We recently connected with Heather Kain and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I first got the itch to become a full-time creative artist back in 2011. I had just started Project Pinup the year before while juggling a full-time e-commerce job. Within a few months of having my Etsy shop, my handmade items started flying off the virtual shelves.

Seeing people enjoy my beautifully crafted pieces was pure joy. Plus, the freedom of running my own business was like a breath of fresh air. That’s when I knew I was hooked and had to make this my full-time gig!

Heather, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I first dove into the world of crafting by making jewelry pieces and hair accessories. I absolutely loved creating fun, unique items that you couldn’t find anywhere else. Many of my creations were inspired by my own style and passions. Then, a few years later, I discovered machine embroidery and fell head over heels for it. I’ve always been a patch collector and loved sewing practical things like blankets, bags, and altered clothing, but embroidery felt like my true calling. While I still make accessories, I’ve slowed down a lot on jewelry.

I’m incredibly proud of how much my business has grown. It definitely hasn’t been easy. Running a small handmade business is like being on a never-ending rollercoaster, full of surprises—some amazing, some challenging. But I’ve poured my blood, sweat, and tears into Project Pinup, and it’s all been worth it. Starting out in a tiny closet and expanding my office space with each move, I now have a large enough office that I’m absolutely obsessed with, and my machines even have their own cozy little space!

One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how many Project Pinup designs are out in the world—it’s mind-boggling! Combining all the data from Etsy, Amazon, Shopify, Faire, wholesale accounts, and a few other websites, Project Pinup has made over 750,000 items. That number is overwhelming to think about. After all, it’s been mostly me, my husband helping for six years, and a few extra hands along the way.

I want my customers to know that we’re not a large business by any means. Each item is thoughtfully crafted, packaged, and handled with love and care. We want to make our customers’ day and have them squeal with joy when they see their item!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I think one of the reasons I had to take a break from making jewelry was burnout. I was creating pieces I thought my customers would love, but in the process, I started to lose my own style, catering more to others’ tastes than my own. Then embroidery came along and reignited my passion. I began making really cool goth, whimsical, and funny patches that I genuinely enjoyed creating. To my delight, everyone else loved them too! It’s so important not to lose yourself and your artistic expression when designing and creating products.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think the best thing that society can do is when asked where you got your item from, and don’t just say Etsy. Etsy didn’t make that really cool back patch you are wearing. A small handmade artist did. Word of mouth by far surpasses any paid media I have ever done for Project Pinup.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.projectpinupaccessories.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectpinup
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectpinup
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-kain-b31b38288
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/projectpinupgirl
• Other: Faire Wholesale : https://faire.com/direct/projectpinup