Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Ann Burgess
Hi Katie Ann, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been very passionate about creating and crafting! I love repurposing junk, making signs, coffee mugs and such. Howdy Darlin started in the fall of 2023 making coffee mugs. Then I fell into the Bead World when I started making pens for myself or gifts for others. I had no idea I would love making gifts and accessories with beads! The next thing I knew, my office was overflowing with all kinds of beads. I started creating car charms, cup charms for the Stanley handles, keychains, wristlets and the list goes on. I offer 10+ items and I get requests daily of new things.
Giving unique, beautiful gifts is one of my love languages. So, naturally, that is the heart of Howdy Darlin. This business is very relational as well. I attend vendor markets, pop ups, private events such as birthday parties or girls nights and even host my own Sip & Shops at my home. I call this The Bead Bar Experience! It is a great way to see what Howdy Darlin offers and a chance to create whatever you like. All the beads are displayed and customers can pick and choose and make the items completely their own. I have a handful of customers that shop with me specifically for birthday gifts or any occasion needing a gift. I have a handful that shop with me because they collect pens and cup charms and love the new themes that are released. I meet so many new people when I attend events and I love the relationships that have blossomed through this connection.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been such an exciting, thrilling road so far! Because I have been an entrepreneur for awhile, I have learned to truly go with the flow, stay true to who I am and my values, and allow God to direct my path. When it comes to events, some are hit or miss and that is okay. This is where being patient, flexible, and humble come in. I know that not every show is going to meet my expectations. Some blow my expectations out of the water, and I am thankful for that. I see every opportunity as a way to grow relationships, work on new products, new business plan ideas, or assess changes that need to be made. Since I am considered a mobile boutique (and online) I have so much flexibility, I set my own schedule, and I have a lot of support from my family, friends, and loyal customers!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create gifts and accessories with beads. I create pens, cup charms, car charms, keychains, wristlets, lanyards, stir sticks, wine toppers, bottle openers. They are so fun! I also make coffee mugs, but mostly upon request or if I am just needing a new coffee mug!
I specialize in custom orders. This is where I give the customer a list of questions such as their theme (western, coffee, mama, teacher etc), their favorite colors (turquoise, black, pink), and their favorite prints (cow print, checkered, floral etc) Once I have their answers, I put together the item they asked for. This process makes it personalized to them. My heart is that no item is the same. I might use the same beads if requested, but they will be placed in a different order. Every item is unique and special in their own way.
I would say that I am most known for the Bead Bar Experience. Every event I have someone tell me they have never seen anything like this. That the beads are so beautiful. “This is addicting!” (that’s my favorite!) The Bead Bar is offered for birthday parties, girl’s night, work events, & more!
I am most proud of the relationships and connections I have made with Howdy Darlin Designs. I am passionate about community and I am very involved in our community in Caddo Mills. I absolutely love doing events with our schools and surrounding areas. I believe this is what sets me apart and brings me close with others who have a passion for people. Howdy Darlin is more than beads, more than making a sale. Howdy Darlin is the hands and feet of Jesus. Loving and giving back to the community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
My foundation is built on God’s Word. I am a firm believer in Jesus and He is the leader of my life and my business. I pray over my business every day. He is the one who leads me and guides me. My faith and trust is in Him that Howdy Darlin will thrive and reach people all over.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://howdydarlin.myshopify.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howdy_darlin_designs?igsh=MTljM2h1Z3lvdWlnZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AnkwZuHCg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Lemon & B Photography
Howdy Darlin Designs
