Meet Kelsey Haver | Graphic Designer + Small Shop Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelsey Haver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsey, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always loved the chance to be creative! Growing up (and still today), if you asked me to describe myself in one word, I would say “creative.” My creativity is the quality that I am most proud of because I believe it’s what makes me unique.

I was always the kid drawing on my homework, switching up my handwriting to try different styles and looking forward to art class so when I realized I could do that for a living, I started pursuing a graphic design degree in college. I love wanting to see something exist in the world and then bringing it to life. It’s fun, exciting and so rewarding! Things that started out as a random idea jotted down in a notebook turn into real-life, tangible products and watching people react to them is one of my favorite things.

What should our readers know about your business?
Every product in my shop features my original digital artwork! Even though I use a variety of printers/vendors, every element is hand drawn, handlettered, and designed by me. With everything being my original digital artwork, you won’t find it anywhere else and that’s what I’m most proud of.

In 2023, one of my goals was to collaborate more with other women-owned small businesses! I’m very proud of this initiative and can’t wait to see it continue in 2024. Below are the various collaborations this year – be sure to check out these other small businesses!

The Pon Shop Handmade: I designed fabric with my original patterns and Alex sewed the cutest oversized scrunchies. I’m obsessed with them!

Knotty Girl: Using fabric that I designed, Kelly sewed her signature knotted headbands! The cutest accessories for everyday wear.

The Bibliophile Candle Co: Kylie created a custom candle scent and poured them into mugs that I designed with my bestselling Nutcracker design! This collab created the perfect holiday candle in a mug.

The Sister Made: I collaborated with this shop to create teacher gift sets! They included a set of stickers that I designed with a bath bomb from The Sister Made.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Columbus Area:

Pop Up Markets: One of my favorite things to do is to hit up other markets when I’m not selling at them myself! Two of my favorites in Columbus are German Village Maker’s Market (happens monthly) and Not Your Mama’s Craft Market.

German Village: One of my sister and I’s favorite things to do when she’s in town is to head down to German Village. We head to the Book Loft first (I could spend hours in here), then we grab macarons at Pistacia Vera, pickup lunch at the Old Mohawk and then head to Schiller Park for a picnic and some reading.

Short North: Such a fun area of Columbus! Some of my favorite places to eat here are Forno and Short North Pint House! There’s also Lincoln Social for a fun cocktail and rooftop view of Columbus. Want to stay somewhere fun? Check out the Graduate Hotel – it’s Ohio State themed! There’s also a ton of fun shops to checkout here.

Old Worthington: Go to Old Worthington and checkout Oasis Face Bar for the best facials then head next door to the Worthington Tavern for brunch. Afterwards, head to Shop Vernacular for some cute clothes and accessories!

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace: The place that I take everyone visiting is Dirty Franks! They have all kinds of different hot dogs and it’s right next to 16-Bit Bar and Arcade.

Boutiques/Shopping: A few of my favorite small shops who have Brick + Mortar stores include Shop Betty Jo’s, Kins Collective, and Jolie.

Easton Town Center: You could also spend a day at Easton! If you’re feeling fancy, head to Restoration Hardware and eat at the rooftop restaurant. Another fun activity is Pins and/or a Pedal Bar around the mall. Another good restaurant is Forbidden Root but if you’re looking for coffee or dessert, check out Crimson and Dragon Donuts!

Dayton & Cincinnati Area:

Liberty Center: It’s so fun to spend a day here! Kona Grill is a favorite restaurant and Toast & Berry is great for brunch. You’ll want to check out the cutest flower and gift shop, Running On Blooms, Pen & Nash for cute kids items and Blush & Bubbly. If you’re wanting to grab a drink, The Roosevelt Room is one of our favorite places to go. There’s also a virtual reality experience which is super fun with a group.

Cozy’s Cafe & Pub and Lulu’s Sweets Boutique are other favorites in the Liberty Township/West Chester area.

Second Street Market: So many small businesses is one area! Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a place to shop small.

Charm at the Farm: This market is located on a farm in Lebanon and happens three times a year (June, August and October). It’s three days long and has the best small business shopping!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Behind every small business owner is a group of people that support them in so many ways – I truly could not run my businesses without my biggest fans. While I have an online shop, a lot of my sales come from in-person pop up shops and craft markets! I’m popping up around the Columbus and Cincinnati areas typically once or twice a week and often with the help of my loved ones. Below are a few shoutouts, but please know that these people do so so much behind the scenes then the couple sentences here.

I’m very fortunate to have a great support system in my family. My mom is always down for a DIY and never runs from my crazy ideas. She’s built my displays and signage – including my amazing checkout stand! Come to a market and you may see her helping, bringing me food and shopping local (while wearing a shirt from my shop, of course). My dad often takes it upon himself to come and help me tear down my markets and has helped me load the car too many times to count. He assists with all of my deliveries, even when they include hundreds of heavy notepads. You’ll also find my siblings, Jenna and Drew, attending markets when they’re in town and often see their comments and support on social. My sister has also appeared in a handful of product photos for the website! I’m thankful that my family believes in my artwork and has always encouraged my creativity.

Another person that I couldn’t do this without is my boyfriend, Henry. Doing markets and events constantly can be a bit overwhelming and he’s the person who gives the best pep talks and calms me down when any pre-event anxiety sneaks in. He will help me setup and/or teardown without complaining and often has a glass of wine and my heating pad ready when I get home. I’m very fortunate to have a partner who supports my dreams and consistently cheers me on.

There’s so many other people – friends, family, my boyfriends’ family, former coworkers and more, who support me in so many ways. I believe that running a small business takes a village and I couldn’t do it without people in my corner!

Website: https://shopdaisymarketco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyhaverdesigns/

Other: Website: https://www.kelseyhaverdesigns.com/

Image Credits
Brooke of Brooke Nicole Creative Co. Olivia of Madison Media Agency Ashlie of Layland Photography