Welcome to my blog, where today I have the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie Bedell, the innovative mind behind Stephanie Creates Blank. Stephanie's company is a delightful blend of digital and physical product creation, combined with virtual assistant services. Let's dive into her world and see what inspires her every day!
Meet Stephanie
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to start Stephanie Creates Blank?
"Hi! Thanks for having me. I am human...I like to start off like that...because we aren't robots and our best looks different every day. I am an Army Veteran, wife and mother of 4 children. I share my home with a cat named Gremlin. Stephanie Creates Blank was the result of a long time going back and forth with myself. I volunteered my time creating things for other people and I always joked. I wish I could get paid doing this. One day I decided to actually do it."
2. Your business covers a lot of creative avenues. How do you manage to stay inspired and organized across such diverse projects?
"I organize so much. I mean by my calendars. Which I absolutely love. I loosely plan my year out in December. I block out all important days to our family and plan what we want to do. I ask myself what do I want to do this year and plan. Schedule loosely 90, 60, and 30 days out. My work calendar year ends mid-November until end of January usually. I do this after years of therapy and reflection. I realize that the winter holidays, holiday music, and tempo during December really overwhelm me. So I stop taking work just before my sons birthday in November and don't get back into the swing of things until end of January.
I don't plan big things (to me) on days we have activities such as dance or scouts. Those days I make an easier dinner or plan for take out. During the pandemic I learned that I don't do well confined to indoors. I know that I can tolerate 7 days in home. But by day 10 I'm getting antsy and 11-14 I have reached my limit. I plan activities for me time. Which usually include food. I like smell candles (books and arts and crafts) and touch towels. I enjoy getting a cup of coffee and enjoy being outside my home. I know this sounds cliché, but I draw inspiration from everywhere. I try to meet the world with curiosity. The way the sun peaks through the tree branches. The pattern of the leaves when they fall on the ground. I learned in a humanities class, for something to be considered art it has to be accepted by the masses. I learned as a human that sometimes the masses aren't always right. There are two sides of the coin. Some adventures are fun in the moment, some are not so fun, and some are fun to talk about afterwards. If we look at it from an experimental viewpoint. I can find more about myself in the process."
A Day in the Life
3. What does a typical day look like for you at Stephanie Creates Blank?
"Taking care of oneself comes first, then taking care of my family. Then work. If I have work that day. I take my medication, wait the hour to eat. And start my day. I always find time to eat now. I used to joke I run on coffee and inappropriate amount of snacks. By body and brain can not function like that anymore. And honestly I probably wasn't functioning at my best during that time. I'm usually always hungry so if I have a meeting I ask if they mind if I eat. If they do I try to plan to eat around it. But honestly if they can't understand that I am always hungry. I probably don't need to work with them."
4. How do you balance working on digital products, physical creations, and providing virtual assistant services?
"It's completely first come first serve. I like to meet each person and listen to their problem. And come up with a best solution. Even if that doesn't mean working with me. I offer my services locally if they fit my schedule."
Digital Dreams
5. Among your digital products like ebooks and planners, do you have a favorite project or one that stands out to you? Why?
"Personally love making calendars. Because I use them so much. However, I started recently creating content planners. I really enjoy the creative process of finding the goal the individual wants to achieve. Working forwards and backwards to create a game plan. And watch the puzzle come together."
6. What tools or software do you use to create your digital products, and do you have any tips for aspiring digital creators?
"Canva! I use Canva pro. I had Adobe and Canva and Canva just fit better for my needs and it was a fraction of the cost. Myself honestly I like taking my own photos. So I don't have to limit myself to other people's content. Shutterstock and similar platforms may have stipulations on how one image can be used. I make my own and I don't need their permission. The internet is filled with creators...be you and people will come. It takes time. A lot of time the general public doesn't talk about. Statistically speaking odds are not in our favor for going viral. BUT there is a market for everything. One must find it."
Physical Flair
7. When it comes to your physical products, like flyers, business cards, and stickers, what’s the process like from concept to creation?
"It's so much easier for me to have a discussion over the phone or video chat platform. I need to find out the important information like who, what, when, where, and why. And then I make up designs and find out which one is closest to thier vision and move on from there. I usually label them with a number with idea 1,2,3. Then move on to 1.A, 1.B and so on. Test print always if I make them at home and when I am finished. I include a note or a card usually made or designed by me. Wrap it up and send it on its way. Everyone has a preference and I am upfront with my clients about what I use and where I get my products from. I like to be eco-friendly. Canva prints and has eco pledge. I will reuse the shipping boxes the supplies come in. I generally don't keep stock on things because items have a shelf life, I like to keep prices low, and I have kids (13-3) do I need to say more? (Hahaha)"
8. Do you have a favorite physical product that you’ve designed, and what makes it special?
"This year? I had the opportunity to make flags for a teacher and her grade team. As many professions in the US....I feel they are overworked and underpaid. Teachers are usually the first people to teach a student things. Instill in the students that they can achieve great things."
The Nonprofit Passion
9. You mentioned that nonprofits are your favorite industry to work with. Can you share a memorable experience or project you’ve had with a nonprofit?
"They truly are! They found a need and are actively trying to help solve the problem. It's hard to say which is my favorite because I love giving back to the community. I like making the world a better place. I am sincerely grateful that they chose me to assist with their project."
Connecting People
10. How do you approach connecting people and building networks through your work, and why is this important to you?
"I am a part of a lot of online communities. I prefer in person however it can be hard when you have a toddler in tow. However, I like to meet people where they are. My goal this year was to meet 12 new people and have a genuine connection with them. I don't like being sold to. I don't like feeling like just a number. I am just another number in their means to get a dollar. That really grinds my gears. I like to meet people where they are and try to make an honest connection. I like complimenting people. ( I also love taking surveys...its the only way to see what's working, what's not, and how I can improve) I know what it feels like not to feel supported and not to have a support channel or group. So I try to be there for others. I like to remember the small details (when my brain isn't full) and I sincerely love to connect people. I am going to talk about plants for a moment. (hahaha) Just because I feel like it's easy to relate to. If talking to plants helps them grow, imagine what talking kindly to others does to people. I like to imagine what a person can do in an environment that makes them flourish. Each plant has different needs. A cactus would drown if given the amount of water that a Spider plant needs. Each plant requires a different amount of water, sun and soil. It is also important to note that plants can outgrow their containers. What worked before may not work now. And sometimes a new environment is needed. So it's important to me to keep an open mind and keeping it curious (helps me with my mental health and flexibility) when approaching a new opportunity. I mean this a blanket of opportunity, such as trying something new, going somewhere new, going to the grocery store, pick up lines at school. It's always an opportunity to say hi, compliment someone's outfit, let someone know their shoe is untied, ask a question about *insert object*. I went on a wild goose chase looking for a type of cereal for my grandma and learned about how to pick a perfect watermelon from talking to someone at the grocery store which was a place I didn't normally visit. Had I kept to myself, I wouldn't have had that opportunity. Also, if I didn't meet that with flexibility and curiosity... I would have probably been cranky...I went to 4 stores and couldn't find this cereal. I ended up purchasing an unplanned watermelon and my family enjoyed a moment. We never know how far a ripple of kindness can go."
Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing your creative journey and insights with us. Your passion for connecting people and supporting nonprofits is truly inspiring. We can't wait to see what new and exciting projects you’ll create next!
Stephanie Bedell (@stephaniecreatesblank) • Instagram photos and videos
Did you enjoy this interview? Read another maker interview here!