Conversations with Lindsay Wahl

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Wahl.

Hi Lindsay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always had a passion for color and crafting.

I began playing with paper and creating scrapbooks in high school, long before all the amazing products were available in local stores. In the years before I started my business, I taught preschool and worked at my church, running various children’s programming. Both jobs allowed my creativity to blossom while developing my teaching abilities.

Lindsay’s Layouts began in 2005, shortly after I made an anniversary gift album for a close friend. From there, I was inspired to create for others. I connected with both crafters and companies at local conventions. I continued to hone my art, developing kits that crafters loved. As the years went on, I worked as a subcontractor for several local scrapbooking stores, creating kits, teaching classes, and running events. Finally, I decided the time was right to strike out on her own.

I launched my Etsy store and website in March of 2022 and continue to grow my brand and product listings. I host virtual-themed retreats and online classes. I love teaching in-person the most, connecting with crafters from all over the globe.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think that when you decide to run your own business, you understand that the road ahead will be full of hills and valleys. My most recent struggle has involved location. I had the opportunity to purchase a commercial space, but the deal fell through. I was devastated.

I continued to search for properties, blown away by the pricing. In the midst of this search, we began a home renovation project. We had an area in our basement roughly the square footage of the commercial spaces I had been researching. After many months of planning, 6 months of construction, and many more months of unpacking and decluttering, I am in my new space.

It was the hardest marathon to date, trying to keep up with my business while juggling contractors, moving, etc. I am slowly settling in and learning to run my business more efficiently and effectively in my new space. I am blessed to be able to work from home, something that I wouldn’t have dreamed of 3 years ago.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a paper artist. I design both scrapbooks and card kits for other crafters. I am able to use my creative gift to help others document their memories, which will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Memory keeping should be enjoyable, not stressful. I have taken the stress out of the situation by designing and cutting all the pieces needed for a beautiful scrapbook page or card. The crafters are then able to not only complete a project with little to no wasted materials but also take pride in their beautiful creations.

What I’m most proud of is being an example for my daughters. They are seeing me work, create, struggle, and pursue something that I truly have a passion for. I am very mindful of the phrase, “You can have it all, just not all at once.”

I wear many hats as a mom, wife, designer, and business owner. My girls are seeing all aspects of a small business and helping me with things like inventory, packaging and shipping. But they are also seeing me smile and make time for them.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
When I think of luck, I think of this acronym: Location, Understanding, Connections, Knowledge. (Sorry, I don’t know who to credit for it). When running a business, you must put in the time and the work. But it’s also about who you know and where you are located that truly helps you find success.

Many times, I have agreed to participate in an event for little to no compensation. The event almost always results in new connections and future growth for my business. I’ve begun to watch for opportunities that will result in good luck in the form of connections with people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lindsayslayouts.com/
• Instagram: @Lindsayslayouts
• Facebook: Lindsay’s layouts

Image Credits
Melissa Whitney