Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Saenz.
Hi Anastasia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Anastasia, the designer and teacher behind Art & Soul TX Design.
I started this business in 2019 on Etsy out of pure necessity. As an Art teacher, I needed planner stickers that actually reflected my world: Art shows, discovery days, district meetings, and more. When I went looking, all I found were generic “Faculty Meeting” reminders. Nothing made for an Art educator. So I made my own.
What followed was almost a year of teaching myself everything from scratch, including graphic design, digital file prep, printing, and cutting. It was harder than I ever expected, and there were moments I almost quit. I’m so glad I didn’t.
Once my teacher friends saw what I was creating, they wanted more than just stickers. They wanted lanyards, earrings, and accessories that celebrated their subject and made them feel seen. That’s when the shop evolved from a sticker store into something bigger, a full gift and accessories brand built for every educator in the building.
Today, Art & Soul TX Design serves teachers across every subject and role, from Music, P.E., and STEM to Speech Language Therapists, School Counselors, School Psychologists, and yes, even bus drivers, office staff, and principals. If we don’t have something for you yet, just ask. Custom designs are always welcome.
Every product is made to bring joy, appreciation, and a little artsy flair to the people who give everything to their students.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The Road Wasn’t Always Smooth.
Starting in 2019 meant jumping into one of Etsy’s most competitive categories with no roadmap and no business background. My husband and I figured it out together. He stepped in to handle printing, inventory, product listings, and descriptions while I focused on design and social media. Between the two of us, we taught ourselves accounting, business law, and intellectual property from the ground up.
Marketing is still something we’re actively learning. But we keep going.
What’s changed is that the work is starting to speak for itself. Customers consistently come back for the quality of our materials, the specificity of our designs, and the care we put into every order. This year especially, we’ve seen more attention, more engagement, and more love from the teacher community than ever before.
Every custom order and every sale from a teacher still puts a smile on my face. That hasn’t changed since day one.
We’ve been impressed with Art & Soul TX Design, 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?
Every design is made by a teacher, for teachers. My classroom experience is the foundation of every product I create. I know what teachers carry, wear, and reach for every day, and I design with that in mind.
This brand exists to celebrate the profession in a way that’s bold, intentional, and beautifully crafted. No matter the subject, the grade level, or the school, teachers show up with their whole hearts. Art & Soul TX Design gives them a way to wear that passion with style.
Because teachers deserve more than an apple on a mug. They deserve art that means something.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Growth doesn’t happen inside your comfort zone. It happens the moment you step outside of it. For me, that meant showing up to markets and networking events even when I was nervous. Even when I felt awkward and out of place. Those were exactly the moments that changed everything.
I met fellow business owners who opened unexpected doors. I met customers and fans who reminded me why I started when I was starting to doubt myself. The connections I made by simply showing up are a big reason why this business is where it is today.
If a big event feels intimidating, bring someone with you. Your spouse, a friend, anyone. You don’t have to walk in alone. Say yes to the things that scare you a little. That’s where the real opportunities are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artsoultx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsoultx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artsoultx
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/artsoultxdesign/
