We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sylvia Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sylvia, thanks for joining us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

One of the best investments I have made in my business was the purchase of a laser cutter last year. I first encountered laser cutters waaaay back in 2008 or so at an internship in college. One of the intern’s duties was to run laser jobs for the other designers and maintain the machine. I began to see how powerful this tool is for designers. I have always wanted one, but in recent years they have become more and more accessible in affordability, size, and maintenance. I made a goal last year to really ramp up my own product line, and purchasing a laser cutter was paramount in reaching that goal. The second I got the machine, I started creating new items. What a burst of inspiration and creativity! New tools really can open up a world of possibilities. Even though it was my most expensive investment to date, it has already paid for itself many times over, and has allowed me to grow my product line quicker than I ever imagined!

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

I graduated in 2010 with a BS Industrial Design (aka, the design of manufactured goods) from the University of Cincinnati. I have always had a love of illustration, designing characters, and drawing cute things. My professional career has found me designing for a few different industries, including toys, gifts, wedding accessories, and home decor. In 2018, I left my job as an art director to do freelance work full time. I also devoted time to creating my own products under the brand name Sylvia Draws, beginning with prints, enamel pins, and stickers, and then gradually adding things like jewelry and ornaments to the mix with the purchase of a laser cutter last year. I pride myself on making unique products that are designed to make people smile, and I am excited to be spending more of my time creating these products as my business grows. What really sets me and my work apart from others is that I am a unique mix of illustrator, product designer, and character designer. This versatility allows me to take on a wide variety of products and art styles, and allows me to fit my art and style to a variety of companies and applications.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being a creative is creating things that make people happy and seeing customers enjoy my designs out in the world. I am always so excited when someone tags me on Instagram with a picture of a Sylvia Draws product, or when they leave a good review on one of my shop sites. One really cool “real world” product sighting occurred while I was attending a music festival. A woman walked in front of me and I caught a glimpse of something familiar on her ear…she was wearing Sylvia Draws Tiger earrings! I stopped her and said “Woah, I made those!” I think she was a bit taken aback, but I thought it was so cool that out of the thousands of people at that festival, someone walked right by me wearing one of my products. Those kinds of occurrences never get old!

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

Becoming a parent in 2020 was the ultimate pivot, both in my iife and my business. Honestly, I am constantly pivoting so much that I feel like I am spinning around in circles! Having a child is a wonderful, beautiful thing, and I love my son more than anything, but it is very challenging be a business owner and a care taker at the same time! I am very much a planner and I like predictability, which, if you have ever been a parent or been around a young child, you know that kids are nothing but unpredictable! I am learning every day how to go with the flow and better manage my time so I can successfully run my business and spend time with my family. I have an amazing husband and family that believes in the business and is always there to provide support, which is truly what makes Sylvia Draws work. I am really proud of how I have grown as a mom and a business owner, and I think that becoming a parent has made me more energized about my business than ever.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sylviadraws.com
• Instagram: @sylvia_draws
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sillysylviestudios/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-smith11/

Image Credits
Headshot photo credit to Madison Beaulieu