We’re looking forward to introducing you to Katelyn Stalowy. Check out our conversation below.
Katelyn , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
It definitely involves working in my garden. I love every aspect of it – the planning stages in late Winter of laying out what will go where, the purchasing of seeds and soil. Mother’s Day is planting day. I lose time digging up weeds, watering, tidying fallen leaves, checking on and searching for veggies. I primarily focus on tomatoes, beans, strawberries, tons of herbs, flowers and zucchini. I usually try a few new veggies each year. It makes me calm. It makes me feel present.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Katelyn and I’ve owned Manofatto Giftboxes for almost 11 years now. I started the business after leaving the corporate event planning world. I love working for myself – the good, bad and ugly – fellow entrepreneurs can relate! I feel very strongly that gifts should be filled with heart, detail and center on handmade goods. I care deeply about the client relationship aspect of the work and I cherish my time creating orders that surprise, delight and hopefully remind folks that the best gifts come from the heart.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I had a mentor and teacher in elementary school that truly got me, saw me, and supported me. Don’t we all (as children) just need a few more adults around us that make us feel special? She could see that I was a perfectionist and she gifted me a plaque that read “What would you attempt to do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” – I feel certain she’s partially responsible for me starting my own business.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Oh, I think much of my grit and drive was born out of suffering. I grew up on sports fields and I honestly don’t remember a day growing up when I wasn’t playing or practicing soccer. I played competitively until I was 36. I really thrive on productivity. There is so much muscle memory inside, I can dig really deep and have always found a bit more energy to keep going. I won’t let anyone down. I’ll finish the project, I’ll stay up woodworking to complete before deadlines. As I’ve entered my 40s, I’m actually trying to untangle a bit from the grind, and create even better systems to get everything done and still have time for me.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Family. Time and memories with my kids. Food. My home. Travel. Reading. Gardening.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d never waste another second scrolling on my phone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.manofattoshop.com
- Instagram: @manofattoshop
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-lobascio-stalowy-7664a91/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manofattoshop
Image Credits
Katelyn Stalowy
