I’m so excited to bring to you a special behind the scenes look at Hello Cheeseburger. I’ve always been fascinated by success stories of young entrepreneurs, especially women. I love reading everything from what motivates them, to how they manage their hectic schedules. Without further adieu, meet Jennifer! (you may remember her from my most recent giveaway)
What made you want to start Hello Cheeseburger and where did the name come about?
I studied fashion design at Penn Valley in KC. I was trying to find a way to apply what I was learning at the time, and so I started Hello Cheeseburger in 2009. It began as a graphic tee line. After putting it on the back burner for several years, I decided last year to do something different. So, I relaunched Hello Cheeseburger as a jewelry & accessory shop and I’ve been at it since. I love that I’m still able to be creative by making some of the jewelry. The things I can’t make I buy.
The name came about when I was watching some home movies with my boyfriend. We popped in a VHS called “Father’s Day” and there I was on the screen. I said “hello, cheeseburger!” to the camera, and that was it.
The name came about when I was watching some home movies with my boyfriend. We popped in a VHS called “Father’s Day” and there I was on the screen. I said “hello, cheeseburger!” to the camera, and that was it.
How would you describe your style?
My style is pretty simple. My go-to items are a good printed top, graphic tees, and boots. I actually don’t wear much jewelry, but my Missouri necklace is usually an everyday piece. I also love a good statement necklace.
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What’s your favorite part about running your own business?
I think right now my favorite part is how it helps me come out of my shell. It’s helped me become better at communicating. I’ve also met some awesome women through my business and I love that, too! I love making custom jewelry and packing orders to ship. And being a buyer. So, really everything is my favorite. Except taxes.
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| This is one of my favorite parts of the office. It’s really fun to track where Hello Cheeseburger goes. I still get excited when an order is leaving Missouri. |
What have you learned about running your own business?
BE ORGANIZED. Seriously. So important. Google Drive and Dropbox are lifesavers for me, but sometimes losing a hard paper copy of something stinks. It’s critical to keep dates straight. It can also be really stressful to have multiple orders to fill at one time, so taking the time to get everything together is really helpful.
I’ve also learned that it’s ok to say no. It’s critical to ask yourself if it’s worth your time or if something else in your life will be affected. I wish I could be involved in everything that comes my way, but I’ve learned that it’s just not possible, and that’s ok.
I’ve also learned that it’s ok to say no. It’s critical to ask yourself if it’s worth your time or if something else in your life will be affected. I wish I could be involved in everything that comes my way, but I’ve learned that it’s just not possible, and that’s ok.
How do you manage the day-to-day aspects of your work?
I will admit I’m not perfect at this, but I am getting better. I work between two spaces, so it can be hard to make sure something makes it from point A to point B. Like I said before, I swear by Google Drive and Dropbox for any important docs. I make copies of everything and keep them there. I also keep spreadsheets of transactions and organize my Gmail account with labels. I get 3-4 emails every time someone makes an order, so labels help me keep it all in order. I religiously make lists each morning to plan my day, and I also swear by Google Calendar.
I will admit I’m not perfect at this, but I am getting better. I work between two spaces, so it can be hard to make sure something makes it from point A to point B. Like I said before, I swear by Google Drive and Dropbox for any important docs. I make copies of everything and keep them there. I also keep spreadsheets of transactions and organize my Gmail account with labels. I get 3-4 emails every time someone makes an order, so labels help me keep it all in order. I religiously make lists each morning to plan my day, and I also swear by Google Calendar.
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| I can’t believe I’m sharing this – but this is what my workspace looks like right now. This is where all HC Handmade pieces are made. In the cubbies you’ll find about half of my vintage beads…the other half are to the right (not shown.) Sometimes I feel like beads and charms and chains are taking over my life. |
Have any advice? Spill it.
Keep at it. So much more came of Hello Cheeseburger when I dedicated more of myself to the business. I still have a full-time day job, so I have to be creative in planning my time. I am fortunate to be able to work on Hello Cheeseburger during parts of my work day, but a lot of work is done at odd times, like 10 pm. Push yourself, because you can do it. If you believe in what you’re doing, other people will too.
Keep at it. So much more came of Hello Cheeseburger when I dedicated more of myself to the business. I still have a full-time day job, so I have to be creative in planning my time. I am fortunate to be able to work on Hello Cheeseburger during parts of my work day, but a lot of work is done at odd times, like 10 pm. Push yourself, because you can do it. If you believe in what you’re doing, other people will too.
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| This is where my 10pm happens. I do bookkeeping, answer emails, Facebook, watch puppy videos all right here. It’s pretty glamorous. My time is split between my bedroom office and my work office, and this is definitely the more comfortable of the two. |
What’s next for Hello Cheeseburger?! I heard wedding bells (on the blog here)
There’s so much I’m wanting to do with Hello Cheeseburger! The biggest thing coming up is our bridal collection. I’m really excited about it. I’m working with a local bridal shop and photographer, so the photos are going to be awesome! Other new products are in the works, including an expanded custom selection.
I currently share an office with my day job, so I’m in the process of moving everything to a dedicated Hello Cheeseburger office. I’m also hoping to improve the photo quality on our site and start blogging regularly.
I currently share an office with my day job, so I’m in the process of moving everything to a dedicated Hello Cheeseburger office. I’m also hoping to improve the photo quality on our site and start blogging regularly.
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| Like I said, I’m moving offices so things aren’t really in order, like at all. This is how I store and display most of the goods. It makes it so easy to fill an order and keep tabs on what’s in stock. |
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| These guys have become my new best friends as the orders for custom pieces have been increasing. It’s really rewarding to be able to make something that someone dreamed up in their head. |
Love, love, love, love Jennifer! She is just the sweetest person and genuinely loves her customers!
http://www.theadoredlife.com
Jessica, thanks again so much for the interview! I had a great time 🙂
Awesome behind the scenes look at how it all happens!!! It’s inspiring to read about the success and growth 🙂 I love hello cheeseburger! <3
xo Jana
http://www.janalmeister.blogspot.com
I need vintage beads on my neck. Such a fun read, support local!
🙂 I agree!
I’m so glad you agreed to do it with me!
Thank you so much, Jana! I love HC, too!
Yes, you do! Thanks so much, Jo 🙂 Kansas City is a pretty cool place to be
Thanks for introducing me to Hello Cheeseburger – so cool! Love the interview… the jewelry is gorgeous too!
http://www.thecasualclassic.com
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! The jewels are awesome and offered at a reasonable price 🙂 Can’t wait to check out your blog, thanks for stopping by!