We were lucky to catch up with Analicia Austin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Analicia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I definitely would have started sooner, I was worried about investing in a business out of fear from a financial standpoint. I ended up starting my illustration business in the middle of the pandemic, because I lost my job ( the irony); I had something like $800 or so left in my bank account; at this point I felt like I had nothing to lose, the rug was already pulled out from under me. I try not to think about it too much at this point, everything has its time… but to anyone who has a business idea, just start, you’ll learn and grow as you go. Invest in yourself!

Analicia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a self taught artist and I have a stationery/paper-goods business. I grew up drawing and painting. I started illustrating around 2016, as a creative outlet and started to send them to my friends. After their feedback, I figured if they liked my work so much, other people would to. I create personalized art prints, stationery/cards that cater to girls and women. I am known for my vibrant and feminine aesthetic, and illustrate things that women can relate to. I am also known to personalize my illustration to my clients’ taste outside of what I offer in my shop.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Like many people I had to pivot during the pandemic, and had to decide what I was going to do. I took a leap of faith and opened my illustration business (which was a goal for years) I opened a few months after I lost my job.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I currently sell on Etsy, I chose this platform because I am a big fan of Etsy and have shopped on there for years. It was also a financial decision as it’s more cost effective than opening a website. I also like it because it’s an easy way for people to find you because it is known to cater to small businesses of all kinds. It’s a great way to start off a business, then transition to a website.

Etsy does however have fees for listing items, and they do take a percentage for every sale you make; so that is something to keep in mind.

Contact Info:

• Website: pltstudio.etsy.com
• Instagram: prettylittlethingsstudios
• Other: pltstudio.faire.com

Image Credits
Analicia Austin