Kikki and Franki

I’d like to think that Kikki and Franki is the trendsetter and mastermind behind exquisite custom designs. You dream it, they can make it a reality. Kikki and Franki is a Decor Design Studio- ” We can custom make any design for you” Choose from a selection of categories:

Wall art; Room decor; Milestone Cards; Growth Charts; Cake Toppers; closer dividers; Milestone Blankets etc. Meet Stacey Nassif, the force behind it all. Stacey and I have never met in person, but I know we would probably hit it off over a cup of coffee. She knows what it takes to run a business, and to her customer service and support is of high importance.

When did you start Kikki and Franki, and why?

Although I have done wall art for years and years I only launched Kikki & Franki in December 2016. After selling my retail franchise I had a little more time to really concentrate on my branding, packaging and product range. Also because it is my absolute passion and I LOVE what I do so very much. 😊

Describe Kikki and Franki in five words.

Innovative, unique, beautiful, special and dedicated!

How do you decide on products for your different categories?

LOL… With around 50 million hours of thought and contemplating and sketching and story boards and second guessing and over thinking about every little colour, trend, packaging, size and pricing. I drive everyone around me slightly crazy.

What  challenges have you faced whilst running your company?

Not so much a challenge as it is a loath but I am really not an admin person. So doing things like pricing, quotes and replying to the thousands of e-mails we receive each and everyday really kills my soul sometimes. I am a creator by heart so all the admin keeps me away from the actual design work that I love so much.

How do you overcome these challenges?

I suck it up and put my big girl panties on and just persevere. 😊

What do you love about owning your own business?

I know it sounds so corny but I love that I get to fetch my kids after school every day. They are still at the age where Mom is the be all and end all so I love how their faces light up to see me and I love how we have car seat dance off’s to Timmy Trumpet, Taylor Swift (my worst) and Nicki Minaj all the way home. (Have you ever? it’s their favourites… Odd bunch they are)

Which job title best describes you?

MOM, first and foremost always. Then designer. 😊

How many days per week do you work on average?

11… No for real, I work Monday to Friday and a lot of weekends doing markets, fairs and expos to expose the brand and even when I am not at those on weekends I land up working at least 1 of the 2 days. I cannot help myself sometimes. I suffer from a little OCD when it comes to my work.

Name three things that you can’t go a day without and that help you run your business.

Coffee, internet and music. (and cigarettes to calm myself down to a panic.)

What advice do you have for someone who wants to start their own business or brand?

Have a solid outline and idea of what you want to be, what product you want to sell, your marketing and branding, have a plan, have deadlines and make sure you execute all of them. Price your products correctly, especially if you would like to supply them at wholesale to retailers. I promise you, R100 profit on a big project doesn’t pay the bills. Don’t undersell yourself, know your worth! The only people that suffer at the end is you and your family. Time away from your family needs to be benefitting them at the end of the day. Lastly, it is HARD work so don’t slack on service!

Do you feel like you are living your passion?

Hell yeah! Every second of every day

Is there anything you know now, that you wish you knew when you started your business?

No, I think I did enough homework to know what I was getting myself into. 😊

Which people have been enormously helpful to you?

My husband for sure, always helps me to celebrate the little things and stop worrying so much. He is definitely the light at the end of my tunnel every day and of course my right hand man Gracinda, she is my extra set of eyes, ears, hands… you name it and Gracinda is there every step of the way. I feel extremely blessed to have such an amazing lady as part of my work team.

Who is your target market? If I were to give you a referral, who would I be looking for?

Anyone that loves to keep a beautiful home and have special keepsakes for their family.

Lastly is there anything that you would like to add?

Just a big thank you to yourself and every person that supports our small, woman-run manufacturing business. Every order we get is a massive achievement on our side and we are truly grateful for it. God has really blessed us. 😊

Kikki and Franki- The Gallery

Make sure to check out the website here, to enjoy more of what Kikki and Franki has to offer.