Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Lindelien.
Hi Alex, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
My only personality trait used to be that I was a workaholic. I grew up watching my mom struggle to pay bills while raising two children by herself. The constant stress that revolved around money instilled such an intense fear in me that I worked as much as I could as soon as I could so that I (hopefully) never had to worry the way she did. I lived in a constant state of overtime work starting at 19. Once COVID hit, my job went under. I was so stressed out with this seemingly unending free time that had taken over my life in the blink of an eye. I had been working so much the last few years that I realized I had no idea who I was without it. I decided to take this once-in-a-lifetime downtime opportunity and fill it with hobbies. I quickly fell in love with all things art, especially painting and repurposing/up-cycling items. Eventually, life started back up. I love(d) my job, but returning to it felt like the little light in my soul ignited by art was being stomped back out. Before I realized it, old habits took over, and I was back to working overtime. On my off days, I discovered a passion for going to antique and thrift stores to look at their earring section. They always had the most fun and unique pieces that felt like they could give life to any drab outfit… especially to a limited work appropriate wardrobe. The downside was that I could only wear most of these metals for an hour or two due to my skin sensitivities. One day, it dawned on me, “Why don’t I just make my earrings? Then I can make the exact style I want and be conscious of what metals I’m wearing,” and so I did just that. I began wearing my creations out in public. People would often compliment the pieces I was wearing and ask where I got them, and when I told them I made it myself the response was usually, “Do you sell them?” followed by, “If you ever start a business, I will be a customer.” I took it as a compliment more than anything until something happened in my home life a few months into 2022, causing my hours at work to be cut in half. Stressed about how I would pay my bills, I remembered all the comments of people claiming they’d purchase from me if I created a business. I knew that people had been interested in earrings, but I loved multiple art mediums. I didn’t want to limit myself to one thing, so I left it open-ended: “Mind of Plenty” for a creative mind with plenty of ideas bouncing around.
I started on Instagram, thinking it would be months before I made my first sale; instead, the phenomenal people in my life threw all their love and support my way, and I hit the ground running in shipments. I am beyond thankful for those initial days because they ignited my confidence that this could be something. Eventually, I started doing in-person craft shows and makers markets, finding my rhythm and understanding what I wanted this business to be. After about a year and a half of creating jewelry, I began getting restless and wanted to pull in other aspects of things I love. I am a giant plant mom (I have 50 plants in my home) and love reading. So, I started making decorative plant pot stakes and bookmarks, which received lots of positive feedback. Art is highly passion-driven, and by taking other interests in my life and combining them, it produces pieces filled with love and care. Every year, I learn so much from the year prior, and it’s been fun discovering what works and what doesn’t. I am constantly changing and morphing my goals to align with the new lessons and opportunities presented.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some aspects have been smooth and worked out way better than anticipated, but like 90% of new journeys, there is also a long trial-and-error trail. Realizing that just because you think a piece is beautiful doesn’t mean everyone else will, or an idea you think is genius may become a flop. The biggest struggle by far has been learning balance. I love my business, but it’s far from paying my bills (some day though! fingers crossed!), so I also work full-time. All free time outside of my job is then spent working on the business, from inventory to admin work to supply and post office runs, and spending my days off at makers’ markets. I can’t tell you how often I’ve dozed off while working at my art desk or run off 3 hours of sleep to ensure everything was prepped and ready for a market in the morning. Learning how to balance my work life between my business and job, as well as my personal and social life, is a struggle that takes constant recognition and planning. That is something I believe almost all small business owners can relate to.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
One of the most significant advice an artist or small business will give you is to “find your niche.” Initially, I was nervous because I didn’t have a set aesthetic for myself- I find beauty in all styles. What I feared would be my downfall was actually what ended up making my business model so unique. People kept telling me they loved the wide variety I offered. They could buy something for themselves, their grandma, and their neighbor despite all having different tastes, like a “one-stop shop.” After receiving compliments on my variety, my slogan became “Something for Everyone.” I am proud to be able to include many different types of people and their interest ranges. Inclusion is essential to me, and I want everyone to feel safe and welcome in my presence and throughout my work. I specialize in jewelry, but offer accessories like hair clips and spirals, bookmarks, wall decor hangers, and plant pot stakes. You might think, “Huh, that’s a random mash-up,” but I promise it all ties together. One of my first passions in life was plants. I feel the most peace when surrounded in nature, so much so that there’s a plant in every direction you look inside my house. I used this love to set the aesthetic for my brand, and all my products reflect my passion for plants in some capacity.
How do you define success?
Success, for me, is filling your life with as much authenticity and happiness as possible. The world would be utterly different if money and status disappeared and all jobs were created equal, allowing people to spend their lives doing what they’re passionate about. If you watch people in their element practicing their hobby, they’re usually in their best and highest mental state. We all only have one life, and the most successful people in the world are the ones who take what they’re passionate about and turn it into a career. “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” is a quote that lives in my head rent-free.
Pricing:
- Earrings: $12-$30
- Bookmarks $8-$12
- Plant pot stakes $8-$16
- Wall decor $30-$40
- Hair accessories: $4-$20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mindofplenty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindofplenty_/?igsh=MW9tOGxkazEyZXh6Zg%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087278611630
Image Credits
@blest.jpeg
