Meet Kate Deparini | Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Deparini and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always been a naturally creative person. Prior to moving home, I was an event planner in San Diego, CA and a travel agent/event coordinator in Asheville, NC. I thrived in these creative environments and looked forward to making everybody’s special days perfect. While I loved living in the big cities and working these amazing jobs, in my heart, it was always my dream to be a stay at home mom. When my husband found out he was going on his second deployment in 2018, we decided it was the perfect time for me to move home to Lake Havasu and grow our roots. In January of 2020, we found out that we were expecting our first baby and we could not have been more excited. Knowing that I would be staying home, my husband bought me a Glowforge for my birthday to fill my creative void. I noticed an interest in the items I was making and realized I could turn my new hobby into a small business. It kind of just took off from there. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to both stay home with my son and have an artistic outlet again.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I like to think that my attention to detail is what sets me apart from others. I have always been a perfectionist and I take great pride in my work. I would never sell anything that I wouldn’t personally buy and display in my home. I specialize in custom laser cut and engraved creative goods, bringing people’s ideas to life. I’ve made home decor, hats, baby items, Christmas items, cutting boards and fun knick knacks, but I am constantly evolving over time. Most recently, I’ve added crocheted animals and knitwear to my shop. I also host DIY paint parties and at home DIY kits. I love watching people create and always find such pleasure in seeing all of the different ways that the same design can turn out.

While most of my business is done virtually through social media, and all of my items are made at home, I do try to participate in several farmer’s markets and craft fairs throughout the year to also reach people who prefer to shop in person. I always look forward to those events for the social aspect of getting to meet new people and talk with potential customers about exciting customized projects.

Over the last two years, I’ve learned so much about my craft and owning a business in general. For any other mompreneurs looking to start up your own business, here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way.
1. Your time is valuable and fleeting. Your babies won’t be little forever. Put them first and don’t feel guilty when you don’t get as much done in a day as you would have liked.
2. Charge what you are worth. It’s still something I struggle with, but I try to remember that I work hard and shouldn’t undersell myself. Handmade items will never be able to compete with Hobby Lobby prices.
3. It’s ok to say no. If there is a project you are not confident in or don’t think you are going to be able to finish it in the time requested, let your customer know and help them find somebody who would be better suited.
4. Set turn around times and charge for rush orders if need be.
5. Enjoy what you are doing! You started this business because it was something you love doing. If you always keep that in mind and create every project like it’s the first, you will never consider it work.

I’m not going to lie… starting a business at the same time you are expecting a new baby is a lot. Being both a new mother and a new business owner, I had a lot to learn. Over time, I’ve found that the best way to have a work-life balance is to force yourself to set boundaries. Staying home and making your own schedule, it’s so easy to overwork yourself. As time goes on, I am finding what works and what doesn’t. It won’t be the same for everybody. Personally, I create a timeline based on priority and I fill orders when my son is napping or after he goes to bed. Now that we are expecting baby number 2, I’ve decided to really focus and find my niche. While I will still be offering custom orders, I have really found my passion in baby and children’s items as well as Christmas decor, and will be putting most of my energy into expanding that part of my brand. Stay tuned to see what’s next for my little business!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is always something going on in Lake Havasu City. Some of my favorite events throughout the year are our Renaissance Faire, Balloon Festival, and London Bridge Days. Being in the arts, you will likely find me watching a show at our local community theater, Grace Arts Live, visiting the Farmer’s Market at the KAWS, walking down the Art Walk at First Friday on Main Street, or working a booth at a craft fair. I also enjoy going to trivia nights weekly at Hangar 24. Some of my favorite places to eat are Golden Phoenix, La Vita Dolce, Angelina’s, La Caracha, and Four Clovers.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I credit the success of my business to my family. There is no way that I could juggle being a mom and running a business by myself. There is so much going on behind the scenes that contribute to my final product. I appreciate all of their help from watching the baby while I’m creating, moving heavy furniture for my market set ups, cooking for me while I’m crafting late into the night, and sharing my social media posts/promoting me to everybody they know. I’m especially grateful for my sweet husband for believing in me and letting me stay home to pursue my passion, as well as starting my business up financially.

I’d like to give the biggest shout out to my grandpa. He constantly inspires me and by far, my favorite part of my business is getting to work side by side with him. He owned Kuerner Manufacturing, making gorgeous high end wooden bed trays for many years. Since retiring, I like to keep him busy doing projects with me. He teaches me tricks of the woodworking trade and I keep him young. It’s so special to be able to work together and make memories doing what we enjoy.

Website: glowandarrowaz.com

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