May 1, 2017

Meet Alli Koch of Alli K Design in Downtown and Lower Greenville

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alli Koch.

Alli, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My business started on an Instagram post!

I gradated college with a marketing degree in May 2014. For me, it was always a given that after college you interview for a 9-5 job, it never even crossed my mind that I could just start my own business. While interviewing (it was a long, hard process) I had a lot of time on my hands so I picked up some paint and canvases to kill the time. I posted one of my projects on Instagram and well that’s where it all began. A friend saw the photo and wanted one for herself, then her friend wanted one as well. More orders started to come in from friends and family that I decided to start another account just for my art, Alli k design.

My husband gave me 6 months of ‘ taking a break’ from interviewing because I was so busy with art orders. 6 months passed, and I was even busier than when I started. That’s when it really hit me that I could possibly make this a true business. So I told myself, I wouldn’t begin the interviewing process again because I’m making Alli k design my job… and I haven’t looked back!

With A TON of hard work, networking, trial and error, and putting myself out there, I have grown Alli k design more than I ever could imagine in its short two years. I have my own studio space, have written a How to Draw book, taught multiple students the art of calligraphy and watercolor, and have painted murals all over Dallas. I really can’t wait to see where this entrepreneurial life takes me!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any entrepreneur will tell you it’s been a smooth ride. There’s this thing call taxes, and rules to make sure your legit. Things I did not learn in college. I’ve had months where I spent more than I took in, or orders that I’ve have to completely redo because of a rookie mistake. But it’s all part of the job. I learn new things about running a business every day!

Please tell us about Alli K Design.
Alli K Design specializes in making every order custom. From wedding invites to leather jackets, no two are alike.

I create wedding invites, custom leather/jean jackets, and illustrations. I also teach the art of calligraphy, brush lettering, and watercolor; either in group or a private setting.

I am most proud of my murals and my new book How to Draw Modern florals.

I have a minimal modern take on my art work which sets me apart from others.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from my childhood is having breakfast with my Dad every Saturday. I have done this since I was 13 and actually still do this every Saturday at chick-fil-a.

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