Monday, April 12, 2010

Introducing the First-Ever piddix Intern

I'm thrilled to officially introduce you to Lara Schmidt of Fraserhead. Lara is the first-ever piddix intern (unless you count Declan and his help at the post office) and so far she's doing an amazing job. I asked Lara to answer four questions about herself to help you all get to know her a bit better.

1. Please introduce yourself.
My name is Lara Schmidt. I’m not really able to answer the question “What do you do,” and honestly, I hope it stays that way. In brief, I am a dancer, an English and French major, an employee at a really fabulous non-profit, a thrifter, a cook, a writer, a traveler, and of course the list could go on and on. I was raised in Central Washington and moved to Portland with my partner, Joe, 2 years ago. We love it here. I’m sure adventures will take us elsewhere, but for the moment, we enjoy the city, our dog Charlie, and making messes in our small apartment.2. What do you hope to gain from this internship?
I’m hoping to learn a lot by osmosis, but if I have to get specific:
  • How to write/conceive a business plan
  • Strategies for developing a business, product or service
  • Sourcing materials
  • Pricing
  • Maintaining websites, blogs, and social media in the art/design/craft world
  • Investing in your business
  • Business accounting -- managing expenses and revenue
3. Why art?
I grew up a very dedicated, classically trained ballet dancer. I was good at dancing. When my career came to a sudden halt, I fell back on the other thing people told me I was good at: Writing. So I became an English Major. Recently, a little voice inside of me as been cheering, “Do something you think you’re bad at,” so here I am. I’ve always been intimidated by art and entrepreneurship. Thus, I figured this was a good place to start.
4. Where do you want your business to be in six months? In three years?
In six months I would like to have a clear view of the next few years, a business plan, a path to follow. I want my business to be earning revenue—preferably enough to pay the bills. Dream big, right? In three years I want my business to support me. Financially and emotionally. I either want to be in a business I love, or I want my business to allow me to do the things I love. Both would be great. We’ll see.

11 comments:

Fiona Cartolina said...

I need one of those. She seems nice. Can I have her when she's done there?

piddix said...

What do you think, Lara. Want to take a trip to Canada?

Unknown said...

In a heartbeat! I spent every summer as a child in British Columbia. Its a place very dear to my heart and high on the list of places I'd like to live.

Granted, I never spent much time on the mainland, but I'm willing to entertain the idea...

Fiona Cartolina said...

Excellent!

kobedog said...

good luck lara! i would also love to be learning what you're learning with Piddix. have fun, enjoy it and i hope it takes you where you want to go :)

Unknown said...

Thank you, kobedog. I do feel very privileged to have this fabulous opportunity.

If you'd like to read more about what's happening on my end of this internship, you can read about it at fraserhead.com. I'm blogging about the planning, creation and existential angst inherent in starting your own business. Fun stuff.

Unknown said...

Great questions. Great answers. Great article. Enjoyed it "and your products".

Nini said...

Lara, hope you meet your short-term and long-term goals and have fun doing it! Good luck!

Bumppa said...

Welcome to Piddix, Lara. You have a great mentor and patient teacher in Corinna. And in my very biased opinion you can learn much from her first intern, Declan. Declan is very observant of others and study the situation well before diving in. He is smart. He asks great questions. And he is very cute. His biased grandpa( AKA Bumppa). TC

Unknown said...

Well, Bumppa, judging from my last visit Declan already knows much more than me in the areas of Dinosaurs and Kites, especially. I have no doubt he has lots more to teach.

Unfortunately I don't think I could ever compete with him in the cuteness category, but its good to keep my goals realistic.

Davielle aka Princess Magpie said...

Lara and Corinna - what a partnership you are forging! I think it's a wonderful thing. So when Lara is done at Piddix, and then done with her stint in Canada, I think Lara and Joe should come to .. San Diego County. I'll need an intern myself by then! :-) BEST OF EVERYTHING TO YOU ALL -- at Piddix and in your lives ... Davielle in Encinitas (CA)