Episode 16 | Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator

Beginning as a passion side-project, Mary Billings came to a crossroads with her party company, Love of Character. Faced with uncertainty, she left the safety and security of a corporate job to pursue growing her own business full time. Join co-hosts Don Sherman and Ebony Clemons-Ajibolade as they explore the origin success story of Love of Character. Love of Character is a paper goods & party supplies shop based in Kansas. In the shop you can find creative work by Mary, her team, that are perfect for gift giving and parties. “For the Love of Character” blog started in 2013 as Mary and her husband, Dustin, started working on home improvement projects in their house. The name came from their love of character when searching for the "perfect" house to start their life together. It was the little touches such as the staircase, crown molding and woodwork that sold them. Sharing ideas on decorating, party throwing, and gifts, Mary realized she wanted to help others add some character to their lives. Mary reached out to her fabulous Aunt Mary to get the business going who passed away in 2018. Most recognized Love of Character by their balloon business that started as an addition to events but has grown to be one of their biggest categories.

Love of Character
3200 East Douglas Avenue
Wichita, KS 67208
316-351-5527

2142 N Rock Rd
Wichita, Kansas 67206
316-352-7266

Like on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Twitter
Number of employees: 10
Chamber member since 2020

On this episode we discuss:

• Where the business name came from
• The invitation to expand into Bradley Fair
• The corporate background at Koch Industries
• Standing out from the competition by providing unique touches
• Jumping head-first and leaving the full-time job to run her business
• The business spark on a flight back from Florida
• Growing through a pandemic
• The supportive local community
• Always being kind to others
• The challenges of maintaining a work / life balance as a business owner

Learn more about Love of Character on their website and like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter. Check out the links below to learn more about Mary and her business:

Love of Character Blog
Good Day Kansas Feature

Listen on popular podcast directories and aggregators, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, and ICT Podcast Network or using the player above. Send feedback on this show and/or suggestions for future guests or topics by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or emailing communications@wichitachamber.org.

Preview:

Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator is a weekly podcast devoted to supporting and learning from area business owners. Released every Wednesday, it's produced by Forge Podcast Co, managed by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Evergy.

Learn more about this podcast series by visiting our January 7 blog post.