Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikita Bucknor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Nikita thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

As a mom content creator, my mission is to help families rethink the early years of childhood and consciously relearn how to be in relationship with their child. This is important to me because after many years of working in social services, teaching, coaching and reading the research I’ve come to understand that a lot of adults are unaware how a child’s brain develops and how connection is built. For so many parents they deeply desire to pioneer new habits and ways of parenting, but continue to fall into the same patterns that they’ve witnessed from older generations. Being able to help rethink their parenting strategy, can result in a lasting relationship with their child into adulthood.

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

I am a mental health support staff within the public school board, and I’ve worked professional in social services for 10 years. I’ve always been passionate about child development and decolonizing parenting strategies that have been adopted post colonization. I believe my passion was further ignited when I found out I was pregnant with my son, and my desire to dig deeper into some of my own patterns that I knew wouldn’t be helpful to creating an emotionally safe environment for my son. Additionally, I wanted to share and shred light on the taboo topics of motherhood and what that means as women navigate this new identity. I started doing that with my calligraphy art, by creating graphics, stickers, notepads and digital products that would uplift, inspire and empower women to do and be the best versions of themselves. I think that sets me apart of using evidence based resources and information in my content, that sheds light on common clinical ( mental health) concepts/ jargon that the average person by have come encountered but not fully understand. I man most proud of my ability to be relatable and authentic. Although, I do work in the mental health space being able to have a shared experience with other moms and leading with compassion. It can be very easy to lead with judgement and criticism, but I strive to create content that feels uplifting.

I want potential clients and followers to know that I am a mom that is striving to striving to be a pioneer for my family, just like they are. That I am using the tools in my toolkit to rewrite a narrative for myself and my child. I think it is important for my audience to feel seen and that there have someone that they can relate to on matters on parenting, motherhood, marriage and faith.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

When I first started my stationery business, Nikitarenay creates I was exclusively using Etsy, and as I was able to build a consistent revenue I decided to take the jump into creating my own website. I decided that it would still be beneficial that I use my own domain as well as Etsy. This way I’d be able to leverage the customer base that Etsy already has, while also building my own reputation for my platform while also being able to create additional content, like my blog. Although I was excited about creating my own website, it did come with some challenges and setbacks. I would recommend business owners to not be afraid to try out different platforms for themselves before making a decision. Here are a few of my pros and cons of using both type of platforms ( Etsy and Shopify).

Pros of a third party platform like Etsy
– they have their own customer base, so the leg work of drawing people to the platform is already done for you.
– it is quick and easy to set up your product and shop
-the monthly fees are much less than other platforms like Shopify

Cons
– Etsy does take a significant amount in fees from the transaction of each sale. This can be disheartened for many handmade creatives. Prices products correctly can become a struggle, to ensure that you receive a cut.
-You aren’t able to customize your shop storefront
-Most customers won’t actually know your shop name. Customers ( myself included) would say ” I brought it from Etsy”.

Pros of selling on your own site
– the ability to customize your storefront and add additional features, like a blog
-Having only one monthly fee, and not having to pay a fee per transaction
-Having your own domain

Cons
– You’ll have to do the work of getting people to your platform
– figuring out SEO’s and the althrogrim is important and can be an overwhelming experience

Unfortunately, my decision to start selling on my own platform; did cost me. With the rising cost of everything! Shopify also increased their fees as well, and I had to make the hard decision to close my website to customers. Thankfully, on Shopify I’m able to put my shop ” under construction” without losing my domain and customizations I’ve made. Being able to be flexible and pivot through this challenge made me grateful that I maintained my Etsy shop.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I am currently pivoting my business strategy by adding content creator to my business model. Before becoming a content creator I was focus on just creating stationery items and hand lettering graphics. Part of my reason for this new addition was wanting to be more authenticity and get personal with my brand. Allowing myself to be the face of my brand,I believe will create credibility and pay in for my potential customers. A major challenge in doing this means that a lot of my time has gone into creating content, instead of drawing. At first it was upsetting for me, but I started to realize that I’m in the building processes and it will take time. Building a personal brand will take time, and I’m willing to put that time in, in hope that it will reap a bigger reward for my stationery business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nikitarenaycreates.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikitarenay/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063983197484
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nikitarenay_

Image Credits
Kyle Benjamin – @kylebenjaminphoto