Canvas Rebel Magazine Feature: Meet Julie Kostic
This article original appeared in Canvas Rebel and be found HERE.
Julie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
In 2019, my husband and I decided that life in the DC metro area was starting to wear on us, and we set a five year plan to try to figure out a way to move further south to sunnier skies. Well manifestation can be a powerful thing because about a week later a job popped up for my husband that happened to be in Orlando. When he received an offer we decided to take the leap to leave the home we had known for years and start again in a brand new state. This meant moving my business from my tight-knit network to somewhere I didn’t know a soul (unless Mickey Mouse counts?) After arriving in Orlando and settling our personal life I went to work getting my business set up. It was a whirlwind of paperwork and trying to get into the networking scene. Then all the sudden the Pandemic hit. Let’s just say 2020 was not a pretty year for the company. But throughout the last couple of years it truly was a rebirth for my company and new opportunities in Florida have proven even more exciting than before, from receiving a community Innovator Award to recently appearing on a reality show about entrepreneurship. I truly believe that when you take risks and work hard, the rewards can be even greater than you expect.
Julie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Most of my career had been spent in the creative industry working for ad agencies, as well as in-house brands such as Under Armour. In 2016 my entrepreneur spirit was calling. I decided to go out on my own as a freelance graphic designer and soon went from contractor to business owner and launched JK Creative. JKC is now an award-winning and certified woman-owned visual communications firm with a team of passionate creatives. We specialize in combining high-quality design with strategy to create solutions that help clients stand out in a noisy marketplace. We work with a wide range of clients on projects such as branding, strategy, print, digital, signage, packaging, and more. We have worked with brands such as National Parks Conservation Association, Greystar Real Estate, The Cleaning Authority, University of Maryland Global Campus, and more.
I’m somewhat of a serial entrepreneur as in addition to JK Creative I also run two other brands: a company called Ever Ella which specializes in event branding and invitations for weddings. And theorlandodinks.com, a blog and social media brand where my husband and I cover fun things to see, do, and eat around Orlando and destinations beyond.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
When I first started my business I had a lot of growth. So many connections fell into my lap, all the pitches I sent were a yes. I think in the beginning it gave me a false sense of invincibility. In business there are ups and downs and when my first “down” came it blindsighted me. A perfect storm occurred of clients taking their work in-house, hearing all no’s on pitches, work was drying up. By the time I tried to course correct it was too late to keep up with the expenses set in place for when things were good. I had to let an employee go. It felt terrible. I felt like a failure. But now since going through that, it made me stronger and helped me be ready to weather the pandemic. And that awesome employee is now back and we are working together again.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
I feel to be a successful manager you need to focus on two things: communication and balance. It’s best to have processes in place where expectations are clear, I also like my employees to understand it’s ok to reach out and we can tackle something together, no need to spin your wheels alone. When it comes to balance things should be a give and take. Someone may need to come in late or have some schedule flexibility, where sometimes I may need them to help out with a task and leave a little late another day. I find having respect and trust can go a long way. Also just checking in frequently and having relationships with them. Caring about someone’s life and interests and surprising them with a gift card for coffee can make them feel appreciated at work. I also like to discuss goals so that we can tailor assignments when possible or I can be aware of opportunities that may be of interest.
Contact Info:
Website: https://jkcreative.design
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkcreative.design/