This week, we are proud to highlight Blue Eyed Yonder (from The 6th Atlanta NotWedding) as our vendor of the week! If you’ve ever looked at a photoshoot and thought, “How did they find a chair like THAT out in the middle of a field?” or, “Where is everyone getting all these trendy table pieces??”, then your answers lie with rental companies like Blue Eyed Yonder. Founder and owner Krista Janos has a love of all things antique and vintage, and has made it her job to collect all the very best pieces to offer for rental for YOUR wedding, photoshoot or other event. You can check out her incredible collection here. Let us assure you, you will leave inspired with every Pinterest bone in your body tingling.
In the meantime, read on for more on Krista’s experience working her dream job, advice for small business owners and encouragement for dreamers everywhere!
What is the best part about your job?
Ok, I could write a novel on this subject. There’s something to be said about having your dream job. You see, my dream job didn’t really exist – I had to create it. I always knew owning my own business was the only way I could truly be happy. I love having the authority to make the decisions; I love the responsibility that comes with it. I can decide where the business goes and how it will adapt through the years. I love that it’s all mine – a dream that has become my reality – a true extension of myself. Oh, and did I mention I love antiques and I love creating? Sometimes as I plunder for new finds I can’t help but to get a little giddy and think to myself, “This is it! This is my JOB!” No day at work is ever the same–each day brings new projects, new friends and new treasures. Being able to surround myself with lots of creative people feeds my soul and makes me so happy. I can’t even put into words how it feels seeing your visions… your dreams… your ramblings… your late night sketches come to life.
Describe a time when you thought about giving up in this business but then didn’t.
I can honestly say I’ve never thought about quitting. It’s just not in my DNA. Sure, there have been times I’ve felt it would be easier to just throw in the towel, but where’s the fun in that? I love brainstorming, I love solving problems and I can’t stand it when people say something can’t be done. I’ve never been one to take a short-cut or look for the easy way out. Sometimes you just have to dig your heels in and a find a way to work it out. There’s not much that a good ol’ laugh (or cry) and a little bit of elbow grease can’t fix.
Is there an app or computer program that you couldn’t live without?
I would be totally lost without Freshbooks. I use it for all of my invoicing and time tracking. With the Freshbooks app I can send invoices on the go and also get notified when I receive payments, etc. I know I sound like the Freshbooks spokesperson, but I can honestly say it’s the one tool that I could not live without on a day-to-day basis for running my business.
Now, as far as THE #1 used app on my phone, hands down it’s Instagram. To me it’s like a digital memory book. I take pictures of projects, trips, day-to-day details and far too many pictures of my fur child, Dottie Mae. It’s also an easy way for me to keep up with friends and family. I love seeing little snippets of their day.
List good decisions you’ve made in your business.
While they’re not decisions per se, I do have three rules that I think are essential for any small business to survive.
#1) Always do what you say you are going to do. As a business owner, your word is your bond. If people learn that they cannot trust you to follow through on the commitments you make, in a matter of time you’ll be dead in the water. If you’re not sure if you can follow through, then be careful not to commit.
#2) Be nice. This sounds so obvious, but trust me it’s not. You’d be surprised how many clients actually thank me for being nice. I’m always so shocked by this. Isn’t everyone in the service industry nice? Nope. Sometimes just being friendly or making that extra gesture is what makes clients choose you above the competition.
#3) Know when to say “no”. Sometimes I think this is the hardest rule to follow in the creatives industry. When everyone is working so hard to grow their business and get exposure, I think it’s easy to find ourselves crowding our plate trying to be a part of every “great opportunity”. I think it’s important to only take on the projects that really speak to your heart or to your creative aesthetic. These are the projects you will gladly pour your time into and that will make you the happiest. Learn to pass on the projects that aren’t the right fit, and in doing so, you will refine your brand and be a much stronger (and less sleep deprived) small business owner.
What has been your favorite part of The NotWedding experience?
By far, the best part about the NotWedding experience is the vendors! I have met so many talented people who have become such great friends. There’s such a sense of community among the vendors because everyone works together to collaborate and create one killer fake wedding!
Last 3 photos: Horace and Gertrude
