We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Kmecheck. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.
Rachel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
As a multi-passionate entrepreneur, I’ve always felt the pull to explore various creative avenues. This innate drive led me to establish two distinct businesses that allow me to fully embrace my diverse interests and talents. Rachel’s Creative Boutique was born out of a desire to support fellow entrepreneurs by handling the technical and administrative aspects of their businesses, freeing them to focus on their passions. On the other hand, Modern Medieval Press combines my love for art and history, where I create contemporary pieces inspired by medieval art, techniques, and architecture. Both ventures not only fulfill my creative and entrepreneurial aspirations but also enable me to help others thrive, crafting the balanced and fulfilling life I always envisioned.
The idea for Modern Medieval Press blossomed from my deep-rooted passion for medieval history and art. Growing up, I was always captivated by the rich textures, intricate details, and timeless beauty of medieval manuscripts, architecture, and artwork. This fascination only grew stronger during my visits to historical sites and museums, particularly my time spent at Trinity College in Ireland, where I had the incredible opportunity to see the Book of Kells up close. The awe I felt standing before such masterpieces ignited a spark within me.
I realized there was a gap in the market for art that truly melded the medieval with the modern. Many people appreciate the historical aesthetic but don’t have a way to incorporate it into their contemporary lives. I wanted to bridge that gap, creating pieces that resonate with lovers of history and art, while also fitting seamlessly into today’s world.
The journey of launching this business has been both exciting and determined. My deep connection to the medieval era and desire to share its beauty with others fueled my passion. For me, medieval art has a timeless allure. By blending it with modern techniques and materials, I could create something uniquely captivating. I believe this fusion can evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation in people, letting them bring a piece of history into their daily lives.
What excited me most was the challenge of reviving traditional techniques with a contemporary twist. From using gold ink reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts to incorporating modern elements like teal metallic watercolor ink, every piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a deep reverence for the past. Knowing that my art can inspire and bring joy to others makes every moment of this journey worthwhile.
The idea for Rachel’s Creative Boutique, my virtual assistant company, really came to life a few years ago, during my time working as a freelance graphic designer and virtual assistant, though I didn’t even realize that’s what it was called at the time. I was constantly interacting with talented and passionate entrepreneurs who were absolutely brilliant at their craft. However, there was a common thread that kept popping up in our conversations—they were completely bogged down by the technical and administrative aspects of running their businesses. Tasks like email marketing, website updates, and course creation were eating up their time, time that they wished they could spend on serving their clients and growing their businesses.
One day, I was on a call with a wellness coach who had just launched a new mastermind program. She was super excited about the potential impact of her program but equally frustrated by the endless hours she was spending on backend tasks. As she vented her frustrations, I had a lightbulb moment. What if there was a way to take these technical burdens off their shoulders? What if someone could handle these tasks, allowing them to focus on what they do best?
I felt a surge of excitement and purpose. The idea of creating a service that would provide these busy entrepreneurs with the tech support they needed was incredibly motivating. I could see it so clearly—a service where small business owners could offload their technical tasks to a trusted partner, freeing them up to excel in their core areas of expertise. The thought of making a real difference in their daily lives was exhilarating.
I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because the need was so glaringly obvious. Every conversation I had with potential clients reinforced the demand for such a service. It made perfect sense: if I could help these entrepreneurs save time and reduce stress, they would be more successful and satisfied, and their businesses would thrive. This would create a ripple effect, benefiting their clients and the broader community as well.
Rachel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hello! I’m Rachel Kmecheck, the creative force behind Modern Medieval Press. I’m a printmaker from Oshkosh, WI, deeply inspired by the rich history and intricate beauty of medieval art, architecture, and manuscripts. My journey into this industry began with a lifelong fascination with the past, particularly the medieval period. This passion led me to explore and study various historical art techniques, which I now blend with contemporary methods to create unique pieces that resonate with both history enthusiasts and modern art lovers.
At Modern Medieval Press, I offer a range of fine art prints, jewelry, and home decor items that merge medieval aesthetics with modern techniques. One of my standout creations is the “Meadows After Dark” reproduction, which captures the luxurious tradition of Flemish illuminated manuscripts with a contemporary twist. I also create intricate designs featuring Celtic symbols, such as intertwined birds from the Book of Kells, rendered in elegant gold ink on luxurious black paper.
A unique aspect of my process is that I make many of my pieces using a custom printing press that my dad built for me. This personal touch not only adds sentimental value to my work but also allows me to achieve the high level of detail and quality that defines Modern Medieval Press.
What sets Modern Medieval Press apart is the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in each piece. I use historical techniques like gold ink and suminagashi marbling, alongside modern materials and methods, to create artwork that is both timeless and unique. My goal is to provide my clients with pieces that bring a sense of historical beauty and modern sophistication to their homes or offices.
I am most proud of the way my work bridges the gap between the past and the present, allowing people to connect with history in a tangible and beautiful way. Each piece is crafted with a deep reverence for the traditions that inspired it, and a commitment to quality that ensures it will be cherished for years to come.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that every piece from Modern Medieval Press is created with passion and a love for the craft. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or someone looking for unique and meaningful decor, my work is designed to bring a touch of medieval elegance into your life. I’m dedicated to providing exceptional quality and craftsmanship in everything I create, and I’m excited to share my passion for medieval art with you.
My co-current journey into the virtual assistant industry started out pretty organically. I initially worked as a freelance graphic designer and virtual assistant. I saw a deeper need for more custom services, and Rachel’s Creative Boutique came to life. My mission is pretty simple: to help small businesses and entrepreneurs stay out of the tech and administrative weeds so they can shine in what they do best. I offer a range of services including email campaign management, website updates, content creation, SEO optimization, and much more. Essentially, if it’s a technical or back-end task that’s taking up too much of your time, I can handle it.
Rachel’s Creative Boutique stands out because of my holistic approach. I offer comprehensive, tailored support that seamlessly integrates into each client’s workflow, from managing email campaigns and updating websites to creating online courses. The potential for transformation excites me the most—seeing my clients achieve a better work-life balance, grow their businesses without the usual headaches, and enjoy more personal time is incredibly fulfilling. This vision led to the creation of Rachel’s Creative Boutique, where Iwe’ve helped numerous entrepreneurs reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m eager to continue supporting more small business owners in achieving their dreams.
What I’m most proud of is the transformation I’ve been able to bring to my clients’ lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them reclaim their time, reduce their stress, and watch their businesses flourish. Knowing that I’m helping them not only succeed in their business but also enjoy a better work-life balance is what keeps me passionate about what I do.
If there’s one thing I’d want potential clients, followers, or fans to know about me, it’s that I genuinely care about your success. I’m here to take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your passion and grow your business. My goal is to be that reliable partner you can count on, whether it’s for a one-off project or ongoing support.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of actively participating in fine art fairs, networking at galleries, and leveraging social media. Each of these elements has played a crucial role in building relationships and expanding my reach.
Being an artist at fine art fairs has allowed me to showcase my work directly to art enthusiasts and potential buyers. These events provide an invaluable platform for connecting with people who appreciate the unique blend of medieval and modern aesthetics in my art. The face-to-face interactions at these fairs are irreplaceable; they enable me to share the stories behind my pieces, engage with the audience, and build a loyal customer base.
Galleries have been instrumental in elevating my profile and reaching a wider audience. By networking with gallery owners, curators, and fellow artists, I’ve been able to secure exhibitions and collaborative opportunities that have significantly increased my visibility. These relationships have also led to valuable word-of-mouth referrals, which are incredibly powerful in the art world.
In addition to these in-person strategies, social media has been a vital tool for growing my clientele. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow me to share my creative process, new works, and upcoming events with a global audience. Social media not only helps in reaching people who might not be able to attend fairs or gallery events but also keeps my existing followers engaged and informed about my latest projects.
Sharing behind-the-scenes content, the inspiration behind my pieces, and personal stories related to my art has helped create a deeper connection with my audience. People appreciate the authenticity and passion that goes into my work, and this transparency builds trust and loyalty.
By combining these strategies, I’ve been able to grow my clientele steadily and create a community of supporters who appreciate the unique artistry and historical depth of my creations.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
I currently sell my work on multiple platforms, including my own website, Etsy, and I’m starting to work on Faire. Additionally, I have plans to expand to Amazon Handmade this year. Each of these platforms offers distinct advantages and challenges, and my decision to utilize them is based on a balance of control, reach, and audience accessibility.
Selling on my own website provides the greatest level of control over my brand, presentation, and customer experience. I can customize the site to reflect my unique style and ensure that all interactions align with my vision for Modern Medieval Press. The primary advantage here is the autonomy to manage my shop without external restrictions. However, the biggest challenge is driving traffic to my site. Without the built-in audience that larger platforms offer, I need to invest significantly in marketing and SEO to attract visitors.
Etsy, Faire, and soon Amazon Handmade, provide access to established audiences who are actively searching for unique, handcrafted items. This built-in customer base can significantly boost visibility and sales. The convenience of these platforms is a major pro—they make it easier for potential customers to find my work among a vast selection of handmade goods. However, the trade-off is less control over my shop. These platforms have their own rules and regulations, and they reserve the right to take down shops or listings if they see fit. This lack of control can be a risk, and the fees associated with selling on these platforms can also impact profitability.
Ultimately, using a combination of my own website and these larger platforms allows me to maximize reach and maintain a level of control over my brand. This multi-faceted approach helps me connect with a diverse audience while still retaining the ability to manage and grow my brand on my own terms.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about me, Rachel’s Creative Boutique, and Modern Medieval Press. One piece of wisdom I’ve learned on my journey is that success often comes from embracing your passions and not being afraid to wear multiple hats. This mindset has allowed me to create two businesses that fulfill different aspects of my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Follow your dreams, pursue your goals, and if you ever need assistance or inspiration, I invite you to explore the unique services I offer, from empowering entrepreneurs with comprehensive technical support to bringing the beauty of medieval art into the modern world.. Together, we can create something truly remarkable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.modernmedievalpress.com, rachelcreativeboutique.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/modernmedievalpress, instagram.com/rachelscreativeboutique
- Facebook: facebook.com/modernmedievalpress, https://www.facebook.com/rachelscreativeboutique
Image Credits
Personal photo credit: Alicia O’Donnell