Ceci Johnson, Founder and Creative Director of Ceci New York, chatted with Tory Burch about building a business as she was named a Woman to Watch! Read the full interview and article below.
'What couturiers do for clothes, Ceci Johnson does for invitations. In less than 10 years, she has built a successful luxury paper goods company specializing in custom and one-of-a-kind designs.'
TORY BURCH
Here, she shares quotable bits of advice on building a business:
WHEN STARTING A COMPANY YOU MUST…
Keep pushing ahead! Starting a business is like pushing an enormous boulder up a hill. It will be a constant challenge not to let it roll back on you, but if you keep pushing you will ultimately reach the top.
BEING YOUR OWN BOSS…
Means looking for every opportunity and always, always putting yourself out there.
THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I'VE EVER RECEIVED IS…
From my father, who gave me the formula S+S=S: Sweat + Sacrifice = Success.
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE...
The power of feedback.
I LOVE WHAT I DO BECAUSE…
My clients allow me to take their desires and create something beautiful beyond what they could ever imagine. Seeing their happiness is exhilarating.
NEVER BE AFRAID OF…
Failure. Failure isn’t final; it’s just feedback.
MY GREATEST TALENT IS…
Listening and creating innovative solutions from what I hear.
MY GREATEST CHALLENGE IS…
Not taking things personally or letting my emotions get in the way.
I OVERCOME THAT CHALLENGE BY…
Reminding myself that it's just business. Love doesn't pay the bills!
I HOPE...
To inspire young people to pursue a career in the arts.
THE BEST INVITATIONS ALWAYS…
Excite and delight. It should make the guest stop and take notice, mark their calendar and get excited for what's to come. Think of it like a movie trailer for your fabulous event!
BIGGEST TRENDS IN MY FIELD RIGHT NOW…
Invitations with laser-cut details, custom watercolor designs and metallic printing.
THE NEXT BIG THING IN INVITATION DESIGN…
I actually have a big reveal coming out next year — sign up for CeciStyle to be the first to find out!
Ceci offers private business consultations for anyone looking to do a deep dive and get real help to strategize and better their businesses. If you're interested in a one hour consultation, please email hello@cecinewyork.com to set yours up.
