Kaitlin Mahony

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Kaitlin Mahony, and I am from Colonia, New Jersey, but now based out of the Jersey Shore.

I studied Fashion Design at Marist University. I then lived and worked in New York City and Hoboken for several years as a fashion designer. After I got married and started a family, we decided to move out of the city to the suburbs. We chose the Jersey Shore because we love the beach and have family in the area.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

One thing I love about where I live is the sense of community. The area is full of small businesses, and the amount of support and collaboration amongst us all is truly amazing. I feel like we are all in it together and just want everyone to succeed. I am always looking to branch out and expand into other locations, but it's nice to know my home base will always have my back.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Sketchbook offers many services, but is also always open to new ideas and suggestions! My most popular option is the live sketching service, which is real-time illustrations of guests being done at any type of event. It’s such a personal and unique experience, and guests are able to leave with a token that they will cherish forever.

Another service that I offer is custom illustrations. I am pretty much able to sketch any idea or picture that you send my way. We can discuss size and details so it is exactly what you want.

Lastly, I run fashion design classes and workshops for kids and adults. This is such a fun and creative outlet for all ages!

For the kids, they learn fashion terms, design techniques, and create mini fashion collections.

The adults have a fun night and experience something different and creative. They learn a new skill while sipping cocktails and enjoying the company.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

I knew if I never started my own business that I would be wondering and regretting not taking the chance. I’ve heard this story so many times, and more times than not, it works out.

I say take the chance! There are actually so many creative and artistic outlets to try, or you just make your own!

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

It's always nice to get positive feedback for your work. There really isn't one example that stands out, though. I would say overall, the best compliment is when I get a referral from someone because they were so happy with my service.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I’m actually pretty happy with where Sketchbook is and where it’s heading. It took a little time to figure out what’s working and worthwhile, but I think I’m there now. I’m happy with the track I’m on, but would love to keep working and collaborating with larger brands and companies. I love sketching weddings and showers, and all of those fun events, but there is something super exciting and validating about being asked to work for a prestigious name!

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

I think the biggest misconception is that I just draw all day! I wish that's all I did! There are a lot more admin and bookkeeping responsibilities than I realized.

This industry also deals with a lot of people-pleasing. Not only do you have to keep true to yourself and your artistic style, but you want to make sure you are pleasing your client.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

For me, the biggest struggle has actually been time management. My studio is in my house, which is great, but it also makes it hard to turn work off sometimes. Being home also makes me feel like I need to do household chores at the same time. And although I love being around for my kids, driving them, picking them up, and going to their activities, I get stressed that it's interfering with my work. Then, on top of all of that, it's hard to carve out time for yourself, which is super important. I know this is a struggle for most working parents, but for some reason being home without separation between home life and work life makes it a bit harder.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

A shoutout to all other artists out there making a living from creativity and drive!

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can visit my website, sketchbookstyle.com, and my Instagram, @sketchbook_km.