As I sit down to reflect on the unexpected path that led me to where I am today, I can't help but be amazed at the twists and turns life has thrown my way. At 43, with two teenage boys, a beautiful 10-year-old daughter, and an Australian Shepherd by my side, I never imagined I'd be the owner of a successful business like Urbanwalls.
Before Urbanwalls, I was just a graphic designer with a passion for making beautiful things. The idea of creating wall decor never crossed my mind until one fateful night, when I found myself with a few spare hours and a desire to do something creative. Little did I know, that moment of inspiration would change the course of my life forever.
With my middle son just one year old and my husband often away on business trips, I was craving a creative outlet. So, I fired up my laptop and started tinkering with designs. Back then, decals were anything but stylish, and as I moved into our new townhouse, I struggled to find anything that would add personality to our space. That's when the idea struck me—to create my own decals.
With no experience in entrepreneurship and no clue where to begin, I took a leap of faith and launched Urbanwalls. I remember the thrill of making my first sale on Etsy—the rush of excitement mixed with a healthy dose of disbelief. From that moment on, there was no turning back.
But starting a business from scratch is no easy feat, especially with a young family to care for. There were sleepless nights spent juggling diaper changes and design deadlines, and days filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. Yet, through it all, I remained determined to pursue my passion and build something meaningful.
When COVID struck in 2020, we faced yet another hurdle. With the Canadian border closed and shipping logistics upended, we knew we had to make a change. So, instead of packing up and leaving Canada, we expanded into sunny Arizona. Now, we have locations in both Canada and Arizona, allowing us to serve both Canadian and American customers with the same level of care and dedication.
Looking back on the journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunities I've been given and the incredible people who have supported me along the way. From my loyal customers to my dedicated team of employees, I couldn't have done it without their unwavering support.
Dive into the journey of Urbanwalls' founders, Danielle and Paul, as they share their story. Click here to watch the video now: Watch Now
So, here I am, a mom turned small business owner still pinching myself at the unlikely turn my life has taken. It's been a wild ride—one filled with unexpected twists, moments of doubt, and more than a few late-night design sessions. But through it all, I've learned that sometimes, the best things in life come from the most unexpected places. And for that, I'll forever be grateful.
Whether you're a stay-at-home parent nurturing little ones or a recent graduate navigating an uncertain future, I want to offer a valuable piece of advice: simply begin. Start right where you are, utilizing the resources at your disposal. Don't wait for ideal circumstances or for everything to align perfectly. Life has a way of unfolding naturally, so summon the courage to take that initial step forward. Embrace both the joyful and the challenging moments, having faith in the journey. You'll be astounded when you reflect on how far you've come.
And so, cheers to Urbanwalls, and to the remarkable journey that led me here. Here's to pursuing dreams, surpassing expectations, and adding a touch of beauty to the world, one decal at a time.