We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Bantz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

I sell almost a disposable product. My stickers are used mainly in paper planners. Once it is used, that is the end of it. So it is extremely hard to keep up with the economy. My materials have consistently been increasing over the last few years but unfortunately it is hard to incorporate that into my prices. Most customers look and see a paper sticker. Use it once and it is gone.

They are mainly used for a specific purpose. For instance. A 3.5 x 4.5 sheet has roughly 10-12 stickers on it, sometimes less, and they use one a month. That can play into their spending choices when purchasing. One- they don’t need many of them or 2- using one a month, are they more likely to buy that sheet if the price is low enough or pass on it if it reflects the current economy.

I offer a very specific type of sticker so I do have a slight advantage of it not being sold in other shops but also I have to stay somewhat inline with the prices of other shops in order to attract customers.

Stephanie, 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?

I’ve always had a passion for lettering, creating, pens and stationary and after some projects for friends and family, I decided to venture out and open a business for it.

It started with just digital projects but after some time, turned into a physical item shop. I was still working a full-time job and my business at night and after about a year, both my husband and I sat down and laid everything out on paper. What was needed to replace my full-time salary each month. We saw that I was already doing it and being able to give it my full attention would help it grow even more.

Now Tipsy Dog Designs is printed stationery items such as stickers, notebooks, pens, washi tape and tumblers. My business offers a unique type of hand lettered snarky product that can bring a smile to your face on the worst days. I still can’t believe I get to do this full time!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social Media has always been a fun way to connect with others for me. When I started my business I knew I wanted to portray myself in the exact way you would meet me on the street.

My social media has been slow growing but it has been an organic growth. That comes from hard work, consistency and never hiding the true me. I show up and talk to my audience as I am speaking to them individually. I never try and do what’s popular, I do what I know my customers want to see.

The advice I have is to be yourself and the people you want to attract will show up. It might take time but stay on your path and it will happen.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with my customers through social media and emails. I have a very active Facebook group that is more than just sales posts. We talk about lots of other things and support each other.

In my business we often travel around the country for conferences or planner meet ups so I get the opportunity to turn a name into a face and a friend. That helps foster a lot of true connections so my customers know who they are buying from.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tipsydogdesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipsydogdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2355578034515654
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcsDEwcb3g8K5vk8WjmiBcw