We recently connected with Elizabeth Elswick and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Growing up I didn’t think it would be possible. I thought I would have to work a regular 9-5 job to survive, and I did that for a while after college. After a few years of getting custom painting requests from family and friends, I started my business. However, I moved pretty slow in making my business my full-time career to make sure it would work. For three years I worked a full-time job while also running my business in the evenings, nights, and on the weekends. It was hard but I really wanted it to work and it was working, but I was tired. I still wanted to play it safe so I switched to a part-time job to give me more time for my business. I worked that part-time job for almost 4 years until I took the full dive into being full-time artist and small business owner. I have now been a full-time small business owner for almost two years. I definitely think I could have sped up the process but the process isn’t always an easy road. I is absolutely worth the work and time I’ve put into it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I own a small business called Hippie’s Daughter where I create all of the art based off of Appalachian sayings I’ve heard over the years growing up in West Virginia and I love using spooky vibes like skeletons. I went to college for Graphic Design but my choice of art had always painting and macrame. When I started Hippie’s Daughter I started with paintings and macrame, but it quickly evolved to a sticker business with my digital art. Now Hippie’s Daughter is a clothing and accessories brand I have created. I love bringing back sayings our parents, grandparents and further back used to say to keep them alive, and I’m proud of that. From keeping those sayings alive I get to hear so many amazing stories from customers about how my art resonates with them. Hippie’s Daughter is a little inappropriate but always humorous when taking nostalgic Appalachian sayings and creating fun, original designs to provoke that feeling of home in the mountains with your mamaws and papaws.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Art is important. Without it our world would be sad and boring. There is so much art in our society and our society has been struggling for a while now. Supporting small businesses and artists is great for our economy. We put that money right back into our communities. There are so many ways you can support us from $0 to however much you want to spend. Tell your family and friends about us or shop small businesses any time you can. I offer around 100 different stickers because they are the most affordable way to support artists and small businesses. Plus, stickers are a fun way to express yourself and make great gifts. It’s been so fun becoming a small business owner and getting to support more small businesses from shopping with them to collaborating with them. We have a great community and we love giving back to our communities.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I love being my own boss and making my own schedule but the most rewarding aspect is hearing the stories. I love hearing how this sticker reminds someone of their mamaw, sister, or uncle. Hearing those stories fuels me to create more and really dig deeper into my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thehippiesdaughter.com
• Instagram: @hippies_daughter
• Facebook: @hippies_daughter

Image Credits
Myself, Elizabeth Elswick