We recently connected with Rachel Beall and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

Venturing into the unknown as a socially anxious person, I pushed myself to engage in a door-to-door initiative to connect with downtown stores. The concept of initiating conversations with strangers, promoting my business, and building connections within the community filled me with a sense of dread. The encounters varied from lukewarm to mildly encouraging, but it all came crashing down when I faced a particularly hostile and cold individual at one store. It left me on the brink of giving up, feeling emotionally drained and feeling like a failure.

In that moment of vulnerability, as I was crying in the middle of the street, I had to remind myself of the resilience required in entrepreneurship. Despite the overwhelming urge to retreat, I summoned the last shreds of courage and decided to make one final stop at my favorite store. The stakes felt impossibly high, yet I reasoned with myself that I had little left to lose.

Finally, luck intervened. I was welcomed by the store’s owner who deeply appreciated my work and flooded me with collaborative project ideas. It marked the beginning of a powerful relationship. The owner has since become my role model and has took on an unofficial yet impactful role as my mentor in my entrepreneurial journey.

The emotional rollercoasters are hard to describe. This experience showcased the crazy nature of entrepreneurship, where a single moment can sway from utter disappointment to sheer elation.

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 was born and raised in Hong Kong, but my journey led me across the ocean to the U.S., where I pursued a double major in Economics and Theatre & Dance. I like to say that I have two sides to myself: the analytical side that seeks out problem-solving opportunities and the creative side that is drawn towards artistic expression.

I stayed in the U.S. after graduating when I married my best friend in college. In the summer of 2023, I left the structured confines of my corporate-like job in search for something uncharted but exciting and meaningful.

Throughout my life, I’ve been drawn to the tactile sensation of writing tools, using them for my creative projects. Verbal communication has never been my strong suit, so instead I leaned on the artistic allure of written words. While words possess inherent power, infusing them with artistry elevates their impact to an entirely different realm. In today’s digitized world, the significance of hand-written and hand-lettered expressions stand out.

Davallia Designs embodies this concept and is dedicated to celebrating the cherished moments of individuals and businesses. With each stroke of the pen, I add a special and personal touch. From hand-lettered signage and stationery for diverse occasions, to personalized gifts curated for weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations, my mission is to craft unique creations that make a statement. I like to work on chalkboards, mirrors, windows, acrylic, and paper.

Part of my process is getting to know my clients as it allows me to bring forth personalized ideas. My creativity is also fueled when I can share their enthusiasm and see them light up as they share their stories.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I had to unlearn stemmed from a childhood belief centered around valuing effort above outcomes. This principle led me to consistently give my best in everything I pursued, which often yielded results that mirrored the dedication I invested. However, the paradigm shift came when I began my entrepreneurial journey.

As I poured my heart, time, and energy into building Davallia Designs, I anticipated the fruits of my labor in the form of immediate rewards. The reality I faced was starkly different as I encountered minimal to no returns despite my unwavering efforts. This humbling experience reshaped my understanding of success. I realized that achievement often unfolds through challenges, learnings, and incremental accomplishments. This has taught me the value of perseverance and patience on the path to eventual success.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I realized that I was trying to do a million things all at once. I wanted to give my full attention to every single item, but things were added to my to-do list expanded much faster than items were checked off. As the sole operator of my business, I am accountable for every aspect, and the concept of delegation is out of the equation. I knew the way I operated was unsustainable, so I took a deliberate pause to reassess and strategize. Despite building a plethora of initiatives, I streamlined my focus onto select projects. This prioritization became a crucial pivot point, allowing me to navigate the daily challenges by adjusting and refining my approaches continuously.

Contact Info:

• Website: davalliadesigns.com
• Instagram: davalliadesigns
• Facebook: Davallia Designs
• Other: Email: [email protected] Phone: (216) 413-3927