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

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I wish I had started my business sooner!

I officially launched my business in the summer of 2021, which was about a month after I ended my 7+ year position at a locally-owned women’s consignment boutique. I was thriving there – we had an amazing staff, the business was doing really well, I was able to make my own schedule and had the freedom to work on projects that were fulfilling to me and the business – but, I’ve always felt as though I needed to do something for myself.

If I would have started my business sooner (while I was still working at the boutique), I would have been able to work with clients while still having a full-time job and have more of a solid foundation, monetarily. The way it ended up, I really jumped into it!

But, it has all been working out wonderfully. It’s challenging, fulfilling, flexible, fun, and I’m creating something new every single day, which is ideal!

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

“Beautification” is something that comes naturally to me… I’ve always had an eye for spatial design, color, organization, nailing down an aesthetic, and making sure all of the details are perfected. Even as a child, I loved rearranging my bedroom and closet, organizing the kitchen cabinets (yes, really), creating fashion looks, and sketching anything from clothing designs to boutique layouts and facades.

I’ve been working with small businesses and entrepreneurs for over fifteen years now! It’s wild to think back, but my first view into the world of entrepreneurship was while interning with an independent fashion designer in Chicago. My first “official” job after art school was for a small home décor company in New York, where I wore an array of different hats and learned so much about running a small, thriving business. I was enamored and inspired by the passions of the owners I worked for and craved more for myself.

Throughout the years, I’ve had such incredible experiences that brought in lifelong connections (both business and personal) and amazing opportunities to hone in my skills as a designer. Although not exclusive, I do work mainly with female entrepreneurs, artists, and service providers in beautifying their businesses, and since each business is unique, this happens in a variety of ways.

In-person, I’ve redesigned store layouts, established product placement strategies, revamped boutique experiences through visual merchandising, planned events (parties and customer appreciation events), sourced intentional products for retail spaces, revamped office spaces (both home and in office buildings), redesigned living spaces, and much more. In the digital space, I mainly work with branding, website design or refresh, and smaller projects such as printable / digital marketing materials.

I’m so honored to have worked with such talented individuals and brands, and thankful for their trust. I very much look forward to what this year and beyond will bring! This year, I’m manifesting more in-person projects because I feel that is where I thrive – I love to be hands on and work my beautification magic in physical spaces.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely! The mission driving me is to help small businesses along THEIR journeys. I want to see the “little guys” succeed because I believe that this is where our economy truly flourishes. I’ve worked with so many owners and it’s such a pleasure to see the passions driving them forward within their businesses.

With many years in retail, marketing, design, and styling, I’m able to aesthetically enhance any space, whether brick-and-mortar or digital. This in turn catches the eye of potential shoppers / clients, so they don’t resort to “one clicking” their way to a generic purchase and instead put their money toward something truly special and tailored to them. Small businesses are more personal and can make an impact on their local communities, which is a delight to witness.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

To me, the most rewarding part is to see my creative work out in the wild. It really is such an honor to see my touches on storefronts and store shelves, websites, social media, business cards, and also in the sales numbers! I’ve had numerous clients reach out with praise post-product placement and merchandising quests, as well as social media revamps. That feels SENSATIONAL and is what my work is all about – the ROI (return on investment) will be boundless.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rachellubanowski.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.lubanowski/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lubanowski
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rachellehcar/

Image Credits
Meg Jacobsen Photography