Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Dnaka.
Hi Tiffany, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello, my name is Tiffany! After serving 6+ years in higher education I lost my job, it wasn’t just any job, it was a job I dedicated myself to. I worked three jobs to obtain my master’s degree to be part of a community college system I wholeheartedly believed in. I was the former Director of Accessibility Services at Calbright College, sadly my role ended. I saw students who needed accommodations never to secure them, but rather their leadership offered inadequate substitutions. Imagine sending your child with a disability to a public school, where resources should not be an issue, yet due to other personal agendas, your child’s educational needs are neglected.
I lost sleep over this, and I am sure you would too. I fought hard to show the leadership the value of delivering accommodations to our most vulnerable population of students, but my voice was not heard. So fast forward, now I am pursuing my other passion, which is creating artwork and helping animals in need.
After I lost my fur baby and my friend lost his dog, I came to Etsy to find a specific style of custom-made pet portraits. Long story short, I couldn’t find what I wanted and I decided to create my own with the purpose of giving back to animal rescues!!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been hard. Growing a business doesn’t happen overnight. There have been many growing pains. For example, when I first started doing vendor events, I was overwhelming unprepared, I thought all I would need to do is bring a canopy and set up, but I didn’t take into account the weather and wind, long story short, my tent collapsed and my artwork did not stand a chance against the wind. That event was a big learning experience, and after making many adjustments, my setup is now weatherproof. Additionally, some of the biggest obstacles I have encountered are not obtaining enough sales. https://www.tiffanydnaka.com/post/vendor-lessons-101
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am known for creating premium custom pet portraits. I am most proud of all the pups that I have helped through my artwork. I frequently team up with rescues and I donate my time/artwork to create a custom piece for a pup that is in desperate need of adoption. As of today, I have created artwork for over 10+ rescues all throughout the US. What sets my pet art from others is that my style is soft and realistic, which can essentially fit into most decor themes.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I have a lot of blog content on my website, feel free to check it out!
https://www.tiffanydnaka.com/blog-by-tiffanydnaka
Pricing:
- $89+ Custom pet portrait
- $120+ Custom Pet Drink Menu
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiffanydnaka.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffany_dnaka_/
