Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Hinnant.
Hi Kathryn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Art and design has always been a huge influence in my life. I deeply discovered it when I started high-school and began pursuing it heavily for my remaining years of school and throughout college. While I was working throughout college, I quickly discovered that I was put in a creative box in each job I encountered. I understood why, but it left me feeling unsatisfied and craving more. So I vowed to myself that one day, I would own my own company and be able to truly express my creativity in the ways I wanted to. So that is exactly what I did. Monarch began as a side-hustle towards the end of my college career. I was helping create content for a few clients and managing their social media(s) while I was at school. From there it continued to blossom and flourish and Monarch Atelier was born. Well, in a sense. It took me a while to figure out how to brand MYSELF and what I wanted my company’s message/purpose to be and how we were going to serve our clients. So it was a long process but that is how I got to where I am today. Monarch Atelier continues to thrive and grow at an exponential rate and I am excited to see what 2022 has in store.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are never smooth roads, it is always a continuous learning process. I value every challenge as a lesson that is not always overcome, but it helps prepare us for future endeavors down the road. One of the struggles that come to mind when I reflect back on these last few years is making a name for Monarch. Being a young entrepreneur comes with its benefits, but also challenges in itself. It is a competitive market out there for one. Two, I am in my mid-twenties so I have not “paid as many dues” like others in my industry, which could leave potential clients to see me as inexperienced. And lastly, learning our niche market. So far no client has been too big or small for us to take on, which has been a great experience. It is a blessing and sometimes a struggle to navigate those waters, but we have had tremendous success thus far.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Monarch, we specialize in branding, website building and maintenance, graphic design and content creation, social media management, photography, and PR. We are most proud of our extensive network of connections within the Houston and greater Houston area. Monarch Atelier is a one-stop-shop for all creative, business and digital marketing needs and that is what separates us from the rest. Our clients love the convenience we offer housing all of these marketing needs under one roof. It offers a sense of simplicity while removing communication issues and creative errors when there are less “cooks in the kitchen.”
At Monarch, we pride ourselves in fitting to your mold. In other words, we never make our clients match the Monarch style. We do everything in our power to fit your mold and brand’s needs. Lastly, Monarch Atelier is a huge proponent of sponsoring and supporting small and local businesses. We love to help small businesses gain their start as a new brand as well as grow through marketing. We support all small and local businesses in Texas!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think the biggest risk I took was jumping in to starting a business as young as I did. I honestly did not anticipate this route, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think my advice on risk taking is simple, go for it! I have learned the hard way that waiting for everything to fall in to place and be perfect is never going to happen. You are going to waste so much of your life waiting for the best time to start, when in reality that does not exist! SO START! Go for it! I am a firm believer in “everything happens for a reason.” So take the risk, get out there and begin. There is never a wrong time to start.
Contact Info:
- Email: kathrynhinnant@monarchatelier.org
- Website: www.monarchatelier.org
- Instagram: monarchatelier
- Facebook: monarchatelier
Image Credits
Sarah Long (Long Shot Photography)
Monarch Atelier
