Episode 70: Fixed Mindset to Growth Mindset with Erin Kendal

Erin's unconventional journey began in an uncreative corporate job, evolving into a creative pursuit inspired by other entrepreneurial women on maternity leave. Starting with crafting baby toys, she transitioned to designing repeating patterns on Spoonflower, gradually becoming a top seller. Embracing various income streams like downloadable art prints, Erin has also created a drop shipping course and hosts a membership, fulfilling her dream of leaving the corporate world and also retired her partner. Erin's inspiring story encapsulates a shift from mundane to creative fulfillment, urging others to pursue their creative dreams.

Believing in Yourself
Erin's academic struggles, including poor school performance and a delayed driving experience due to a fear of failure, shaped her journey towards resilience and courage. Her mindset shifted at 25, marking a turning point towards embracing vulnerability as a catalyst for personal growth. So when it came to believing in herself to get to “top shop” on Spoonflower, a platform for surface pattern designers, it took learning about the success story of other makers to stir belief in her own potential. Another turning point was when she received her first bonus commission on Spoonflower which fueled her determination. Erin's journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of shifting one’s mindset, vulnerability and self-belief.

Pushing Past the Lie That “The Market is Too Saturated”
Erin delves into a common mindset hurdle many artists face—the belief that the market is saturated, making it pointless to even try. She candidly shares her own experience, scrolling through Spoonflower magazines filled with patterns and designs, yearning to see her work featured. Frustration crept in as she noticed the same artists being consistently promoted, leading to thoughts of unfairness and a classic fixed mindset. However, Erin's mindset underwent a shift when she realized the business sense behind Spoonflower's promotion strategy—they showcase top-selling designers who bring in revenue. Understanding that Spoonflower owed her nothing and recognizing the need to catch their attention, Erin reframed her perspective.

Having the maker, “Shop Cabin,” as an aspirational goal, Erin highlighted how a previous version of herself might have seen success on the platform as unattainable. However, with a cultivated growth mindset, she viewed Shop Cabin's achievements as inspiration for what was possible. Erin's realization that she had to forge her own path, rather than relying solely on Spoonflower's promotion, marked a pivotal moment. Her proactive approach, working diligently to get noticed by Spoonflower, became the key to breaking through perceived barriers. Erin's journey reflects the transformative power of shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, proving that with determination and self-initiative, one can carve their space in a seemingly saturated market.

Perseverance In The Hard Times
Erin shares valuable insights on sustaining perseverance and adapting in the ever-changing landscape of a creative career. Acknowledging the ebbs and flows, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining perspective and avoiding the common pitfall of comparing oneself to others. Drawing from her diverse background, Erin underscores that everyone starts at a different point, urging artists to focus on their unique journeys rather than looking sideways. Her perseverance was stimulated by contemplating the prospect of continuing in a job she disliked for another 40 years. With this fueling Erin's determination, she also expressed she was highly aware of the distinction between motivation and discipline, highlighting that discipline not motivation is the key to showing up consistently, even through challenging times.

Definition of Success
Erin offers a refreshing perspective on success, steering clear of the term in her communication with designers due to its subjective nature. She candidly shares her evolving definition of success, beginning with the freedom of not working for someone else. Her journey, rooted in creativity, emphasizes the value of personal satisfaction over materialistic pursuits. While acknowledging the potential for greater financial gains, Erin prioritizes maintaining control and not having a team, avoiding the corporate team dynamic she once experienced. Success, to her, lies in managing as much as possible independently, striking a balance that allows a comfortable life without sacrificing personal time. Her narrative challenges the conventional notions of empire-building, reminding us that success is deeply personal and varies for everyone. Erin's goal is simply to have "just enough" for her, reinforcing the importance of individual fulfillment over societal expectations.

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Erin Kendal is a mama of two boys who kicked her uncreative corporate job to the curb after using Spoonflower to build a successful career in surface pattern design (it’s changed her family’s life!) Her designs are used by hundreds of brands around the world and, now, she’s on a mission to inspire and empower other designers to find the success that they dream of, too.

Website: https://www.erinkendal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin__kendal
Power Sellers Academy: https://erin-kendal.mykajabi.com/power-sellers-academy-membership