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

Cindy, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Becoming an Entrepreneur was never a dream of mine. After serving in the military for 24 years, I retired and did full-time Ministry work. While working in the ministry I was asked to do some decorating here and there and purchased my first Cricut machine. What started out as simple table decorations evolved into making a few T-shirts here and there. Once people started asking me how to purchase my t-shirts, the idea of starting a business became an option. Eventually, I was asked to do other projects, which turned into me becoming the Personalized Gift Specialist. I then decided to take the risk, trust the process, and launch C. Lauren Personal Expressions.

Cindy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As stated previously I began my business decorating for our church banquets. I specialize in making t-shirts, hats, puzzles, bags, tumblers, mugs, and more. I love taking my clients’ ideas and creating one-of-a-kind designs for them to sport. My motto is “why wear someone else’s gear when you can floss your own?” Be one of a kind. Although I have only decorated for the church, my biggest accomplishment happened in October. My friend asked me to decorate and coordinate her wedding. It was a long process but it allowed me to truly experience what I am capable of if I don’t say no. It opened the door to endless possibilities. Everything was coordinated in Seattle for a wedding in Atlanta. I designed all the decorations, made all the personalized attire the bridal party wore, and custom-made the memorial plaques for the couples’ loved ones that were not present.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Being an entrepreneur is definitely not for the faint at heart emotionally and financially. I always have to be on go ready to create the next big thing. Customizing, designing, and creating calls for many long hours. Sometimes longer than the hours I pulled in the Army. I learned that if I fail, I have failed. I don’t have a team so everything falls on me. Business can be great at times and then there are times when nothing is moving. It often makes me question if I made the right decision. But when I see someone wearing something I made reminds me why I do what I do and that is to see the smile on someone’s face. I

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I was not the most brilliant person when I started my business. I was actually in the process of purchasing a house and decide to put that on hold and start my business. That and credit cards. If I knew better or had done more research beforehand, I would have looked deeper into grants that could help small-women-veteran-owned businesses. I am still working to get to the plus side of owning a business. I know the work I do is amazing in a competitive field.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.claurenpersonalexpressions.com
• Instagram: iam.clauren
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C.LaurenPersonalExpressions
• Linkedin: Cindy Holt
• Other: TikTok @iam.clauren

Image Credits
C. Lauren Personal Expressions