Today we’d like to introduce you to Sami Nowlin
Hi Sami, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born from my personal journey of healing through artistry in 2021, Muddy Lotus has blossomed into a thriving woman-owned small business that crafts unique, custom printed accessories and goods.
I started Muddy Lotus in 2021 after Covid put me in a very dark place in my personal and professional life. I started creating things to help get out of my depression and quickly realized that not only did I love creating and designing, but I loved making things for other people.
I invested in a laser printer and never looked back. After purchasing a laser printer I quit my job about a month later. While I still freelanced for the next year, I worked on building my business from the ground up. I now run my business as my full time job and I absolutely love it.
After three years in business, I had been a part of many vendor markets, had the chance to collaborate with some great businesses & people, and even had my earrings featured on the BenGALS for Monday Night Football. Talk about GOALS! I’m a Cincinnati kid at heart, born and raised. It’s been so much fun being a part of the Cincinnati small business community and I love collaborating with other people and businesses in the area.
In 2024 I moved into my studio space at Essex Studios and it opened up even more doors for me to expand. I invested in my business even further by getting a second larger laser printer and a UV printer to take my business to the next level. At the beginning of this year I hired on my brother to join Muddy Lotus to help with larger wood builds and custom woodworking projects. Now we are working together to bring small and big projects to life. Between our skills, and the new printers, it truly feels like we are unstoppable. We love taking on new projects and figuring out how we can bring our customers dreams to life.
I truly make everything I do out of love and this businesses has brought me endless joy. I can only hope that I can return the favor to everyone that supports me along the way.
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?
Absolutely not— but navigating through the tough times has been worth it. Owning your own business is like the Wild West. I minored in entrepreneurship in college, but nothing can truly prepare you for everything that it takes to run your own business until you are in it.
I’ve had to invest majority of the money I’ve made from running Muddy Lotus back into the business, so I’ve taken a massive pay cut from working a standard 9-5 job. The first three years were HARD. There was no one to walk me through how to navigate everything, it was up to me to figure it out for myself.
I didn’t hire an accountant for the first two years of my business and my books were a hot mess. I finally found an incredible accountant to help me get everything straightened out and it was the best decision I ever made. It took me a little while to really take my business seriously— imposter syndrome is real y’all!
Every day is different and there are constant challenges thrown your way as a small business owner. I’ve found connecting with other small business owners has been an incredible way to talk through my struggles. I’ve found an amazing community of people to turn to in hard times and that has been an absolute game changer.
If running a business was easy, everyone would do it. If you have a passion for starting your own business, know that it is going to be hard— but also know that it is worth every bit of the hard work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve always considered myself a jack of all trades kind of person, so it makes sense that I chose a profession that allows me to do quite literally all of the things. My laser printer allows me to cut and engrave a variety of materials so I use it to create small things like earrings, bookmarks, and plant stakes to larger projects like event and business signage. The possibilities are endless!
My UV printer allows me to print directly onto objects, so in combination with the laser printer it takes the possibilities even further. From printing on wood and acrylic for custom signage, to printing on tumblers and golf balls, the UV printer took my business to a whole new level.
I started my business creating earrings and I still love to do themed drops, but over the years I’ve learned just how many different things I can make with the machines I have. I started going a little out of comfort zone with friends weddings, baby showers, and kids birthday parties and I absolutely fell in love with creating items that would be remembered for a lifetime.
I specialize in custom made and printed items to help bring yourself, your home, event, or business to life. From specific colors, fonts, designs, and sizing, I love bringing people’s dreams to life.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Oh man, my love for Cincinnati runs deep! I was born and raised here and I truly can’t imagine living anywhere else. The amount of creative talent in this city is insane! From incredible food, to gorgeous murals all over the city, Cincinnati is my happy place. I love our love for our sports teams, no matter how they are doing. I love how there is art everywhere you walk. And I love the collaboration between people and business here. It’s always collaboration over competition, how we can lift each other up, and how we can work together. As a small business, that mentality is everything!!
Pricing:
- Earrings: $15- $35
- Small Custom Items: $10-$40
- Custom Signage: $30- $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.muddylotuslifestyle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muddylotuslifestyle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muddylotuslifestyle
