Meet Business Booster Competition Winner The Completist

Specialising in bold, bright designs and tongue in cheek messages, The Completist only launched in early 2017 and ended the year becoming one of our two Business Booster Competition winners! Receiving a £3,500 prize package including exhibiting at Top Drawer S/S 2018, we thought we best catch up with Jana Pavasovic, the brains behind The Completist, before the event…

What made you decide to set up your business?

“I’d always wanted to start my own business, and I’d been sketching for about four years. I started freelancing in mid-2017 and initially just wanted to sell my sketches on the side, and thought cards were a nice thing to sell alongside them. However, once I got started, I realised there was a lot of potential to build a proper business and things snowballed very quickly from there.”

How do you come up with new product ideas and designs?

“It depends really – I always have my sketch book with me, and sometimes it’s just a case of opening it up and seeing what comes out. Design wise, I am inspired by lots of things, ranging from 1920’s textile design, to Matisse, and to the Memphis movement. I always design my prints first, and then apply it to product. I’ve always loved stationery and printed products, so I always try to make products that I need, or would love to buy.”

What do you do as a small business to get your name out there and get recognised? 

“I’ve relied on social media a lot – it’s been my main tool for getting my brand out there. I also do a lot of independent markets, which helps a lot. I’m always networking with whoever I meet to boost my profile.”

How important is a good website and social media in supporting a small business?

“It’s so important, probably the number one thing. I can create an entire story around my brand, and share my creative process. People really like to feel engaged in that way and hopefully, they eventually become customers. I can reach people all over the world very easily, which is really exciting.”

Why did you want to exhibit at Top Drawer?

“I wanted to get my brand out in front of potential wholesalers and people who can really help to take my brand to the next level. To show amongst so many other amazing brands that I really admire is such an incredible opportunity!”

Discover more about Jana’s business and follow her on social media:

Website: www.the-completist.com

Facebook: lecompletiste

Twitter: @completistldn 

Instagram: @the.completist

Tumblr: www.thecompletistblog.tumblr.com

Who else is heading to Top Drawer London? Come visit us on stand Y54 14-16 January 2018 at Olympia London and meet the sponsored creative businesses using Printed.com to thrive – Ted & Kip and The Completist, plus brand ambassador The Curious Department.