- March 1, 2023
- 289
- FoF Small Business Highlight
Interview: Old Highway Design Co.
Today in our Friends of Fallbrook Small Business Highlight, we speak with Landon & Kendra, owners of Old Highway Design Co
Please tell us about yourself!
We moved to Bonsall in 2018, where we purchased our first family home. While we are relatively new to the Fallbrook / Bonsall community, we have always lived in North County, San Diego.Â
The company name, Old Highway Design Co, was inspired by the famous Old Highway 395, which runs through both the Bonsall and Fallbrook community.
The Old Highway Design Company team consists of Kendra, who is the mastermind behind the design, where she customizes every project specific to order and her husband, Landon, who runs logistics and operations. Joining us as we embark on this business adventure are our two kids.Â
We are grateful to raise our children in a community that is family oriented, knows how to roll up their sleeves, and treats one another with the utmost respect.Â
How, when and why did you start your business?
Prior to Old Highway Design Co we ran a screen pressing design company where we customized tumblers, apparel and accessory items for Weddings, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, and Company events. We enjoyed that on and off for several years, but never felt an emotional connection to the products that we were producing.Â
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In 2022, we rebranded and made an investment into ourselves with the purchase of a commercial grade laser. The products that we are able to produce with the laser have a much longer “shelf life” that we feel adds more sentimental value to our customer. Almost every order is a gift that the customer is planning to share with a loved one. From engraving heirloom recipes multiple generations old on to a beautiful cutting board to a customized nursery sign, we feel immersed in our customers’ vision and are committed to bringing that to life.Â
What challenges have you faced?
Behind the scenes there is a significant amount of time investment that goes into navigating the design software and technology that feeds the laser. Working with wood was new for us, so it goes without saying that there was a lot of trial and error. What we find fascinating is that no two pieces of wood will ever be the same, they vary in hardness, grain, and color, which all directly impact how our laser will perform on the project.Â
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The biggest challenge we face is the vast amount of market competition. We have networked with laser companies around San Diego to learn what works and what doesn’t. Our primary goal is to grow our footprint here in Bonsall / Fallbrook while expanding our digital footprint on Instagram and Etsy. We are grateful for every follow, every like, and every comment on social media.Â
Tell us why you love what you do?
This is something that we get to do as a family. This company allows us to take our individual skill sets that we demonstrate in our professional careers and bring them together to make beautiful, one of a kind, products for our customers that cannot be purchased in a store.Â
If you could do it differently, would you?
The only thing we would do differently if we could roll back time is start sooner. This company has brought us closer as a family and closer to our community.
Who or what inspires you?
Starting a business is one of the most rewarding feelings. Nothing in life comes without risk and starting a business is no different. Find comfort in knowing that there will be risk. It takes a lot of time and energy to build your brand and sales don’t come easily. You need to be willing to work on a loss for several months before breaking even, but once you begin to operate in the green, the business officially becomes fun and the opportunities endless with how you reinvest back into your brand.Â
If you could give advice to someone contemplating entrepreneurship, what would it be?
Starting a business is one of the most rewarding feelings. Nothing in life comes without risk and starting a business is no different. Find comfort in knowing that there will be risk. It takes a lot of time and energy to build your brand and sales don’t come easily. You need to be willing to work on a loss for several months before breaking even, but once you begin to operate in the green, the business officially becomes fun and the opportunities endless with how you reinvest back into your brand.
What’s next for you?
We don’t know what is next for us yet. We are focused on the here and now and want to see where Old Highway Design Co, with the help of our community, can take us.Â
Tracey Smith
I’ve seen their work firsthand, it is beautiful and the quality of their materials is first-class! Whenever I need that personalized special gift, I check with Old Highway Design Co first!