After finishing and publishing my books, I was so excited about creating that I kind of went crazy with it. But that’s to be expected, right? When you learn something new, the best way to really grasp it is to use it!
So I am continuing my small business journey as I build The Pinkyverse from the ground up.
Enter Print on Demand (POD). (want to check one out? This was my first and I still use it today : Printify )
I started creating designs using the images and mascots I had built up. Pinky was my main character at the time, but others were joining the crew along the way. Alongside POD platforms, I discovered Etsy, and that became my first real foray into physical products.
I started out using photos I had taken, learning Photoshop along the way to size everything properly for the products I wanted to launch. My very first product? Coffee mugs.
I was so excited! I picked out those cool color-changing mugs—the ones that start out solid and reveal the picture when you pour in hot liquid. I loved them! Well, I loved all four of the designs I created 🙂
Then came my first big lesson (and it took a little while to sink in): Just because you created something with care and put it in an online store doesn’t mean it automatically sells.
But I persevered and kept creating. I expanded my product line, adding coasters to match the mugs and bringing Pinky into the spotlight. My adorable pink elephant ended up on everything from aprons and oven mitts to playing cards, placemats, and cutting boards.
I was inexperienced, but I was full of wonder at what I could do. Sure, it was frustrating when the money wasn’t coming in, but I kept going. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. In my mind, it always comes down to two choices: “This is my dream and I am going to keep pushing,” or “Not this one, let’s pivot to another dream.”
I chose to keep going.
Why? Because I love creation—all kinds of creation. The writing, the designing, the constant urge to expand, adapt, and find the things that make me happy. Learning how to improve so my small business journey takes off. And if my creations can bring a little happiness to others along the way, even better!
To wrap this up, I have a question for you:
Is your dream something you keep tucked away in your mind, taking it out only to mentally polish it every now and then?
Or
Is it something you want to expand, share, and bring into the light—no matter how scary that first step might be?