We were lucky to catch up with Stacy O’Connor recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stacy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Actually, the idea and concept of Stacy O Designs was an easy choice. It was an extension of what I already did for many years. However, my first job is Mom. My current business was created to be able to raise my children, drive them to school, attend their sports events and spend weekend quality time with them.

Let’s backtrack a minute and I’ll tell you about my past.

-I have an undergrad in Audio Engineering, a Masters in New Media and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

-I spent 15 years as a Digital Media Specialist in Medical Education, up in NY. In this ever evolving role, and a very forward thinking supervisor, I jumped into all of the new technology; which at the time was the internet. I learned web design, created streaming video on demand, and graphics for online marketing and social media.

-Fast forward: moved to Florida – I became the Creative Director at a digital marketing agency where I really was able to put all of my degrees and experience to functional use.

Ok, on with the story.

During lock down, I found myself laid off, and no one was hiring. I started freelancing and building websites and marketing materials for local businesses that were trying to beat the odds during that time.

Eventually, those businesses wanted physical marketing materials, so I started my printing business. From there it’s all been uphill! I have created a nice home based business (mostly through word of mouth) printing custom shirts, signs, cups, etc. Businesses need branded merch!

I have also expanded into retail sales for individuals. People want custom! So combining my graphic design skills with printing, I am filling a niche that people are hungry for.

Along with this, I still offer digital services such as logo design, business branding and custom graphics.

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.

My name is Stacy O’Connor. I was born and raised on Long Island. (NY) I never thought I would leave! I was always a very creative and crafty person, so it was no surprise to people when I went to college for Digital Arts. (Emerson College in Boston, by the way)

It was all a very natural progression. My mother and I enjoyed art together as I was growing up and we spent a lot of time together making things; everything from ceramics to sewing to randomly painting the kitchen. She was a hoot! In any case, my family supported me when I wanted to go into the creative field while all of my friends were going into finance or teaching. Mind you, this is a LOOOONG time ago. We were still on a dial up modem.

Once I made the commitment, I was hooked. My education encompassed audio, graphic design, video editing AND marketing which really provided me with the opportunity to provide a full service to clients. This has become most attractive to small businesses that don’t want to go through a big agency and really want a personal experience.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have actually pivoted quite a few times in my career. I had a solid, reliable 9-5 for a long time in New York. Once we started having children, my husband and I thought long and hard what kind of life we wanted while raising them. We decided to leave that stability and move down to Florida. I helped my husband open up his business, then I started employment at a Digital Marketing Agency. I chose this because it was about 1 mile from my children’s school and very flexible. Covid hit – pivot again. I was laid off and decided to start my own business. The deeper I got into working for myself, the more I realized this is what I wanted for my family.

People always ask “what is your ‘why’?” My why is my family, every day, all day. Yes, I’m up early sending out emails. Yes I’m up late finishing up projects, but in between I have watched my kids thrive.

I feel like my business is able to change and evolve as my kids get older and more independent. It has taken years to establish my company, but now that we are in this ‘gig economy’, people are searching out the services I provide.

Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?

I learned about multiple streams of revenue a long time ago, and it’s a MUST nowadays. It took me a while to build them up, but now I see them paying off monthly, and I am so thankful I put the work in.

Backstory – when I first got into printing, (I do sublimation mostly) I was mentored by a wonderful woman who taught me everything she knows. Because of my graphic design background and just the general knowledge of computers I had, I was able to pick it quickly,…and excel at it. So I decided to pass that kindness on to others beginning their journey, and started a YouTube channel. At the start, it was rough. I didn’t have a proper space, no lighting and shooting on my phone. But I did it!

Over the years my production quality has gone up and I have a few sponsors and do affiliate marketing for them. So, over 600,000 views later I am still making videos, but also making money on the ones from the beginning.

Starting this was a huge hurdle for me. I was always behind the camera; shooting, editing, producing,.. whatever. I just had to get over being self conscious and put on my teaching hat. And you know what, people loved it!

I would often shoot client projects I was working on and people would comment as to where they could get the images I was printing. So I started to offer my digital images on Etsy. There is an unbelievable amount of competition there, but it is another stream that is doing well for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacyodesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StacyODesigns
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-o-connor/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkwCCMMCVc5ivCwixcql2FA
• Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/StacyODesigns?ref=shop_sugg_market TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stacyodesigns