We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Wallace recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Samantha, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
The journey to naming my business, “Platinum Aperture Designs,” was one of thoughtful reflection and creative exploration. I began by listing words that resonated with me—words that felt powerful, inspiring, and aligned with the vision I had for my work. One word that stood out immediately was “Aperture.” My love for photography compounded with my optical engineering background and the way an aperture functions, controlling light and focus, made it a perfect metaphor for my approach to design: adjusting perspectives and honing in on the unique needs of each project.
Then came “Platinum.” To me, this word embodies excellence, significance, and timeless quality. It conveyed the high standards and value I wanted to bring to every project I take on. Combining it with “Designs” tied the concept together beautifully—capturing not only the creative aspect of my work but also my dedication to curating projects based on my clients’ individual needs and ideas.
Ultimately, I found that “Platinum Aperture Designs” perfectly reflected my philosophy and approach, which is summed up in my motto: “Adjusting focus to meet your needs.” It’s more than just a name; it’s a promise to deliver personalized, high-quality products that shine.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As the founder of Platinum Aperture Designs, I’ve always been driven by a passion for creativity, design, and meaningful connections. My business reflects my belief in the power of thoughtful, personalized creations to celebrate life’s moments and bring joy to others. Growing up, I was inspired by my mother, who had a gift for crafting beautiful things that made others feel special, and my aunt, whose creative talent shone in designing flyers, obituaries, and keepsakes for cherished occasions. Their influence planted the seeds of my love for design and storytelling.
In my adulthood, I found myself turning to creativity more often as a therapeutic outlet to navigate a rough period in my life. Designing became a way to process emotions and bring light to difficult days. Through this experience, I discovered not only healing but also a renewed sense of purpose. It solidified my desire to use my skills to help others feel seen, celebrated, and connected through personalized creations.
My journey began with a fascination for creating and the concept of the “aperture”, inspiring the name of my business. Just as an aperture adjusts focus to bring clarity, my work centers on understanding my clients’ unique visions and bringing them to life. Over time, I channeled my love for design into creating custom apparel, drinkware, gifts, and print materials that make moments memorable—an extension of both the legacy of my family’s creativity and my personal journey of resilience.
At Platinum Aperture Designs, I specialize in:
– Personalized Apparel: Custom shirts, hoodies, and team gear designed to express personality, unity, and style.
– Customized Drinkware: Beautifully crafted mugs and tumblers that are practical yet uniquely yours.
– Gifts for Every Occasion: From inspirational journals and graduation keepsakes to thoughtful items for holidays like Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, I create gifts that stand out and leave lasting memories.
– Custom Print Design: Designing flyers, obituaries, and keepsake booklets that beautifully capture and commemorate life’s most cherished moments.
I help clients by offering tailored, high-quality solutions for their personal and gifting needs. Whether they’re looking for a way to express their individuality, celebrate a milestone, honor a loved one, or simply make someone’s day, I ensure every product is designed with care and precision.
What makes Platinum Aperture Designs truly unique is my dedication to creating one-of-a-kind pieces that resonate. I combine technical skill with a deep appreciation for the stories and emotions behind every project. My work is as much about connection as it is about design—capturing what matters most to my clients and translating it into something beautiful.
I’m most proud of the way my work creates joy, comfort, and connection. Whether it’s crafting a keepsake to honor a loved one’s legacy or designing a custom piece that celebrates a milestone, these moments of shared meaning fuel my passion. My business also serves as a tribute to my mother, my aunt, and the creative practices that have not only shaped who I am but also helped me through life’s challenges.
Platinum Aperture Designs is more than a business—it’s a celebration of creativity, quality, and individuality. My motto, “Adjusting focus to meet your needs,” reflects my unwavering commitment to crafting designs that not only meet but exceed your expectations. Whether it’s personalized apparel, drinkware, thoughtful gifts, or custom print designs, I’m here to bring your ideas to life in a way that’s uniquely you.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
I sell my products through my website, which I created using Shopify. Choosing this platform was a deliberate decision, as it allows me to showcase everything I offer in one place. Visitors can easily browse my catalog, see completed projects, and find answers to common questions about pricing and products—all without the back-and-forth communication. This saves time for both my clients and me, making the experience smoother and more efficient.
One of the biggest advantages of my Shopify site is that it provides a professional, centralized platform where my brand identity shines. It enables me to fully control how my work is presented, ensuring my clients get a cohesive and personalized experience right from the start.
However, like many small business owners, I face the challenge of wearing multiple hats. I’m not just the owner; I’m also the designer, crafter, marketing associate, photographer, web developer, and more. Maintaining my website—keeping it updated and visually appealing—can be time-consuming, and it’s something I constantly strive to balance with all my other responsibilities.
While it’s a lot to manage, I take pride in knowing that every aspect of my business reflects my hard work and dedication. My Shopify site is more than just an online storefront—it’s a reflection of my creative journey and commitment to delivering exceptional, personalized designs.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clientele for Platinum Aperture Designs has been a combination of social media and word-of-mouth. Sharing my work on social media platforms has allowed me to showcase my designs and connect with a broader audience, giving potential clients a glimpse into the passion and care I put into every project. It’s been a fantastic way to highlight completed projects, share my creative process, and engage with followers.
Word-of-mouth, on the other hand, has been truly invaluable. There’s nothing more powerful than personal recommendations from happy clients. Knowing that someone enjoyed their experience and felt confident enough to recommend my services is incredibly rewarding. These referrals not only bring in new business but also reinforce the sense of trust and community I strive to build with every client interaction.
Additionally, I take great joy in teaching others how to create their own personalized projects. Whether it’s sharing tips, providing guidance, or hosting tutorials, helping others discover their own creative potential is one of the most fulfilling aspects of what I do. I love empowering people to bring their ideas to life and find the same sense of accomplishment and joy in crafting as I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.platinumaperturedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platinumaperturedesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/platinumdesigned4u/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlatinumDesigned
