Meet Kaitlyn Adair

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Adair.

Hi Kaitlyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
What feels like way back when while I was in design school, my best friend at the time was pregnant. I didn’t like any of the cards that big-box stores had to offer. Nothing had the kind of personality that our friendship did. You know, that dirty jokes and twisted sense of humor kind of personality. So naturally being a designer, I made the cards I gifted her. They’re actually still around (although they’ve gone through quite the glow-up) and get some of the best reactions at markets! They’re the Now We Had Proof and Cheers to Pregnancy Notecards.

I like to say from there it spiraled. I started connecting more with other creatives and making more fun things. And then eventually started selling those things. And long story short, Vim & Vigor was born.

Currently, V&V is focusing on creating new items for the upcoming chilly seasons, growing our community on Instagram, TikTok, and around the city, as well as growing our list of wholesale partners!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I officially started V&V two years ago, but if I’m being honest about it, I didn’t do much for the first year.

I set up an Etsy, started posting on Instagram, and that was about it. I let myself get overwhelmed by the dozens of hats a small business owner has to wear and didn’t put in the necessary work to get any return. I was ready to make things, but not start a business.

I don’t remember what exactly the turning point was, but around a year ago I made the conscious decision to put in the effort, and I did notice some growth. I started getting into local markets and building up my product line to have enough to sell at those markets. Then, as all our stories have gone, the pandemic hit. Markets got canceled and sales hit a wall. I went months without packing any orders, which also meant I had a bunch of products collecting dust.

Saying those however many months was a blessing in disguise isn’t quite the right phrase, but it did give me the time to focus on learning how to make my behind-the-scenes operations run smoother. I was able to reevaluate my inventory, my goals, and systems. Now that I’m implementing those, I have noticed steady growth over the last few months both in sales and in my community relationships.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My goal with Vim & Vigor is to create unique, memorable, and meaningful cards & gifts that are filled with personality and a sense of humor. They’re a chance to showcase your personality and the relationship you have with those you care about. The goodies I create are honest, sassy, sarcastic and have a little bit of edge, and stand out from the standard cards that are either safe or schmaltzy. Life isn’t G-rated, so the gifts we give shouldn’t be either!

A big priority for me in creating products is to also be eco-conscious, with every element thoughtfully considered to reduce the impact on the environment. Items are printed using compostable/recyclable inks and paper, the envelopes are recycled, and naked packaging (no extra wasteful tape/sleeves/etc) is encouraged. For products that are not easily recycled/composted, suggestions for long-time and alternative uses of those products are available on the V&V site.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I call myself a chronic overthinker, so a huge learning curve was finding a way to do the research, look at the options, but not get overwhelmed in that process. It’s so easy to get lost in the r&d when you’re starting from scratch.

But probably the biggest hurdle was stepping outside of my introvert comfort zone. When I first started out there was no way I would ever record myself talking to my audience or do a live video, talking to strangers at markets was incredibly uncomfortable, and I absolutely suffered from imposter syndrome when I would interact with others in my industry. But the tough love truth is you have to be the face of your brand, and the only way to get comfortable with it is to just do it. It’s going to be awkward and embarrassing until it’s not, and that’s when you really start growing.

Pricing:

• Most items are between $2.50 and $5.00, with some larger items like tote bags going up to $20

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: vimvigordesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vimandvigordesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vimandvigordesigns
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@vimandvigordesigns?lang=en

Image Credits
Vim & Vigor Designs