Our Chat with Katie Prill of Love and Lettering by Katie

GIVE US THE SCOOP ON YOUR BUSINESS - WHAT DO YOU DO AND HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Love and Lettering by Katie is a hand-made small business that offers hand-lettered prints, water-resistant stickers, apparel, tote bags, and unique gift items like painted oyster shells and bookmarks. My products are designed to inspire self-expression and celebrate individuality but also make you smile. There is a mix of motivating products and those that are meant to make you laugh.

The idea for my business was born during a PCS move as a military spouse. Facing unemployment as a nurse fresh out of a PCS during the height of COVID times , I took the leap into entrepreneurship, using creativity as a way to build something meaningful while navigating the challenges of military life. What started as a passion project to showcase my art has become a space for others to feel seen, celebrated, and empowered to show up as they are.

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

What has surprised me most about running my own business is the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing I’m building it entirely with my own two hands. Every product, idea, and milestone is a direct result of my hard work, creativity, and perseverance. It’s incredibly rewarding to see something that started as a simple idea during a challenging season of life grow into a business that connects with others and reflects who I am. The process of building it from the ground up has been equal parts challenging and empowering—proving to me just how capable I am.

WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES AS AN ENTREPRENEUR AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?

One of my biggest challenges as an entrepreneur has been overcoming imposter syndrome—those moments of doubt when I felt like I wasn’t good enough or questioned whether I belonged in the business world. I struggle with this on a daily basis, to be honest. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and wonder if I’m doing enough or if my work measures up. I’ve learned to push through by reminding myself why I started and celebrating small wins along the way. I have also realized along the way that perfection isn’t the goal—showing up as my authentic self is. The more I focus on my purpose and connect with the people my business serves, the quieter those doubts become.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO DREAMS OF STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

My best advice is to start before you feel ready. There will always be a million excuses—fear, doubt, timing—but you only need ONE good reason to go for it. You’ll never have everything perfectly figured out, and that’s okay! The key is to take that first step, even if it’s small, and trust that you’ll learn and grow along the way. Building a business is about progress, not perfection, and every misstep is just part of the journey. If you wait for the “right” time, you might wait forever. So, start now and let the rest unfold as you go.

HOW DO YOU TACKLE THOSE DAYS WHEN BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR FEELS EXTRA HARD AND YOU JUST WANT TO QUIT?

On the tough days when entrepreneurship feels overwhelming, I remind myself that I can’t pour from an empty cup. To show up fully for my business and the people it serves, I need to take care of myself first. That might mean taking a rest day, treating myself to something small like a coffee or a stroll around Michaels, or simply stepping away to recharge. As a creative entrepreneur, this sometimes looks like creating art just for me, that no one else will see.

I’ve also learned that rest isn’t a setback—it’s a necessary part of staying the course. The hard days don’t get to win because I know they’re just part of the process. Taking time to refill my cup ensures I have the energy and passion to keep going, no matter what challenges come my way.