Dreaming up her gorgeous brand, Hello Day Planner, Kirsten Wilson makes getting organised beautiful and fashionable. She was one of the first brands I connected with on Instagram – classy, design-led with a side of sass. I was blown away by how passionate she is about customer service, stopping at nothing to make sure customers feel treasured.
An ultra-talented interior designer by day, Kirsten takes side-hustle to a brand new level altogether so I was thrilled when she agreed to join My Work Happy. In today’s post, she shares how she turns her ideas into reality, long dining-room table nights, thriving around other inspirational people and the soul-healing power of coffee dates with girlfriends.
What’s the story behind Hello Day Planner?
I have used a planner since I was about 10 years old and I was obsessed with them every school year. I still have almost all of the ones I ever used, stored at my parents house. They are an everyday companion. I rely on my planner to get me through my daily tasks, my goals, etc. I thought it would be a fun challenge to create my own.
Are you surprised by how successful the brand has become?
I am just going into my second year now but I’ve been very happy with how it’s gone so far. I feel like I can always do better, try harder, etc. But I am pleased with my repeat and happy customers – yes, that puts the biggest smile on my face.
How are you evolving Hello Day Planner?
This year, I have released 5 planner designs in different varieties, compared to last year of only two designs and one variety as well as a range of stationery products. And I have many more ideas floating in my head of things I would like to design. The ideas don’t stop, I drive myself mad sometimes.
How are you setting goals for your business?
A combination of ideas and budget – many nights at the dining table with my husband, trying to get ideas on to paper and making them a reality.
And what keeps you on track?
My Hello Day planner obviously!
It’s not all coffee and sparkles. How do you stay focused on low-mojo days?
Well, I have to say that coffee is involved actually, because my favourite thing to do when I feel overwhelmed or lost, is to make a cup of coffee and sit down with a pen and paper and make a fresh list of what I need to do to accomplish whats immediately in front of me.
How do you celebrate your success?
Honestly, I don’t have time to celebrate at the moment, but last year, as things wound down, in February my husband and I had a spa weekend away.
How do you invest in yourself and your business?
Social interaction is really important to me and I notice that I thrive when surrounded by other inspiring people. A couple months ago, I made it a point to have coffee once a week with girlfriends. As the busy season is here, I might not be meeting that goal, but the coffee dates I have had since September have been really soul healing for me.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I’m an interior Designer and I love all things beautiful and cute. Each year, I think about what the trends are, what we are using in our homes, and how I can incorporate that into my stationery.
What’s the one success habit that’s changed your business?
My customer service. I always think, what would I want if I was the customer? My goal is to put a smile on the customer’s face, and in turn it will put a smile on my face.
Tribe – who’s yours and what does it mean to you?
I only moved to England 3.5 years ago, so part of my tribe is remote, and my biggest tribe member is my husband – my rock! Another is a close friend that lives here in England that is also a small business owner, who completely understands the trials that I go through. I have recently found a new tribe of women that are all inspirational in every way. They are all doing their own thing and thriving at what they do, and being with them really brings positivity to my life. I feel complete.
What’s exciting you most at the moment?
What the future holds. It’s exciting but nerve wracking as we expand into the unknown. I will continue to try my best to see the company succeed.
Work-life balance – what’s the secret?
At the moment the balance is tipped very heavily towards work, but other times of the year, it is more ‘balanced’. The secret: planning. Planning quiet time, social life, exercise, self reflection, nesting, etc.
What makes you happiest about your work?
Getting amazing customer feedback, grateful emails and reviews. They really bring a smile to my face and often a tear to my eye. When you work hard, those little things are icing on the cake. I also love that I get to use my creativity and produce beautiful things that people love.
