Tell us about yourself ...
We are married (for almost 14 years) and have three kids; Owen 13,
Kathleen 10, and Ben 6.  We also have a dog, a bunny, a turtle, a frog
and 3 fish. 

What does Kelly B. Rightsell Designs provide for Moms, Dads
and Kids?
Our company provides inspiration, ideas, and of course unique products
including decor and gifts for parents and grandparents who are fortunate
enough to be planning for or taking care of babies and children. Not only
have we helped thousands of moms and dads create special spaces for
their children over the years, but we hear from parents who's children have
special attachments to certain pieces of art, and often a "must have with
them at all times" relationship with our stuffed animals.


Kelly B. Rightsell Designs offers such an beautiful products.
Where do you get all your ideas? 
Brian: I'll let Kelly answer the question about where she gets the ideas for her products- but I will say its fun seeing her excitement when she gets an idea. It's also cool to see her ideas go from concept, to art, to finished product, and of course into the stores.

Kelly: I started our company ten years ago when my daughter was born. A couple of years before that, I had been selling original water colors to interior designers and saw that there was a market for juvenille artwork for nurseries and kid's rooms. I had some lithograph prints made from six original designs and headed to the Atlanta Gift Market. That lead to licensing designs for rugs, ceramics, wallpaper, fabric, and bedding.  

What challenges have you faced as a parent in business?
Kelly: The challenges are how to get away from our business. It's always there staring us down. We feel torn a lot because we miss out on a lot of business opportunities because of soccer games, horse shows, karate classes, but it's worth it to be able to spend so much quality time with our kids.

Brian: One of the biggest challenges I have faced is balancing time working and time spent with our family. There are so many business opportunities out there-I could work till midnight every night and not accomplish them all. I have learned over the years, that the work will always be there, but there are those special, (sometimes once in a lifetime) opportunities to be there for our kid's school activities, sports, or even just to stop by school and eat lunch with them. I am thankful that our business has given me the chance to be for my kids.

How long has Kelly B. Rightsell Designs been in business?
Brian: This is our 10th year in business. It's been fun and challenging. Kelly and I are completely "self taught" and have learned so much over the last 10 years. Our educations (Kelly was an art major and I have a business degree) have served us well, but by and large its been a "learn as you go" experience.

Running a business and being a full-time parent certainly has its challenges. Is there any advice you can give to busy Moms and Dads on balancing it all?
Kelly: My advice would be not to beat yourself up about feeling inadequate.  We all wear SO many hats!  Carpooler, maid, dietician, tutor, business owner, parent, friend.  It's impossible to do them all perfectly ALL of the time.  We have to let some things go sometimes.  Usually with me it's housework!  I would also add that it is so fulfilling to have a job that you are passionate about, and that allows for lots of family time. 

Brian: Take the time to support your kids- be there at the soccer games, ballet recitals, and school plays. One day they may stop playing soccer or dancing, and they definitely won't sing the itsy bitsy spider on stage again after about age 7- so be there. Go back to the office and work in the evening if that what it takes to make it happen. I promise you will never regret leaving the office to go to your children's activities.  Oh yea- take pictures and videos-we should have done more of that.

Develop a well thought out business plan and make sure your bringing something fresh to the market.  I see so many companies now doing things so similar to what's already on the market. Test your idea with your prospective customers to make sure its viable before jumping in. Be prepared for lots and lots of hard work as you grow your business. Kelly and I had no formal business plan and we started the company on $500. I think in many ways we were lucky, but most of all Kelly's talent and knack for creating designs/images that people connect with were absolutely the primary reason for our success. 

What is your ideal workday like?
Kelly: As the mother of a teen-ager and a kindergartner I know how fast they grow up. My ideal workday would be
1.  Going to the gym for an hour
2.  Having a professional organizer come and get me and my husband's house and offices organized
3.  Painting the rest of the day until the phone rang and it was the Oprah show wanting to invite us to be on the "Best Christmas Gifts 2007 Show". 

Brian: I drop my youngest child off at school and am in the office at 8:30. The rest of my schedule changes from day to day depending on what's on my plate and my family's schedule. I always have a long list of to-do's on my desk-and the tasks are constantly changing-no two days are alike. I work on product development, sales, licensing, logistical matters, and countless other things that come up when running a business. I also like to answer the phones, so I can talk with our customers- I learn more and get more ideas from that than from anything else I do.
I work until about 5:30 or until I don't feel like I am being productive- whichever comes first.

If there is one thing you could pass on to your children about being a parentpreneur, what would it be?
Kelly: The one thing I would say to my kids, and do, is that it is much more fun to do something you love for a living.
 
Brian: I think our two oldest children probably already realize one of the key advantages of working for yourself, schedule flexibility, as a result of Kelly & I being present at so many of their activities. I think they also know that we work very hard-and that's what I would pass on to them. Ideas are great- but what it always come down to is execution, and that takes hard work.

What is next for Kelly B. Rightsell Designs?
Continuing to bring products to market that are unique, fresh, interesting, and that our customers are passionate about. I hope to illustrate children's books as well as work on my line of artwork for other rooms in the home.  

Fun Facts
Favorite Romantic Comedy …
Kelly: Steel Magnolias
Brian: Rocky (the first one) Forrest Gump, Rudy

Favorite self indulgences …
Kelly: Eating my kids Halloween candy
Brian: I love playing golf and going to the beach with family and friends

Favorite comfort food …
Kelly: Cheese grits (I grew up in S.C.) 
Brian: Pizza- I never met one I did not like

Who was your childhood hero?
Kelly: Laura Ingalls Wilder/Melissa Gilbert, and Beatrix Potter