We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Pauline Christian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

PAULINE, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I hope to build a legacy of connection and creativity. I want my work to remind people of the beauty and emotion that art can bring, whether it sparks joy, wonder, or reflection. Art has a way of bringing people together, and my goal is to create pieces that feel personal while also making shared memories.

I hope people will say I put my heart into what I did and focused on capturing moments that matter. For me, it’s about noticing the little things in life that often get overlooked and turning them into something special that stays with people.

More than that, I want to be remembered as someone who encouraged others to explore their creativity. Whether it was through working together, sharing ideas, or passing on what I’ve learned, I hope I’ve inspired others to believe in their own unique talents.

If I’m remembered as someone who left the world a little brighter, who inspired others to dream big and create fearlessly, and who made something that keeps making memories, then I’ll feel like I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.

PAULINE, 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?

Hi, I’m Pauline Christian, though most people call me Linnie. I’m 44 and live in Baltimore, Maryland, where I run my business, Upper Room Prints. I was born in Glen Allen, Virginia, and I’ve been an artist and entrepreneur for most of my life. I’m also autistic, diagnosed at 40, which has shaped the way I approach creativity and business in meaningful ways.

I started my first business at 18, focusing on graphic design, and over the years, I’ve built a career that lets me express myself while connecting with others through art. Today, I focus on illustrations and fiber art—mainly crochet—with a whimsical, cottagecore vibe. My business is also influenced by my love of cats; I like to say I live with “the staff,” my three feline companions who keep me company while I work.

Art has always been my way of communicating and processing the world. As a quiet, introspective child, I spent hours drawing and creating, and that passion naturally grew into something more. Starting my own business allowed me to combine my creative instincts with the independence and flexibility I needed to thrive.

At Upper Room Prints, I sell prints of my illustrations, handmade crochet pieces, and other whimsical creations. My work often has a cozy, nostalgic feel, inspired by nature, storytelling, and the charm of everyday life. Whether it’s a carefully designed print, a one-of-a-kind crocheted item, or something custom-made, my goal is to create pieces that bring a little joy and comfort to people’s lives.

What sets me apart is the personal touch I bring to everything I make. I want my work to feel special and meaningful to the person receiving it. As an autistic artist, I also bring a unique perspective, which shapes how I see the world and turn those observations into art.

I’m proud of the community I’ve built around my work and the connections I’ve made. Hearing that something I created brought someone happiness or became part of their home is incredibly fulfilling. I’m also proud of the way I’ve embraced who I am, using my experiences as a strength rather than a limitation.

Everything I make comes from a place of love and care. I want my work to be more than just pretty things—it’s about creating moments of joy and connection. Whether you’re looking for something to brighten your space, a unique gift, or a little piece of whimsy to carry with you, I hope my creations can bring a smile to your face.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Can you tell us the story of how you built your audience on social media?

Building my social media audience has been a steady process, and I’ve really only been focused on growing it over the past year. I started by sharing my work regularly across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, each platform offering something a little different in how I engage with people.

The biggest growth I’ve seen came from TikTok, where I gained over 1,000 followers overnight. This happened after I did pro bono work for a TikTok influencer who put out a call for illustrators. It was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to showcase my work to a much larger audience. That experience taught me the power of collaboration and the impact of getting your work in front of the right people.

On other platforms like Instagram and YouTube, the growth has been slower but steady. It’s been about consistency—posting regularly, sharing both finished pieces and behind-the-scenes glimpses, and engaging with the people who follow me. These smaller, more personal interactions have helped me build a community that really connects with my work.

Be patient and consistent. Social media growth doesn’t happen overnight for most people, but showing up regularly is key. Share your work in a way that feels authentic to you—don’t try to imitate what others are doing too much, or it’ll feel forced.

Look for opportunities to collaborate or connect with others in your niche. That doesn’t always mean working for free, but sometimes doing a strategic pro bono project, like I did, can open doors to a wider audience. Finally, engage with your followers—answer comments, thank people for their support, and be part of the conversations happening on your posts.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Building strong relationships with my clients is really important to me, and I focus on staying connected in a few key ways. Social media is a big part of it—I use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and new projects. It’s a great way to keep my work on people’s radar and show them the process behind what I create.

I’ve also started building a newsletter, which is a more personal way to stay in touch. It lets me share updates directly with people who want to hear from me, whether it’s about new products in my shop, upcoming market events, or insights into my creative journey. A newsletter helps create a stronger sense of connection and loyalty because it feels more direct and intentional than social media alone.

Beyond that, I make it a point to provide excellent customer service. Whether it’s responding to inquiries, offering custom work, or just taking the time to thank clients for their support, I want people to feel valued and appreciated. Those personal touches go a long way in fostering loyalty and encouraging repeat business.

Ultimately, my goal is to make sure that anyone who interacts with my brand feels like they’re part of a community. By showing genuine care for my clients and being consistent in how I connect with them, I aim to build lasting relationships that go beyond a single transaction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.UpperRoomPrints.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upperroomprints/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@upperroomprints

Image Credits

n/a