Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Cisneros.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started my business in January 2021; like many people during the pandemic, I found myself reprioritizing my life and wanting to focus my energy on doing things that aligned with my values. Additionally, my 9-to-5 job as a Marriage & Family Therapist was becoming increasingly stressful, and I was feeling burnt out. Creating this business gave me a space to be myself and focus on my own needs. I’ve always been creative at heart, but when I set out to start this business, I wanted to challenge myself to focus more on growing this brand into something people can relate to and something that inspires others to focus on their own values and prioritize themselves.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As someone who has always dreamed of owning a creative business, I can say that the journey has been anything but linear. I’ve been selling my art in one form or another since I was seven years old, but would hardly have called myself an entrepreneur or a small business owner. Over the last decade, I’ve had several attempts at selling my art online, through Etsy, Storenvy, and even dabbling in selling at local comic conventions in my hometown. Many of my challenges boiled down to the same issues; I’d bite off more than I could chew. I’d order too much product stock or have a collection of items that didn’t mesh well together, which made my shop look incohesive. I wasn’t clear on who my ideal customers were or how I could find them and design products with them in mind. The good news is every mistake is a lesson, and at this point, I’m basically an expert on making mistakes in my business, so I feel much more qualified to deal with the challenges I face as a business owner now. I’ve become adaptable and resourceful in how I deal with challenges as a business, all because the younger version of me was brave enough to take the risk!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create all of my designs digitally, focusing mainly on simple illustrations and hand lettering. I use cohesive color palettes to portray a sense of playfulness in my work because I believe that art should never be taken *too* seriously; using my digital designs, I create stickers, tote bags, keychains, and other stationery and small gift-like products but I’m probably best known for my waterproof stickers, which are eye-catching and often feature fun artsy puns or silly sayings.
I’m most proud of the increased focus I’m putting on mental health within my business. I recently launched a collection focused on self-care and giving yourself reminders and permission to focus on your own needs. My background as a Marriage and Family Therapist has gifted me with knowledge that I feel is valuable to share with the masses, and I feel a sense of responsibility to continue normalizing the importance of mental health and challenging the stigma around therapy.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
In addition to selling my products online, I can also be found at many pop-up events around San Diego. I love getting to meet fellow artists and makers and connect with my community. I love getting to chat with customers at events and often feel inspired to make new designs based on those interactions! I’m currently trying to branch out into wholesale and would love to work with local businesses who may be interested in featuring my products in their stores! My website is a great resource to learn about upcoming events and to reach out to me about wholesale inquiries!
Pricing:
- Stickers: $3
- Totes: $15
- Mugs: $15
- Gift Bundles: $10-$30
- Self-Care Bundle $45
Contact Info:
- Website: creativeandcaffeinatedshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.and.caffeinated.shop/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FuxXV2CDq9BayytA2okfA?si=433d77aa139e49ba
