Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Abigail Powers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Abigail , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
My journey into a career in art was paved with unwavering support from my parents, who stood by me every step of the way. Despite my academic prowess and the many other career options available to me, they recognized my passion for art and nurtured it wholeheartedly. In an era where job opportunities in the art world were scarce, my parents could have easily steered me towards a more conventional path. However, they chose to prioritize my happiness and fulfillment, allowing me the freedom to pursue my dreams without reservation.
Their faith in my abilities and their belief in the importance of following one’s passion empowered me to embrace the uncertain road ahead. Whether it was encouraging me to explore different artistic mediums or cheering me on during gallery exhibitions, their support served as a constant source of inspiration. Despite the prevailing notion that success in the art world was synonymous with financial struggle, my parents never wavered in their belief in my potential.
Today, as I reflect on the twists and turns of my artistic journey, I am grateful for the foundation of encouragement and love that my parents provided. Their willingness to let me forge my own path, even when it diverged from the conventional norms, has shaped not only my career but also my sense of self. Their steadfast support continues to fuel my passion for art, reminding me that the pursuit of one’s dreams is a journey worth taking, no matter the obstacles along the way.
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.
From a young age, my passion for art was evident. It was a love affair that became stronger with each stroke of a brush and every sketch penciled onto paper. This adoration led me to pursue a BA in Fine Arts, a decision that would shape the trajectory of my career. After graduating, I delved into the world of graphic design, where I honed my skills and found a niche for creativity in the digital realm. I soon realized that sitting at a computer all day was not for me and I went back to school to get my teaching certification, sharing my passion for art with secondary students as an art teacher. However, life took an unexpected turn in 2019 when I made the leap to work for a yearbook company, only to face unemployment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suddenly finding myself without a job for the first time since adolescence was daunting. However, it also presented an opportunity—a chance to reconnect with my artistic roots. With newfound time on my hands and the support of my family, I immersed myself in painting once again. Daily sketches evolved into vibrant watercolor works, each stroke a testament to resilience and creativity. Drawing from my graphic design background, I began transforming my artwork into prints, igniting a spark of entrepreneurial spirit within me.
In January of 2021, inspired by Amanda Gorman’s stirring inaugural poem, I created a watercolor sun adorned with her poignant words. This impromptu creation marked the inception of my Etsy shop, a platform that would soon become a thriving hub for my art. The overwhelming response to my initial print fueled my determination, propelling me to expand my offerings and explore new avenues for sharing my work.
Venturing into local farmer’s markets provided invaluable feedback and validation, affirming the appeal of my artwork within the community. With each sale, I gained confidence and momentum, propelling my business to new heights. Yet, navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship proved to be a steep learning curve, requiring adaptability and perseverance.
Today, my art is showcased in over 20 stores nationwide, with a strong presence in my home state of Michigan. In addition to my Etsy shop and website, I leverage platforms like Faire to reach a broader audience. Regular participation in large art shows allows me to connect with patrons face-to-face, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
Beyond selling prints, I now offer many other products, such as, hand towels, stickers, card sets and more. I often do commissioned work and graphic design services, further diversifying my portfolio and expanding my reach. As I reflect on the journey thus far, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way and excitement for what the future holds. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the joy of creating art and sharing it with others remains my driving force.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
Starting my business amidst the uncertainties of a pandemic-induced layoff was a daunting prospect, but one I approached with determination and resourcefulness. While financial constraints were a concern, it was the lack of experience in certain areas, particularly shipping and packaging, that posed the greatest challenges in the early days. Navigating the process of fulfilling orders and ensuring they reached customers promptly and intact was a steep learning curve. However, with each hurdle came a valuable lesson, and I was committed to overcoming them one step at a time.
Despite the temptation to splurge on expensive equipment or services, I made a conscious decision to adhere to a strict budget, vowing not to spend money the business didn’t have. With an initial investment of $500, I embarked on my journey with a sense of passion and fiscal responsibility. As sales began to trickle in and the business gained traction, I reinvested profits back into the venture, strategically allocating funds towards essential upgrades and investments.
The decision to start small and scale gradually was intentional, reflecting a commitment to sustainable growth and long-term success. Rather than chasing rapid expansion or instant gratification, I prioritized building a solid foundation and fostering organic growth. Each milestone achieved, whether it was upgrading to a better printer or investing in a larger desktop, was a testament to the business’s growth.
As time went on, the business began to flourish, propelled by a steadfast focus on delivering quality products and exceptional customer service. While the desire to be further along is ever-present, I take pause to reflect on how far I’ve come and the journey that lies ahead. In an industry fraught with challenges and uncertainties, I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and build a business that continues to evolve and thrive.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
Crafting our products is a labor of love, a meticulous process that embodies our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. From the very beginning, we set out to ensure that every aspect of our production reflects our values and standards. However, sourcing suppliers proved to be a significant challenge, as we navigated through a landscape of options to find partners who shared our vision.
In the early days, everything was meticulously processed in our home studio. From printing art prints and cards to packaging each item with care, every step was infused with personal attention and meticulous detail. Despite the limitations of space and resources, we remained steadfast in our pursuit of perfection, constantly refining our techniques and seeking out the best materials available. We continue to print each high quality art print and card pack in our studio.
As our product line expanded, so too did our network of trusted vendors. Collaborating with like-minded companies became integral to our growth, and we prioritized partnering with small businesses whose values aligned with ours. Today, our hand towels are expertly crafted by a company based in Phoenix, Arizona, while another US-based company handles the production of our stickers, ensuring that each item meets our stringent quality standards.
Yet, as we contemplate expanding our product range to include notebooks, aprons, and Swedish dishcloths, we recognize that patience is key. Sampling multiple vendors, meticulously comparing prices, and designing each product demand time and attention to detail. It’s a process that cannot be rushed, for we understand that the foundation of our success lies in creating products that resonate with our customers, inspiring loyalty and repeat purchases.
Through it all, the biggest lesson learned has been the importance of prioritizing quality over speed. We are committed to crafting products that stand the test of time. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating meaningful, high-quality goods that enrich the lives of our customers and reflect the passion and dedication that goes into every step of their creation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abigailleighdesigns.com
- Instagram: @abigailleighdesigns
- Facebook: Abigail Leigh Designs
Image Credits
Photos by Nicole Rall Photography and Abigail Powers