Patricia LaCroix
LaCroix Creative
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How would you describe yourself?
Creative and (hopefully) kind — I enjoy being of service to others. My business is a “creative services” business — specifically editing, writing, and design for publishing and marketing purposes, both in print and online. We’re your virtual art department!
When did you start your business?
I’ve been in business for myself for more than 30 years.
Why did you choose to start your particular business?
I’ve always loved the elements of publishing — writing and drawing — while growing up. As a young girl, I had opportunities to put some of those elements together, and realized early on that publishing would be a career path that I could enjoy and also excel at.
What keeps you motivated?
My family (I’m a single mom of two, and I have to support us) and my love of creating.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have a 19-year-old boy and a 23-year-old girl. They’ve each had their own special and difficult personal challenges, and yet, strive to be the best they can be. I’m very proud of how far each has come. We lost my husband and their step-dad — a person who was a father-figure for them during their formative years — in 2014 to cancer. So we’ve all had to deal with that serious loss. However, I’ve never been a person to stay in one place, or move backward… I always move forward. So I look ahead to the future with much hope. How do you prioritize family and your business? Working at home for the last 20-plus years certainly has helped. At the very least, I could be with my children and never had to have them in daycare very long. I have an open-door policy when I’m in my home office, so they always have access to me. And I’ve always tried to make boundaries with my business so that I end at a decent time and have free time on the weekend to spend with my children. One of the things that have always been important to me has been the family dinner. We all eat the meal together, and we do so on a fairly regular basis. It’s a time to laugh, to share stories, and to catch up with each other’s lives.
How do you relax?
Sometimes, believe it or not, it’s via working. I love creating avenues of my business. So often when I have free time, I find myself pursuing a new product or developing new business relationships. But when I’m not working, I like to cook or bake, I love to dance, and I enjoy a nice dinner out. And, to have the time to just “veg” on the sofa and watch TV is a real treat as well. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? If all goes as planned, selling more products for residual income, while still offering services, but to fewer “choice” clients.
Biggest life lesson learned?
Peace is the by-product of acceptance. What is your secret to success? Perseverance. Really, that’s it. I’m extremely goal-driven, and I enjoy the self-satisfaction that comes from meeting my goals. The saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” comes to mind. If you want something bad enough, then you have to keep going and never, ever give up. All entrepreneurs encounter bad days. How do you handle yours? Sometimes, you have to feel the bad — but not wallow in it. The key is usually in forgiveness, of both others and of your own self. We are all human, and we are going to make mistakes. I try my darnedest not to play any “blame games.” I’d rather just learn the appropriate lesson and move forward.
What was your sweetest success story?
I’d have to say, getting to a place in my business where I could direct its path without necessarily being the one doing all the heavy lifting. I feel like I’m finally reaching that place.
Are you a blogger?
I am! I write to help other entrepreneurs with their own challenges from my own experiences. I also wrote for about a half a year for Millo, a website that helps other creative business owners.
If yes, please provide links to your blog. www.LaCroixCreative.com/blog and www.millo.co
Are there any blogs that you regularly read?
I read millo.co pretty regularly.
What brought you to Society of Socialpreneurs?
Honestly, I have to take a stab, because I’m not 100 percent sure which FB group I saw the invitation at, but I believe I saw it in the “Moms helping Moms” business group.
How would you like our readers help you grow your business?
We are here to serve! So if there’s any way that we at LaCroix Creative can help your readers with creative services that they either can’t do themselves or would just rather not, that would certainly help us in return! Of course, passing the word on and referring us to those that also would need such help works as well. Share your favorite quote or inspirational thought: “Make no little plans…” — Daniel Burnham
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just that I love being an entrepreneur. If you told me that I would grow up to be one when I was a little girl, I wouldn’t have believed you. But when I think back to all the things I did even then to make money — the lemonade stands and the backyard shows and carnivals — well, I guess I’m not shocked. I always wanted to be the one to call the shots and create my own life and career, and I love that my business gave me an opportunity to be with my kids as they grew up.
Do you send out a monthly newsletter? How can we get on your mailing list if we are interested in more information?
I do have a newsletter! I like to call it news you can REALLY use — information specifically to help other entrepreneurs run a successful business. You can sign up for my newsletter by going to my website, and fill out either the pop-up or the opt-in box at the bottom of the homepage.
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