We recently connected with Traci Kenmuir and have shared our conversation below.

Traci, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

I came up with my business name as Traci K Designs, to reflect myself and the fact that I design and hand-make my own products. This option also allowed me flexibility to grow as I first started out in 2021 to explore different mediums to create with. Over the last few years I’ve explored from using my Cricut for custom orders, to polymer clay to make handmade earrings, and this year I’ve expanded to sewing. I will likely rebrand including a new business name, so keep an eye out for the next exciting chapter!

Traci, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started my small business in November 2021. I picked up a Cricut from Costco after seeing all kinds of things one of my best friends made with hers. She made decor for my engagement party and it seemed like such a fun skill and craft to try. I also started crafting to be able to expand my hobbies and as an outlet for self care. I started out with making ornaments, expanded to cups, glasses, cake toppers, home decor and custom orders. I then picked up polymer clay and learned to make earrings in 2022, and have been working on improving my skill in that medium type. In January of 2024, I learned to sew on my grandma’s vintage sewing machine. She helped show me how to use it, and I made my first scrunchie. Later in January 2024, I bought my own sewing machine and have learned to make scrunchies, bows, stuffed pumpkins, tote bags, and coasters. I can’t wait to continue to focus on sewing in 2025 to continue to expand my business.
I feel that my small business is able to provide products that are on trend, but also unique so that my customers can stand out and wear and use accessories that they can cherish.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Consistency (with balance) has been one of the main factors with my social media presence. I try my best to post consistently throughout the week while allowing myself to balance with my full time job and taking time for myself as to not feel overwhelmed.
I’ve been exploring various ways to take product photos and also edit my media content. I track what content does well and what seems to be working in terms of how long to make my reels, what types of photos and clips to use, what music is trending – all the while of staying true to who I am.
For those starting to build their social media, I would say allow yourself to explore what works for you and your brand and it’s okay to go through trial and error to find what is going to be successful for your brand.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I would say I am still learning effective strategies for growing my clientele, but I would say so far my strategy is to have multiple methods for growth. I have been exploring in person markets to see which ones best match my brand and have guests that are interested in what I have to offer. I’ve also focused on trying to continue to apply and attend markets that are by the same organizers so that I can continue to be a familiar face amongst attendees which I feel helps build trust and reputation. It’s also a great way to build connections and network with other small businesses – even some friendships!
Social media has been helpful, of course, to stay in touch and maintain my presence when clientele follow me.
Referrals and word of mouth – I try to work in custom orders which often times lead to more referrals and has been especially helpful.
Occasionally at my markets, I offer entry to a raffle for new social media followers which has shown some growth this year as well and allows me to keep in touch with clientele.
Above all, I try to relate to my clientele and work really hard to maintain positive relations with them. It truly brings me joy to see people be happy wearing my jewelry and using my accessories.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tracik.designs