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

Vayda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

If I’m being honest, I do wish I had made my business official sooner. It took me almost four years to take that step, and during that time, I kept thinking about the potential opportunities I was missing out on. While it wasn’t always easy, I knew I needed to work up the courage and prepare myself before jumping in. I spent a lot of time doing research—learning what it really takes to run a business, figuring out the do’s and don’ts, and getting my feet under me. Looking back, it feels like I could have moved faster, but I also know that everything happens at its own pace, and I was building up the right foundation before taking the leap.

Had I started sooner, I think I would have had a bigger head start, especially in terms of market visibility and establishing relationships with customers. At the same time, I might not have had the experience or knowledge I needed to avoid some of the common pitfalls early on. Starting later would have meant I had more time to plan and possibly more financial stability, but I think I needed the urgency and drive that came with making the business official when I did. It was the perfect moment to dive in and make things real.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change the timing. I’m a firm believer that it’s not a race—each business has its own journey, and we all rise together. Sometimes I do feel like I’m playing catch-up with other small businesses, but I remind myself that my path is unique, and we all have our own pace. The important thing is that I’m now doing what I love and growing in the process. It took time, but I believe everything lined up as it was meant to.

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?

I’m the owner of Rae of Sunshine Creations, a custom shirt business that specializes in creating unique, personalized designs for all kinds of special occasions. What started as a fun hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a full-fledged business that brings me so much joy. As a special education teacher for over 7 years, I’ve always had a passion for creativity and making things that people can connect with. During the pandemic, I began making shirts for family and friends as a way to lift spirits and offer something personal in a time when we all needed it most. The more I created, the more I realized how much I enjoyed the process and the positive reactions from others. That’s when I decided to take the leap and officially turn it into a business.

I offer custom-designed shirts for a variety of occasions, from birthdays to school events, and even team-building activities. Whether it’s for a special event, a gift, or just for fun, I work closely with each client to create a shirt that reflects their unique needs. My products range from custom graphic tees to shirts with personalized messages, all made with high-quality materials. I also provide design services for those looking for something completely one-of-a-kind—whether it’s a design for a group, a family reunion, or a corporate team. My goal is to make sure every shirt tells a story and connects with the people wearing it.

My work helps solve the problem of finding meaningful, unique apparel that stands out. People often come to me because they want something that feels personal—whether it’s a gift that’s more thoughtful than a standard store-bought item. Many customers also struggle to find custom apparel that’s both high-quality and affordable. I offer a solution by ensuring that each design is not only visually appealing but also made to last.

I pride myself on customer service. I take the time to communicate with each client throughout the design process, from brainstorming ideas to ensuring the final product is exactly what they envisioned. Unlike mass-produced items, each shirt I create is made with care and attention to detail.

I’m most proud of how far my business has come since I started. What began as a small hobby has now blossomed into a business that has allowed me to connect with so many amazing people. Seeing my designs worn by customers at events or gifted to loved ones is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud of how I’ve been able to balance my career as a teacher with my business. I truly believe both passions feed into each other, and the creativity and communication skills I’ve developed in the classroom have made me a better business owner.

If you’re looking for custom shirts that are more than just clothing, but a reflection of a moment, a memory, or a shared experience, then I’m the designer for you. Whether it’s a funny quote, a heartfelt message, or a unique team design, I’m here to help bring your vision to life. I want potential clients to know that I truly care about each order and that my goal is to make them feel seen and heard throughout the process. I believe in creating not just a product, but an experience—one that leaves my customers feeling excited and proud to wear what I’ve made. Above all, I want my customers to know that when they order from me, they’re supporting a small business that’s passionate about making people smile through creative, high-quality designs.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I have to give full credit to my husband for encouraging me to make my business official. While I had been making shirts as a hobby since 2020, it wasn’t until he really pushed me to take the next step that I felt ready to turn it into something more. I was nervous about taking the leap and making my passion a formal business—I had doubts about whether I was ‘good enough’ or whether it would be successful. My husband, however, believed in me from the very beginning. He saw how much I loved what I was doing, and he encouraged me to turn it into something real.

He was the one who motivated me to start doing the research, to work through my fears, and to finally pull the trigger on making the business official. Without his support, both emotionally and practically, I honestly don’t know if I would have taken that step. It was his belief in my creativity and his confidence in my ability that gave me the courage to move forward. He’s my biggest support, and I’m so grateful to have him as both a partner in life and a partner in this journey.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has definitely been a journey, and it didn’t happen overnight and definitely out of my comfort zone. When I first started, I was just sharing my designs with friends and family, hoping to get a few likes and maybe some word-of-mouth referrals. But as I began to take my business more seriously, I realized that social media could be an incredible tool for reaching a broader audience. I started by focusing on platforms where visual content really shines like Instagram and Facebook. I knew that showcasing my shirts would connect with people who might be interested in my products. The first step I took was posting regularly and showing my process, behind-the-scenes moments, and the finished products. I also made sure to use relevant hashtags to help new people discover my work. I’ve learned that social media is not just about selling it’s about building a relationship with your audience. I started engaging more, responding to comments, and encouraging followers to tag me in their photos. One of the best things I did early on was running giveaways or promotions to encourage engagement and attract new followers. It wasn’t about getting the most followers, it was about getting the right followers who really loved what I did.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to stay consistent and authentic. Show up regularly, engage with your followers, and don’t be afraid to share your journey, even the ups and downs. Focus on creating content that resonates with your audience. Whether that’s showcasing your products, offering tips, or sharing personal stories. Building an audience takes time, but the key is to stay connected and genuinely care about your community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://admin.shopify.com/store/428d75-dc
• Instagram: @RaeofSunshine_creations
• Facebook: Rae of Sunshine Creations

Image Credits

Carisa Rubio (The Goldn Hour Photography)