When some people want to get a message across using crafts they might try needle point. Others might consider picking up an artist’s brush and painting a portrait. Then there is the founder of Tekst-doeken, Brigitte Wolfhagen. She brings words to life using a little creativity, a few special words and some canvas or linen.
Like many amazing mompreneurs before her, Brigitte found inspiration for her art through her child. However she didn’t know the potential it had as a business until visitors to her home started requesting their own customized pieces of art using the words that meant the most to them. As everything fell into place she soon found herself a mom entrepreneur and the founder of a unique business.
Tell us a little about Tekst-doeken.
I make customized affordable paintings: Either text on canvas or linen. The text can be anything: For instance a poem, slogan, song or birth announcement text. Any text the customer wants on any colored background.
Customers call me and, either by phone or by housevisit ,we agree on the text font, size of the painting/ linen, background and if illustrations needs to be added. By doing this the customer really gets the painting he or she wants.
What inspired it?
What got me inspired was the feedback I received from friends and family when I decorated my house with a personal text on linen. The text is a poem used at the birth announcement of my daughter. More and more people got interested by the idea on having a customized piece of art in their living-or bedroom. My passion is working in a creative environment and dealing with people. Perfect combination.The feedback inspired me to make this a business.
When was it launched?
I started mid 2008. I also work part-time in a SPA/health center in Valkenburg (The Netherlands) and as soon as I am home I work on my own business, next to raising to 2 young children.
How has it grown/expanded since you first came up with the idea for it?
It started slowly with 1 order per month, but it rapidly grew after I went to some art-trade shows. I handed over my business plan to the government and they agreed to subsidize me so I can really focus on making my business a success.
People from all over the Netherlands now find me through the internet. Currently I am making an extra 1200 USD per month on average. Having said this the plan is to reach the 2k (monthly average) by the end of this year.
How many different name/poems on linen would you say you’ve done to date?
I just finished in April a big order for a hotel (12 paintings with inspirational quotes). From mid 2008 to mid 2010 I did more then 200 orders. The average price of a painting or text on linen is around 140 USD.
Do you have any specific patterns that you offer or are each of your linen pictures custom?
The majority of orders are customer specific.
What are some of the lessons your business has taught you?
Lessons learned: Being creative is not enough. I need to invest more time on really going out to meet potential customers. I found that other businesses like the Hotel business is really profitable. I thought I missed the commercial attitude but looking back (so far) the reactions from customer were great. They didn’t got the impression I was trying to sell them my product, but in fact was looking for opportunities to decorate their business with original paintings. These face to face meetings I enjoy as much as making the actual painting.
As a single mom of 2, do you have any tips or tricks that have helped you balance your time between time for your kids and your business?
The thing that I stopped doing is working on paintings when my children are home and awake 😉 It just didn’t work. My kids need my full attention when they are home and as soon as they go to sleep, I work on my paintings. 1 day per week is reserved for marketing, advertising and going on the road to meet potential new customers.
Any advice you’d like to offer fellow mompreneurs that are just getting started?
Well for all “Mompreneurs”: I think you can be successful in anything you really love to do and find a way of making a living at doing what you love to do.
