Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Ann.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Stephanie Ann. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been crafting ever since I was a little girl. I was always fascinated with art and creativity. My parents enrolled me in artistic classes every summer, whether it was drawing, painting, or origami. Regardless of the subject, I was taking an art class every summer and always looked forward to it!
My origami class is where I grew my love for paper. I loved how a sheet of paper could be transformed into a swan, a frog, or some random item that I didn’t think was possible with paper! I was amazed at all of the possibilities paper could do!
I stopped doing origami for a few years but never stopped being crafty or creative. I would do a lot of scrapbooking for my family or birthday cards for my friends at work. Surprisingly, whatever the project was, it was always related to paper!
In November 2018, I was engaged to my amazing-now-husband, Leonard, and had a laundry list of DIY projects I wanted to make for the wedding! Seriously… the list was AT LEAST 30 things!
The wedding planning was really the start to this business. I was so in love with how many different types of creative projects can come together for this one special event. From invitations, the bouquet, backdrops, etc. Such a variety of creations that I could make! My friends and family were so impressed by all that we did for the wedding that countless people told me to consider this as a business… and here we are now.
In Summer of 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, I decided to start this business. I am still in the planning and development phase but am thankful for the brides who have trusted me to create decor for them so far.
I know being an entrepreneur in the creative field is not a common career path. and I know there will be SO many obstacles to overcome. I am endlessly thankful for all the support I have received so far, especially from my parents, my husband, close friends, and my fellow vendors in the wedding industry.
I hope you enjoy my creations as much as I have enjoyed making them. This is a new beginning for my life and let’s see what God has in store!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
These past few months definitely have not been smooth. For instance, the pandemic has forced some brides to be more cost-conscious now than ever before. It is challenging to make profitable sales for brides when they are on a tight budget.
Another challenge was that my business Instagram was disabled without warning. It appears Instagram is becoming more strict with their program and other vendors have been disabled as well. Working three years on my account, having thousands of followers, and to see it all taken away is heartbreaking.
I have filed many claims to get it back, but no response. The only choice I have now is to rebrand, re-strategize, and rebuild.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lovely Steph Creations – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Lovely Steph Creations specializes in custom wedding decor and gifts. I am mainly known for my creations such as paper flower backdrops, wedding signs, custom guest place cards and invitations.
Being in the wedding industry, I am proud of building trust with the bride. This is a very unusual and difficult year to plan a wedding. I am proud of being chosen to create something special for their big day! When brides receive their order, majority of the time they tell me that the items make them more excited for their wedding day! Being a Covid bride is difficult enough, knowing that I made them feel a little better about their situation is a wonderful feeling.
Throughout the past few months of starting this business, I am mainly proud of starting this journey. Many people are afraid of being an entrepreneur due to the uncertainty. Quite frankly, I do not blame them, especially due to the pandemic. It is definitely a risk to be an entrepreneur and it is not a steady path. I am most proud of taking that first step, that leap of faith, in starting this business.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The biggest change for the future is to do the business full-time. Currently, I am doing this part-time with a full-time career in the corporate industry. Devoting my focus and attention to the business will allow me to make it grow more within the wedding industry.
Another plan for the future is to establish an e-commerce website. By using a more professional platform, I am able to expand my outreach nationwide and provide more customized creations for brides-to-be!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@lovelystephcreations.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Lovely.Steph.Creations
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LovelyStephCreations
Image Credit:
Shuttered Light Photography, Chrissie Good Photo, Brianna Caster
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