Springcart

First, a few basics

My name is Myisha McCarthy – most people call me My. My company is Springcart. Born and raised here in Los Angeles.

What’s your story? What do you do and how did it start? How long have you been doing what you do?

Well I always knew that I wanted to make things. At first I wasn’t sure what I wanted to make, I thought about soap and after research I realized that I didn’t want to make soap. I then started to make jewelry, this all went on around 2003-2004. Currently, I own an online boutique, Springcart where I sell some of my handmade jewelry and stationery along with a variety of other beautiful things. My partner and I also own a graphic/ web design business Springcart Design Lab which we started about a year ago. I also blog at tha Hotness

Please describe a typical (or atypical) day in your life.

We usually wake up around 5:30-6:00 am a head straight to our home office. Check and return emails. I then browse the net for maybe an hour or so (sometimes longer … ok, most times longer) I figure out what I am blogging for the day. I pack up the orders that are ready to be sent out. If they are any outstanding projects we work on them. We make runs to the printer to pick up any orders that are ready. Make dinner. Work a little more.

What is an important part of your business or creative process?

I would say the research is the most important part of the creative process. Making sure that you have information about the target consumer and the demographic that you are trying to reach.

What are you working on currently?

Currently I working on a logo for a new jewelry company and am finishing up a website for stationer.

What is the work you’re most proud of?

The work that I am most proud of is the my online boutique. The reason is that I carry all of things that I love the most from our jewelry to our teas.

How do you get the word about your hustle?

We get the word out about our hustle via the various social networking sites that are available now. I also participate in local events where I sell my products and good old fashion word of mouth. Word of mouth was actually the catalyst for the Design Lab.

Where do you find your inspiration and/or motivation?

I am inspired by LOVE… My love for beautiful things and life. I am motivated by not wanting to ever work for anyone else.

Are there any people or organizations you look up to? Why?

Yes, I look up to my partner and my mom. They believed in me at times when I didn’t believe in myself and for that I am grateful.

What are some resources you’ve found invaluable to your work?

Networking and the internet. 10 years ago my job would’ve definitely been more of a challenge.

What is your dream project? Where do you plan on going with your business/hustle?

My dream project … mmmm. That’s a very good question. I haven’t figured that out as of yet. The possibilities are infinite with my hustle and that is what I love about it.

What are two or three things you find difficult on your path to your dreams? How do you deal with these challenges?

You ask some really good questions… The amazing thing has been that the past years have almost been effortless. It’s almost as if this is what I should be doing and didn’t have control. I think sometimes as people we tend to over think things and the process. Sometimes you have to get out of your own way.

How has this so-called recession affected the way you conduct business?

I don’t believe that the recession has conducted the way that we do business

How has your dedication to your hustle affected your personal life (family, friends, school, relationships, faith, etc.)?

You definitely have to have people in your corner that are supportive. My better half who also is my business partner is very understanding about the long hours that I work because most time she is at the desk beside me working on her own projects. I also think that we inspire the younger kids in our family so that they can see that you can make it happen for yourself with hard work and dedication.

What is something you know now that you wish you’d known before?

That I could have done this sooner. I wish someone would have said that I didn’t have to work for someone else and that I could do what I love and still get paid for it.

What is something you’ve learned on your path that you would share with anyone just starting out?

Just do it. We are always waiting for the perfect moment to start living our dreams and there is no perfect moment that the now. I also believe that these are the perfect times to start your own business.