Alexis Rawlins shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Alexis, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time constantly! But most of the time it’s just because I’m not paying attention. But the most healing way to lose track of time for me is always art, or travel. I find it’s always really therapeutic to lose track of time doing something enjoyable (not scrolling!!)
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I started my art business, Tiny Bee Cards, about 10 years ago because I felt like most of the greeting cards in the supermarket were either too sappy or kinda rude and I wanted to create cards that made people genuinely smile! I love working on new illustrations that are playful and fun with this in mind. In addition to cards I also create stickers, pins, washi tapes and more, and it’s always so fun to see the final printed product. I’m especially inspired by animals and nature, and I love drawing cute lil guys.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always been interested in art and creating art, even as a toddler my favorite thing was finger painting, and so this job feels like a return to what I’ve always wanted to do.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
A big fear that’s held me back is imposter syndrome. I think it’s hard to feel confident in what you’re doing and believe in yourself for lots of people, and since I’ve always been a pretty shy and quiet type of person I honestly never thought I’d be starting my own business and putting myself out there every single day. Maybe I would have started this business sooner if it weren’t for that fear, and I feel pretty lucky that I did become an artist eventually, because my art business started mostly by accident when I drew a greeting card for my husband’s birthday!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I see a lot of tutorials about how to run an art business, and a lot of those instructions do not work for me. I think where people are getting it wrong is when they say that there’s one way to do things – it depends on your specific audience or niche, and growing your business authentically to have a meaningful relationship to that audience. It doesn’t work the same way for every artist or every art business.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace traveling and seeing new things! Often travel informs my work directly since it’s fun to draw things I see, but it also indirectly inspires me and gives me space to create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tinybeecards.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinybeecards
