Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Eiman.
Hi Mariah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up I found outlets for my creativity in singing, dance, theater, and later in crafting.
After experiencing some trauma in my personal life, art became a way for me to express myself in a very personal way that did not involve being in front of an audience. I bought my first iPad in 2019 and I began to learn the program, Procreate, where I created all my sticker designs.
This led to an interest in selling those designs and with help from my husband, who was already an Etsy seller, Quinn & Co. was born. I am so proud of my business today, but I am still committed to learning and changing as it grows. Being a small business owner is such a unique experience and I am so blessed to be able to do what I do.
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?
I think the hardest thing for me was simply starting. I have always had so many ideas about what I wanted to sell and how I wanted to run a business, but I really struggled to take the first step.
When I met my husband in 2018, he was running a very successful sticker business on Etsy, and he was the one who encouraged me to start creating some of my own designs. Even if you don’t have all the details worked out, sometimes the best thing you can do is just start.
I also think one of the challenges of any small business, is gaining exposure on social media. The Instagram algorithm especially can be so unforgiving and I still struggle to find the best way to promote my business and gain followers.
While marketing is essential to any business, I try not to allow myself to get wrapped up in the Instagram comparison game and instead focus on creating quality products.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently have 39 different sticker designs in my Etsy shop. I am still very new to design so many of my stickers are in different styles and color schemes as I have been allowing myself to try different things to see which style I really want to pursue.
Though all my designs are different, I try to center them around themes of nature and positivity. I also work to stay away from stickers with strong political messages or swear words. I want my shop to be a truly welcoming place for all, and I feel like that is a rare thing these days.
I also have several listings for macrame plant hangers, market bags, and mirrors. I recently added macrame to my store and it has been such a fun way to expand my business while doing something I love.
There are so many macrame artists and small businesses doing amazing things on Etsy that it can be a hard niche to break into, so I am just trying to enjoy making art while learning from other small business owners.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have found the website, Skillshare to be an excellent resource as I have been learning design.
I have taken courses on digital marketing and design which have proved very useful for my business. My husband has also been an important resource for me.
As a professional designer, he has encouraged me and helped me with my business. Without his support and belief in my abilities, I would not be where I am.
Pricing:
- Cost of Single Sticker: $4
- Cost of 3 Pack of Stickers: $10
- Macrame Market Bag: $40
- Macrame Plant Hanger: $15 – $35
- Macrame Mirror: $35 – $50
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: quinnand.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinn_and_co_creative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuinnandCoCreative
