Evolution of an Enterprise, Chapter 29: A Spouse's Perspective

Editor’s note: Springfield Business Journal asked Natalie Mardis, wife of theworkshop 308 co-owner Michael Mardis, to share her thoughts and experiences during the first year of the startup. Her unique perspective follows.

Starting theworkshop 308 has been one of the most difficult, yet exciting, times of my life. The three of us were sitting on our front porch a little over one year ago when the decision was made to launch this design studio – and what a whirlwind of emotions we’ve been through since then.

What I’ve learned is that owning a business is nothing like working for someone else. For starters, there is no leaving the office. It follows us everywhere.

Business partners Jason Mitchell and Michael Mardis, my husband, are always working. It is always at the forefront of their minds, and mine – and I think it has to be.

Tough role

As the wife of a small-business owner, I’ve had a great seat to watch things evolve over the past year.

The guys are still just as enthusiastic as ever. Even through all the ups and downs they have remained optimistic. I, on the other hand, am always the one to bring them back to reality. It’s not a glamorous job, but someone has to do it.

My main role has become the family provider, as my outside job supports us. It is not easy, and sometimes I feel as though I have had to put all my dreams and ambitions on hold so that we can pursue this business. I feel stuck in every form of the word. I have to work so that our personal bills get paid.

This financial burden is the scariest part of the endeavor. It’s never the fun part. However, right now we can’t focus on what we are scared of. Otherwise, we would never move forward.

This is my biggest contribution to theworkshop 308. I am affording Michael the ability to pursue his dream, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. They are designers. They are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing, what they were born to do, following their hearts. It is so obvious, and they make an amazing team.

I also have a design background, so when I’m not paying the bills and working to provide for us, I also contribute to their designs. They always get my opinion, whether they ask for it or not. It’s one of the few luxuries of the position I’m in.

That’s the best part of theworkshop 308 – being in a constantly creative environment. Even when I am not able to participate in their critiques, just being in this type of environment is inspiring. We never know what might come our way.

What’s next

The entire year has been a period of growth and discovery. We have all learned our limits, strengths and weaknesses. We support each other in every aspect of our lives. It’s who we are. We will be forever connected. We are family.

Now that The Coffee Ethic project is complete, the guys will be focusing on their architecture licensing exams again. The goal is for each to be licensed in 2008. Depending on workload, that may or may not happen, and we are all OK with that.

I have no idea what is in store for theworkshop 308. Hopefully, we’ll find many prosperous jobs and many new friends. We’ve already had the opportunity to meet some amazing people.

Our family will be growing, and we are open to whatever comes our way – that’s the beauty of it all.

It’s difficult to look back and reflect on the last year. I choose not to focus on missed opportunities, as I believe that everything happens for a reason. My own personal motto has always been to live and learn, no regrets. That’s exactly what the guys are doing. They are giving this their absolute all. That’s all any of us can do. And we might as well have fun while we’re doing it.

Natalie Mardis is married to Michael Mardis, co-owner of design studio theworkshop 308.

Year 2

Evolution of an Enterprise, covering the first year of theworkshop 308, will wrap up with Ch. 30 next week. Springfield Business Journal is seeking a company to follow in the second year of this special series dedicated to startups. If you, or someone you know, is planning to open a business in early 2008 and would like to be considererd, please e-mail Editor Eric Olson at eolson@sbj.net.