Relan, a New Approach to Upcycling!
Meet Della Simpson and Kari Brizius, the mother-daughter duo who are changing the world, one billboard at a time.
Della and Kari are the masterminds behind Relan, a woman-owned small business based in Minnesota that works with companies to “upcycle” their old billboards and banners. Using old marketing materials, they create items like tote bags, backpacks, and luggage tags for companies to use for fan and employee engagement tools, community initiatives, to sell in stores to make back marketing dollars, or as promotional items. They’ve partnered with everyone from MINI USA to Major League Soccer (MLS), and their efforts have kept over 300,000 square feet (that’s more than 5 football fields!) of material out of landfills since 2011. Relan is also included on the Gamechangers 500list, which recognizes the top For-Benefit companies across the globe.
We caught up with Kari to find out how she saves the world and raises a family at the same time.
What advice do you have for other moms who want to start their own business?
Find something you love to do and just do it. You can wait forever and never take the leap, or you can do it, try it, and make the most of it. We only live once! There will be challenges, days that you want to quit, and days that you are high as the sky, so just like you are a rock for your kids, be the rock for your business. Don’t let it fail. Make sure you have flexibility in your schedule for work, family, and ME time. Sometimes it feels overwhelming to try to do everything, but with some organization, a great team and determination - you can do anything (like all moms)! My biggest inspiration to keep going at what we do is to make a difference for the next generation (our kids). I talk to my kids a lot about what Grandma and I do so they know moms AND dads go to work, even if my work is at home.
What’s it like owning a business together?
It is amazing! We have wanted to own a business together for many years. We tried some multi-level marketing and other off-shoots of others businesses, but when we found the opportunity of Relan we knew this was our calling. The business and the products fit with what we believe in and what we are good at. There have been challenges working together, but it has made us stronger as a mother-daughter team as well as a business team. It’s nice to have someone that can be totally candid with you and about what you are doing, good and bad, but someone you always know is there for you at the same time. I know my business partner will support me through thick and thin – and we have been through both – thankfully together!
Tell us more about your kids!
I have the two most amazing kids – so does every mom. 
My son, Mattox, is 3.5 years old and my daughter, Paxson, will turn one on April 15. They have both been in daycare and now in “school” since they were very young. Mattox started at 10 weeks and Paxson at 8 weeks old. I am so thankful to have great care for the two of them to allow me to do my job outside of being a mom. Mattox has a HUGE personality and is all about making people laugh and having fun. He talks and thinks like a 10-year-old so sometimes it is hard to remember he is only three. Paxson is the happiest baby — she LOVES her big brother and thinks he is the greatest thing around. Everything he does is funny and she is already trying to keep up with him! She is so snuggly and sweet, but also has her naughty side. We are interested to see her personality develop as the days go on.
How do you de-stress?
My biggest de-stress is working out. I don’t get to it as often as I would like so this is something with owning a business that I am currently working into my calendar so there is no more skipping days. I started Tae Kwon Do last September and am really enjoying that. Yoga is one of the best de-stressors for me and I am determined to get back to weight-lifting as well. Taking a night out with my biggest supporter and daddy, Scotty, is a great de-stressor as well. He has been there for Grandma and me since the start of Relan and continues to be a huge fan and supporter.
What’s your favorite thing to do with your kids (or grandkids!)?
We love to do anything outdoors – playing at the park, swimming, riding bikes, hiking. I love to take time with each of the kids one-on-one as well. This year, Scotty and I decided we would do a date with each kid once per month and then create a book highlighting all of the dates we went on through the year. So far, it is really fun and allows us to come up with new and exciting things to do with each child.
What advice do you have for new or expecting moms?
Relax…WAY easier said than done, but I wish I could have done it. Don’t feel bad when you want to spend time with your kids instead of with friends or if you aren’t ready to leave the baby home with a sitter. Whatever it is, do it your way so you are comfortable and can feel good about what you are doing. Everyone will give you advice and try to put their opinions and thoughts on how you parent. We all do the best we can so just make sure you are ok with what your best is.
