We recently connected with Kim Davis and have shared our conversation below.

Kim, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I have a background in graphic design and did relevant internships in college. I graduated when finding a job wasn’t easy and had started a photography business so I ran with that. As that continued to grow, I opened an Etsy shop selling Purdue prints that I had designed under their Crafters Licensing Program. That continued to grow. Our local library has an incredible maker space, so I signed up to learn how to use the laser engraving machine. I turned my prints into magnets and ornaments and started making more items. As that grew, I purchased my own laser. It came with a sample of leather, so I started tinkering, visiting local leather shops and learning how to dye leather. I completely fell in love with being able to take my graphic design skills and manufacture my own items. It was a learning process and one that I continue to learn and grow from, but I love having my hands in all aspects of running a business.

Kim, 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?

My name is Kim. I have a degree in computer graphics from Purdue and a masters in educational technologies, and I’ve never had a “real” full time job. I worked various contract jobs and did freelance graphic design and ran my photography business until I started Left Grain. I’ve always loved tinkering and creating and making various chaotic messes that eventually turn into something beautiful.

I call Left Grain an online gift shop, but it’s so much more. I create products and designs that are absolutely great for gifts, but I try to make each peace help people feel more connected and loved with something that makes them reflect on something that matters to them or something that means something to them. Initially, majority of my items were customized with quotes, text, images, and drawings that people sent to me. That’s still a large part of my business, but I also design collections and themed items that have a little spunk and heart behind them.

The name Left Grain comes because I love wood grain/leather grain and natural textures and colors, and my husband and I are both left handed and I wanted to incorporate that into the name somehow. The play on left brain/right brain with Left Grain felt like a perfect fit.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

I manufacture majority of my products in my studio! Initially I was making items at the maker space at our local public library. It was so incredible to have access to that – I would have never touched a laser if it wasn’t for that maker space. After a year or so (and when my kids were doing school from home during the pandemic), I purchased my own laser since it was more challenging to get into the maker space.

I started making the items in a one room office in our house. We recently moved into a slightly larger home with a more functional workshop/studio space.

My first products were made of wood and acrylic. I know make items with real leather as well. I knew very little about wood and leather when I first started using a laser, and gradually added materials and machines as the business grew and I learned more about each material.

I do purchase raw materials from various online suppliers. I try use other small businesses when I can.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I’m still a very small business, but I believe in being gentle and kind in my communication with my customers. I originally started on Etsy, and I realized quickly how easy it is to interpret words negatively when you’re responding to messages. I am truly grateful that I get to run this business, so I try to convey that in the tone of all of my responses and questions that I ask customers and clients.

I also believe in building relationships with businesses around me. I think starting my “creative career” as a photographer and really learning how to talk to people and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera has helped me in running a product based business and making connections with other companies and businesses in my area.

I try to remember little details that people share as well and create or gift items that make them feel appreciated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.left-grain.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/left.grain
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leftgrain
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimbatta/