We were lucky to catch up with Jimena Zuñiga recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jimena, 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?

Yes, I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work. My journey toward this achievement has been one of adaptation and flexibility. In the beginning, the first few years of entrepreneurship presented financial challenges, and my goal was to pursue what I loved without borrowing money or burdening my family with debts. To attain this goal, I strategically combined my venture, Applepie Illustration, with other part-time jobs based on personal, financial, and work-related circumstances. At times, I dedicated myself entirely to Applepie Illustration, while other times, I worked on it part-time. This approach allowed me the necessary flexibility to continue nurturing my business while adapting to various changes in my life, such as relocations and personal challenges.
Embracing this hybrid model has provided valuable lessons, allowing me to learn from my clients, the market, and my creative processes, leading to organic and gradual growth. However, I recognize that everything in business is constantly changing—the business itself, clients, platforms, trends, and more. Sometimes, these changes occur rapidly, requiring decisive actions to keep our business afloat.
Recently, having settled in a more stable geographical location, I charted a new plan for Applepie Illustration. My objective is to fully resume the business in 2024 and keep my online store open throughout the next year.
It’s important to note that this approach may not suit everyone, especially if the primary motivation for entrepreneurship is to address urgent economic challenges. In such cases, meticulous planning and seeking professional assistance in various areas could expedite the growth process

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

From a very young age, I was fortunate to be immersed in the artisanal industry, thanks to my mom’s dedication to creating crafts. This exposure to various materials and techniques allowed me to delve into this captivating world easily. Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I spent considerable time experimenting and creating, which sparked my early passion for a career in handmade crafts. It was only a matter of time before I discovered my own unique “craft.” In addition to my love for crafts, I always had a passion for drawing and dreamt of working in the artistic field when I grew up. After studying fashion design, I finally founded “Applepie Illustration” in 2014 with the vision of having my own creative workspace and bringing my illustrations and designs to life through handmade objects.
Through this venture, I joyfully blended my passion for illustration with the knowledge inherited from my mom’s craftsmanship and the skills I gained as a designer. Embroidery stands out among the various techniques I employ as it adds a distinctive and personalized touch to each of my creations.

Custom Illustration services.
• Portraits and personalized pieces embroidered using traditional or punch needle techniques.
• Utilitarian and decorative pieces embroidered with punch needles.
• Punch needle embroidery courses.

I take immense pride in helping my clients beautify their spaces and create special, one-of-a-kind personalized gifts for their loved ones. What sets me apart is my commitment to providing a personalized experience. I collaborate closely with my clients, drawing inspiration from the information they share to create portraits and pieces that reflect their individual tastes and representations. My process involves designing, illustrating, selecting materials, and embroidering unique pieces that aim to surprise and make their special people feel cherished. The meticulous and attentive approach to embroidery imbues each artwork with an even greater sense of uniqueness.

As the person behind “Applepie Illustration,” I find immense joy in the fact that each creation is handmade. With every embroidered or illustrated piece, I share a part of my artistic journey and growth as an artist.
My deepest inspirations are drawn from life on planet Earth—everything I know and learn from it. Recently, my work has been heavily influenced by animals and flowers. My country’s traditions and folk art also play a vital role in shaping my creations, as do the fruits and vegetables that bring me joy.
Many of the things I bring to life with my hands have been dreams since childhood, and each time you support my work, you help make my lifelong dream a reality—to dedicate myself to what I have always cherished: drawing and creating with my hands.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A valuable lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Early on in the journey of Applepie Illustration, this mindset made things more challenging. The belief that we can accomplish everything alone is common among aspiring entrepreneurs. In my case, I believed it would lead to personal satisfaction and recognition. However, as the workload increased, I realized it wasn’t always beneficial for the business financially. Trying to manage everything independently often resulted in diminished economic gains and strained social relationships.
Star a business can be uncomfortable, and without a support network, reluctance to ask for help can lead to failure or even the demise of the business. While it was difficult to confront, I recognized the importance of seeking support and being receptive to assistance. I understand that a balance must be struck, and it is crucial to prioritize what truly matters. For me, the growth of Applepie Illustration and the ability to fully dedicate myself to it in the future are of utmost importance.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of my work as an artist or creative is being able to dedicate myself to what truly brings me joy and gives meaning to my life.

My work has allowed me to grow as a person and has brought me closer to individuals whom I admire and consider role models. At this moment, I wouldn’t trade my job for any other. The happiness I feel every morning, knowing that I will sit down to illustrate something I have in mind and plan the next embroidery, is unparalleled. I’m delighted to be able to do it every day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/applepieillustration
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jimena-zu%C3%B1iga