We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carrie Reimers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Carrie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I’m here to share a passion of mine, and to hopefully spark some joy and laughter along the way.
I’ve been an avid crafter all my life, and I have an absurd amount of imagination. I use a few different techniques in my creative process, which are widely applicable to an array of fun mediums. So, between that, and my nonstop mind, my inspiration never ends! I’m constantly trying out my skills on different items, and experimenting with new objects all the time.
I wanted to start this company in hopes of turning some of my favorite hobbies into a full-time occupation. I obtained my LLC in November 2021, and have been working my ass off ever since.
Some find it odd that I’ve never considered myself the career-driven type. I changed my major 3 times in college! I’ve always felt like an outsider looking in, when it came to the business world.
An entrepreneur is defined as:
A person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business with considerable initiative and risk.
While I’m certainly not the most traditional, career-oriented person, I am someone with no shortage of initiative & organization! Especially when it comes to something I’ve got such zeal for. I’ve put a lot on the line to start this biz, and have been working 60-80 hour weeks towards this passion, between it & my full-time day job. I’m in it to succeed!
The company name was a team effort. My close friends & curse-loving mother (Sweary Mary!) helped me pick it out. I went back and forth with the official name for ages… before finally deciding I liked the short, sweet, and funny one the best.
I make a variety of things, including some rad and snarky home décor, keychains, magnets, pinback buttons, can sleeves, upcycled art, and more! I enjoy creating an eclectic array of pieces, some with cuss words, some without. Just because I’M super-sweary, it doesn’t mean everything I create is! Everything is made with f*cking love either way.
Thank you kindly, for giving a shit about my small business! Your support allows me to continue putting my heart and fiery soul into it. I appreciate you!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi! I’m Carrie, like the horror movie. (My last name is pronounced Rye-murz.)
Amongst many hats I wear, I am also a / an:
Dog Mom
Wife
Gryffindor
Pizza Lover
Oxford Comma Believer
Vegetarian
Impostor Syndrome Survivor
Volunteer for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Horror Movie Fanatic
Mental Health Advocate
Feminist
Full-time Excel geek (by day)
ADHD Warrior
Reader
Writer
RBF Champion
Eating Disorder Defeater
Sexual Assault Survivor
Mediocre LEGO Builder
Millennial
Murderino
Professional Make-Believer
eVolunteer for The Polly Klaas Foundation
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
I’ve been creating things for as long as I can remember, using my different mediums. Growing up, we always had what Sweary Mary called “The Make-A-Something Box”. It was filled with all sorts of random, often discarded, items to spark creativity.
That origin story for me is important for two major reasons. One being that it taught me to be resourceful in lean times, and make do with what you had. The other being that a little bit of imagination and a bit of magic goes a long way.
I did have to learn a few new skillsets when starting my business — die cutting being one. I purchased my first Cricut machine a couple years ago, and ran wild! I love the endless ideas with it; I’m constantly dreaming up new ways to reinvent its possibilities.
Something that I didn’t set out to learn, but that I stumbled across in a wonderful YouTube spiral, is called hydro-dipping. This is a technique that uses paint and water to create a marbling, swirled effect. No two pieces are identical, because of the way the paints interact and mix with each dip. You can bet that I tried dipping just about everything in sight when I figured out how to jive with the messy madness of it all! From bracelets to office supplies, magnets and mirrors, I discovered I loved working with acrylic keychains the most. There are many methods of creating a hyrdo-dipped piece, some use paint / spray paint, pre-made kits that use a special film, and even nail polish – the latter being my preferred technique! It’s such a fun, catastrophic craft. Ten out of ten, would recommend to a friend!
Another tool I’ve grown quite fond of is my button press. I invested in a heavy duty industrial one (which means it’s not the cutest hunk of machinery, but it is definitely solid and well built!). I am so amazed at its capabilities. I’ve been #buttonpressobsessed for months now, making magnets, buttons, and keychains.
I love the whole process of it, and find it quite stimulating and soothing for my ADHD. Those are my very favorite parts of creating anything–when you lose yourself in the craft in the loveliest way.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I’m an avid podcast listener, music jammer, book reader, and YouTube University student.
Business podcasts that I dig:
The 6 Figure Product Business Podcast
No F*cks Given Podcast
Small Business Sisters
How to Sell Your Stuff On Etsy
Raisin’ Brand
These writers are inspirational AF:
Kurt Vonnegut
Sylvia Plath
Jules Verne
Margaret Atwood
Charles Dickens
Interesting biz-related YouTubers:
Dylan Jahraus
EverBee
Kate Hayes
Alek
Bethadilly
Music is so versatile, and my tastes vary greatly depending on mood and the task at hand. All-time favorites include:
Bright Eyes
Lizzo
Rage Against the Machine
Bikini Kill
Beethoven
If you prefer music instrumental, and jazz or classical shit doesn’t do it for you, I really jam well with the Apple Music playlist called Electronic Daily. It resonates nicely with my whole creative process, and is constantly changing, just like my taste in arts and crafts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.swearycarriedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swearycarriedesigns/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@swearycarriedesigns
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SwearyCarrieDesigns/