You’re not pizza. You can’t please everyone.
Kayte was born and raised in Maine, created and developed Mass Musings in Boston, moved to Los Angeles for a year of creative inspiration and now lives in Denver. Her style can’t be defined as it is always changing but she thinks that’s what makes life fun! Kayte created Mass Musings in August of 2012 and has since been pouring her soul into forging a space where individuals can congregate to find creative inspiration and collaboration.
Where did the idea for Mass Musings come from?
Back in 2012, right after I graduated college with an English degree and no idea of what I wanted to do, I started my first Tumblr account. It was a collection of my favorite things and being able to curate photographs and words that spoke to me was a refreshing break from the pressure of finding a career. As my job search continued, so did my Tumblr and eventually I decided to turn it into a blog. I wanted to showcase my talents in writing and photography and blogging seemed to be the perfect platform to do so.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
A typical day in my life includes answering emails, taking photos for various clients, and exercising (typically yoga). It’s important for me to have a schedule (even if it’s just day by day) as it keeps me focused and helps me check off the tasks on my to-do list. Yoga has been instrumental in keeping my mind clear and my head on straight! I also have a day job as a Marketing Coordinator so that’s also the bulk of my schedule.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Primarily through collaboration. I’m an ideas person. I love to see something through from start to finish, but I also recognize that ideas are a lot better when you have a group of amazing people behind them and supporters who can bring a fresh perspective to the project. It’s not good to go at it alone all the time – art is more fun with people.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
The trend that everyone can and should be whoever they want, however they want to be it. I love seeing people truly express themselves through fashion and through music or on the dance floor. Life is a beautiful existence and I want everyone to enjoy it organically.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Never being afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. Don’t get me wrong, even though I am an extreme extrovert, I still get a little anxious when I meet new people or try something that I’ve never done before. That being said, I have a habit of forcing myself to do it anyways and I’m rarely disappointed with the results. I’ve met some absolutely incredible people because of this habit and it has led me to unique opportunities because of it.
What advice would you give your younger self?
“You’re not pizza. You can’t please everyone.”
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
I’m not sure if nobody agrees with me on this but something that I’ve found to be true is that “everything happens for a reason.” Also see my answer about my favorite quote for an elaboration on this.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Reach out to other creatives! Chances are you will find someone super cool who is willing to be your friend. I love having other friends because I love to support other entrepreneurs, but I also have a huge appreciation for a community that’s willing to help each other out. If you can’t find one, build one!
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Keep an open mind. A lot of times creative individuals get very attached to their work because they put so much of themselves into it. Try not to take things personally; I know that’s easier said than done, but sometimes you need a little constructive criticism to make it to the next level.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I moved to a city that I wasn’t ready for. So much of my brand is myself and my confidence. When I’m not totally in my right headspace or feeling like myself, it shows. So, moving across the country has been a really big challenge. That being said, I’m so glad that I’m here now and I’ve learned so much about myself and what I want out of life that I’m nothing but grateful.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create a product that can really add value to someone’s life. I would love to see someone create a line of natural beauty products that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to purchase. Whatever you do, please don’t create another subscription box, there are already too many to choose from and I think it takes away from the personality of a brand.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I recently spent $100 for 2 hours of work from movers to help me load and unload my moving truck. It was easily the best $100 I’ve ever spent – it alleviated so much stress and saved my energy for the 25 hour drive to my new home. What I learned: seek help when you need it!
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Canva! I swear by this for all of my graphic design needs. You can login from anywhere and the free version is robust enough to give me everything I need for all of my design projects. I’d recommend this to anyone who doesn’t have photoshop.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It’s given me a welcomed peace of mind and has forced me to slow down and consider my life/ life in general in a more thoughtful way. I believe that taking time to read an actual book (e-readers aren’t for me, I already spend far too much time looking at a screen) can be the best therapy. It helps to step into an alternate world without actually disassociating yourself from reality.
What is your favorite quote?
“Everything happens for a reason.” I genuinely believe it to. Sometimes we can’t see the reason, but the universe has a set path for us. If we make a certain decision, it sends us down a certain road. We might as well embrace it.
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.