Voss Boss Entrepreneur Spotlight – Justine Routhier, Owner Of The Poppy Art Co

For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.

At Like A Voss Social Media, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Justine Routhier, owner of The Poppy Art Co!

The Poppy Art Co is a stationery store that caters to book lovers, bullet journal enthusiasts and individuals who just love design! We offer a wide variety of items, ranging from bookmarks to keychains to stickers and even notepads!

Our girl Betina interviewed Justine about her secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what they think makes social media such an effective tool in business.

A Little Bit About Being an Entrepreneur 

1: How long have you been in business?

I opened The Poppy Art Co. a little over a year ago. I began with custom orders first, and then later opened an Etsy store.

2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start The Poppy Art Co?

I have always made art, and during the pandemic, a friend suggested I could turn it into a business and thought that was a good idea! It is definitely a nice break from the 9 to 5, though owning a small business can mean a 9 to 9 instead!

3: What do you love most about being a designer and maker?

I love having an idea and being able to bring it to life! I also like being able to disconnect from the daily chores and fly away on a creative cloud!

4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as an entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start The Poppy Art Co?

That success comes in different shapes and sizes, and will not happen the same way for everyone! On social media, you can release a viral post or video and suddenly become wildly successful. But you can also work very hard on a product that won’t work out as well as you originally thought it would! So you have to be happy with your own success and avoid comparing yourself to others (and this is not as easy as you may think!).

5: What is one thing about working in the stationery industry that people would be surprised to learn?

It is both highly competitive and supportive! There are many stationery shops open, yet most small creators are super supportive of one another.

6: Where do you find inspiration to create your designs?

In everyday life! Whenever I have a hard time finding inspiration, I usually go for a walk in a new spot and inspiration just hits me!

And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!

7: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?

It would have to be Instagram, though their recent changes to the platform have made it more difficult for creators to be seen! I also love YouTube (both for the music and tutorials!)

8: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?  

I actually started using social media to showcase my art, but I had not yet opened The Poppy Art Co. When I realized how supportive everyone was I decided to then open my shop, and have used social media since to help promote my products!

9: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?

Social media has really helped my business, but not necessarily in the ways you might think! It has allowed me to meet other creators and to share our mutual questions. But social media has also allowed me to reach people from all over the world!

A Little More About Justine

Art has always been a passion of mine! Through the years, I have done oil painting, watercolour illustrations, acrylic murals, digital art and now stationery making!

I always love meeting new people and making new friends, so don’t be shy and come say hi!

Connect with Justine

Etsy Shop

Instagram

Facebook

Know Any Voss Boss?

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