Kelsey McCormick Constructed Coming Up Roses Amidst a Pandemic
Kelsey McCormick, the founder of Coming Up Roses, discusses her journey of launching a creative studio amidst the turbulence of a global pandemic and the challenges of being a new mother. In this interview, McCormick shares her motivation for starting a business that nurtures and empowers creatives.
Originally, McCormick worked with prominent clients such as Coachella and Katy Perry. Yet, her desire for independence and the energy she felt after becoming a mother prompted her to establish Coming Up Roses. She credits an online course on Squarespace web design as the catalyst for her entrepreneurial venture, which eventually evolved into a platform offering services ranging from design to business strategy.
With the pandemic creating a climate of uncertainty, McCormick found it to be an opportune time for personal and professional growth. "Being a new mom during a pandemic actually turned out to be the best time to grow something," she said.
McCormick reflects on her transition from working with large-scale clients to stepping out on her own, emphasizing the importance of self-belief in pursuing one's vision. She admits that she initially believed she needed to associate herself with a well-known name or title to gain credibility, which she has since discovered to be unfounded.
Having started as a self-taught brand designer, McCormick's portfolio is impressive, featuring renowned clients such as Tony Robbins and Amoruso. However, her passion lies in helping creatives cultivate their own brands and achieve success in their endeavors. This shift led her to focus on creating educational content and programs for emerging creatives.
Coming Up Roses now serves as a thriving hub for designers, artists, and copywriters, with community and collaboration being key aspects. McCormick values authenticity in fostering connections, sharing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and establishing a genuine relationship with her audience. This approach has resulted in meaningful relationships and collaborations among Coming Up Roses members.
A pivotal moment for McCormick came when she decided to shut down a multi-six-figure business in order to focus on her true passions. She advises fellow entrepreneurs to follow their interests and evolve in accordance with their changing priorities.
McCormick's background in content marketing in the music industry significantly influences her work, offering a unique perspective on branding and community building. Her experience in the music industry taught her the importance of storytelling and authenticity, crucial skills she employs in growing her own brand.
When asked about activities that fuel her creativity, McCormick mentions swimming, journaling, and spending time with her son as her favorite pastimes. She finds structure vital for creativity and enjoys maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle that balances work and personal life, particularly when based in Australia, where she currently resides.
- Kelsey McCormick's creative studio, Coming Up Roses, initially catered to clients like Coachella and Katy Perry, but McCormick's desire for independence, fueled by her newfound motherhood, prompted the shift to a more personal venture.
- Coming Up Roses has expanded its services to cover not only design but also business strategy, creating a platform for designers, artists, and copywriters to collaborate and grow.
- McCormick's passion for helping creatives transcends personal gains; she delves into creating educational content and programs to guide emerging creatives.
- In her creative pursuits, McCormick finds solace in activities such as swimming, journaling, and spending time with her son, embracing a balanced lifestyle while residing in Australia.
