Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Bush.
Kelsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Lighter Note started as a blog of sorts. I created an Instagram page with the intent to blog encouraging things for people to read. I started it a few weeks before moving across the country to San Francisco. I didn’t write one blog. Instead, I began illustrating and hand lettering short things and shared them on that Instagram page. I was really lonely and needed to hear the things I was sharing. It turns out loads of people did, too.
My illustrations and writings were being passed around all over Instagram and cause on fast. My friend, Erica had encouraged me before I moved to get into making greeting cards. I put two and two together months later while illustrating these things, and I started with one postcard.
Today, Lighter Note is a paper-goods brand meant to encourage families and help them encourage those around them. We sell illustrated greeting cards, kid’s products, art prints, notepads stickers, and stationery. We sell wholesale to over 15 retail stores, and this Summer we’re opening our first retail shop in Downtown Anderson.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been a long but rewarding road. For something that began as an accident of sorts, the rest has been extremely intentional. In the beginning, the challenge was earning how to balance full-time work, and growing this small business on the nights and weekends. I eventually stepped down to working a part-time job and focusing on Lighter Note, then eventually no other job at all.
Educating myself along the way has been a priority. I have grown at the rate I’m able to do things well and within industry standards. I’ve been told, “No,” “Not yet,” “You’re just not there yet,” and, “That’s just not my style.” a lot along the way. But I’ve also heard some resounding, “We love your style,” “We are so excited to stock Lighter Note in our shop,” “When I think of buying a card I think of you first,”
Overall, the challenges have been out ways by growth and success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Outside of being the artist and owner of Lighter Note I’m a full-time freelance artist. I specialize in illustration and graphic design. What sets me apart is my experience with working on Lighter Note. That gives me an edge at an understanding with it is to run a business (the challenges, needs, and what it takes to thrive).
I design logos and full brand identities for other brands in my area (and throughout the US). I get to design some apparel, social media graphics, and the occasional illustrated wall mural.
I’m known for my reliable communication, lighthearted design, and holistic approach to art in business.
What are your plans for the future?
The future feels so bright. I’m excited for Lighter Note to move into a retail home in the Summer of this year.
I’m looking forward to expanding our kids’ product line, called Sunshine club. We want to add more useful and cute goods for the whole family, including our first-ever journals and wall calendars.
Pricing:
- Cards $5.50
- Notepads $13.00
- 8X10 Art Prints $15.00
- Stickers $3.50
- Notecards sets $22.00
Contact Info:
- Email: lighternoteillustration@gmail.com
- Website: www.lighternote.shop
- Instagram: @lighter.note
Image Credits
Kieran Hooker
