Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Rivera.
Hi Katrina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I used to work the typical “9-5” for a very long time. And I was O.K. with that for the time being. Everyone knows it’s not 9-5. You have to get enough sleep to wake up with enough time to eat and get dressed, and if you’re especially vigorous, throw in that extra time for a workout and a shower because you know you will not do it after work. Then the commute! Oh, the drive there it’s something serious.
It wasn’t until my separation from my last full-time job that I realized all my time was so focused on work that the only “me” or “us” time existed from dinner until bedtime and then the weekends. One day, my husband and I discussed how terrible it feels to rely on someone else for a paycheck. We also discussed how easily replaceable we all are in the workforce. We’ve always talked about starting our own business, but we didn’t know the first thing about it. “What can we do? What do we know how to do? What do we have to learn to do this?”
While I was at home, I realized how much I loved spending time with my husband, working on something that involved the two of us. I was also able to focus more on my relationship with God and to focus more on my physical well-being. We both realized how important it was for me to find something I enjoyed doing. I no longer have to devote much time and energy to helping others reach their goals. The primary focus in my life is my relationship with God and my family. Then, I make time for work. And I work when my priorities are taken care of, not the other way around. And it feels liberating. I’ve always heard that you make time for the things that are important to you. This is us making that happen.
Alright, 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?
Every new experience comes with its challenges. Since we are ‘newbies,’ we knew struggles would be expected. Such as:
-Finding clients: We are so new to the printing game; how on EARTH are people to find us in this open ocean of people that offer the same services we do? We had to relearn social media, tackle advertising opportunities and accept that we would have to do a few promotional items to get our name out there.
-Learning the tools of the trade: Everyone online makes it seem too easy. It’s not at first. I always figured I could learn just by watching others do it, so I lived on YouTube watching the GREATS do their thing. Then, as I started one branch of printing, I learned there are (what feels like) millions of ways to print. Then this overwhelming feeling of indecision flushes over me; I want to do it all! I want to offer everything! But my eyes are larger than my wallet. So I’ve taught myself to wait and be patient. I’ll get there one day.
-Saying ‘No’: This is a scary word to say to someone who wants your business. Initially, if you reject one person, your business will go down the drain. Again, being new in this trade and not being well-known (yet) makes you feel like you’re in this teeny tiny boat in the middle of the ocean, hoping to catch a fish. But saying ‘No’ saves your sanity. You say ‘No’ when you can’t meet their expectations without depriving yourself of sleep, food, and other priorities in your life. You say “No’ when you feel your conscience will be uneasy with what you’re about to produce. You say “No’ when your requirements exceed your abilities. I always remind myself, “I love my job, and I want to continue loving my job. So I won’t put myself in a situation where I am no longer enjoying myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We’re a small business focused on helping other small businesses. When a business orders from us, we provide comfortable garments with their custom logos and help promote their business on our accounts when we show off our work. It’s a win-win! Everyone needs advertising and uniformity, and our custom apparel does both.
We not only make custom clothing to offer uniforms to service-related industries; we love providing our services for those who want to create their brand. We offer a print-on-demand service. Instead of buying the merchandise in bulk and worrying about inventory, the brand’s owner charges the customer for the product, and then we provide the apparel. What differentiates us from other print-on-demand services is that if there is any change in material or substances used to create their apparel, the owner is notified and given a sample. So the designer is always in control of the quality of their merchandise. We also have a Komfy Owl Studios branch, where we create eye-catching five to fifteen-second videos to help other businesses attract more customers. This is still in the beginning stages, but we have already created content for several clients for their Instagram and YouTube channels.
When it comes to our growth as a business, thankfully, it has been steadily increasing. Word of mouth has helped us. There’s nothing better than knowing repeat clients refer our services to their friends. And learning how to navigate social media helps a ton. I’m not the greatest at posting content, but I understand it’s important, especially since we rely on images and videos to catch interest.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am a walking, talking oxymoron. I love being spontaneous, but I thrive in a routine. I can be loud, perky, and full of positive energy when I know you, but I am also a part-time recluse where I start a conversation with someone I don’t know and can’t figure out what they will say to me will give me a mild panic attack. Ladies and gentlemen, I am neurodivergent! I have ADHD. I walk around with authority because I can’t have you know that I’m second or triple guessing my every step. I have lists and alarms at all times. You probably would have guessed it if you had reached my business voicemail. It says, “I’ve probably lost my phone for the 27th time today, so please text or email me.” Honestly, answering the phone gives me severe anxiety, but my fear of losing out on a client because I couldn’t swipe the answer button wins over my anxiety (at times). I have to write things down, and I need to carry a conversation in an email to help remind me of the ever-changing orders some of my clients make. Email and texts are my lifeline to sanity. So yeah, if I don’t answer your phone call, don’t take it personally. I’m just doing that Dr. Strange thing where he’s envisioning every possible scenario before I get back to you. So this is your heads up, lol.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @komfy_owl_designs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/komfyowldesigns
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaQDu1Osi5cqsw9i6AEkxSg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/komfy-owl-designs-saint-cloud-2
Image Credits
JBO Fitness – Spartan Race ISK Tree Services Salsa Heat Orlando ReMillionaires
