Meet Kelsee Swenn of BerryGoodGoods in Colorado Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsee Swenn.

Kelsee, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I think it’s always been apparent that my career would involve some form of art. I studied acrylic painting at a fine arts magnet high school, then digital media and graphic design in college. Shortly before graduating, I began working as a full-time graphic designer for a promotional products company, which I still do today. BerryGoodGoods was never really planned. It kind of blossomed from a collection of doodles done in my spare time. A few of the doodles turned into actual prints that I gave away as gifts to friends and family. The gifts were such a hit that I decided to take a shot of selling a few online. Now here we are, nine short but crazy months later! BerryGoodGoods is now online, in three retail locations, and participates in as many pop-up markets as I can manage.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not! Jumping into a business head first with no knowledge, experience, or connections definitely comes with some struggle. I’ve had to spend countless hours teaching myself about business licenses, insurance, taxes, all the fun stuff. And naturally, in the beginning, sales were almost non-existent and finances were tight. There were days I wasn’t sure if BerryGoodGoods would be able to make it through the year. However, with a little determination and a great support system, I’ve been able to make it over all of the hurdles. I’m extremely fortunate to have found a great support system in the small business community of Colorado Springs, as well as my friends and family. Without them, a lot of BerryGoodGoods successes wouldn’t have been possible.

Please tell us about your business.
To put it simply, BerryGoodGoods creates gifts for the fruit and veggie lover. The goal is to give people a way to celebrate and enjoy health and nutrition in a fun, creative way. I think the thing I’m most proud of is that the company has stayed very true to myself, even as it grows and evolves. BerryGoodGoods is my art style, my sense of humor, and my passion for health.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t do anything differently! Sure, mistakes were made and some things could have been more efficient, but I believe that everything always happens exactly the way it’s supposed to, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time. I’m very happy with where BerryGoodGoods is at the moment, and all of my decisions, good and bad, have led me to this point. So I wouldn’t change a thing!