We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Lynn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

It takes hard work and dedication. I’ve always been a go-getter. Opening multiple businesses was never an idea it just gradually happened because I wanted to have things I was passionate about.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jessica Lynn and people best know me as One Knotty Maker. I’m a macrame and resin artist and have been working with the craft since 2018! I am a self-taught artist and now teach Macrame Workshops all over the Central Illinois Area 10-13x a month. Along with creating this brand, I go to Makers Markets all over the Midwest.

The products I use to make my craft are eco friendly where I’m also passionate about the next business, Green Haven. Before One Knotty Maker, I opened my very first business called The Fresh Press which was an all organic, gluten free and vegetarian/Vegan Juice Bar. I started making macrame plant hangers for fun and hung in my shop. I also had eco friendly cutlery and products sold at the juice bar.

I then, had the idea of opening up an Eco Friendly Store called Green Haven. I invited two people to be partners in this business. This also allowed me to have my One Knotty Maker products here and teach my monthly Macrame workshops.

After Green Haven, I announced I was going to open a boutique with other woman owned makers In downtown Springfield, IL. Which allowed me to have a permanent location to teach my workshops. While Wildly Rooted’s building was getting an entire makeover (not move in ready) I decided I wanted a store front that you can find my products and pair them with not your average home decor. This store is called The Peachy Nest.

The Peachy Nest is colorful, fun and unique. It’s my personality, my art, my vision. I wanted a space that people aren’t “use” to and won’t see in town. It’s has a variety of color home decor, my product and product that are made from other small businesses that feel like home in Peachy Nest.

People know me 1 out 4 of these businesses. Sometimes they didn’t know I was part of all 4 and put it together later on. These businesses have disciplined me in a way that I have to stay organized at all times. Sometimes I can be spontaneous but hardly. I have a schedule everyday and my only off time is Mondays. Owning multiple businesses can be hard but balanced.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding a business would be the first step in wanting to own a business, right?

I did a lot of research about owning a business, the best way to own a business. Also I listen to a lot of Dave Ramsey about business and read his daughters book.

Fresh Press, I solely funded the business with my own money I saved just for a business. (No, I didn’t use my savings) I saved my money to have a business. It cost me $8,876.00 and I paid myself back.

One Knotty Maker, I funded myself as well.

Green Haven was funded ourselves and cost us $2700 each which equals out to $8,100.

The Peachy Nest, was funded with my own savings as well and cost $10,000

Wildly Rooted we decided to take the plunge and get a business loan. The space is the biggest of all the businesses and the rent was 70% more than my average rent. We also needed to fill the store with much more inventory than I could ever fill with our own money. Working with great bank is a plus! It’s also important that they work specifically with small businesses as well!
Having great credit is a Plus and will increase your chances on approval rates.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social Media is the new way of marketing. I did go to school for business marketing and cosmetology school. (I wanted to do everything!) I’m a jack of traits.

I’ve noticed your target audience are the ones specifically interested in whatever business you have to offer. I have a different audience for each business. I have a small percentage of people who follow all the business pages and I hardly cross post any of the businesses. They need their own spotlight.

I want different. My businesses are the average businesses you’ll see. One knotty maker has over 13,000 followers because of the art I create and because I teach so many people the craft that I truly love.

Building your social media can be difficult but that’s why learning what works and what doesn’t. Algorithm is always changing and keeping up can be difficult. I stopped chasing the algorithm and simply post photos that are eye catching and making reels that fit my vibe. I am present everyday as in I do a post a day. You can schedule your post where you don’t even have to be on social media. Instagram and Facebook to pay me to do reels and try to keep the momentum.

Now Google has a totally different algorithm and that I am still learning.

Contact Info:

• Website: Oneknottymaker.patternbyetsy.com or thepeachynest217.com
• Instagram: @oneknottymaker_ @thepeachynest217 @wildlyrooted217 @sustaingreenhaven
• Facebook: One knotty maker / thepeachynest217/ wildly Rooted boutique / Green Haven Co.

Image Credits
Photo credit (me and my tripod) :)