Meet the Maker: Twin Sparrow
It’s time to introduce you to the next maker in our Meet the Maker Series! This week, we’re so excited to introduce you to Jake & Natalie of Twin Sparrow! Just this year, we added their hand-stamped leather keychains to shop, and we are obsessed. We had the privilege of interviewing Natalie about their business & are so thrilled to share it with you.
Keep reading for our full Q&A & shop Twin Sparrow in our boxes below!
Tell us a little bit about your story! How did you get started?
Well, we are a little bit more of a unique situation! My husband Jake & I purchased Twin Sparrow in January of this year. I had been working as the wholesale account manager for about 9 months before we purchased the company. It was an easier transition than I imagine most would have, considering I knew the company very well as an employee!
Something I still struggle with is receiving such a beautiful company and then making steps to make it my own. This business passed through two other owners before landing with my husband and I, so we've really had to set aside time to create a game plan and brand for what we want this business to be like in our hands.
I really enjoy taking such a creative business, organizing it and seeing growth happen. There has been INCREDIBLE growth which makes both my husband and I excited! We are both business people at heart; we love putting time and energy into a product and brand we love and believe in and seeing the business take off.
I've also been able to access the creative side of myself, which in the past, I didn't normally give time to. It's been a beautiful, scary journey of creating something that I love, with the hopes that others will too!
What do you love about the medium you work in?
I love interacting with the different retailers we sell to! This was my job before I bought the company, so I have a special place in my heart for all of them!
I also spoke to this above, but I love the day-to-day tasks. I've also been honored to have hired my brother recently to take over many aspects of our wholesale accounts, as well as special projects, so I love being able to interact with him on a day-to-day basis! He is really helping to grow the company and keep me from going crazy with work! (haha)
If you could offer any advice to other creatives who are just starting out, what would you say?
I would say, "it takes a village."
If you are the type of creative who isn't necessarily skilled with administrative skills, find someone, either a friend or loved one, who knows you well and can push you in the right direction; organization, time management, etc. This may not necessarily be a hired position, if you are just starting out. Or, it could be a position later down the road!
If you are extremely organized, surround yourself with creatives. You can be both, but if you have a drive to make things a well oiled machine, like me, then either surround yourself with creative people, or carve out time to be creative.
We need both types of people and both types of skills!
What are the best ways for people to support you right now?
I'm a words of affirmation person! These past 6 months since buying the business have been incredibly stretching, consuming and exhausting, but I leave feeling fulfilled. Words of affirmation makes me feel loved as I realize that others can see and identify what I am doing. My husband Jake is great at this! :)
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