Kelly Hughes has wanted to run her own business since she was in high school. “I knew it would be something that would utilize my creativity, but it wasn’t until a year after I was married that I decided upon a card business,” said Kelly. “I was looking for personalized stationery for myself and couldn’t find what I was looking for. It then hit me….I can do this!”
In November 2002, Kelly started her business by designing a small handful of cards. She started by selling to friends and family, then with the help of her brother-in-law, launched her website three years ago.
Clever Parents love Kelly Hughes Designs for personalized vinyl labels, adorable placemats you can wipe clean, and whimsical, but elegant paper products. We caught up with Kelly to talk about creating new designs, balance, and sippy cups.
Clever Parents:What do you like most about running your own business?
Kelly Hughes: I love the excitement of creating new designs, coming up with new ideas and most of all, growing my business. No matter how hard I have to work or how stressful it becomes, I still love what I do. I think that
is the key to having a successful business.
CP: What is the most challenging part about running your own business?
KH: Trying to balance every aspect of the business is a big challenge. I don’t like the accounting, but it has to be done! It is also a challenge to hand off responsibilities to employees as my business grows. However, I have been very lucky to have great employees.
CP: What are your hottest selling items?
KH: The kids line consistently sells well. The Ladybug & Sports Fan note cards are the top sellers. Vinyl labels are also great because they can be used on bottles or sippy cups, or they can be used on birthday gifts! Parents love using them so they don’t have to label bottles and cups every day before day care or school.
CP: What are your favorite items that you sell?
KH: The flat notes are my favorite item. The cards are the base of my line and I just love the clean, fresh look of the flat notes. They are so perfect for gift-giving!
CP: You started selling cards to friends and family when you were young. Do you think that was driven more by your ‘entrepreneur’ or your ‘designer’ side?
KH: Good question! I must say it was probably both. However, I’ve always loved designing and knew that I would have a career that involved designing. I guess it took me a while to figure out that it would be designing cards & invitations!
CP: What’s next for Kelly Hughes Designs?
KH: I am constantly adding and changing my designs. I think it’s important to keep things looking new & fresh. I just added personalized placemats for kids & will be adding notepads to my line next month.
CP: What do you do to create a balance between running a business and being a mom to two children under two years old?
KH: It’s not always easy! I work hard all day and I make sure that I leave my work at the
end of the day to spend the evenings with the girls. Running your own business can be an all consuming task. I also am trying really hard to keep my office at my home. I want to be here to know what goes on with them every day and to make sure they know I’m nearby. I would never want my work to get in the way of my time with the girls. They are my first priority. And of course, I could never do it without my husband. He is incredibly patient and helpful.
CP: Any tips for Clever Parents who are thinking of starting a business?
KH: Yes, make sure you do something that you are passionate about. It makes all the difference. If you are passionate about your work, you will be successful.
CP: What are some of your hobbies / outside interests?
KH: Well, with my business and my girls, there is no time left for hobbies! Although, before the girls, I loved to garden and of course, shop!
CP:If you could drop everything for a week and take a vacation, where would you go?
KH: Funny, my husband and I are trying to figure that out right now! We are celebrating our 5 year anniversary this year and are taking a vacation to celebrate. It’s a toss up between a relaxing vacation on the beach in Mexico or a trip to Ireland, our favorite overseas destination!
- Kelly Hughes is a Clever Parent to Molly, 22 months, and Lucy, 8 months, and lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, Tom, and her girls. Visit Kelly Hughes Designs at www.kellyhughesdesigns.com.
By Kris on 04/15/06 in 2006 Business Spotlights, Featured, Gear, More Than Paper
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