Welcome to The Creative Local Series! Up Next: Kendra Barnes from Aisle Always Love. I am excited to bring this lady over to Uniquely Women today. It is such a great feeling when you meet fellow creatives on the web! She has real passion and it definitely shows in her work. Her online shop is adorable and perfect for those bride-to-be’s out there! She will be sharing a little bit more about her business and some of her favorite Washington, DC hangouts within this interview!
Without further adieu – please welcome Kendra Barnes!
If you are new to Uniquely Women, I started a blog series column – The Creative Local. This series showcases boss ladies, whether it be bloggers, entrepreneurs, or women making a difference in their neck of the woods. Each will showcase their current city, taking us around to their favorite places along with a little bit of their current business endeavors. Tag #thecreativelocal on Instagram & Twitter to showcase the creative local in YOU to be featured.
Table of Contents
The Creative Local: Kendra Barnes
Her Favorite Washington, DC Spots:
I have lived in Washington, DC for 6 years and I love D.C. because of the close proximity to many historical monuments! D.C. also has the best brunch scene EVER. There are sooo many fun things to do here in D.C. Even in the 6 years I’ve lived here I still haven’t done it all. There is always something new to discover.
Medium Rare
This is, hands down, one of our favorite places to have brunch in the city! I mean…you can’t beat scrumptious steak frites + unlimited screwdrivers and mimosas for $25! When the weather is nice, the outdoor seating paired with the yummy food and drinks is just…perfection.
{Find more about Medium Rare – HERE}
The Airlie Center
The Airlie Center is our favorite staycation spot. It’s only 40 minutes from D.C. but it feels like a major getaway each time my husband and I go. The Airlie Center is a beautiful estate grounds that sits on 1,200 acres at the foothills of the Shenandoah Mountains. There are free bike rentals, fishing, nature trails, garden tours, wine tastings and most importantly-peace & quiet. We always leave refreshed and renewed!
{Find out more about The Airlie Center – HERE}
The MLK Memorial
Even though I’m a D.C. resident, I like to play tourist sometimes too! Though the National Mall has tons of amazing monuments, the MLK memorial is the one I visit the most. The view is so amazing and it never gets old strolling through the grounds and reading the inspirational quotes.
{Find out more about The MLK Memorial – HERE}
Next Up: Interview with Kendra
(Read Below)
Our Journey Journal – Found HERE
In a few sentences describe yourself
I’m an Economist by day and creative entrepreneur by night- a true Gemini. When I am not working or running my business, you can find me perusing Goodwill or local thrift shops, starting another DIY Project, or baking some gluten-free goodies.
Tell us about your products – how you started and where did you draw inspiration from?
I made the Cold Feet label to put on my husbands socks as a surprise gift as he was getting ready and it was such a hit! After the wedding, I decided to post the labels on Etsy to see if anyone would buy them…and before you know it I was getting orders left and right. So much so that I had to start my own sock line!
How did your shop start? Where did that passion come from?
I have always been a creative and I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit but never acted on it. The passion to start a business was always there, but I must admit this business started randomly. After we got married, football season rolled around and since my husband was busy cheering for the home team, and I don’t watch football, I decided to start a hobby. I opened up an Etsy shop and the rest is history! Well, until Etsy shut my shop down with no notice at all..
Bridesmaid Card – Found HERE
What was your biggest hurdle to overcome (business wise) in 2015?
My biggest hurdle in 2015 was definitely getting kicked off of Etsy. It was stressful. I felt like my business world as I knew it was coming to an end. In hindsight, getting kicked off of Etsy was the best thing that ever happened to my business. I don’t think I ever would have realized my full potential as a business owner had I not been pushed outside of my comfort zone. I love my new brand, new website and the direction my business is going. Thanks Etsy!
Mr & Mrs Mugs – Found HERE
Top Bucket List Locations
The Maldives
Thailand
Australia
Currently – Top Must Read Blogs
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Don’t forget to share #thecreativelocal on Instagram and Twitter with photos of you or other small business owners, entrepreneurs, or other hustlers out there making a difference in their neck of the woods!
Visit Kendra: Aisle Always Love
You can also find her here: