We were lucky to catch up with Tyf Bushman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyf, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Many times, I had the thought, “I wish I could find exactly what I’m looking for.” There are multiple platforms that sell just about everything, like Etsy and Amazon, but sometimes what you need just isn’t available for sale. It is very important to me, that if a customer is looking for something specific, I work to make it happen. At times, I will completely learn a new skill or process to get the request done. For example, a few years ago, a friend was looking for a specific sign for their front porch. They wanted it quite large and with a detail they were unable to locate in any store. So, with trembling fingers, I researched exactly what I would need to do to get the project on her front porch. After a day or so, I asked my husband to go to Home Depot and cut a 6 ft. fence piece into sections. With a happy and giving heart, he obliged and came home with the cut sections. From there I rustically painted the one section, created a stencil of the full area, to match what her request was, and in a few days…..whaaalaaa. She was able to have exactly what she envisioned. I loved that. The moment when a customer thinks of an idea and we are able to make it come to life.

You think it! We create it!

Tyf, 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?

I have always had a dynamic about myself, the need to create and see others happy. Some may say, “well yeah, we all want others to be happy”, but for me, it means so much more. It is my passion. It is my way of giving back and providing. About 15 years ago, I created an alter ego and became a published author. I loved everything about it. The intrigue of the readers loving my words and anticipating what was to come next. It was a part of my life that thoroughly filled my love bucket for creativity. With life and having a big family, my time for writing started to dwindle. I wanted to spend as much time as a mom that I could. Fast forward a few years and I was working full time as an educator and then COVID hit. It was a time in all of our lives that everything changed. We began to see socializing, living and enjoying the little things a bit differently. Because of the change in the educational system, I made the choice to pause that career path and discover something that allowed me more time to be home and available for my family. Knowing that I still had a huge passion to create, my husband and I discussed the idea of building my own t-shirt business. He had some equipment, from a past hobby of his, and it was a no brainer. I could work from home, design and create all day long. It was perfect. We quickly purchased a vinyl cutter, vinyl and the software. My brain and creative heart were ecstatic. For the last four years, this has been my career. I am proud of the accomplishments that have made my business what it is today. I am grateful to my amazing community, local businesses, my friends and family. The support I have received is immeasurable. To say I am lucky to do what I love every single day, is an understatement. Do what you love and love what you do.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Without a doubt my business has been able to grow through word of mouth. I live in an amazing community, all of which has helped me thrive over the last few years. It is incredible how someone saw something I’ve made and before I knew it, I was receiving social media messages and texts asking for orders. I continue to share my creations on my social media platforms, but it is truly those who live in my area, who constantly share and recommend me as a creative business owner.

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

The absolute most rewarding aspect of being a creative artist within my trade is accomplishing what a customer is requesting. Whether it be a t-shirt, coaster, personalized item or a welcome sign, the joy I am able to hear and see from my customers is priceless. As cliche as it may sound, I am truly driven by providing to others. It is what motivates me to grow in my creative processes and continue to learn. I can’t foresee a time in my life, where I will believe I have learned all that I can. It’s fun and exciting and something I hope to give back for many years to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creatyfdesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatyf_designs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatyfdesigns