We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle McLaughlin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Michelle, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
So when do you know when to keep going? When it doesn’t make sense to quit! When you can’t see yourself doing anything else!! Running a business is extremely hard and yes there are times you want to give up! When what you are doing is a PASSION, you mentally fight through the thoughts and you keep moving forward. You persevere through the tough times, long hours and work load!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create with the client in mind. I listen carefully to their needs and execute! Here at Infinity Paper, we don’t charge for our design work on any printed order, we provide unlimited amounts of proofing and we don’t print till the client gives us the green light. We are truly here for the client from beginning to the end! Was the journey easy? Oh my it has not been. From the beginning, I just wanted to create and help people using my talents. Running a business was not something that I pictured myself being great at from the beginning, but I knew my talent could help people and offer value to the marketplace. I knew I could learn what I needed to as long as I was willing to keep getting better everyday. My husband had to help me in many areas along the way, especially with the technical and business aspects. It was all a growing and learning curve throughout the entire process. I’ve also learned along the way challenges will come and there are never easy roads to success. During the different stages of my business growth, I have had to face many obstacles. There are at times long hours, stress, and at times there is no time for family or friends. In business you have to continue to persevere, and don’t let fear prevent you from your goals. To anyone considering leaping into business, I say be wise about it, but jump in! Do remember that it’s going to be a bumpy ride, hold on tight and but do enjoy the journey. Lessons: Back up your work! • Don’t rely on only one platform to sell products! • Have your own website! • and the biggest lesson, don’t hire friends.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Infinity Paper is located in downtown Houston and I LOVE downtown Houston! I would show them the downtown tunnel system and all the restaurants they could possibly choose from; especially Understory in the Bank of America Tower. You can choose a few places to possibly eat, play bean bag toss, foosball, and have a drink. (coffee, beer or wine) Then we would jump on the metro rail to head to the Discovery Green area where you can catch an Astros game, eat at Biggio’s (or many other places), and then we would walk over to the JP Marriott where I would have to show them the Texas shaped pool and of course jump in! Then, near my home, we would have to visit City Centre where we would catch a movie at the Studio Movie Grill, do a little shopping, grab a latte and maybe a treat at Sweets, and later in the day my girl would have to try both a savory and a sweet crepe at Sweet Paris. She will be in heaven! The next day we would head back to the downtown area where we would rent bikes and head to Buffalo Bayou Park. The views of the downtown skyline are beautiful and the bike/running trails are an up and down rollercoaster. We would pass under the bat cave and end our ride near the skate park since there are usually food trucks and an ice cream pop up cart. It will be a perfect end to the long bike ride! There is so much to do and see here in Houston so we wouldn’t be without things to do. I’m all about adventure and the little things in life!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The person behind it all in the background is my husband. I would not be able to create and use my talents if it wasn’t for his intellect for business and IT solutions. He sets up all and any machines we need, fixes any issues we have and pushes me where needed. (ex: hire more personnel when it’s time) My favorite quote of his is “not all business is good business”.
Website: www.InfinityPaper.org
Instagram: @infinitypaperbtq
Facebook: fb.me/infinitypaper
Image Credits
M Lora Events, Les Varietes De Sabine, Reem Photography, Vic Events NYC