Kit Burke-Smith is an artist, maker, entrepreneur, mother and a resident
of the creative town of Beacon for the last 15 years. Her 7-year-old daughter
and her booming jewelry making business, Kit Burke-Smith Jewelry, keep her busy
and fulfilled. How does she make it all work? HV Parent has the inside
scoop!
HVP: What are the biggest challenges of having your own
creative business?
Kit: It's not easy to
put yourself out there creatively. I had to learn that a critique of something I made is not a critique of who I am. It's hard wearing
all the hats. I have to be a designer, maker, record keeper, publicist,
advocate and about 12 other things!
HVP: What is the
biggest reward of owning your own business?
K: Having this business lets me share with others. I love seeing someone wear something I made out in the wild! I feel proud and accomplished of
my business and look forward to learning, and continuously getting better at what I
do.
HVP: How do you
balance work and family?
K: My husband and I both value family time and try to avoid working when
everyone is home, but
it isn't always possible. Be fully present
in the time you do spend with your family and friends, and then don't feel
guilty about needing to go into your studio, closing the door behind you and
not coming out for a while.
HVP: How did plans for your business change after you
had your child?
K: My daughter
motivates me even more. I want her to see me doing something I am proud of.
HVP: What is one misconception you had when you started
your business about how you would make it all work?
K: When my daughter was young, I mistakenly thought I would get so much
work done while she was napping. I learned the hard way that having a fixed
amount of work time is completely different than working without knowing how
much time you are actually going to get.
HVP: What is your top tip for moms who want to start
their own business?
K: Seek out other people like you and use them as motivation. When I was
setting up my first online shop, I was part of a group of creative women that wanted to do the same thing. Being around other artists helped me keep my creativity
flowing. It opens you up to new ideas and possibilities.