed and hope that it brings joy and a smile to the recipients face. I feel that’s what sets me apart from other sellers and my many five-star reviews reflect that.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time I had to pivot was when I decided to join the Etsy platform. I had my own website on another platform and the sales just were not coming. I was very active on my socials, had a small, but growing email list; just really working hard to push my products and the customers were not coming. I was beginning to feel deflated and thought about quitting, but I knew I had amazing products. I thought about joining Etsy, but just would not take the plunge.

One day, looking at stories on Instagram, I watched one from a fellow business friend, that has a successful earring business on Etsy and it was as if she was talking directly to me about giving Etsy a chance. I thought, what do I have to lose, if this does not work, then I’m done. I started with a few products, back to school photo prop signs and they were an instant hit – I’ve been on the platform ever since. I have, however, recently made my own website again just in case, because you never know with platforms today – things are constantly changing.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’m newly divorced and going through that process was very rough on me mentally and emotionally. Having my business, was like a form of therapy for me to escape and make fun, happy things to take my mind off of what I was going through. I could’ve put my shop on vacation mode and took some time away, but having a creative outlet really helped me, it was something I would look forward to. Also, continuing monthly meetings with other business friends also reminded me I’m not alone; I have people around me that care and know what it’s like having to juggle all that life brings and running a business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brynsdesignshop.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brynsdesignshop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brynsdesignshop/