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

Kindra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

I think what’s worked well for me is that every time I’m talking to a customer, either one-on-one or via social media, blog or email, I think of them as a friend. I ask myself: How would I treat or talk to my bestie? How would I want anyone else to treat or talk to her? And when I’m packaging orders, I consider it wrapping a gift for a friend. I want the customer to feel loved, like I’m making this just for them – because I am! I’ve received so much wonderful feedback about the way I package things. My customers tell me it makes them feel special and makes ordering “just a sticker” or “just a card” feel so fun. That kind of feedback absolutely thrills me! And I’ve had the loveliest conversations with my audience and my customers via comments and emails. Connecting with people and making them feel seen and appreciated is the best part of what I do.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an artist who creates for my own online stationery shop, Paper Prairie. My goal is to give the world a million ways to tell people that they love them. I create greeting cards, stickers and prints and also share handmade gift ideas, all of these things (I hope!) fostering the joy of connection.

On my website, you’ll find pretty florals, quilt blocks, botanical illustrations, and even a bow-bedecked animal or two. I’m a sentimental gal, always jotting down phrases and things that remind me of my family and friends – a cross-stitched heart, an old compass or pocket watch, a hand-written letter – and then incorporating them into my designs.

I hope most of all, that anyone visiting my shop, reading the blog, or dropping by on social feels loved and so very un-alone.

I can’t believe it, but we’re already getting ready to celebrate Paper Prairie’s one-year anniversary! I have really been heart-searching these past months to make my newest designs extra special. I’ll show you a few of the new cards coming soon as a little preview today. The whole shop is also getting a bit of a makeover and I can’t wait to reveal it all at the end of May. I’m also expanding into wholesale this year so you may just see my designs in your favorite local boutique before long.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My biggest advice for social media is to be consistent and generous. Know who your ideal audience/customer is and speak directly to them. Show up consistently, be authentic, and be generous with your knowledge and talents.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

I sell on my own site through Shopify (paperprairie.com) and also have an Etsy shop (PaperPrairieShop). I prefer my own website and feature many more items for sale there vs Etsy. Having my own website allows me much more control over what my shop looks like and my shop policies, whereas Etsy dictates most of that to you. However, Etsy is a great place to start and test the waters – it’s affordable and easy to set up. Unfortunately, I do feel like it is changing a lot and is no longer so much about real artisans, as they allow mass produced products and AI generated art, both if which now dominate the feed. If you’re just starting out, Etsy is still a great way to dip your toes in. It is also its own search engine, so they bring some traffic to your shop for you, which is great if you’re just starting to build your audience. Just remember, with Etsy or similar platforms, you are building on rented land. Be sure you are also building on your own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paperprairie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindradoo/