A colorful behind the scenes look on how I run my Small Business! 🌈💖🪩
Hello! I'm McKenna Rain, the designer and creator behind Palm Creative! I’m a 29-years-old who loves to read, create, drink way too much coffee and go thrifting! I just moved back to the PNW after living in Los Angeles for the past 7 years. I now live in Seattle, WA with my husband and 3 furbabies!
Palm Creative started in 2019 as a print shop along side my photography business and evolved during the pandemic into what it is today!
Everything is handmade by me in my little pink studio. I try to focus on positivity, mental health, lots of color and making things that make me happy and hopefully make you happy as well!
I know this video is from a few months ago and you probably figured it out, buttttt if not, have you tried using a pressing pillow when you press your tote bags?? I used to get SO frustrated, then found those and they were life changing! They usually apply just as easily as t-shirts with the pillow. It helps with all the thick seams and making things more even across!
Congrats on 1000 sales! Such a big milestone! I am curious… why return things when you’d likely just need to repurchase them again for future events or your online sales?
Thank you so much! So I mostly just returned the doubles of the booth stuff - like the 2nd tent, table and display stuff since I am not planning on doing a double up again anytime soon. But I think I will hold onto the blank apparel I havent used yet since I know i'll be doing more of them for the next few markets! :)
Girl you need some blinds or curtains for those windows. That will help with the heat. Also can you move the heat press to the living room and press out there just for the summer months?
@@kerafaith I knowwww I’m gonna look into it, it just feels so dark not having light in the room 💕 ooo that’s a good idea! I might do that. The only thing that sucks is how much dust happens from pressing and I don’t want it in my living room but it would be so much cooler
Also if you got someone else order that means they got YOUR order. With YOUR designs that are exclusive to your business. Ninja transfers would hate me.
@@NicaMiller yeah I was not happy they legit were like throw it away or use it and I was like why the fuck would I use someone else’s designs?! So idk if mine got sent out too but I was big upset
I press in the mornings or in the evenings. Texas heat is ridiculous, we have been under heat advisories. Our temps are in the 90s but feel like 110+ and this is just the beginning 😂
26:33-26:43: You just kindly responded to a question I posted, and I am appreciative. I wanted to support you beyond subscribing. It would be great if you had a “donate/buy me a coffee” button so I could show my appreciation for what you do for small businesses.
This one was INSANLY HIGH like the highest I have ever paid I think it was $550. I wouldn't recommend this one to someone starting out or really anyone it was way too high and not enough foot traffic for how much they said it would be well attended. I've done several events that are 2 days for way way less. Prices vary depending on the event type but I've done events from Free to this one being my highest. Good luck on your market and business journey!
@@PalmCreative Thank you very much for your reply. I'm hopeful that one day, we can even consider paying above $100😅. We are fortunate that kind people like you and your husband allow your viewers to tag along and reap the benefits of your experience.
Hi! I just found you! Thank you for being so real and transparent. As a small business myself I have a hard time and always compare my numbers to bigger small businesses or other types of small businesses that I shouldn’t compare so much that it makes me feel like I’m not doing good. The scale of their business compared to mine aren’t always the same and I have to remind myself that 1.) I need to be more active on social media and 2.) need to just focus on my own numbers and goals and not wish I was like the other businesses I follow. Everyone starts somewhere right?? Glad you made your booth and AirBNB expenses back!
Where did you get your silicone ring replacements for the cups? I am having that issue with some of my lids not fitting certain cups and I hadn't thought about getting different size rings. How did you even know what size rings to get? I have a 2 day pop up this weekend and I can relate to all the craziness and stress that goes on to get ready! Good luch on your upcoming events!
As someone who lives in triple digit temps with south facing windows… I totally understand. There’s this window film you can get (it attaches with water and is totally removable) that reflects a lot of heat. The downside is it darkens your room a bit, but it makes a huge difference.
Girl I didn't know you were gluten free!! I am as well, you should consider making a small launch of gluten free themed items like shirts and mugs with some funny gluten free phrases! There is a local person in my area that sells stickers, shirts, and hats at a popular gluten free bakery and also at a local gluten free convention and they seem to do really well! Love watching your videos and how realistic you are about running your business. I have a small macrame business I started this year called Hiking Boots Creations and I have really struggled at the craft markets and pop-ups, so it's been discouraging. But it helps me immensely to know that others struggle at different times with some of the tough parts too. Your videos bring me hope! Keep up the great work! As soon as I can actually make a profit in my business I cannot wait to buy some of your amazing stuff!! 🤞
Where do you buy your blanks? :) also I love love love your cohesive brand! I have a small business but need to make everything look good together! Props to you girl!
Hi 👋 Just wondering how far off international shipping might be? Asking for a friend 🤭 Do you still get the chance to do your photography here and there? Love your prints 💜
For stickers on Etsy I do it as a letter and add tracking. It totals $0.64. I found a RU-vid that walked me through setting it up. Game changer for sure.
22:21: Lessons I learned from this story... 1) Place a sign inside our tent: "In this space we are patient, kind, and respectful" 2) If a customer experiences an unsatisfactory moment beyond my control: a) apologize for the experience, it is NOT ok; b) have a few "complimentary" discount cards they can use online or right there. Here is how I handle awkward moments. This example is during a grocery store, checkout line issue: I am at the front of the line, there are people behind me, and someone walks up and starts placing their items at the cashier stand for checkout: Step 1: say "Hello" (attention-grabbing, clear, pleasant). I give the customer a moment to look up, take in the situation (oh, there is a line), excuse themselves, and get in line. If that does not happen Step 2 : say, "we are in line". Step 3: If that does not work and they continue to move towards checking out, then I look at the cashier for support. I will NOT engage further. You never know what mindset someone is in.
13:59 literally over the weekend a similar thing happened to me! It was my first market, and I also have my clothes in size order and a lady walks by, picks up a jacket (XS) and just goes "ugh, who is this supposed to fit, a child?!" then put it back and walked away. she didn't even give me the chance to tell her I go up to a 4X... weird
Lavender is so cute! We had a dapple wiener dog named Henry. He crossed the rainbow bridge in 2019 when he was 15. He was the sassiest, sweetest dog! How about "I read Banned Books" on the Kindle sleeves?
Thank you for the videos. I don't catch many lives, but I think you should do a live. I appreciate you and your husband/helpmate. You are so down to earth and encouraging to me to continue pressing forward in my small business.
