8: Building a Successful Screen-Free Business with Kailan Carr
Kailan Carr is the owner of Quiet Book Queen & Crafts in Between, a business that offers screen-free activities for kids. Her passion for screen-free activities led her to create a swap group with her friends to make quiet book pages for their children, which eventually turned into a successful business.
In this conversation, Kailan shares her journey from being a teacher to starting her own business, the benefits of screen-free activities for kids, and the different types of products she offers, including physical products, digital products, and books.
She also shares insights about her self-publishing journey, the importance of finding your audience, and the challenges and benefits of making physical and digital products.
Connect with Kailan:
Key Takeaways:
- (04:35) Quiet books and screen-free activities for kids
- (05:48) Comparing digital products to physical products
- (12:12) The value of having a creative outlet and balancing work and family life
- (15:49) Comparing work as a business owner to work as a teacher
- (16:57) Freebie swaps
- (19:23) Using your business as a platform for what you’re passionate about
- (22:10) Kailan’s self-publishing journey and “Screens Away, Time to Play”
- (30:50) The challenges of social media
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From Classroom to Commerce: How a Teacher Found Success in the Online Business World
In this episode of the Teacher Biz Podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kailan Carr, the founder of QuietBookQueen.com.
Kailan is passionate about providing screen-free activities for children between the ages of three to seven. Through her website, Kailan offers free printable activities, as well as physical products like quiet books and page kits.
Join us as we delve into Kailan’s entrepreneurial journey, her insights on social media, and her commitment to helping parents find engaging alternatives to screen time.
The Shift Away from Social Media
Kailan’s journey began with a heavy reliance on social media to promote her business.
However, she quickly realized that the constant pressure to create content for platforms like Instagram and Facebook was draining her energy and taking away from her real passion – creating screen-free activities for children.
The declining engagement and reach on social media forced Kailan to reassess her priorities.
Building an Email List and Exploring Alternate Avenues
Understanding the need to reach a larger audience without solely depending on social media, Kailan shifted her focus towards building her email list and running Facebook ads.
She believes that these strategies not only allow her to connect with her followers on a deeper level but also give her the opportunity to share valuable resources directly with her audience.
Batching Physical Products and Exploring New Markets
Kailan’s commitment to screen-free activities is evident in her physical products, such as quiet books and page kits.
While marketing these products requires different techniques, she has found success by offering subscriptions and focusing on promoting her physical products.
Additionally, Kailan plans to self-publish her next book, taking advantage of the Amazon market, which she had previously missed out on.
Digital Products: A World of Possibilities
Alongside her physical products, Kailan emphasizes the benefits of digital products.
These products offer the advantages of ease of purchase and reduced costs, making them accessible to a wider audience.
With her printable subscription for screen-free activities, Kailan provides parents with a convenient and affordable way to engage their children without relying on screens.
Transferring Skills from the Classroom
Having started her journey as a teacher, Kailan recognizes the transferable skills that come into play in her entrepreneurial venture. Her ability to create engaging and educational activities stems from her experience in the classroom.
Kailan encourages other teachers to explore the possibilities beyond the traditional classroom setting, leveraging their skills and the power of the internet to make a tangible impact.
The Power of a Catalog and Letting Go of Social Media
Kailan acknowledges the importance of having a catalog to showcase her products and business. However, she no longer feels the need to be actively present on social media platforms on a daily basis. Instead, she chooses to focus her time and energy on creating valuable content and building her audience through other avenues.
Kailan Carr’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of one person’s passion and dedication to make a positive impact. By providing screen-free activities for children, she empowers parents to prioritize play, reading, and outdoor exploration in their child’s development.
With her shift away from social media and towards alternate avenues, Kailan continues to grow her business while maintaining her commitment to helping parents find engaging alternatives to screen time.
If you’re a teacher looking to explore the endless possibilities beyond the classroom, Kailan’s story and insights are sure to inspire you on your own path to success.