Side Hustle Spotlight: Karen Frederick of Kole Jax Designs

In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, side hustles have become a beacon of creativity and opportunity. One such inspiring story is that of Karen Frederick, the founder of Kole Jax Designs, an online brand specializing in personalized jewelry and accessories. At 43, Karen has transformed her passion into a thriving business, and her journey is a testament to the power of determination and creativity.

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Entrepreneur

Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Karen was a stay-at-home mom, juggling the demands of raising a baby and a toddler. Her husband, too, made a significant life change by leaving his insurance agency to support her vision for Kole Jax Designs. Remarkably, the very office that once housed his insurance business now serves as the headquarters for their flourishing brand.

The Birth of Kole Jax Designs

Karen launched Kole Jax Designs in January 2012, driven by her lifelong love for jewelry and a desire to create. The name itself is a heartfelt tribute to her sons, Grayson Kole and Tucker Jax, reflecting the personal touch that defines her brand. Her goal was clear: to build a fulfilling home-based career that allowed her to monetize her passions while being present for her children.

Taking the First Steps

The initial steps to establish her side hustle were both exciting and challenging. Karen began by sourcing supplies and teaching herself the art of cutting glass and soldering through YouTube tutorials. She opened an Etsy shop to take custom orders and created a Facebook business page to showcase her designs. Her efforts paid off, as she quickly gained traction, reaching 10,000 followers on Facebook through strategic advertising.

Navigating Challenges

Like many entrepreneurs, Karen faced hurdles along the way. Establishing a consistent flow of customers online proved to be a significant challenge. However, she recognized the importance of social media marketing and dove into learning the ins and outs of advertising on platforms like Facebook. A pivotal moment came when she was assigned a Meta Pro, who guided her through the complexities of ad strategies, helping her to refine her approach.

Achieving Financial Milestones

Within a year, Karen began to see consistent revenue, and after three years, she reached the impressive milestone of six-figure annual revenue. The business continued to grow, hitting its first seven-figure year in 2018. Since then, Kole Jax Designs has generated over $10 million in revenue, thanks in large part to effective advertising strategies on Meta platforms.

Growth Through Innovation

Kole Jax Designs has experienced remarkable growth, particularly in the past year. Key strategies that contributed to this success include leveraging Meta’s lead generation ads and utilizing innovative features like Advantage+ shopping and engaging content on social media. The results speak for themselves: a staggering 70% year-over-year sales growth from July 2023 to July 2024, alongside significant increases in engagement on Facebook and Instagram.

The Joy of Entrepreneurship

What brings Karen the most joy in running her business? It’s the ability to keep her creative spirit alive and the heartwarming stories from customers about how her designs have touched their lives. Moreover, she takes pride in teaching her sons about business, instilling in them a desire to be involved in the entrepreneurial world.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those looking to start their own side hustles or full-time businesses, Karen offers invaluable advice: “Just start. Don’t overthink it. There is no perfect time to start a business.” She emphasizes the importance of reinvesting earnings back into the business and embracing change and failures as opportunities for growth. After nearly 13 years in business, she firmly believes that resilience and a clear vision are key to overcoming challenges.

Conclusion

Karen Frederick’s journey with Kole Jax Designs is a shining example of how passion, creativity, and determination can lead to remarkable success. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that with the right mindset and a willingness to learn, anyone can turn their dreams into reality. Whether you’re looking to start a side hustle or take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, remember Karen’s words: “Invest in yourself, and when the going gets tough, remember why you started.”