We seriously could not WAIT to post this #mplocal feature when they said they were interested in being on our blog! These two badass best friends and boss babes are a daily inspiration to us. They continue to grow in KW and bring the community together and they've created an amazing space for likeminded individuals to share their creativity, ask for advice and grow their passion projects into money making businesses.
So without further ado, we're excited to introduce Lacey and Laura from The Maker's Collective!
Name: Lacey J Heels and Laura Hart
Your title: Co-Owners of The Maker’s Collective
Your elevator pitch:
The Maker’s Collective is a community initiative meets business development hub to help the next generation of creative professionals, side-hustlers and entrepreneurs flourish in the gig-economy. We take a holistic approach to living a creative life and building a business in the 21st century focusing on mindset, energy, mental health and business foundations. There is no one-size fits all model for the entrepreneur of today and we provide the support, mentorship, education and inspiration needed to transform your skills and passions into a thriving business.
One word to describe yourself:
Transparent
Why did you choose that word?
When it comes to building creative, heart-centred businesses, we believe in being transparent and accessible so others can learn and grow by knowing exactly what it looks and feels like to build a business. We believe in building a longer table, not a higher fence when it comes to sharing resources and knowledge.
Why did you start the business that you did and what was the inspiration or reasoning of how it came it life?
It started from a place of need. I (Lacey) just left my corporate 9-5 to start my marketing consulting and creative business. After 3 months of bliss and another 3 months of isolation and loneliness as a solopreneur I realized I needed a community of like-minded, multi-disciplinary, multi-passionate entrepreneurs.
When I began searching for such a community, I wasn’t finding it. I did find very niche, specialized groups - but I identified with having more than one skill and passion (tech, writing, web development, branding, marketing, creative, artist, animal lover, etc)... before long, it came time to create it. That’s what inspired the creation of the Maker’s Collective, a place where all creatives and entrepreneurs could connect, support one another, get mentorship, learn and develop skills.
First thought when you officially became your own boss:
Lacey- Holy shit. Is this REAL LIFE!?!?… let’s GO!
Laura- I have a part-time job, so I’m still waiting for that to happen officially. I have a strong feeling that this is going to be the year though, so I’ll get back to you ;)
When you’re not hustling, what do you do in your free time?
Lacey- Spending time with my friends, outside with my boxer pup Sydney, listening to podcasts, meditating, playing volleyball, painting or netflixing a good show :)
Laura- I like to work out at either Big Bliss or Cyclone Spin Studio, and when I’m not doing that you’ll probably find me spending time with friends and/or family, or at home with my incredible partner cooking, watching reality tv, and taking care of our plant babies.
Describe a day in your life:
Lacey- Different every day, but typicalling I start with a mindful morning which means meditating, taking my dog for a walk and enjoying a coffee while watching something funny to get in a positive headspace. Then I usually spend the first half of my day working on client work for my business, and in the second half of the day I am working on all things Maker’s Collective with Laura, which could involve podcast production, program development, marketing campaigns, meetings or partnership development.
I usually end my work day around 5 or 6, then do something active with my doggy, and wind down the day with yoga/walks/meditation/painting.
Laura- During the week I’m up fairly early and out the door to my day job at creative agency, Studio Locale, where I’m a Project Manager. When I wrap up there then it all depends on the day - sometimes Lacey and I are recording podcast episodes, or we’re out in the community having meetings and cooking up our next partnership/event/program.
Sometimes, we have events/programs/workshops in the evenings, so I’ll take downtime in the afternoon. I’m pretty militant about protecting my time and not overloading myself, because I know I’m not my best when I’m tired or over-scheduled.
If there’s nothing happening in the evening then I’ll typically wrap up work around 4-4:30 pm, head to the gym, and then it’s dinner and downtime with my partner, and early to bed.
Getting to bed early and having a good sleep is ev-er-y-thing.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Lacey- Starting two businesses that allow me to live out my purpose and have an impact on the world, going on a solo-trip to Portugal, publishing a book and raising a happy healthy puppy.
Laura- My partner and I bought a house late last year - so that feels pretty fucking good. I’m also incredibly proud of what we’re building and the work that we’re doing with Maker’s Collective. There’s nothing like putting in the time and work grinding it out when no one knows who you are or what you do and then to experience it all starting to pay off. It’s the dream.
What are your top 3 bucket list items?
Lacey-
1. Building Maker’s Collective into a successful empire
2. Going to Costa Rica to try the healing power of Ayahuasca
3. Finding a dope soulmate to do life with ;)
Laura-
1. Building a successful business, which to me looks like doing work that I love doing, that helps people, and that helps to provide a living for myself, my teammates, and anyone we work with.
2. Living in a warm climate during the winter.
3. Being able to retire at 40, which to me means being able to choose how I spend my time - I will probably always work, but I hope to be able to choose when and how that work happens, and to have a lot of time to spend with my family, friends, and traveling.
What or who inspires you to keep doing what you’re doing?
Lacey- My purpose drives me everyday to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of creative business owners and to make this world a better place. My friends, family, team and community inspire me to keep going everyday.
Laura- My partners in this business, Lacey J Heels and Jeff Mitchell. It’s so rare to find people that you both love and can work with. When you do find those people and the thing that you’re meant to be doing, you have no choice but to hold on tight, fiercely support one another, and work really fucking hard to make the dream happen - it’s not easy, but it is proving to be really quite beautiful.
What animal do you relate with and why?
Lacey- Probably a sea turtle - they are pre-historic (so old souls), slow (mindful) and pretty magical.
Laura- Oooooo ummmm, I think elephants are the most magical creatures on earth - so I choose an elephant.
What is your daily mantra?
Lacey- A simple one I’ve been thinking lately: “ It is a privilege to be alive and I GET to do this” (rather than thinking “I have to do this today”). Reframing even the simple ways we talk to our self, to operate from a more grateful, empowered and positive place is something I am always working on and practicing.
Laura- I mean, I really don’t have one, but one of the amazing teachers at Big Bliss, Lo Koehler, has started to introduce mantras at the end of yoga classes this year, so I’ll go with one that I’ve connected with recently - I am here. I am worthy.
What are some tips and tricks you use to stay motivated?
Have a damn good reason for doing what you are doing (purpose/ your big why) so it keeps you going when shit gets tough
Surround yourself with people who will love and support you
Tap into your joy everyday
Take care of your mental health, sleep and moooove that body
Find accountability buddies or business BFFs to keep you accountable and motivated
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
You are not alone and the only limits you keep experiencing are usually the ones you put on yourself. Also, it is okay to ask for help, and you can go further together than you can on your own. SO MANY LESSONS.
What’s next for you?
We both want to continue to grow Maker’s Collective this year, creating new programs/products, partnerships, and a grant/scholarship fund for creative professionals/entrepreneurs. We both also crave traveling more of this earth - and at some point we’d love to write a book :)
How can our readers find you?
They offer a lot of great advice on their social platforms, they speak at tons of local events and they are always looking for ways to help you grow and succeed. If you're a creative, maker, side-hustler or dreamer - they are definitely someone you should reach out to, to help align your goals and vision. We are so excited to see more from them this year and see them continue to grow an inspiring brand!
We are constantly looking to promote local businesses and freelancers in the community, so if you are interested in sharing a bit about your life and your journey, send us a DM or email us at hello@mintandpoppy.com.
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