Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca King
Hi Rebecca, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
A little over a year ago, I left my “corporate job” in search of a change. Previously, I did all the things I was told I was “supposed” to do and I reached every goal I had for myself in terms of success in my career. However, I was wildly unhappy, constantly anxious, and absolutely in need of a change.
All I knew for sure was that when I was making art, I was most content and it served my overall mental health best, over any other activity, so I ran with it!
As a kid, I dreamed of choosing art as a career but it didn’t seem practical. as I grew older, I made less and less art. I didn’t have the energy or time to create, let alone pursuing it as a way to make money. After quitting, I left myself with no choice but to make it work! I started by making things that I would want and tried to offer something I hadn’t seen around. I had a positive response so I continued to create, share & sell my creations.
My business has evolved over the past year and I have learned so much. I started by exclusively doing pop-up markets and have since branched into hosting workshops, selling online, at local shops, music festivals, and several of my pieces have even been feature in galleries around Central Florida.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are many logistical challenges a business will face in the first year, however, I found that my biggest challenge was learning to step out of my own way and letting go of what I thought I “knew”
I’ve always desired “control” over as much as I can through many areas in life and starting this business left me no choice but to surrender to the process. Starting this business without any experience or guideline, I had to rely on my own research, marketing, and networking skills in order to launch anything that would be anywhere close to “successful”.
I’ve also struggled with how to define and measure “success” for my businesses. Although it is something I continue to work through, I find that the through line for what I consider success is whether I am more content, in better health- mentally and physically than I was previously and of course, making sure I can pay my bills! This shift in mindset has helped me a ton during my slow days when things don’t necessarily fit my traditional ideas of success. I encourage any new, passion-focused business owners to also find their own definition of success that are outside of their traditional views too!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make art in all kinds of forms, however my main business is under “The Dapper Elephant”. The majority of what I sell is hand embellished & designed accessories. I also host workshops & travel with a DIY Accessories Bar where you can make your own!
I’m most known around town for my funky sunglasses. People love to wear them for concerts, festivals & specials events, or like me- a regular Tuesday!
Overall, I have found my biggest asset is selling ME. I believe coming from a personal approach has caused my customers to feel a sense of connection to the material object or experience that I am offering. Connecting with people is one of my favorite parts of the job!
I’m most proud of the way I’ve stuck with this from idea to execution and learned to “go with the flow” a bit more, giving into the process of an ever-evolving market & economy.
I’m also proudly getting good use out of my UCF marketing degree!
But most importantly, I’m very proud of myself for making the decision to change up my whole life to put mental health above all else.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Based on my tattoos, piercings & colored hair, you may not initially think that my previous work was in real estate sales for over 7 years! I barely recognize the person I was before I started this post- real estate journey and you may not have either.
Pricing:
- Sunglasses $12+
- Other Accessories $6-$15
- DIY Accessories Bar $6-$25
- Workshop Pricing $15+ (see socials for specifics)
- Private Events & Customs Available Upon Request
Contact Info:
- Website: http://linktr.ee/TheDapperElephant
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedapperelephant/?utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g7RcvBFYUSw3nNXg/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
