Cinnamon Rost is the owner and graphic designer at 1809 Design.
Please tell us about your background.
I was born and raised in Storm Lake, Iowa and attended Storm Lake schools. My father owned a local photography business, in which the whole family helped out. It was through that work that I first learned about computers and art, and where my desire to become a graphic designer grew. After high school, I attended Wartburg College, in Waverly, IA and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Design with a minor in Business Administration.
Please tell us about your business.
As a teen, I dreamed of working as a graphic designer from the comfort of a home office (preferably in bunny slippers). However, I knew after college that I needed some real-world experience first. I spent five years working for others in various graphic design positions. I took the leap in 2018 and opened 1809 Design, a one-woman graphic design studio helping small businesses and marketing/advertising firms with professional design services. Think brand identity, logos, brochures, t-shirts, websites, digital graphics and ads just to name a few. And yes, I have bunny slippers.
Why did you join NAWBO Iowa and what do you appreciate about it?
As a woman business owner, I had heard about NAWBO for years but didn't feel I had time to embrace another business group fully . It wasn't until Tamara Kenworthy asked for my assistance with some NAWBO graphics that I took a closer look. After attending a few events and meeting some members, I knew it was time to make it official.
I appreciate the camaraderie and support of the NAWBO members. Being a solopreneur can be a lonely endeavor and I look forward to building friendships and gaining valuable insights from other businesswomen .
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The variety of work: One day I'm creating a logo for a small, dog-based business. The next, designing event graphics for a business symposium. And another day, producing a large point-of-purchase display for a national product going into a national hardware store.
The people I meet: Many of my clients are business owners themselves, and I enjoy learning about their companies and hearing their passion for what they do. I also contract with local ad/marketing agencies which allows me to collaborate with and learn from other incredible designers.
Flexibility as to when and where I work: While I tend to work when my clients are working from my home office, it's freeing to be able to choose my schedule and location.
