Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Linnartz.
Hi Kelsey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After graduating with my Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Design and Manufacturing from Texas Tech University, I moved to New York City to work in the fashion industry. While living in NYC, I worked with talented teams at Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera, and Saks Fifth Avenue. When COVID hit New York City, transforming the city and industry I loved, I returned back to my hometown, Fort Worth, Texas. In the midst of the pandemic and the desire to use my creativity to help others. I began sketching more than sewing and pivoted into focusing on fashion illustration while I apply to other design jobs within the fashion industry. Through my background in fashion design, you can see my creative and bright style in the clothing I designed and now in cards. Meeting a gap in the market for stylish resources to equip people to connect with those they love in a time of isolation. I design colorful and fun greeting cards to brighten people’s day and share encouragement in a time of loneliness and isolation. In the midst of my own difficult time as a recent graduate and transitioning away from the city, I know we all need encouragement now more than ever.
When I was 13, I started a business selling headbands in Fort Worth and on etsy; this handmade headband business was called LinnArtzy, a play on my last name, “Linnartz,” and a constant compliment, “You are so Artsy!” Now in my twenties, with a degree and work experience, and fresh vision and products, I launched LinnArtzy in November 2020. With the mission to equip you in connecting & encouraging those in your life through meaningful cards. Since LinnArtzy launched six months ago, I have been featured in the News on NBC Texas Today, now carried in seven stores, and featured at over 5 pop-up events. I am so excited to see what God has in store for LinnArtzy. It’s been such a blessing getting to know people and help them experience connection and encouragement.
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?
The journey has been full of ups and downs. The pandemic has had it’s challenges, and starting a business in the midst of it has been hard. I have learned so much. As a creative, I have struggled with numbers and the business side of things, but I have overcome these challenges and as a one-woman show, managing e-commerce, product development, production coordination, PR, and Customer Service. I have learned so much about time management and learning to rest in the midst of feeling overwhelmed. I still have so much to learn, and always open to growth and seeking opportunities to challenge myself. Personally, this year has been challenging, moving away from NYC, leaving my job and friends and life I loved. I am an example that you don’t need to be “okay” to encourage and reach out to those you care about. Even when you don’t feel okay, it always helps you feel connected and grateful when writing a card.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At LinnArtzy, I design meaningful greeting cards and art prints. Where fashion illustration meets calligraphy & greeting cards with an emphasis on Encouragement, Connection and Creativity! LinnArtzy greeting cards are designed to equip you to encourage those you love; because in a world where we need encouragement more than ever, handwritten notes have never been so meaningful. The unique style sets the brand apart. Bright colors, inspiring phrases and beautiful art. There are several assorted boxed sets, each coming with five cards and an exclusive LinnArtzy Encouragement Guide, helping you know what to say and how to intentionally add encouragement to your cards.
Using cards to partner with local charity, “The Net” is something I am proud of. I am honored to be able to remind women “You are Worthy”. There is more to the story than just the beautiful card you see here. These empowering cards change lives and are perfect for encouraging your friends. The “You are Worthy” cards were designed and donated in partnership with “The Net,” an organization in Fort Worth, Texas. Donating these cards with portions of previous sales has equipped The Net as they send encouraging cards to women who are incarcerated with a history of being sexually exploited. Reminding them, “You are Worthy” no matter what they are facing right now. This beautiful card set is perfect for making a friend smile, we all need the reminder: “You are Worthy!”
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Getting a card in the mail from a friend makes me happy. There is something old-fashioned yet so innovative about getting a card in the mail, someone thinking of me personally and not to a group or social media on a screen. Keeping things personal and authentic at the core of my company are three things that make me most happy- connection, encouragement and creativity. I love spending time with my friends, dance parties, new earrings, and good conversations over lattes. I love taking a weekly sabbath to refocus and inspire. I enjoy creating clothes, designing cards and love meeting new people.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.linnartzy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linnartzy_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LinnArtzy/
- Other: https://www.nbcdfw.com/texas-today/the-power-of-greeting-cards/2594026/
Image Credits
Paolo Verzani
