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When I used to think about small business owners I certainly didn't think of someone like myself. I spent most of my college years listening to bad jam bands and working in a printmaking studio trying to figure out how I'd make a living off of the semi-awful artwork I was producing. Three years later I found myself in Brooklyn running a website that somehow sprouted an e-commerce shop this year. I hardly made a business plan and certainly didn't think about how I should brand my company, but here I am, running a small (but successful) business from my apartment in Park Slope.
Working next to my cats on the couch one day I caught myself thinking of how I could expand my website (where I write about product and interior design) and it hit me- I was one of those people. Those people who ran their own companies, considered their business' future and thought about how best to please the consumer (in my case, my readers) and myself. As much as that thought used to send chills down my spine, it suddenly made sense. I was 24 and doing something I actually liked every day and finding a way to make a living at it. I figured maybe this whole small business thing wasn't actually such a bad idea.
Since I've learned to embrace the site (and myself in a sense) I've become more confident with my writing, the site's content and style and the way in which I run my small business. Design*Sponge may have started as a way to give my boyfriend a break from incessant design commentary, but it's become something that I am thoroughly proud of and thrilled to run every day.
Over the course of my posts here I'll be talking about what it's been like to be a young woman running a web-based business. Stay tuned for tales of scandal, intrigue, blogger back-stabbing and some of the most archaic ad sales managers in the history of the internet. Along the way I hope to help those starting a small business avoid some of the perils and pitfalls of going it on your own.
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Comments (10)
Can you enlighten us how you make a living from a blog?
Posted by Clueless | November 4, 2006 9:21 PM
Posted on November 4, 2006 21:21
Dear Grace,
I'm looking forward to reading more of your business blog. I'm also starting my own small business (and also in Brooklyn!). Can't wait to get your tales of intrigue. I need all the advice I can get.
Posted by Katie | November 4, 2006 10:34 PM
Posted on November 4, 2006 22:34
Hey Grace, we met at the Caravan and designsponge party during design week. I love your work and I am rooting for your continued success. I cant wait to hear about your struggles and accomplishments as a fellow young entrepreneur.
Posted by Tina | November 5, 2006 2:10 AM
Posted on November 5, 2006 02:10
Hi Grace,
As someone who found myself in the same exact situation (one day just writing, then editing and then voila… my little side project's a real biz) I'm excited to read your posts from the business owner's POV...
As you know, I love d*s and am encouraged to see other female entrepreneurs making it happen out there. Keep up the great work -- and down with old school ad sales managers. ;)
Kelly
www.BussBuss.com
Posted by kelly | November 5, 2006 8:44 AM
Posted on November 5, 2006 08:44
I can say that DesignSponge is an inspiration for many of us and have no doubts why you have been chosen to share your experience here.
Great idea! Congratulations BizBox!
Posted by trendoffice | November 5, 2006 10:17 AM
Posted on November 5, 2006 10:17
Hi guys, thanks so much for your thoughts. I hope my stories about running a small business are helpful (or at least interesting) to those of you in the business or just interested in design..
As for how I make a living: I sell advertising on three of my websites (the main blog, guest blog and shop) that pays a portion of my rent and I continue to freelance for House & Garden, The Philadelphia Inquirer and a few other publications. So freelancing plus the site's advertising keep my clothed and fed. ;)
Grace
Posted by Grace | November 6, 2006 4:25 PM
Posted on November 6, 2006 16:25
Hey Grace,
You are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on writing, art, business, and blogging. I hope your success continues to blossom.
A faithful d*s reader.
Posted by Amanda | November 7, 2006 2:51 AM
Posted on November 7, 2006 02:51
Well done Grace - keep the info coming. As another design blogger and avid D*S reader you continue to be a true inspiration and master of advice!
All the best, Joanne.
Posted by Joanne | November 7, 2006 3:23 PM
Posted on November 7, 2006 15:23
great story
Posted by Jen | November 21, 2006 8:36 PM
Posted on November 21, 2006 20:36
What your doing is nice, but I wouldn't say you are an inspiration. Every once in a while I'll visit your blog and see some cute things and wonder why you were chosen to be the hottest design blogger, I wouldn't even go as far as to categorize it under interior design....it should be under decorating. I guess you started at the right time and it is amazing how people flock to the site like sheep and think that they are viewing the 8th world wonder. Sorry, but I just don't understand the hype.
Posted by interiordesign | January 15, 2007 7:26 PM
Posted on January 15, 2007 19:26