We recently connected with Rosalia Nava and have shared our conversation below.

Rosalia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I think most creatives can agree with this, but sometimes working a “regular” job can feel unfulfilling. I tried a variety of different ones and always found myself being frustrated because they didn’t allow me to express myself. Overall I am so happy that now I’m able to work as an artist where I can design, paint and be creative daily!

Rosalia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was always that kid who preferred art classes and art projects over writing papers. The kind to make my friends and family homemade gifts and cards from a young age. I thought maybe I would be a teacher of some sort because I never found a career that I felt inclined to study, but I took an interest in psychology. Once I graduated college, while applying for jobs, I started selling some paintings and crafts that I made on my free time. After a while, I ended up quitting a couple of jobs to go full time with selling my crafts! I shifted from Etsy to my own website once I saw that I could generate my own clients through social media. Instagram is where I started but during the pandemic, TikTok made my work spread to a larger audience, increasing sales. Now, I mainly work in the wedding industry where I create custom signs and details for events. Another major part of the items I sell are personalized gifts, home decor signs and anything laser cut or engraved. Maybe this wasn’t the traditional route, but I’m proud of the business I have built.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I think it’s so important to just be yourself on your platforms, especially if you are selling your work on there! People feel more connected to a small business when they know the person or people behind it. It can either help or hurt you to show certain things, but just try to show more of your personality and you will find the people that will support you and buy/ recommend you and your business. It can feel like you are just posting and nothing is getting viewed, but stay persistent and keep showing your products and believing in them!
Lastly, learn how to take photos in better lighting, learn what’s trending as far as reels/tiktoks and keep it fun!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Like most, the pandemic made us shift in many aspects. The wedding industry really changed since there was no events going on. I had to turn my business and start making more products that weren’t wedding related. Luckily we pulled through, made changes and it’s what keeps us going long term. Things change and we have to be willing to adapt.

Contact Info:

• Website: simplesoutherndesigns.com
• Instagram: simplesoutherndesigns
• Facebook: Simple Southern Designs
• Other: TikTok : @simplesoutherndesigns

Image Credits
NLee Images, Samantha Paige Photos, Maddie Ray Photo, Kate Noelle, KLayne Photography, Sarah Lindholm Photography