Today, we're sitting down for a casual chat with Kirsten, the creative force behind Hello Day. Join us as we get to know her journey and some valuable insights she has to share.
Meggie: Hey Kirsten, thanks for taking the time to chat with us!
Kirsten: Hey Meggie, no problem at all! I’m happy to be here.
Meggie: Awesome, Kirsten! Now, if you had to describe yourself in a sentence (other than a totally rad legend, of course), how would you put it?
Kirsten: I'd say I'm a sun-seeking and tropical-loving soul with a creative and entrepreneurial mind, guided by the mantras 'I will always follow my heart' and 'it never hurts to try.'
Meggie: Perfect. Now, tell us about your job title and how you got to where you are today.
Kirsten: I'm the founder and designer of Hello Day. My journey started as an Interior Designer working in various places like Washington DC, Barcelona, and eventually Manchester. It was there that I finally decided to follow a long-time dream and create and sell my own planner. My love for travel and adventure took me to different countries and cultures (Japan being one of our favorites), and I met my husband and life/business partner, Dave.
“When it comes to others, I think it’s always important to try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and think about how they are feeling about the conversation.”
Meggie: That's quite the journey, Kirsten! Now, let's get real. Have you ever had moments where you felt like an imposter in your career? If so, how did you deal with it?
Kirsten: Oh, absolutely! When launching Hello Day I would constantly doubt myself and think ‘who am I to start a stationery company?’ Or ‘who would want to buy a planner from me?’ It took a lot of positive self belief (following on self-doubt) and reassurance from Dave to actually complete the journey. Having a concrete plan with concrete steps that we could check off was a big part of getting started. Also, you just need to tell yourself that everyone feels like an imposter to begin with - there are no born stationery experts. Everyone experiences self doubt (it’s just some are just better at hiding it) until eventually you get past it. Perseverance and a solid plan really are key.
Meggie: Thanks for sharing that, Kirsten. It's something many of us can relate to. Now, who's in your cheer squad? Those friends, allies, or supporters who've been there to lift you up and cheer you on. How important have they been on your journey?
Kirsten: My cheer squad is incredible! Dave is my constant support and has always been there on the journey with me. Myrthe is one of my best friends and has helped and supported us along the way. Chloe manages our Instagram and is also a huge cheerleader for us. Dave’s parents have supported us in so many ways from the very start of Hello Day and still do today. We used their house as a warehouse in the first 2 years, Dave’s mom still prepares packaging for us and drives to Manchester to help out during busy periods. Our Rockstar customer base is also a great source of support, as they are constantly cheering us on and sending inspirational messages about how much they love the products and have benefitted from using them.
“‘Rejection is protection’. If something does not work out, it’s because it was not meant to be, and something different AND BETTER is coming your way.”
Meggie: It sounds like you've got an awesome team behind you, Kirsten. Now, let's talk about negotiations. How do you prepare for those important conversations, whether it's about a pay raise, a promotion, or a brand partnership? Any tips or advice you'd like to share?
Kirsten: Preparing your mindset is key. I always live by the saying that ‘it never hurts to ask’. I always just tell myself, ‘what’s the worst that could happen?’. Whatever it is I am going for, I just remind myself that it is not life and death, it’s just stationery. That is a mindset I’ve developed recently and it has really helped me. It’s so easy to blow these things up way out of proportion. When it comes to others, I think it’s always important to try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and think about how they are feeling about the conversation. Finally, an amazing thing I learned and tell myself now - and I highly recommend to anyone - is the truth that ‘rejection is protection’. If something does not work out, it’s because it was not meant to be, and something different AND BETTER is coming your way.
Meggie: Wise words, Kirsten. Okay, almost done! Have you ever agreed to something in your career that you now regret doing?
“There is always a learning opportunity in past failures or mistakes, and we come out stronger and wiser on the other side.”
Kirsten: Oh, there are definitely things in hindsight that I regret. Working with different contractors or agencies who promise the world, charge a fortune and fail to deliver are the main regrets that spring to mind. But I’ve also learned the hard way that you have to look past these things, and not dwell on them. The more you dwell on these things, the more negativity creeps in and stops you moving forward. There is always a learning opportunity in past failures or mistakes and we come out stronger and wiser on the other side.
Meggie: Thanks so much for your time and sharing your experiences, Kirsten. We all face challenges and doubts along the way, and your journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.
If you want to check out Kirsten's work, be sure to follow her on Instagram @hellodayplanner and visit her website here.