Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Kaye.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It was sometime in 2017. I had just moved in to a new apartment and was looking for unique ways to decorate my new place on the cheap. I found some vintage odds and ends from one of the thrift stores that I frequented — and made my first pin board… basically a framed piece consisting of a few different materials that securely held my enamel pin collection. It came out looking quite cool actually, so I posted a picture to social media and forgot all about it. I was shocked when I got my first commission requests from some friends to make more pin boards — so I ran with it. I took some business classes in college, asked a lot of questions, read a lot, and ended up creating Lively Ghosts. I have always been drawn to the dark, macabre, and otherwise taboo — hence the name (it also serves as a paradox, which I liked).
What followed in the growth of the company still leaves me in absolute awe and sincere gratitude today. Essentially, the pin boards took off and the demand was more than anything I could have imagined. Quickly after the launch of Lively Ghosts, I took it upon myself to learn how to use various drawing platforms and create a line of my own pins to accompany the pin boards. Jump forward two years later, each pin board is still handmade with love and each pin is hand drawn by me as well.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To anyone who has had a smooth journey in starting their business ~ I tremendously envy you! That said, I’m immensely grateful for the journey that Lively Ghosts has taken me thus far. To be honest, I can’t say there are any major potholes I’ve hit (yet), but more-so the bigger struggle has been finding ‘balance’ in running a company on my own. In college, a professor once said, “an entrepreneur would rather work 80 hours a week for themselves than 40 hours a week for someone else”. Personally, I couldn’t agree more. Being the ‘everything’ person behind Lively Ghosts is both insanely stressful and incredibly rewarding. It’s a struggle I’d imagine many individual business owners have come across, and one to certainly learn from and see as an opportunity to expand.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lively Ghosts – what should we know?
Lively Ghosts is most commonly known as the home of the Velvet Coffin Pin Board. Additionally, I see Lively Ghosts as a home for the spooky and macabre with a playful twist. The shop has grown to include enamel pins, shirts, stickers, and more. Ultimately, Lively Ghosts is meant to cater to the creatures of the shadows — the lovers of horror, dark arts and the macabre.
As for myself, a business card couldn’t fit all of the titles I hold within Lively Ghosts! I am the owner, creator, designer, crafter, head of marketing and social media, photographer, event staff, accountant, operations manager, customer service representative…the list goes on. That said, I stand most proudly behind the title of “Artist”. Broad, perhaps, but I find such respect in the title and feel most honored being considered as such.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In a word: genuineness. If I’m honest, I’m not sure I’ll ever fathom the growing success of Lively Ghosts and what it has become. I have boundless gratitude for each and every person that even trips upon Lively Ghosts accidentally. I pour my heart out into my work and from what I’ve been told — it shows. A compliment I truly take to heart is when people say that beyond their love of the artwork from Lively Ghosts is the person behind it. I vehemently value each customer and make a point to let each person know that. I’ve found that most people enjoy supporting small businesses when they know their purchase is going to someone truly grateful for it. Sometimes it’s a refreshing reminder to know you’re supporting an independent artist with your purchase.
Pricing:
- Pins : $10-$12
- Shirts : $22
- Pin Boards : $40-80
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LivelyGhosts.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/LivelyGhosts
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LivelyGhosts
Image Credit:
Ryan Valdez, Lindsay Kaye
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