Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Saenz.
Hi Anastasia, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my business journey in November 2019 when I created an online shop showcasing planner stickers for Art teachers. At that time, the teacher and life planner world was becoming popular, and I couldn’t wait to purchase my art teacher planner stickers. I remember how much I wanted to spruce up my new and stylish teacher planner with cute and colorful Art teacher stickers to help me stay organized throughout the school year. However, that wasn’t the case when I realized, after shopping online and at the stores in town, that there were no such products to be found. Instead, the stickers were either too generic or were meant for Generalist teachers only. So, I decided to make planner stickers for the art teachers and me. Over time, I started making stickers for P.E., Music, STEM, and Library and opened them up for ALL teachers. Today, I create graphic designs and turn them into stickers and t-shirts for teachers. With all my products, I like to bring out my cute, fun, and colorful personality through my artsy style.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My business was a struggle when I started in 2019. Planner stickers were a competitive market. Besides creating Art teacher designs through digital art software, I didn’t know where to begin. I luckily had support from my husband, who was able to help me with day-to-day activities such as printing stickers, posting products on our store’s website, managing inventory, and advertising through social media. With no business degree backgrounds, we taught ourselves accounting, business law, and intellectual property rights to get our business to take off. Trying to grow the company while managing my busy teaching schedule has also been challenging but worth the experience. I am still learning the marketing aspect of business, along with my husband.
Our business is gaining more attention and likes this year than in the previous few years. Customers love our quality in materials, the unique and colorful designs we created for each sticker and t-shirt, and our excellent customer service. I’m very proud of all the challenges and obstacles we initially overcame. We never gave up and worked hard to get where we are today. Whenever I get a custom order or sale from a teacher, it makes me smile!
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Art & Soul TX Design?
What sets me apart from other sticker stores is my designs, which are specifically for teachers. My experience as a teacher allows me to understand and create designs tailored to their needs. These designs can be for stickers, t-shirts, and bags, giving them a fun way to show off and flair up their style for the school year. As you can see, I am a teacher who is passionate about her profession. My goal was to show the importance of our careers and how eager we are daily. No matter what subject or elective we teach, we put all our hearts and souls into our professions to help our students succeed. My brand gives teachers an artsy way to show their passion.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
My advice would be to stretch yourself and do things that make you uncomfortable. To grow your business, you’ll have to develop your skills and change your habits, which requires you to go outside your comfort zone. I used to get nervous and stressed before big markets and other business networking events, but all my growth came from these. I met fellow business owners who gave me surprising opportunities and amazing fans and customers who inspired me to keep going when doubting my business. My business is where it is today because I met these people and had these opportunities when I stepped outside of my comfort zone. If there is a big event but you feel too awkward and shy to attend, which is precisely how I felt in the beginning, then bring a friend or your spouse so that you don’t have to go to it alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.planninismytherapy.com
- Instagram: @artsoultx
- Facebook: artsoultx
