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

Rachel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been able to make my creative work a full time-living. I was laid off in 2008 from a graphic design job working for another company. It actually was the best thing in making me push to go out on my own and have my own schedule. Owning your own business makes you more passionate about your work and keeps you hungry as this is your income to provide for your family.

From day one I had to start to get my name out there by starting a website and social media presence. I also went to trade shows where you connect with people who are having an event. Also, I connected with event planners and other vendors who will refer you to their own clients and vice versa.

I felt the timing of the business was great. It grew pretty quickly. I needed to hire a helper with production in 2011.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Rachel Zemel and I am the owner of Kindly RSVP Designs, an invitation/stationery business. I am also a graphic designer, so I can create logos, business cards, anything designed or printed.

Most of my business comes from people in need of items for their events. This would include: save the dates, invitations, seating cards, programs, menu cards, thank you notes, table numbers, sticker or favor tags, signage, cocktail napkins, and hotel bag information. Usually everything is personalized for the clients and they are able to chose their paper colors and can change fonts, etc. Basically everything is custom to the client.

I am proud that I could start from the ground up (with support of my family and husband) and made it into a real profession.

I love meeting with new people and getting to know them and help them make their event special. Usually they are once in a lifetime events, weddings, mitzvahs or milestone parties. The client wants to make a nice event that is memorable and the little details of paper and designs help make that happen.

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

When covid-19 came along and the world was shutting down, parties and events were getting canceled. I knew I would be doing change the dates and putting the printing of invitations on hold. I had to do something and something quick.

My parents owned a liquor store and one of the only establishments allowed to stay open for business. Liquor stores were even more desirable at the time since dinning out was not allowed. People needed entertainment during this depressing time.

I started up Booze by Blondie pretty much the end of March of 2020 and delivered alcohol. I then started making gift baskets with various snacks and treats along the side of a bottle or two :) Mother’s Day kicked off this idea and it took off that i needed help delivering all of the baskets around town. I also would create Ads to promote anything related to Booze by Blondie or the liquor store. It was fun to really know the business and also get to be with my parents a few times during the week.

Events were pretty much starting back summer of 2021, but I juggled both until the end of 2021 when people were pretty much back planning in the event world and deliveries were not needed anymore.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients would definitely be referrals from past clients, event team from venues, wedding + event shows and wedding planners. Wedding planners are usually an almost sold job. I think nowadays people may shop 1 or 2, but most people do not have the time and energy. If the vendor is quality and the planner works well with the vendor, they usually will keep their same dream team.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kindlyrsvpdesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindlyrsvpdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KindlyRSVPDesigns
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-zemel-aa7a531b/