Erin Holm | Den Designs | January 20, 2022

S2E7

 

Join Yukon Entrepreneur, Erin Holm, founder, and artist of Den Designs, as we discuss what changes have occurred in Erin’s business and catch up on what has been going on since we last connected at the start of the pandemic in 2020.

 

(1:32) Erin shares the difficulties of trying to expand their business to a national level during a pandemic especially when many businesses that would normally support their art are closing their doors.  They discuss moving to more custom-made art pieces to supplement not being able to travel and take photos.

 

(3:29) Erin shares their first memory of the pandemic being making the decision to attend their close friend’s wedding in Edmonton, the uncertainty around that, and how the day they arrived back in the Yukon they were immediately moved to working remotely from home.

 

(4:22) As a business owner, one of the most challenging parts of the public health measures has been that Erin’s business model has relied on retailers to sell their product and with retailers having to implement social distancing and travel being restricted it has had a huge impact on traffic into stores.

 

(6:35) Erin shares that something they’ve learned through this pandemic is humility.  Reaching out to other entrepreneurs to get the motivation to keep going, stop overthinking things and support one another.  The connection and camaraderie that the entrepreneurial community has helped motivate them to keep pushing forward.

 

(8:33) Looking at their business model, Erin has needed to shift from business-to-business to more of a business-to-consumer style which has them focusing on developing that client base and will be looking at doing a few craft and art shows.  They share it has felt like going backwards a little bit, but it has also made them go back to basics and to where their passion was when they created Den Designs.

 

(11:50) What opportunities does Erin see on the horizon?  They just bought property and are extremely excited to bring their shop to their home where they can try new things.

 

(13:39) Thinking about leadership, Erin has learned new things about themselves including how to be a better listener, genuinely take criticism, and how to not take things personally.  Learning from other people and realizing where your strengths and weaknesses are has been helpful.

 

(15:48) In regard to the Yukon economy, Erin hopes the support local movement continues, and that they see more Yukoners exporting nationally and internally. They feel that there are many other incredible industries that have a real opportunity to shine right now.

(17:13) Erin’s advice for emerging entrepreneurs.  Do your research, get a crew of people you trust and have good mentors.  Have some humility because you don’t know everything and know when to ask for help.

 

(18:30) Erin reflects on their ‘aha’ moments during the pandemic.  The pandemic has taught them a lot about themselves, what they want of life and their career, and how important personal work-life balance is to them.  They find they are more intentional with how, where and who they spend their time with.

 

(21:27) What wellness practices keep Erin grounded? Lots of time outdoors!  Shutting off and being out in nature with loved ones regardless of temperature has been really important to them.

 

(22:31) Erin shares their final thoughts about how there have been lots of ups and downs and challenges since we connected with them at the start of the pandemic and that they hope to find projects that get them excited and will be focusing on that this year.

 

Thank you for watching!

 

To learn more about Erin and their business, visit their website at:

https://www.dendesigns.ca/