We had the good fortune of connecting with Leslie Dultz and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Leslie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
God. First and foremost. I give everything to God. When I decided to start FearLes Designs I knew I wanted it to be primarily faith based, I believe in Jesus Christ and everything I have is because of him!!! It it not always easy but I try to keep my eyes on him and everything else will fall into place.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After I was injured on the job and unable to return to gainful employment, I sat down with my husband and we talked about my love crafting. As I rehabilitated from my injuries, I began to follow several custom crafters on social media, and became inspired to turn my own passion for creating personalized gifts into a new career, utilizing much more professional tools and materials than the iron-ons and puffy paints that I relied on in the past. So with the help of my husband, we built a workshop and I started working on a vision for my company. I wanted to create products that also had meaning to me and my customers, and I wanted my faith to be at the center of my business. So what better way to figure out the vision of my business than to sit down and pray on it. What came to me was the Bible Verse Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and FEARLESS. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” After talking about this with my husband, the name FearLes was born, and I became the Les, in FearLes Designs.
Shortly after, a friend of mine approached me about designing custom shirts for her women’s racing team. I accepted the job, even though I had only put my skills to the test with a single shirt that I created for myself. Fortunately, the entire team loved my designs so much that many of them followed up by placing additional orders for themselves. As I continued to turn out custom shirt orders, I continued to work on my craft and have been able to incorporate and offer several other products that have now become a part of my growing business.
It has not been easy working from home, and working for myself has definitely been met with challenges. Unfortunately, shortly after I started my business, the pandemic hit. The pandemic brought school closures and remote learning, therefore requiring that our entire family had to be on our home WiFi network at the same time. In addition to building this business and doing the “Wife and Mom Thing,” I decided that I needed more added to my plate and committed to going back to school to finish my AA and get a certificate in business. It has not been easy but I just keep grinding and working hard because I know it’s going to be worth it.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh gosh! I am the wrong person to ask about taking people out and finding exciting things to do. I am pretty content staying at home, sitting by the firepit with my husband and puppies drinking my coffee. If I were to go out, I love to hike local, Big Dalton, Johnson’s Pasture, Colby Trail or Michael Antonovich, I love to go to the beach, go for a bike ride by the beach Seal Beach being my favorite. I also love music and coffee so walking the local street fair on Friday night is always a good time. If I were to have to, Disneyland would be the place to go! The Hollywood sign, the Hollywood walk of Fame would be another. Dinner at a nice steak house would be great! Like I said, I am pretty content to stay in with my family, add in my best friend and a night of cards would be perfect!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Matt, and my boys Tyler and Trevor deserve the biggest shoutout. They have been behind me every step of the way, encouraging, supporting, and cheering me on. They wear my gear, sport my cups, and I am their official gift shop! Besides my family, my friends are incredibly supportive and I thank God for everything.
Website: fearlesdesigns.com
Instagram: FearLesDesigns
Facebook: FearLesDesigns by Leslie Dultz
Youtube: FearLes Designs
Other: TikTok: @FearLesDesigns
Image Credits
Kelly Anderson