A change of heart set the tone for Lindsay Scholz’s career very early on. After desperately wanting to move to New York City to pursue magazine journalism, instead she pursued a PR internship in Atlanta. Since, the 27-year-old has built two businesses, one being Vowed Box Co ; no-nonsense gift boxes for no-nonsense brides. Here, Lindsay breaks down exactly what it takes to run multiple successful businesses, simultaneously.
Smart Girl Tribe: Firstly, what was the catalyst for becoming a female founder?
Lindsay: My lightbulb moment was during my senior year of college five years ago when I had grown a loyal following behind my blog. I realised that I could leverage that audience into something greater with a business. I saw women who were a bit older than me at the time launching very successful creative marketing careers, and knew that I had the drive to make that happen for myself.
S: Who has had the greatest influence on your work?
L: There are so many women who I admire, but I’ve got to say that Kelly Cutrone, the founder of fashion PR agency People’s Revolution, has had the greatest influence on my career. Her no-excuses approach to business is something that I admire.
S: How did you fund the business at the start and how did you secure customers in the beginning?
L: Thankfully my social strategy and design business, Lindsay Scholz LLC had minimal start-up costs. Funnily enough, my first clients found me through Instagram. With time, word-of-mouth, a solid email sequence and additional social media promotion helped me land more strategy and design clients. When I decided to launch Vowed Box Co. at the start of 2018, it was the first time I faced substantial start-up costs. Needless to say, I was a little intimidated. However, I was able to pull funds that I had been saving to invest in Vowed Box Co.
“The worst they can say is no – so you might as well ask.”
S: What is a habit that contributes most to your success?
L: I’ve adopted processes in my business that keep me consistently booked and organised. I can’t recommend this enough.
S: What do you do when lacking inspiration?
L: When lacking inspiration, I give myself time to rest and think about things outside of work. This could look like reading a book, catching up with a friend or even going on a walk. I always feel more refreshed and invigorated after.
S: How important is social media for your business?
L: Social media is the most important thing for my business, it’s where 80% of my new business leads for Lindsay Scholz LLC come from. I make an effort to post regularly to my personal Instagram and engage with my audience there to stay top-of-mind.
S: Best career advice you would tell others?
L: Always go the extra mile – it will pay off. Whether this looks like booking an informational interview with a company that you admire as a college student, or sending a thoughtful thank-you note in the mail post-interview, these are the little touches that will set you apart from others in the workforce.
S: What is the challenge you face most regularly?
L: I find myself struggling with not working – I have so many ideas, and I want to pursue them all now! Recently I’ve forced myself to slow down and take on projects one day at a time, and I’ve found that my work weeks feel much more balanced
S: What couldn’t you live without?
L: As a gift box owner my iMac desktop. Having a reliable desktop with a large screen has boosted my productivity so much! Aside from that, my business journal, inspiring books and my two furry friend office assistants – Brooke and River.
S: What has been the hardest part of your journey so far?
L: Knowing when to take the next steps in my business and leave my 9-to-5. This was by far the scariest thing I’ve ever done. Leaving a secure job that provided me with consistent income and many perks was difficult. It was also the best thing I have ever done. In the last year I have learned more about myself and how capable I am than ever before.
S: One entrepreneurial book you would recommend?
L: “You Are A Badass” by Jen Sincero for sure. It is a much-needed kick in the pants and a great read for entrepreneurs. I find myself referring to it time and time again when I feel like I need to step up my game and take greater risks.
S: What are three traits every self-starter needs?
L: Structure – as a business owner, you are in charge of your own schedule. As a result, this can look like sleeping in until noon or waking up at 6 a.m. to set your intentions for your day and getting started on projects. Which will you choose?
Secondly, an accountability partner – I believe that doing business alone isn’t doing. I’ve found accountability by joining a women’s co-working space and connecting with other like-minded business owners.
Lastly, an off switch – this is so true! Self-starters tend to overwork themselves, which leads to burnout. Knowing when to stop working is as important as kicking it into
High gear and getting things done.
S: You are managing two businesses already, what’s next?
L: Most importantly, I plan to continue building my client base for Lindsay Scholz LLC for the remainder of 2018, and I would also like to bring on a part-time team member to help manage parts of the business that I’m ready to hand off. I’m optimistic and know that this will give me more time to focus on the long-term strategy for the business. For Vowed Box Co., I plan to expand to additional day-of wedding and honeymoon gift boxes.
S: Finally, what would you tell your younger self?
L: If a job or client doesn’t feel right, go with your gut and don’t feel bad for saying no. Above all, I am a firm believer that there is enough opportunity to go around for all of us, so saying no to the opportunities that feel wrong will only benefit you in the long run.
Lindsay On:
Fashion- As a freelancer what does your everyday outfit look like? As a freelancer what does your everyday outfit look like? For me, functional comfort is everything. You can catch me in Madewell jeans, a cozy sweater in a neutral colour and statement-making earrings on the daily.
Books- One entrepreneurial book you would recommend? I am a huge fan of “If You Have To Cry Go Outside” by Kelly Cutrone. I love her tenacity and no-nonsense approach to succeeding in business.
Wedding Etiquette- What is one rule the matron of honour should abide by? Have fun and be helpful.
Travelling- When working is there a particular beauty product that you swear by? To be honest, I am all about moisturising while traveling and keep my rosehip seed oil handy before and after long flights.
On wedding movies- What is your favourite wedding comedy our readers have to watch? I love the “Sex & The City” movie. Although Carrie initially gets left at the altar, I love how the makes the most of it by going on a trip with her girlfriends and finding herself in the process.
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