This past summer I had the pleasure of featuring the ladies of Mommy Mailbox who sent me one of their thoughtfully curated boxes. While working on this product review I came across a tumbler that quickly became one of my favourite things. My love of this product then lead me to Rachel Green of Intentionally Designed.

 

We connected over Instagram and she designed and printed our son’s baptism invitations, which we loved! (Check them out here). After getting to know Rachel and her company a little more, I decided to feature her on the blog. Rachel is an incredibly organized and creative mompreneur who not only runs her own branding and design company, but also works with and encourages other women to develop and create their own brands. I love seeing women and moms working together and raising each other up; community over competition!

Over the past few months it has been such a pleasure to get to know Rachel and watch her company grow and evolve and I am so happy to share her story today.

 

1. The mix of floral graphics and organizational tools truly make Intentionally Designed a creative expression of a city girl turned farmer’s wife. How did the company develop? What’s the story behind this beautifully blended design company?  

After living in busy cities my whole life, the slow pace of a small town was drastically different, but in a way it was refreshing. I will be honest; it is not the life I imagined for myself, but how often do things work out exactly like we dreamed they would? I am a strong believer in the fact that everything happens for a reason and I know that God has His own plan for my life that is a thousand times better than anything I can ever imagine. In 2012 I started Printed Ink (now Intentionally Designed) and slowly transitioned from being a website designer to owner and designer full time. It is never something I imagined I would do, but it has grown into an extension of my heart and a way to pair my passion for design and helping others. It is also a way for me to stay home with my son and do what I love at the same time. I started with designing invitations and cards, and it slowly grew into much more. Now I create meaningful products that combine style and function. I am passionate about simple yet significant design and using that to help others find the joy and purpose in their life. With Intentionally Designed, I am able to inspire and encourage others to live their life with joy and intention. 

2. Your work is both beautiful and inspirational, what drives you to continue creating?

Honestly, God drives my business most. He gives me the inspiration and insight I need to make this business a success. I owe everything I have to Him, and especially this business. My business is rooted in faith, and I know I would not have it without Him. Next to that, I am driven by my family and wanting to help contribute to our household. I am also naturally driven by my love of creating simple and inspirational things that can truly help others create a life of joy.

3. Intentionally Designed is so much more than just a print company; you also offer brand and design services as well as helpful advice for fellow entrepreneurs. How do you keep this multifaceted business organized?

It can be tough at times to keep it all cohesive, but the one thing that helps me manage it all is keeping it simple. When I started Printed Ink (now Intentionally Designed) in 2012, I tried to do it all but quickly found that doing too many things was actually detrimental to my business. Over the years I have continued to simplify and find my specific niche so that I can spend my time where I am needed most. In fact, I am in the process of simplifying my products and services even more to tailor specifically to busy moms and business owners who are trying to find the balance between the two. 

4. Being a mompreneur adds a whole other level to the entrepreneurial hustle. How did the birth of your son change your business?

Having my son was one of the best things for my business. It has taught me so much about myself and even about how to run a business. He gives me so much joy and motivation in my daily work. Being a mom and a business owner is definitely not for the faint at heart, and in just this short time of being both, I have realized that organization and intentional living is key to success in both worlds. This experience has even lead me into focusing more on providing products and services specifically for mamas who also own their own businesses.

 

5. Intentionally Designed offers a multitude of products and services, but what makes your company unique is the idea of working alongside your costumers; assuring them that “We are in this together. I am right here with you.” How do you work to create and build these connections with your customers?  

I strive to truly connect with all of my customers and clients by getting to know them. I honestly want to get to know everyone I work with and everyone I connect with on social media. I believe that I can better help you if I know you and what you need in your life. Often times, I am connecting with people that share the same experiences as me as a mom and business owner. I want people to know that I am right there with them in the same journey so that they feel more comfortable and feel like they have a friend.

6. I love the idea behind your mission to “to give you the tools you need to design a life of joy and intention so you can focus on the things that matter.” What are some of the ways that you work with customers to achieve this?

Currently, I work with other creative business owners to help them establish a strong brand that they can use as a foundation to grow their business. I believe that having a solid brand design and strong core for your business will make everything else a little bit easier. By knowing who you are, what you do, and why you do it, you can spend less time worrying about what to do next or how to reach an audience, and more time doing the things you love. I also create simple and inspirational products for intentional living (like organization notepads, journals, and more) so that you can spend less time being busy and more time being productive which gives you more room for joy in your life.

 

7. You speak openly about the struggles you face as an entrepreneur and how you’ve overcome these struggles. Could you share some of your secrets with fellow entrepreneurs and mompreneurs?

We all face so many things on a daily basis as a mom and/or a business owner. For those of us that are trying to do both, it is like having two babies (or more), or two full time jobs. Each requires so much of our energy and attention, but finding the balance between the two without wearing ourselves thin is the biggest battle of all. I have only been a mother for a short time, but in my time I have learned that grace is the biggest blessing. Giving yourself grace for the days when you don’t get it all done or life isn’t perfect will take the pressure off of feeling like you always have to be Superwoman. I have learned to take it one day at a time and make a plan for that day. I have learned to roll with the punches and be flexible with my schedule. I have learned that even when the entire to-do list is still unchecked at the end of the day, all that matters is that I got to spend it with my son and that is what brings me joy.

8. Intentionally Designed continues to grow and evolve; it seems like every time I see one of your posts something new and exciting is always happening. What are some of your hopes for the future of Intentionally Designed?  

I have big things planned for Intentionally Designed in the future, but I am also trying to take things slow too. I know that I want to do this for the rest of my life, so I remind myself that I don’t have to do it all tomorrow. I want to be sure to take the time to do things right the first time and focus on the heart behind the work that I do. I am planning on some new intentional living tools to be debuted in the Spring of 2016 with the 2016 collection, as well as some new resources for busy moms and business owners (hopefully) coming this Fall. I am so excited for all that God has in store for me.