Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zoë Schaeffer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zoë, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

For the past 10 years, I have been sending punny holiday cards to my friends and family. In 2022, an idea hit me – why limit the joy of puns to just one season? At that time, I was living in St. Louis, Missouri, where I was born and raised. I had been considering a move to Seattle, Washington to be closer to my sister and her family, and knew that I wanted the name of my business to have a tie to Missouri – Howdy Stranger Studio was created!

Working with Sweet Momma Blair, a St. Louis small business, played a role in HSS’s creation. Attending pop-up events around town, I noticed a genuine need for handmade greeting cards. This realization, coupled with my passion for puns, fueled my conviction that I could fill this gap with my own unique creations.

What sets Howdy Stranger Studio apart is the personal touch ingrained in every card. From the initial design and printing to the final fold, the entire process happens all at home! I take pride in crafting each card meticulously, ensuring that every creation is a labor of love.

In essence, Howdy Stranger Studio is more than just a business; it’s a culmination of a decade-long tradition, a cross-country move, and a genuine desire to create smiles through the art of puns, all while embracing the charm of handmade craftsmanship.

Zoë, 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?

My journey began with a simple desire to spread joy and love to the people I care about. I started by creating holiday cards for my friends and family and soon discovered that there was a need for unique and meaningful cards in the market. This inspired me to create punny, minimalistic, and colorful greeting cards to celebrate all of life’s special moments. I hope that my cards put a smile on your face and you will spread the joy by sharing them with others!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The biggest challenge I have faced is moving my business from St. Louis to Seattle. One significant challenge in moving my small business across the country was leaving behind the support system I had built in St. Louis. In Seattle, I faced the task of establishing new connections, and finding markets and pop-up events, some of which didn’t yield the expected turnout. After a few disappointing events, I briefly questioned if Seattle was the right fit for Howdy Stranger Studio.

However, I persevered, took the time to understand the local market, and continued attending events. This resilience paid off as I gained insights into which events would be more successful for my business. Today, I have a better understanding of the Seattle market and can strategically choose events that align with Howdy Stranger Studio’s success.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I started building my audience on Instagram, I focused on the local community by following accounts in my area. Recognizing the algorithm’s affinity for reels, I created behind-the-scenes videos, offering a glimpse into the making of my greeting cards – a hit with my followers.

Consistent posting became my goal, sharing stories, reels, photos, and event updates regularly. Although social media can feel like a second full-time job and is time-consuming, the payoff in the end makes it worthwhile. The engagement and connection with the audience are invaluable.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.howdystrangerstudio.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/howdystranger.studio/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091728660511