Meet Dee of Made By Dee Marie

I/ve been a creative/artsy person from a very young age and even worked professionally in theatre for a while, so when the pandemic hit I threw myself into creating as a way to escape. Soon coworkers and friends began asking to buy my items, telling me how much joy everything brought them, and things started to really take off. So I took the leap to officially register my business with my state! Best decision I've ever made!

 2. What’s something you would like people to know about being a business owner?

The biggest thing I wish people would understand, is that we're human just like you. We live in an age of big name companies that can offer 1 day shipping and charge pennies for products, and some people expect the same from us small businesses which is just not possible. You are getting an item that has our blood, sweat, tears, time, and soul in it. And we often come with hand written notes of appreciation and carefully hand wrapped packaging...its personal. So please be kind to small businesses and mindful that we are human, just like you.  Just one human doing everything (often by ourself) to try to make our dreams come true.

 3. How many hours do you work a week and what does your schedule look like?

I still work a full time day job so I often call my small business my "5-9" job (as I work on it after my "9-5"). I do a big chunk of my small biz work on the weekends (sometimes up to 9 hrs a day), and have started doing live markets & events which can be anywhere from 3-9 hr days! 

 4. What are 3 business goals you have for the next year?

My big goals this year are to do more live events, especially locally in my community as most of my presence is online. I would like to get into more boutiques and shops in my own state as well, as many of my wholesale orders are scattered around the country. And a HUGE goal I have is to get my business to thrive at a level that would allow me to go down to a part time day job. My business brings me so much joy, and joy to others, so I would love more time and energy to properly invest back into it. 

You can find her on Instagram and shop her website here.

Find some of her products right here on Autumn and June!