Along with National Military Appreciation Month, we are highlighting milspouse run businesses each week with an interview with these awesome entrepreneurs. If you are looking for a military spouse run business to support, looking for gift ideas or thinking about starting a business as your own, read their story and their tips!
Today we are featuring Natasha Schulze of Simply Schulze. Her love of Pinterest helped spark her small business owner journey! She is currently located in the SoCal area, but moving to the southern East Coast soon!
When did you start Simply Schulze?
Simply Schulze began by accident around 2014. I’m a home décor enthusiast with Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware dreams on a DIY budget (haha). My first projects were signs that were simply copy cats or “hacks” of pieces I’d seen on Pinterest or in magazines that I wanted to recreate for my own home but with a much lower price tag. Soon I was getting requests for signs from friends, friends of friends and people I didn’t even know and before I knew it a business had been born!
Why make signs??
We all love our homes so much, it’s where you spend time with your family, celebrate milestones, entertain guests, bring our babies home to and so much more. I make lots of meaningful pieces, commemorating moves or special events or celebrating the life of a loved one who is no longer with us but I like to think that even a tiny, seemingly meaningless sign (like one that sits on a coffee bar or just something decorative in your bathroom that won’t even necessarily be noticed) gets to be part of what makes somebody’s home “home” and I love being a part of that.
Favorite piece that you have worked on?
My customers are constantly coming up with amazing ideas. I’ll finish a sign and think “YES. This is my new favorite item!” but then another order comes along and I’ll think the same about that one, haha! It’s so hard to choose but I will say that I definitely love making duty station signs (commemorating military moves/places the family has lived), I love seeing their journey and being reminded of our own happy memories at some of the same locations. I also recently had a customer request a sign written in her late grandmother’s handwriting as gift for her mother. It was so sweet and unique and I loved being able to make something so meaningful.
Favorite motivational quote?
“Do something today that your future self with thank you for.”
Favorite thing to do?
Making signs! I also enjoy spending time with my husband and two boys (4.5 and 1.5), cooking and adventuring outdoors.
Favorite place to live?
It would probably be Northern Virginia in the fall, Long Island in the summer and SoCal in the winter! My ideal place to live is always near the beach.
Where are you originally from?
I’m originally from eastern Long Island, a little town called Center Moriches about an hour outside of NYC. I still call it “home” and try to get back for visits whenever I can!
Favorite place you have PCS’d to?
Each time we get to a new location it’s my new least favorite place and each time we leave it’s my new favorite! We are currently stationed at Camp Pendleton and love it so much, SoCal has definitely been the most perpetually beautiful and fun place our family has ever called home.
Favorite thing to do at your current duty station?
Be outside! I love exploring new beaches and outdoor activities with my sons. We could spend a lifetime here in SoCal and still not see all that it has to offer, it’s such an amazing place!
Best perk of military life for you?
That it’s always an adventure! I love experiencing different duty stations and all they have to offer as well forming the amazing friendships I’ve forged with so many amazing individuals along the way who have truly become lifelong friends.
Favorite adventure you have been on thanks to the military?
The whole experience has been an adventure! We’re looking forward to one day being stationed overseas but for now we’ve been enjoying bouncing around stateside and enjoying the unique opportunity to explore so many places that we wouldn’t necessarily find ourselves otherwise.
How often do you change your stock?
I try to add new designs weekly as well as changing options to fit the holidays. Most items are made to order so customers can feel free to request anything they can think of!
Number one tip to give to fellow military spouses who want to start their own business?
Give it a shot! I made the personal decision not to work outside the home until my children are school-aged and making the transition to being a SAHM was definitely hard for me at times. After starting my business ,I felt a renewed sense of purpose and personal accomplishment I didn’t think I could feel outside the workplace. As any small business owner will tell you, it can definitely be stressful at times and you often find yourself wondering “how am I even doing all of this?”, but I wouldn’t change a thing!!!
To place an order, you can check out her Etsy shop. Or contact her through social media (Instagram or Facebook) as well as through email.
Check out her shop and see something you like? Use the code “MILADVENTURE” to receive a one-time 10% discount in relation to this article! Check out our Instagram account for a giveaway from Simply Schulze ending May 9, 2018!
All pictures seen within post are courtesy of Simply Schulze.
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