By Ginny Mumm
Transitioning to UV print enabled Jensen Bradfield, proprietor of Notes in Knots, to supply full-colour merchandise and fantastic element work sooner and with greater high quality. Pictures courtesy Notes in Knots
Jensen Bradfield, proprietor of Notes in Knots in Burlington, Ont., made her first hand-painted signal as a favour to a good friend. As she acquired extra requests, she used her sign-making aspect hustle to assist pay for faculty. Nonetheless, she quickly realized she was extra curious about rising her enterprise than utilizing her instructing diploma. Notes in Knots grew to become her full-time job.
We talked with Bradfield about how she launched her enterprise, how her success led her to embrace digital manufacturing, and the way having a benchtop UV printer has expanded her product line—and profitability.
How did you launch your small business? What steps did you’re taking?
JB: I began my enterprise in 2019, once I was working in Autism companies. Considered one of my co-workers couldn’t discover a store to accommodate her {custom} signage request. I’ve at all times been inventive, so
I believed I might give it a strive.
I began producing hand-painted indicators, then determined to go to academics’ faculty, utilizing my enterprise to pay for varsity. In the course of the COVID pandemic, I started receiving numerous orders and knew I wanted a extra environment friendly manufacturing methodology.
By the point I graduated, my enterprise was thriving, and I had expanded my product vary with my UV printer. Since then, I’ve pursued my enterprise full time.
What was your facility like? Are you in the identical area now?
JB: I’ve at all times labored out of my dad and mom’ basement. In the course of the COVID pandemic, I checked out increasing right into a industrial area, however determined in opposition to it. Maybe sooner or later I’ll transfer, however for now, that is all of the area I want.
At what level did you determine to spend money on UV print know-how?
JB: I made a decision to spend money on a UV printer when enterprise began to select up with my retail companions. I wanted a extra environment friendly manufacturing methodology. UV printing was additionally not quite common on the time, and I wished to discover a option to stand out throughout the business. Transitioning to UV printing enabled me to supply full-colour merchandise and fantastic element work sooner and with greater high quality.
What made a benchtop UV printer the proper selection for you?
JB: The Roland DG LEF2 sequence benchtop UV flatbed printer was a no brainer resulting from its measurement, pace, and color/gloss choices. I additionally like having the choice to include gloss ink into my prints.
What kinds of merchandise are you making lately?
JB: I’m at all times making one thing new. For probably the most half, I print on painted medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and acrylic. I produce framed indicators, magnets, bookmarks, hockey pucks, wedding ceremony decor, pens, books, ornaments. Consider one thing you’ll be able to print on, and I’ve most likely made it. A lot of my enterprise is custom-printed picture ornaments—I print hundreds of them within the fourth quarter yearly.
The place do you promote your merchandise?
JB: I promote primarily by way of my web site and Etsy. My largest in-store retailer is The Barntique in Simcoe, Ont. Whereas I used to promote merchandise in 16 retail shops, since I’m a one-woman operation, I made a decision to focus on direct-to-consumer and wholesale. At current, I’m primarily centered on rising my wholesale choices.
What are a few of your best-selling objects?
JB: My finest sellers embody custom-printed picture Christmas ornaments, classic indicators, {custom} indicators, and seasonal tags.
Are there colors or graphic tendencies you’re seeing recently?
JB: I not too long ago added classic public area prints, which have been a success. We used to print numerous wordy indicators, however classic prints appear to have taken over. Clients have been loving moody prints with lighter frames. I additionally print numerous objects with shiny, enjoyable colors and fonts, lots of them for youngsters.
Why do you assume individuals purchase from Notes in Knots?
JB: I feel shoppers select Notes in Knots primarily for the personalised customer support. I’m at all times glad to assist carry somebody’s imaginative and prescient to life. Having each a laser and a UV printer permits me to create so many alternative merchandise. These gadgets additionally allow me to supply a fast turnaround and really high-quality merchandise. Lastly, I feel I’ve constructed a small model with a really loyal buyer base. They know the particular person behind the model—it’s not only a web site.
What lies forward for your small business?
JB: I hope to proceed constructing Notes in Knots’ on-line presence and increasing my listing of wholesale companions. This yr, I plan to develop our wedding ceremony/bachelorette product line, in addition to our Christmas decoration choices. 
