We were lucky to catch up with Anastasia Saenz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Anastasia, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I’ve always been a creative individual with a passion for Art. Growing up, I believed that Art was important to our society because of the feelings and appreciation we have in our human nature. I expressed my appreciation of life through my drawings and paintings. However, I didn’t feel like the pieces of Art I created and showcased were enough; I knew I wanted my skills to have a particular meaning and purpose in life, but how could I make them more meaningful? This is when I realized that I wanted to become an Elementary School Art teacher and to teach young artists the importance of various mediums, Art history, and how to use their knowledge and skills to relate to the real world.
After a few years of teaching Art, the planner world became a popular trend and I couldn’t wait to find stickers for my daily teacher requirements. In 2019, as the summer came to an end, I purchased my first Erin Condren planner and I couldn’t wait to shop around for Art teacher planner stickers. Although I shopped around at teacher shops, craft stores, and even small online businesses, I was disappointed that I couldn’t find anything for my needs. Then, my creativity expanded again and I taught myself how to create graphic designs through Procreate, how to print on sticker paper, and how to cut my unique designs through Cricut Design Space. I later expanded my brand to include products for all teachers, from planner stickers, to waterproof vinyl stickers, and even to decorative shirts that bring love and appreciation to educators. My business is still small and I would love to continue to grow it and to help teachers with my unique and creative skills.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
While I still focus mainly on stickers for teachers and their planners, notebooks, Ipads, phone cases, etc, I have recently been able to work with several small businesses with their product designs. Because of this, my art skills have expanded and I now feel like I am becoming a graphic designer, not just a drawer or painter. For example, when I had the opportunity to have a booth at a small shop in Boerne, Texas, called Handmade on Main, I created a special Boerne TX vinyl sticker that showcased all the unique landmarks and special events of the town. This was a great souvenir gift for customers and because of its uniqueness, it caught the eye of other business owners from the other small towns in the area. This allowed me to expand my brand into a larger geographic area, into different product lines, and gave me more exposure. Another product that I’m very proud of is my design for the 2023 Annular Eclipse, which reached its peak over the Texas Hill Country. I was able to create a one-of-a-kind Eclipse shirt for the same shop in Boerne and customers loved it. I had the honor to wear it as a model for a runway show and it helped bring proceeds for the local women’s shelter in Kendall County. It was even featured in the local newspaper before the big event. I am now planning a new design for the Total Eclipse, which will not be visible in the Texas Hill Country for another 300 years.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back to how I began my journey with my small business, what helped me most was my creativity, my willingness to explore, and my desire to help others. If it wasn’t for my creativity and being able to create a product that didn’t exist, I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in now. From creating Art teacher planner stickers that helped my fellow colleagues, to bringing appreciation for the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, to making designs for unique and rare events, my creativity has allowed my business to grow. I’ve also learned how to explore ways of creating new and interesting products for my customers. I do this by meeting new customers at market events, networking with other small business owners, and by engaging supporters through social media. I always appreciate it when a customer or a small business owner compliments my stickers and their unique and colorful designs and especially when they ask me to customize a design specifically for them. This lets me know what they want and it allows me to serve them better.
Speaking of helping others, the advice I would give to folks who are just starting their business is to step outside your comfort zone. If you have a goal in mind and if it has a true purpose and value, then go for it and don’t let anything get in your way. Make sure to research your options, plan it out, and experiment with new ideas. Most importantly, know that it takes time and effort to run a small business. One last piece of advice, if you have the support from your special loved one, family, or friends, then take the time to thank them, because their support can help you to strive further than you thought possible and to make your dream become a reality.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth has been my willingness to take risks by stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve always been a shy individual and it was difficult for me to meet new people and to market my brand. I took it very slowly in the beginning. After a year of being in business, I decided to join a small business network called the Ethical Network of San Antonio. They focused on meeting local, sustainable businesses that served the community. I am grateful for this group and everybody in it because they got me out of my comfort zone and I’m now willing to take more chances and risks in my business. From starting off with a small Etsy shop, to joining a local network group, meeting new people, and now having the opportunity to share my passion for this business in Voyage’s Bold Journey Series, I am proud to be where I’m at today!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.planningismytherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsoultx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artsoultx
- Other: https://handmadeonmainboerne.com/
