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

Hi Kimberly, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Pad Tie was born out of my own frustrations as an artist and entrepreneur. I’ve always loved sketching and creating on the go, but traditional sketchbooks often lack the simple feature of an elastic band to keep them closed. Over time, I saw how the pages of my notebooks got bent, torn, or smudged—especially as someone who constantly juggles projects, meetings, and travel.

The mission behind Pad Tie is to solve that problem in a way that’s as stylish as it is functional. I wanted to create a product that protects creativity, respects the process, and simplifies life for anyone who uses a notebook, journal, or sketchbook.

But Pad Tie is more than a product—it’s a way of rethinking how we care for the tools that help us create. Every band represents the idea that small solutions can have a big impact. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or someone who just loves organization, Pad Tie is here to help protect what matters to you.

Kimberly, 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?

Ciao, I’m Kimberly Lavon, an artist, inventor, and entrepreneur based in Lansing, Michigan. I’ve been a professional artist for 25 years, specializing in fine art printmaking and graphic design, and I hold both a BFA in Fine Art Printmaking and a Master’s in Advertising from a top ten program. My journey into this field has been a lifelong passion for creativity combined with a deep love for problem-solving.

I created my company, Pad Tie, to solve a problem that every creative person has faced at some point: how to keep sketchbooks, journals, and notebooks protected and organized. As an artist, I’ve always carried sketchbooks everywhere, but I was frustrated by how quickly they would become damaged without a band to hold them closed. That’s when the idea for Pad Tie was born—a simple, stylish, and practical sticker-based book band that secures your notebook while adding a touch of personality.

What sets me apart is that I’m not just the inventor of Pad Tie—I’m also my own advertising agency, handling everything from branding to campaigns. I pour my creativity and expertise into every aspect of my business, making sure that Pad Tie is not only a product but also a brand that people can connect with on a deeper level. I even take inspiration from daily life and incorporate that into my marketing, like using familiar everyday items to explain how indispensable bands are in our lives.

The thing I’m most proud of is that Pad Tie has grown out of my own experiences and challenges as a creative person. It’s more than just a business to me—it’s my way of supporting other artists, writers, and professionals who need solutions to everyday problems. It’s also part of my broader mission to make positive change in the world. In the future, I plan to use my platform and success to collaborate with innovators who create sustainable materials and solutions, like biodegradable plastic made from cactus or leather alternatives made from leaves.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s this: Pad Tie was created with heart, ingenuity, and a commitment to making life easier for anyone who values creativity and organization. I’m here to solve problems, spark inspiration, and protect what matters most—whether that’s your art, your writing, or your ideas.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding Pad Tie was definitely a journey. I didn’t have investors or a huge bank account to fall back on—I started with what I had, which was a combination of grit, creativity, and resourcefulness. Initially, I bootstrapped everything, relying on my savings and income from freelance projects. I’ve been a professional artist for over 30 years, so I funneled what I earned from selling art and taking on graphic design work directly into building the business.

Another crucial piece of the puzzle was grant funding. I’ve been a self-taught grant professional since 1999, so I leaned on my experience to secure funding that helped bring Pad Tie to life. Writing grants is an art in itself, and I’ve spent decades honing my skills to craft compelling proposals that showcase my vision, impact, and the value of my work. Securing grant funding allowed me to invest in quality materials, refine prototypes, and build the foundation of the business without taking on debt. It was a game-changer and gave me the momentum I needed to launch Pad Tie into the world.

One thing I’m particularly proud of is how I used my skills to save costs. With my background in advertising and design, I was able to create all the branding, marketing, and promotional materials myself. That saved me a lot of money and gave me complete creative control over Pad Tie’s identity. I also leaned into grassroots methods, like reaching out to local businesses, collaborating with art galleries, and promoting my work on social media to build awareness without spending a fortune on ads.

It wasn’t easy, but every step taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, budgeting, and making the most of limited resources. Between my experience as an artist, my grant-writing expertise, and my drive to solve a problem I cared about deeply, Pad Tie came to life.

Looking back, I’m proud of how far Pad Tie has come, and I’m even more motivated to grow the business and prove that big ideas can start small. Grant funding played a key role in helping me do just that, and it’s something I’ll continue to utilize as I scale Pad Tie and bring more innovative solutions to life.

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

I’ve worked through broken bones, zero-dollar budgets, clients who ghost, and countless other challenges that would break most people—and for good reason. But I’m not someone who gives up. When faced with setbacks, I remind myself that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about learning from it and using it to fuel your next step.

I approach these moments through the lens of the 80/20 rule: 80% of the ‘no’s’ you hear will lead to the 20% of ‘yes’s’ that make the journey worthwhile. To get those wins, you have to rack up a lot of rejections. Each time I failed, I added it to my ‘book of no,’ which became an operator’s manual for what not to do. Instead of seeing those moments as defeats, I reframed them as opportunities to learn and grow. Then I kept going—refining my approach, showing my product, preparing for rejections, and celebrating every win, no matter how small.

This mindset has paid off. Since launching Pad Tie in May of 2024, I’ve secured spots in five national stockists, formed international partnerships, and attracted interest from global brands ready to carry my invention. Knowing that I’ve achieved this in such a short time fills me with pride and a deep sense of accomplishment.

This is the point where most would say no to entrepreneurship. And I understand why—it’s not an easy road. But for me, the obstacles aren’t reasons to quit; they’re stepping stones to something greater. Resilience is the foundation of Pad Tie’s story, and it’s what keeps me moving forward, no matter what challenges come my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.padtie.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/padtie.co/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylavon
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kimberlylavon3583
• Other: https://kimberlylavon.com/

Image Credits

@kimberlylavonink @jermme @capitalcitymkt