Des Moines Moms Movers and Shakers: Becky Pospisal, The Knotty Nail

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Des Moines Moms Blog recognizes that moms wear a lot of hats. You are a mom, wife, friend, diaper changer, nose wiper, meal planner, lost toy finder, the list goes on and on!

We want to feature some local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in our community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved with, and work they do.

We are excited to kick off our Des Moines Moms Movers & Shakers series with Becky Pospisal, owner and founder of The Knotty Nail.

DMMB movers shakers Becky Pospisal The Knotty NailBecky started The Knotty Nail in 2016 as a pop-up string art studio. She hosts DIY string art workshops in people’s homes and pop-up locations around central Iowa. In addition to workshops, Becky also creates custom art pieces and take-home kits. She can create designs for business logos, team building art, and more. Becky has been so successful that she was recently able to leave her full time job to focus on her business.

Check out images from our Get Crafty event with The Knotty Nail.

knotty nail string artTell us a little bit about yourself and your family

Originally, I am from Central City, Iowa and graduated from Central College in 2004 with a sociology major. I also played softball at Central. Andrew and I have been married for 5 years and have three children. Mara (15), Noel (3), and Flyn (2). We also have a dog named Oliver and a cat named Maui. We live in Clive.

What do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood to be? The biggest joy?

I think the biggest challenge of motherhood is that I have no idea what I am doing! We always take one day at a time. My three year old still wears a diaper at night, which can be frustrating…but I am pretty certain she won’t by the time she’s in kindergarten. 🙂

My greatest joy is that every single day my kids show me something new they’ve learned. Whether it’s a phrase, a new skill, or whatever. I am so amazed by what they learn, and it makes me so happy that they’re becoming more independent and unique.

How did you start The Knotty Nail? What was your inspiration?

I wish I had some glorious story about how it came to be – but I don’t! I knew I always wanted to own my own business. My husband and I went on vacation to Lake Tahoe and we talked the whole time about what I could do that would tap into my creative side. Des Moines was lacking in “pinterest” style classes so it grew from there!  I am so inspired by other makers and artists. I feel like I am a better teacher than I am an artist, so I pride myself in motivating and inspiring crafters and artists to make a really cool sign for their home.  

What’s the best part about being your own boss?

Ah, there is seriously NOTHING better! I set my own pace. I am in charge of my daily schedule. My work each day is exactly what I want to do. And, when I make something new, book a new workshop, or collaborate with another business owner, it drives me to keep going.

What’s the hardest part about running your own business?

You are all by yourself, and that’s the hardest thing. EVER. When I make a decision and it fails (and there are a LOT of fails), I have no one to blame but myself. It can be overwhelming making decisions about how to grow the company without having a coworker to bounce the idea off of first. I am grateful for all the connections with other small business owners and my husband, who basically takes me down off the ledge when I am about to fall off!

What advice do you have for moms who want to start a business?

GO FOR IT! Seriously! If you don’t do it now, you probably never will. 

Surround yourself with people who get it – including family. 

Also, be inspired by other women business owners, but make your work your own. There is truly room for all businesses, especially in Des Moines, but you need to make yourself unique and stand out.

What is something you wish you had known when you started?

I’ve learned so many lessons along the way – the biggest lesson has been that it is okay to take a risk. It’s hard, when you’re balancing finances, a family, a reputation, and sleep – HA! But, no risk equals no reward, so you just have to go for it.

When I started The Knotty Nail, I wish I knew how messy my house was going to be forever because I don’t have time to clean it anymore!

What’s the last show you watched, thing you listened to, or book you read?

I’ve been binge-watching Empire and I am hooked! I listen to podcasts daily. Some of my favorites are: My Favorite Murder, Someone Knows Something, This American Life and Lore. Can you tell I like mysteries?
I just finished reading #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal.

Des Moines Favorites:

Favorite spot for a date night: Django 

Best place to take kids: Blank Park Zoo

Favorite summer activity: Downtown Farmer’s Market or the Iowa State Fair

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? In the mountains in Colorado

Favorite instagram accounts? I’m inspired by @joannagaines, @qbhome, and @olivewooddesigns

How/where do you relax? Anywhere outside! Preferably with a drink, too 🙂


Connect with The Knotty Nail

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Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.

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