Client Story - Gingras Designs
Client Name: Caleb & Tonia Gingras
Business Name: Gingras Designs
Business Website: https://www.gingrasdesigns.com/
Industry: Woodworking, t-shirt printing
Location: Whitefield, NH
SBDC Advisor's Name: Jean Nelson
SBDC Client: 1 year
Growing up, teachers always told Caleb Gingras he was creative; an accurate description according to Caleb, who says he would often observe things and think about how we would have built it differently. He also found art to not only be a creative outlet, but a way to communicate his thoughts and feelings when the words didn’t come so easily. “So, I said, ‘Okay…this must be my calling,’” says Caleb.
Driven by his creative spark, an interest in entrepreneurship, and the desire to transition Tonia, Caleb’s wife, out of a job that no longer brought her joy, Caleb and Tonia started Gingras Designs in Whitefield, NH in late October 2023. Caleb shares, “we enjoyed doing arts and crafts together, so we figured, let's just do it for business.”
For Caleb and Tonia, creating their products was the easy part. Through Gingras Designs, Caleb and Tonia are leveraging his woodworking skills, and her family history with T-shirt design (Tonia’s grandmother used to design t-shirts) to specialize in handcrafted items including wood crafted signs, personalized décor, t-shirts, gifts, and more. “We love to be able to make just about anything and everything,” says Caleb.
Their challenges came in the behind-the-scenes of starting a business. With a lot of paperwork to complete and regulations around the printing industry to understand, Caleb sought help through Coös Economic Development Council (CEDC). He says, “we wanted guidance through the unclear laws and regulations of doing business and wanted to make sure we were doing things right.” CEDC connected him with NH SBDC so Business Advisor Jean Nelson could help Caleb and Tonia look at their whole business, from developing a business plan to expanding their offerings.
Jean was instrumental in providing Gingras Designs with the assistance and resources they needed to get Gingras Designs going. With Jean’s help, it was easier for Caleb and Tonia to navigate important business decisions such as when to move forward with an idea and when it might not be the best decision.
“SBDC helped me find the resources that I could trust."
No matter the topic, Jean knew how to provide the right guidance, connections, or resources to assist, and she was easy to work with. Caleb shares, “She's quick to understand, and she explains things in an understanding way where I'm not confused. Or if I do get confused, she figures out a way to make it so I understand!”
Today, with Jean’s and SBDC’s support, Gingras Designs is in such a good position, the door is open for Caleb to further pursue his entrepreneurial goals with additional business ideas.
Caleb recommends that small businesses consider contacting SBDC for support with their business. Whether starting, growing, maintaining, or transitioning out of a business, SBDC can help. Caleb explains, “if you're worried about starting a business because you don't understand all the outside stuff, but you know how to do your skill for your business, they'll have your back.”
As for what’s next for Gingras Designs, Caleb looks forward to more growth. While he and Tonia will continue to make the items that got their business off the ground, they are excited to share they are also now accepting orders for larger items such as store front business signs and custom furniture.
Gingras Designs is proud to be a small family-owned business operating out of the Great North Woods of New Hampshire. Customers can find Gingras Designs’ items online at GingrasDesigns.com, or at several local stores in northern NH. You may even meet the Gingras family at a craft fair, for, as their website states, “We pour our heart and soul into every piece, ensuring that it reflects your unique style and vision.”