Conversations with the Inspiring Branwen Cole

Today we’d like to introduce you to Branwen Cole.

Branwen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always been involved in the arts and well, I guess you would say I’m a true “Creative!” Having retired from a dance career that took me around the world I struggled for several years to “redefine” myself. I’ve always been creative and drawn to crafting and DIY projects. For me, anything that you can create or build with your hands intrigues me.

In 2017, a business partner and I started a small business. We were immediately successful and, within three months, found ourselves selling our merchandise at The Barn in Castle Rock, CO. Owning a business can be exciting, exhausting and extremely challenging. While business continued to grow, I found myself very unhappy. I suddenly realized I was pouring my heart and soul into something I was not incredibly passionate about. The business of mass-producing shabby chic, rustic home decor, didn’t speak to my meticulous nature. I found myself drawn to the custom pieces that required more time and work as well as the bond created with the customer while working one-on-one with them to create their perfect custom piece. That was when I realized I had found my niche and On The Wall Design was created. I create custom interior signs for your home or business. I pride myself on making personalized designs exclusive for each customer.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m very much an optimist… so my initial answer is YES, it’s been great! But the truth is, owning your own business is difficult. There has been loss, heartbreak and disappointment along the way for sure! Finding a balance is very important. A balance between work, family and friends! Stick up for yourself when it’s important and accept responsibility when you fail, after all, failures lead to our biggest lessons and only make us stronger in the end. I think the most important thing is staying true to yourself.

what should we know about On The Wall Design? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I make personalized signs for your home or business. There are many sign companies out there with big machines and fancy printers. I approach each piece as a single piece of art, rather than something I can mass produce. Many would say that idea is completely opposite of what I should be doing to make money, but I think that’s what makes each piece unique and special. When I work on a piece, I embrace the imperfections of the wood rather than seek uniformity. I don’t typically do too many standard items. Most of my signs are one-of-a-kind. However, my Colorado flags have been a huge hit.

Although I follow a standard pattern (either a 3ft or 4ft flag), they all come out so differently and the personalized stencil makes each incomparable. I also specialize in living art and love incorporating live or artificial plants in my work. One of my favorite pieces was a sign for Fairway Independent Mortgage Company-Pikes Peak Group, where I got to think outside the box and create a very unique piece for them while still staying true to their national logo.

I’m incredibly proud to be a Catalyst in The Success Collective and the Public Relations Officer for The Success Collective-Colorado Springs Chapter. As a small business owner, a mother and the wife of a military and civilian pilot, the struggle to find balance is my greatest challenge. Having an amazing group of woman entrepreneurs to rely on for support and encouragement has been essential to the success of my business. While this groups focus is to collaborate on helping others succeed, they also give back to the community! Being able to give back and support others in the community is my greatest accomplishment and I hope to do so much more in the future!

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. In fact, my heritage goes back to the roots and founding of the country. I would definitely say that being an immigrant has had a huge impact on my life and my drive to succeed! I truly believe in the “American Dream!” I believe that regardless of where you were born or what class you were born into, you can be successful. I watched my father struggle for ten years to leave everything behind to start all over again in the United States. He sacrificed everything he had worked for to give us a better life in a better place. I believe through sacrifice, risk-taking, and hard work, anything is possible.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 7192017679
• Email: onthewallcos@gmail.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onthewallcos/?ref=bookmarks

Image Credit:
Mariana Ziegler Photography

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