Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisol Graham.
Hi Marisol, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I am the owner of Baxter Graham Design. The history of my company started in graphic and web design. I loved helping other business owners develop their logos and branding. But I did miss creating my own art. I created a separate company under my LLC, The Paper Carousel. The Paper Carousel became an outlet for my and my son’s artwork and ideas. As my son became older, my artwork moved towards designing handbags. We decided to place everything under one name and changed The Paper Carousel to Baxter Graham Kids. Baxter Graham LLC is now defined as an arthouse, so to speak. We design pillows, kids’ items, and some home décor. We also source unique gifts and décor made by other artisans to offer in our shops.
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?
It has not been a smooth road. Obstacles have presented themselves. For instance, when we were preparing to launch our handbag line the pandemic hit. Many businesses (large, small, or micro) had to make the decision “do I crumble, or do I pivot?”. We decided to pivot. My sister, Sabrina Scism owner of SOS Door Décor and More, and I realized our products complement each other.
We decided to offer both our products in a space at The Painted Tree. The Painted Tree is a marketplace for small and micro businesses to have a physical storefront. My sister designs and creates custom wreaths that we sell in the space. I offer my original designs and unique home décor and gift items. We started with one location in the Champions area and have done so well, we decided to open a second location in Katy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Baxter Graham Design?
Baxter Graham Design LLC offers many unique original items for the home. We focus on the design and artform of the piece. We also offer some pieces that are whimsical to bring a smile to our customers face,
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
There is a quote I just recently heard that I think really sums up being an entrepreneur. The quote was,” Marrying grit with purpose, that creates hustle.” If you are exploring the idea of becoming an entrepreneur, I would have to say this quote and one other I am going to get to would probably need to be taped to your mirror to see every day. Marrying grit with purpose means to have the willingness to make a weakness into a strength and to do this not for someone else but for yourself. It is ok to start small and then grow. I see so many people become overwhelmed and give up because they have it in their mind that should start their business as big as possible. Go big, or go home, Right? No, not everyone does. You can scale your business to whatever fits you at that moment. Go to the Small Business Administration website. They have many free tools available for you.
Find a business group to network with and there are several that offer mentorship. Last and not least, YouTube and books. The Self Employed Life by Jeffrey Shaw is good and so is Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant: Guide to Financial Freedom by Robert T. Kiyosaki. More than anything, believe in yourself and it is okay if the plan you begin with must change and is not the plan you end with. Which brings me to the second quote you should have on your mirror. This quote reads, “There is no such thing as failure. If you’re still alive, you’re still in the game.” Many successful people have changed the shape of their business, invested in other businesses, and created completely new businesses to get where they are today. Keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@baxtergraham.com
- Website: https://www.baxtergraham.com
- Instagram: @baxtergrahamdesign
- Facebook: @baxtergrahamdesign
- Twitter: @baxtergraham
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiZJiL8zCo73nSR7QzO11Ww
