on creating art and growing a small business when the world is on fire

Listen, I don’t think I need to explain to you why the last several years have, in a lot of ways, been absolute hot garbage. Broadly speaking, they’ve kind of been terrible for a lot longer than that. But 2020 really rose to a new level of awful, and the world has been spiraling out of control ever since.

And what did we do in response to such terrible times? A lot of us started businesses.

I think the pandemic-inspired entrepreneurial boom is such a cool reflection of human nature and tenacity, and the inherent optimism that lives within us. When faced with a literal global crisis, so many of us dug deep and found ways to carve out a little joy, whether for the general public, for our inner circles, or even just for ourselves. And beyond that, we all collectively supported each other’s endeavors! So many of those new businesses have grown into fully viable businesses because people showed up to buy their pizzas and claw clips and, in my case, paper goods.

Every day, I see how fortunate I am to be in this position. My business is an immense privilege. The fact that I’m able to live off of greeting cards sales has never not blown me away. I mean, that’s genuinely kind of crazy and I don’t know if I’ll ever fully get over it. One of the downsides, though, is that I still have to actively sell said greeting cards, even when it feels absurd to do so. You know, when there are literal wars going on around us. People are being kidnapped off the street. Inflation and corporate greed are out of control. And, well… *gestures around vaguely*. You know.

I think about this a lot, especially when I’m getting ready to send a marketing email or post about a sale on Instagram. Is it appropriate to take up space with my cute little products when people’s lives are getting worse by the minute? Why should I ask for your attention when there are so many Serious Issues™️ to worry about?

We’ll save the hangups over self-worth and valuing my work for a later date. If I take a step back and see my products as an impartial observer — or if I consider when I look at another small business’s goods — does that change how I view them? Do I believe they have inherent value? Do I believe they contribute to society? Do I believe they make the world a better place? Do I believe that they’re doing something important?

Honestly, the answer to all those questions is a resounding yes.

Here’s the thing. My cards may not be great works of fine art. They’ll never hang in a museum exhibit. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t meaningful. They aren’t just for mindless consumption. They aren’t just for me. They’re for my retailers to stock their shelves, they’re for you to discover and giggle at in your favorite shop, they’re for your friends and family who will feel seen and appreciated. And same goes for tea towels and plushies and art prints and beyond. These aren’t just things. If an object allows you to express yourself, if it brings a smile to your face every time you see it, if it makes someone in your life feel loved… well, then it’s worth the cost.

If you haven’t started yet and you’re wondering if it’s a good idea to put your work out into the world, do it. It may feel small or silly or unnecessary, but I wholeheartedly believe that things can simultaneously be unserious while having serious impact (it’s kind of the whole premise of my brand). You are making the world a better place with your original ideas and your ability to connect with other humans.

And if you’re a consumer with a little room in your budget, we small businesses will be here, putting paint to paper, pouring wax, piecing together patterns. We’re always around to make your day a little bit brighter.