Guest Author - Faith Ford
What would you do if had the choice to do whatever you wanted as a job? This is what you have to ask yourself first. Think hard about that one passionate thing that you’re good at. It should be something that you enjoy doing, and something that you wouldn’t mind doing for free. For Design Glut’s co-founders Liz Kinnmark and Keegan Fisher, it’s exactly how their career journey began. The design duo met at a furniture fair, where they were both selling their furniture wares. One thing that day stood out as being obvious to them both; they disliked all of the excess, both were tired of seeing the same predictable designed goods. The idea of their business, Design Glut, soon came into existence as the answer. It was already decided that their new venture company would have to have designs based on the unpredictable, with goods that would keep people talking. Hopefully, it would even get them to evoke a smile.
Originally, the two women started out with punchy-trendy home goods accessories, but eventually they began to work with stainless steel and enamel fashion jewelry---and it was a hit. People were more than amused by something they hadn’t yet seen--pay phone necklaces, reversible sign necklaces, love stamp necklaces and more. No one would have ever guessed that much online buzzed about Design Glut was but a two person company. It was the power of the internet, and their professionalism which began to give them the kind of exposure they needed. But there was only one problem. After doing the research on what they needed to further succeed, it was determined that the two would have to come up with samples. To be exact, thirty three designs in three colors at a cost of $100 a prototype plus $100 for shipping. The Brooklyn-based gals had to come up with $10,000 in order to offer them to the stores who’d potentially buy their inventory for the spring and summer. The business partners found out about an online website called Kickstarter.com, a place where entrepreneurs have the opportunity to get funding for their projects for free. Their efforts yielded success. They managed to raise over $11,000.
These days, it’s nothing but smooth sailing for Design Glut. Their designs are sold online, as well in stores. Kinnmark and Fisher are also demonstrating that it’s about giving back. They do interviews for other up and coming designers that they believe in so that they have access and a platform. Dream big, work hard, do your research, and give back. It’s the perfect happy ending to any story ever told.
