Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Villa.
Angel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sure! I’m 17, and I made the decision to step away from traditional school to fully focus on building and running my business, Nova Prints. I’ve always been drawn to hands-on, creative work, and I started with a 3D printer and a lot of curiosity. That quickly grew into a full custom shop offering 3D printing, laser engraving, prototyping, and more.
I’ve worked on a wide range of projects—from custom parts for Harley-Davidson bikes to restoration pieces for WWII vehicles, and everything in between like gun parts, collectible toys, and personalized keychains. Each job challenges me to learn and grow, and I’ve built strong client relationships along the way.
This path has taught me how to manage not just the technical side of production, but also the business side—customer service, pricing, marketing, and fulfillment. Right now, I’m focused on scaling my online shop and streamlining operations with smart tools and systems. It’s been a non-traditional route, but one that’s allowed me to turn my passion into a full-time pursuit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. Since I started young and chose to go full-time with my business instead of following a traditional school path, I’ve had to learn a lot through real-world experience. Things like managing time, dealing with unexpected machine issues, quoting projects correctly, or even just balancing customer expectations—those were all challenges I had to figure out as I went.There were times when prints failed overnight, parts didn’t meet spec, or I underestimated how long a project would take. But each of those moments pushed me to improve my process, invest in better equipment, and become more professional in how I run things. I’ve learned to adapt quickly, troubleshoot problems, and most importantly, stay consistent even when things get tough.Looking back, those struggles have helped shape how I work today. They’ve taught me resilience, problem-solving, and how to keep pushing forward when things don’t go as planned.
We’ve been impressed with Nova Prints, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Nova Prints is all about turning ideas into reality. We specialize in custom 3D printing, laser engraving, prototyping, and CNC work. Whether it’s a unique one-off piece or a batch of precision parts, we bring creativity and detail into every project. What really sets us apart is how personal and hands-on we are. We don’t just take orders—we collaborate with clients to understand their vision and bring it to life. I’ve worked on everything from custom Harley-Davidson parts to pieces for WWII vehicle restorations, plus gun parts, cosplay props, toys, and custom keychains. Every project is an opportunity to push the limits of what’s possible with modern fabrication tools. I think what I’m most proud of is how far the brand has come—and how trusted it’s become—especially for someone my age. People are often surprised to learn Nova Prints is run by a 17-year-old, but I take pride in the quality of our work, our turnaround times, and the level of customer service we provide. For anyone reading this: whether you’re a small business needing parts, someone with a cool idea, or just looking for a personalized gift, Nova Prints is here to help you bring it to life. We’re growing fast, and there’s a lot more coming—especially with our online shop, Nova Shop, where we’re starting to release ready-to-buy custom products too.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One thing I’ve learned is that mentorship and networking don’t always look like some formal setup—it can come from everyday conversations, real client experiences, or even just watching how other successful people work and carry themselves.For me, just being active and showing up has made a big difference. I’ve connected with people by doing good work, staying professional, and always being willing to learn. Clients, especially older ones, have offered advice or shared experiences that helped me avoid mistakes or think bigger. I also pay close attention to people in the maker and small business community—through YouTube, forums, and local events—there’s a lot of knowledge being shared if you know where to look. My advice is: don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you respect. Ask questions, offer help, and be genuine about wanting to learn. Even if it doesn’t turn into a long-term mentorship, those small interactions can add up to something valuable. And most importantly—stay humble, stay curious, and keep building. People naturally want to help someone who’s clearly putting in the work.
Pricing:
- Prototyping Services – Starting at $100
- 3D Scanning – $150 Includes multiple scans and cleanup Add-on for scan modification: $50
- Custom 3D Printing Projects – Priced per project (based on size, material, and complexity)
- Custom Keychains / Small Engraved Items – Starting at $10
- Laser Engraving Services – Starting at $25, varies by size and material
Contact Info:
- Website: https://novaprintsllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novaprintssatx?igsh=OXduM3lhdHB1MGlk&utm_source=qr
