We were lucky to catch up with Nadine Bian recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nadine, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Since day one of becoming an artist, I have balanced a full-time job while pursuing my art business. The inherent challenges of maintaining both vocations have not eluded me, as each demands a significant investment of my time and resources. Consequently, the constant apprehension regarding the financial viability of my small business has been a constant source of concern. However, my background in marketing and communications has proven invaluable, as it has given me a wealth of knowledge and skills that I have successfully leveraged to promote and expand my small business.

Regrettably, I have recently experienced an unforeseen setback with the loss of my full-time employment. Although the prospect of focusing solely on my small business is undeniably exhilarating, I cannot help but feel apprehensive about the potential implications. The uncertainties that lie ahead are both a source of excitement and trepidation.

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?

Naytendo originated as my personal Instagram account for my gaming content, and I chose the name as a playful nod to both my own name, Nadine, and the iconic video game company. Additionally, “Tendo” translates to “way of life,” adding a fitting layer of meaning to the handle.

Given my passion for enamel pins, I harbored a long-standing ambition to create my own designs, and I soon took the initiative to turn that aspiration into a reality. To date, I have produced an impressive catalog of over 160 unique enamel pin designs, and am currently in the process of developing my first ITA bag, which I am very excited about.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

During the initial two years of my journey, my business was operating at a financial loss. At the time, I was still pursuing my college education while residing with my in-laws, and I remain deeply grateful for their gracious hospitality, which enabled me to concentrate on developing my business.

Though the road was difficult and filled with obstacles, I remained resolute in my determination to make a success of my small business, despite the many moments when I was tempted to throw in the towel. I began taking on small commissions, and for every project I completed, I invested in my business by purchasing equipment and supplies.

In my experience, one of the most valuable tools for any aspiring artist is an iPad and Apple Pencil, due to their versatility and adaptability for a wide range of creative endeavors. Even if you lack the resources for more specialized equipment, such as a cutting machine, you can still create simple and affordable products like stickers with a basic printer and sticker paper or by hand-cutting.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

As I mentioned previously, when I started my business, I began with small, DIY projects such as hand-cutting stickers. As I expanded my offerings to include physical products like enamel pins and keychains, I took the time to research and find manufacturers.

For those seeking to produce physical products, I recommend exploring options on Alibaba to find a suitable factory. It is important to exercise caution and perform due diligence when selecting a factory, and there are several key factors to consider.

Firstly, it is wise to obtain multiple quotes and avoid jumping at the first offer that comes your way, as pricing can vary widely depending on the factory. Secondly, researching reviews and seeking recommendations from other artists can provide valuable insights into a factory’s quality and reliability. Lastly, it is always a good idea to request samples, which may come at a cost, or at least photos, to ensure that your items are produced to your desired specifications. Various Facebook groups and discord servers exist for artists to share feedback and advice on these matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.naytendo.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/naytendoshop
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/naytendo
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/naytendo
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@naytendo