Live-4-Smiles is a community focused company, founded by Linda Schuler, that provides an opportunity for students to showcase their accomplishments through the use of banners. Linda is also an art teacher at Barnegat High School, and it is clear that she knows how to use her art skills in and out of the classroom.
Linda’s entrepreneurial spirit is very impressive. She knows exactly how to take an idea and turn it into a profitable reality. Below is my short email interview with Linda.
What inspired you to start live4smiles?
To highlight students’ accomplishments by creating banners for display.
Would you want to make live4smiles your full-time job?
Yes, I would love to. I currently teach many areas of art like AP Studio, Ceramics, Digital Publications & Drawing and Painting, which are related on the creative end. It is very fulfilling to design unique banners for each student.
Do you manufacture the banners or have other companies produce them?
I design and have another party print the banners. I found this connection through a wide search.
What are you doing to market your idea?
Much of my business comes from word of mouth. Over the summer, I visit schools to set up new accounts.
How many schools and business are using your products?
Currently, there are ten schools and multiple businesses using my products. Also, there are other organizations that order banners for fundraising events.
How are sales going?
Sales have been increasing annually. It could really increase if were able to work on the business on a full-time basis.
How has your website, http://www.live4similes.com been in helping with your marketing?
It is the standard website I created for free at https://www.yola.com.
The product really sells itself because many potential customers get to see the banners when they’re used by clients.
Do you use social media to market your business?
Not at this time.
What advice do you have for people in pursuing their ideas?
You need to have a plan and be organized if you want to be successful in your own business.