Founders Feature: Wilmot by Design

Wilmot by Design

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Tell us a little bit about Wilmot by Design and what led you to go into business.

My name is Alexandra Wilmot. I started my business in the summer of 2014. I stumbled across someone on Instagram who made monograms, and I fell in love with the concept. I was SO obsessed and I absolutely had to begin making them for myself. My original name was ALI Monograms. I made 11 sales from 2014-2019. When I was stuck at home on FMLA after my surgery, I bought a cricut, started making cups and decals, and re-launched my Etsy store in January 2020! I made over 3k sales that year.

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What have been some of the greatest challenges you've experienced as an entrepreneur, and what did you take away or learn from those experiences?

Definitely working two jobs (teaching full time and running an Etsy store) was a very hard experience. I finally decided to put a pause on my teaching career after 4 years in the classroom. After taking the biggest risk of my life, it completely paid off. I can't believe I'm self employed!

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What kind of growth have you seen at Wilmot by Design? What do you think helped drive that growth?

My first 6 years on Etsy I made 11 sales. The 7th year, I made over 3,000. It's insane! I think what helped me the most with growth was taking advantage of social media, especially tiktok and instagram. I also really dove into influencer marketing.

Do you have any techniques, tools, or words of wisdom on how you successfully engage your customers?

Show your face! It's so embarrassing at first, but you have to show the face behind your brand on instagram and other socials. Otherwise, people forget you're actually a human being and just see you as your brand.

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Why Wilmot by Design? What sets you apart?

I can truly make anything. I've had the wildest requests and always bring the customer's dream to life. I actually had to pause custom orders for a while since they were taking too much of my time! I also don't gatekeep information. I share everything i've learned.

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Who or what has been your biggest influence in starting your company?

I would say my mom. My mom is an entrepreneur at heart and I've gotten all of those genes! I call her the MOMager. She's the truest form of a mom boss. She's started countless companies and passed down all of her wisdom to me.

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What advice would you give to someone that is just starting their business?

Don't be afraid to get your name out there. Tell people about your business, don't be embarrassed!

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What does the future have in store for Wilmot by Design? Is there anything you want us to know about?

I will be releasing a book HOPEFULLY this year, if not early 2022! It's basically going to be sharing ALL of my secrets on how I became a top 1% etsy seller!

That's all for this week's edition of The New Yak Times! And a huge thank you to Alexandra of Wilmot by Design for sharing her insights. Tune in next week and subscribe below!