Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Smith.
Stephanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Sure! I have always had a creative streak. I’ve loved thoughtful gestures and giving gifts ever since I was a young girl. It has been a common thread in my life. I take mental (and actual) notes all year long when I have ideas or inspiration for friends or family. I love taking the time to put together a gift that someone will truly enjoy. There is no better feeling than the reaction of joy, laughter, or tears when someone receives a thoughtful or meaningful gift.
In my professional life, I worked at a digital media start-up before moving on to a role in supply chain and distribution. I earned my MBA from the evening program at Babson College. My professional roles were fulfilling in some ways; they were entrepreneurial, detail-oriented, and process-based. But I definitely felt like I was missing the ability to be creative in my professional life. Outside of work, I was having “craft nights” with my friends, planning parties and vacations, hosting events, creating photo slideshows, and countless other creative pursuits. I wanted to merge that autonomy, creativity and joy into my career.
After planning my own wedding, I started to think that I could create a viable business. I was determined to create a professional life that aligns with my personal passions. I left my 9-5 and began freelance consulting while starting my creative business. Sukeban Creative (pronounced SOO-KEY-BAHN; it means “girl boss” in Japanese and is a nod to my sister-in-law) as an event design and curated gift company. I provide event design services and create custom and pre-curated gifts.
Great, 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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, and in many ways, I feel like I am just starting my journey. In the past few months, I have learned so much about myself and the industry I am entering. One of the biggest initial struggles was the uncertainty of leaving a corporate job to go out on my own. That was a huge hurdle, and it wasn’t easy. I am lucky to have an incredibly supportive husband. It took a lot of sacrifice and definitely has changed our lifestyle. It has been worth it though. We are enjoying the process, celebrating small business wins, enjoying more time together and a better quality of life.
Another major challenge has been the vulnerability of creating something that is open to the subjective judgment of others. It can leave a lot of room for self-doubt. Spreadsheets and numbers are black-and-white, whereas you can work incredibly hard on an event or gift, and not everyone will love it. Luckily, I have only received really positive feedback from my clients so far. But it is hard not to worry about whether people will like what you create. As of now, I understand that I won’t be everyone’s style and that’s okay! My goal is just to create the best results for my clients and enjoy doing it.
My advice for young women would be to follow your gut. I don’t suggest that anyone just quit their job on a whim, but I would advise that if you don’t like the path that you are on, start taking steps to change it. And, read You Are a Bad Ass by Jen Sincero. I feel like that book should be required reading for female entrepreneurs! It is so encouraging and inspiring.
What should we know about Sukeban Creative? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The best way to describe Sukeban Creative is an event design and curated Gift Company, but it has been so much more than that.
On the event design side, I work on the overall event theme and oversee the design details. I work with the host and vendors to create cohesive and unique design elements, and ensure that everything sticks to the overall vision of the day. I am also available to assist with specific projects or special requests, personalizing everything to the client’s needs. This can include everything from room layout, décor, paper products, kid’s activities, signs, photo displays, favors, slideshows, etc.
On the gift side, I create custom and pre-curated gifts. This can be anything from birthday, housewarming, graduation, corporate, anniversary, sympathy, holiday, wedding, shower, baby, “just because”… the list goes on and on! I am currently working on a line of pre-curated gifts that will be available and ready-to-ship. I am also looking to establish relationships with businesses and provide gift fulfillment services for them.
I also do custom requests, or special projects. This could be anything from trip coordination, holiday help (decorating/gifts), proposal planning, and more.
What sets me apart, and what I am most proud of, is the drive to go the extra mile. I am a perfectionist at heart and I won’t settle for something that I am not proud of. My ideas are well thought out and tailored to the needs of the client. Their happiness is my number one priority!
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Recent media attention has exposed that women have been underestimated for a long time. I think with the increased awareness of issues surrounding women in the workplace, women have the opportunity to stand up for themselves and have their voices heard. I also think that women (and men!) have the unique opportunity to help other women, by becoming a mentor, nominating a hardworking woman for recognition or a promotion, supporting female led businesses, and being a partner in fair pay.
Contact Info:
- Address: 45 Dan Road
Canton, MA. 02021 - Website: Coming Soon! www.sukebancreative.com
- Phone: 781-302-6099
- Email: sukeban.creative@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sukeban.creative
Image Credit:
Molly Anne Photography
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