Life & Work with Scarlett Howell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Scarlett Howell.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Scarlett Howell. Hi Scarlett, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Our business story began in March of 2020, COVID had completely changed our daily routine. I no longer had a job to go to, nor was I getting up and preparing my son for school. At this time, we were living in Thomasville. NC, my hometown. Not only did I graduate high school in Thomasville, but we were raising our son in Thomasville as well. Thomasville has always been a special place to me as much of my life has been spent in this town. So there in my living room, I was looking at a crossroad. I could just sit and do nothing or I could make the best of the situation.

With our son attending school online, we settled into a new daily routine. Our new routine showed me very quickly that if this was going to be our new norm, leaving for work would be very difficult. My background is in hospitality and hospitality jobs were not something you could do remotely. My husband works as a law enforcement officer, therefore he would have not been able to stay home with our son either. So we sat down and figured out a game plan.

I had already seen a new tool advertised a few months prior called a laser cutting machine. My husband has a background in construction and loved to build things. So I pitched the idea of adding more creativity to the wood creations with the laser cutter. I saved every dime of my unemployment compensation for 6 months and bought the laser cutting machine. This was the official beginning of Betsy Jane Studio, yet at this time, I had no idea what it would become.

To operate this new machine, I had to learn the machine’s design software as well as how to manipulate the laser’s settings to cut different materials. It was a challenge I gladly accepted, although there was plenty of doubt which ultimately lead to my business’ name. Betsy Jane is obviously not my name, but my grandmother’s name. I named my business after her because whenever I would second guess a decision or doubt myself in any capacity she would always remind me that I could do anything I put my mind to. It’s her words that reminded me during those first few months to take the chance and put my mind to starting this business.

While I do have a college background in business, this was far different than what was learned in class. Many late nights were spent discussing my vision with my husband. I ran the idea by family and only a few of my closest friends. The support was there I just needed to take that RISK. One of my first creations was a replica of “The Big Chair,” if you know, you know. Furniture is KING in Thomasville and to represent that we had the world’s largest chair planted right downtown by the railroad tracks. I took my chair design and created it into an ornament, cut from walnut wood, and strung with a piece of baker’s twine. As soon as it was complete, I knew I wanted to share my ornament in the community. With my “Big Chair” ornament safely tucked away in my purse, I set out downtown in Thomasville to talk to local businesses about their interest in selling my ornament as well as any other opportunities I may have to serve them. I came home that late September day with a few orders.
As our business grew, the space in our living room that housed our laser and supplies shrunk. We were running out of room fast in our home in Thomasville. When I threatened to start selling our living room furniture so I could have more workspace, my husband replied with wanting to find a realtor. In November 2020 we signed on a home located in Lexington, NC. It had a workshop, located behind the residential home. The previous owners had run a frame shop out of that space for more than 10 years. It was the perfect place for us to set up shop.

Looking back I am really glad that I was able to bet on myself. It is one of the scariest things to step out and try to sell yourself and your business. I have learned so much and have had the opportunity to work with some very talented artisans. The maker community is filled with creatives who will help guide you if they can. Betsy Jane Studio has evolved over the years to offer a variety of laser-created products. We have produced business signs, keychains, and anything in between. I’ve really enjoyed working with other small businesses. Helping them add products that customers will enjoy is really a passion of mine. Working with people has always been a passion and will continue to be as I serve the community around me.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles and challenges for small businesses are ever-changing. I feel like you should always try and remain one step ahead but sometimes you do not know what step is coming next. In the beginning, it was navigating the pricing aspect and taking my work seriously. Then once the orders came rolling in it was understanding the accounting side of the business. Trying to navagate my competition all while trying to establish relationships with other laser owners was also something I needed to tackle. The whole process of marketing and how to go about getting my name out there, especially for someone who was not big on social media, was of course frustrating at times. I have stumbled and fallen but I’ve always remembered to get back up. One foot in front of the other.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We sell a variety of handmade goods that we produce from wood, acrylic, and leather. These items include keychains that have designs centered around North Carolina. We have various kitchen accessories including magnets that are not only useful but make for great kitchen decor, and cutting boards that can be engraved with handwritten recipes. We offer gardening products, including succulent plant stakes with a variety of salty and sweet sayings, perfect for giftgiving or treating yourself. Our ornaments seem to really attract customers, fitting, as ornaments are where it all began. Our Friendship ornamant, Always With You (Cardinal) ornament, and “The Big Chair” ornament are just a few of our best sellers, and we add new ornaments to our collection each year.

Betsy Jane Studio makes timeless treasures that will define and add design elements to the space you live in, but the experience we want customers to take away is one that has them impressed with the care we take from start to finish. This could be at an event they are shopping for, an email for a custom request, or just placing an order. I want to establish a relationship with all my customers. This attention to our customers is what sets us apart.

What makes you happy?
Working with people is what makes me happy. I have rightly earned the name “social butterfly” from friends and family. I have never met a stranger and will help anyone I can. Often times I struggle working alone in my shop, but when it comes time for events, client meetings, or customer interactions– I am pumped. I am just a naturally caring person who enjoys a good conversation, and I to make that come across through Betsy Jane’s customer service practices.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.betsyjanestudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsyjanestudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betsyjanestudio/