A Day in the Life of a Sustainable Small Business Owner
Wake and Create (7:00AM EST)
The sun peeks through my curtains as my wretched alarm goes off, signaling the start of a brand-new day filled with endless possibilities. I use this time for uninterrupted creative brain dumping into my notebook or sketchbook. It doesn’t happen every day, but I try to get in these moments free of responsibility so that my creative juices can flow with ease.
Morning Coffee and Inbox Dive (7:30 AM EST)
I don’t drink coffee for the caffeine, I drink it because the bitterness oddly makes my soul happy. Plus, I use the leftover grounds to make coffee dye. I take a quick sip, burning my tongue as I often do, and dive headfirst into my inbox. Tackling a deluge of emails and reading industry updates is part of my job, and I try to check in on it at least twice a day.
To Do List Time (8:30 AM EST)
If I don’t make lists, I get nothing done. After my coffee and email endeavors, I make a tiered list of things that need to get done today, as well as anything else that can get done today if I have the time. The top of the list is always fulfilling any outstanding orders, likely from the day before or that have been placed overnight. During this time I’ll also take inventory to ensure I have everything I need for the day’s work.
Prep Makes The World Go Round (9:00 AM EST)
Now that the day’s plan is in order, I can collect all the materials (generally: wood), PDFs, shipping labels, and decorative shipping materials that I need in order to satisfy the orders. I have about six orders to fulfill (about 30 coasters ready to ship) and am restocking my inventory for the week (about 100 coasters to make).
Let’s Get Down to Business (10:00 AM EST)
It’s time to get cracking. So I can be proactive, I will set up my laser cutter before I begin fulfilling orders so that I can do two things at once (cut and package). While the coasters are being made, I can individually package each order. I always include a handwritten letter of gratitude and a pre-made card for care instructions, so after the coasters are all packed up, I’ll sit and write the letters. Once I’m done with that, I can put them on top of the package and include free stickers and a business card. Finally, I can close up the boxes and stick on the shipping labels.
Post Office Run, Food, and Social Media (1:00 PM EST)
Once the laser cutter is done, I can head off to the post office and ship the packages for the day.
Amidst this endeavor I realize that I’m starving, so I stop for a bite at the coffee shop. I use this time for social media, so while I’m eating my green tomato sandwich, I respond to any comments and repost any one who has tagged me or posted about Otro products. This is always a fun time. I am grateful for my online community, which is like a digital townsquare and lively marketplace.
Wholesome Wholesale Meeting (3:00 PM EST)
I have an exciting meeting today with a local restaurant who wants to commission me to make custom coasters for their brick and mortar spot. The owner takes me on a tour of the spot to really immerse myself in the space, which was a great help to thinking about the designs of the coasters. Their decor is mostly plants, so I will definitely be incorporating that into it.
Back to Business (4:00 PM EST)
As the day races by, I get back to the studio (my house) to finish the 100 coasters that I cut out this morning. This part is a bit tedious because I must brush each coaster twice with the natural tung oil, and it’s important to be careful not to get brush strokes or any impurities mixed in. After I’m done, these dry on their racks for at least 24 hours before I add the cork bottoms.
Adult Life is Refresh Inbox (6:00 PM EST)
I check my emails for the last time of the day as well as print the labels of any orders I got throughout the day so that I can have them ready to go for the following day. It’s also a social media break so I can interact with the community and post marketing content, as well as doom scroll for at least ten minutes.
Din Din (7:00 PM EST)
Sometimes I forget to take time for myself and my social life, but when my friends and family remind me, I love to dress up and enjoy the evening with the people I love.
Unwind the Mind (10:00 PM EST)
Amid the noisy mind and the whirlwind of work, I find new inspiration when I take a nighttime walk. My life as a brand owner and student, dedicated to sustainability and artistry, unfolds like a symphony of organized chaos, each note contributing to an unknown, more beautiful tomorrow.
Go to Sleep Pls (12:00 PM EST)
I watch a show or two, or facetime relatives, or do pretty much anything during this time. Try not to open up that inbox… but the bed time is usually 12, because I know that tomorrow I’ll do it again.