Exclusive Interview with McKenna Gordon Founder of Kennalyn.Com

McKenna Gordon is a Jill of all trades in the creative world. She began her graphic design career in 2000, and branched out into other forms of art and design from there. In 2001, she studied under one of Hollywood's most renowned make-up artists and went on to work as lead make-up artist on several movies and music videos. She began studying fragrance design at a young age and later founded a national custom-fragrance company in 2005. A creative writing major in college, she has developed technical and marketing content for web and print. But perhaps McKenna's favorite art medium is that of digital and print design. McKenna is currently the Creative Director of Somae Health, the creator of Kennalyn.com, most importantly wife to Steve and mommy to Carter.

How did you come up with the idea to start your website and what gave you the courage to put yourself out there?

"I've been a graphic designer for 11 years, and though I spend all day at the office managing design projects for work, my favorite "chill" time at home is spent on fun personal design projects. Designing is my personal escape, so rather than an idea that hit me, Kennalyn.com was just sort of a natural thing to do. I'd like to say there was some courage involved, but I just felt in the mood to design a website one night, so I launched Kennalyn as a "fake" project, not really expecting visitors at the time. I put up a birthday calendar and showed a few friends and...here we are!"

What do you feel is your biggest success and your biggest failure in business?

"I'm an entrepreneur at heart, so I've naturally had many failures at business (if you don't fail 4 out of 5 times, you're not really innovating, right?) I've had profitable projects and not-so-profitable. I feel successful when I've either added something to the world that wasn't there before, or created something that changes or moves ME. Success is more a feeling of fulfillment for me, although I will certainly call a money train "successful" when it comes, too!"

You currently have a fan page on Facebook... how many fans do you have and has Facebook helped your revenue with Kennalyn.com?

"I just recently created a Facebook page and have about 150 fans. It has definitely increased revenue, but in an indirect way. I use Facebook to keep Kennalyn.com in the forefront of my Fans' minds. A product announcement here, a special offer or contest there; not everyone participates, or even clicks through to my site, but it's just a little reminder that "Oh yeah, that's the site I've been meaning to print that cute Meal Planner from." Eventually they'll go print that meal planner, when otherwise (without little reminders that I exist) it may have slipped their mind entirely."

What is next for McKenna Gordon?

"For Kennalyn.com I'm creating 3 sets of boxed cards: Thank You, Congratulations (on getting married), and a really fun blank set for any occasion. The paper is absolutely delicious. In my personal life we're adopting our second child this year and very excited and anxious at the same time!"

How do you balance your home life with work?

"After too many years of striving for balance and failing miserably, I decided to try something new. I now strive for imbalance in every area of my life. I've thrown out multi-tasking in lieu of focusing solely and intently on one thing at a time. It can be an art project, the laundry pile, or playing Hi-Ho Cherry-O with my son 27 times in a row. I seem to get a lot more done this way, contrary to how I used to be programmed to think. That doesn't mean life isn't completely crazy. It's a whirlwind of rushing out the door in the morning, working all day, coming home to spend with my son whatever precious time is left before his bedtime, move on to the household chores, re-cap the day with my husband, and crash just in time to get not... quite... enough zzzzz."

McKenna accepts a limited number of freelance projects including web and print design, writing, brand identity, and product photography. For more information, visit Kennalyn.com