Meet the Tribe - Chris Majernik

From inside the Hatch Tribe Members Circle, we're chatting with Chris Majernik. A Charleston-based entrepreneur who's celebrating 5 years in business, Chris is a digital pro who does all things web and marketing. 

Chris Majernik and her dog Bailey | photos by Abby Murphy Photography

NAME: Chris Majernik

COMPANY: Green Bag Designs

WEBSITE: greenbagdesigns.com

FAVORITE SOCIAL PLATFORM: www.instagram.com/greenbagdesigns

Are you an Early Bird or a Night Owl?

Early Bird

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Let my puppy out, she's usually what wakes me up.

What are you reading now?

The Night Circus, and E-Myth

What's your favorite podcast?

The Quibbler, Goal Digger Podcast

Favorite place to getaway from it all?

Disney World, or a Cruise.  The great thing about Cruises, is you don't really need your phone.  It's the only place I can truly unplug.

If you could get an extra hour today, how would you use it?  

Ideally, I'd spend it with my family and my pup, but I'd probably spend it scrolling through Instagram.

Do you consider yourself more of an Introvert or extrovert?

I'm an extroverted introvert for sure.  I love networking and meeting people, but love going to the movies by myself.  I need to recharge in silence.

What's your favorite food?

All-you-can-eat Crab Legs

I'm on a mission to...

empower small business owners with the tools they need to succeed.  And meet a unicorn.

How did your awesome business come to be?

Want the truth?  This business grew out of despair.  I got fired from what was supposed to be my "dream job", and in one instance I was hurdled into unemployment.  I picked myself up, and realized I never wanted to allow someone else the ability to take away my dreams. I started my own dream job instead.   I had seen a disconnected marketing department at work - I was having to make calls to several companies to keep them in the loop of what the other groups were doing and it was exhausting.  I knew when I opened up my business, I wanted my fellow small businesses to just have to make one phone call, and have their marketing all with one branded, unified message.

Who inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship?

I was always running little businesses growing up, whether it was pet or babysitting, teaching flute, even baking cupcakes.  I love setting my own day, and want to put my own stamp on things.

Have you ever had a mentor? And how did they help you?  

I've had a few mentors, both male and female.  It's helpful to bounce ideas off of someone who's been in your shoes and doesn't mind you trying them on for a bit.  My business coach (hi, Hilary!) has also been tremendous in our growth. We're always learning, from books and podcasts to articles and newsletters.  Having a mentor and coach is just another way for us to keep learning and growing.

How do you define success for yourself?

Aren't we all still striving for "success"?  I think if I met that point, I'd just start something else and add more to my plate.  I do feel like I had a successful day when I can have a great client meeting, or meet a fellow entrepreneur for lunch, or when I can bring my dog to work.  Those are little successes that I really enjoy.

We all love failure & flop stories!

Tell us about something you tried in business that didn't work, and how you moved beyond it.  I just wrote a blog about this, "Our Top Five Hurdles", and one of the things I didn't do right the first time was taking time for myself.  I sometimes still feel like I'm in this space where I think, "why am I watching TV, or walking my dog, or actually paying attention to my significant other; I could be making money right now!".  It's really important for yourself and your loved ones to set boundaries. I know a few Hatch Tribers have mentioned not taking your phone to bed, or turning it off after a certain time. It's hard sometimes, but it's really important.  Even if it's just a couple of nights a week.

What is a recent success that you're super proud of accomplishing?  

We're celebrating our five year anniversary this month, and it feels AH-MAZING.  It's such a great point to reach, and I just cannot wait to see what the next five years hold for us!  

What is the least sexy part of your job?  

Bookkeeping.  Oh, and taking out the trash.