Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Saenz.
Hi Anastasia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my job as an Elementary Art teacher 9 years ago, a dream I had since I was 12 years old. As a full-time Art teacher, my goal is to teach young artists new and exciting ways to be creative.
With my busy teaching schedule, it’s important for me to stay organized on a daily basis. When the teacher and life planner world became a big hit, I knew this would benefit my busy schedule. Finding fun and unique stickers for my teacher planner would help me stay on top of my daily teacher duties and allow me to put more effort and focus into what I love doing best, which is to teach Art to my students.
However, as an Art teacher, I realized no one had any stickers that were good enough for my teaching purposes. The stickers were either too generic or were meant for Generalist teachers only. So, I decided to take the plunge into making stickers that were specifically for Art, Music, P.E., STEM, etc.
Over time, I started making stickers for English, Science, and other subjects. I also create custom design orders for teachers who are looking for something specific for their classrooms.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a new business owner, it has not been easy. Planner stickers have been a competitive market. I didn’t know where to start besides creating my art design through digital art software.
My husband was able to help me by creating and editing web pages for my store and he and I worked together on day-to-day activities, such as printing stickers, posting products on our store’s webpage, managing inventory, and advertising through social media. With no business degree backgrounds, we taught ourselves accounting, business law, and intellectual property rights in order 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 currently learning the marketing aspect of business, along with my husband, but when I get a custom order request or even a sale from a teacher, it brings a smile to my face.
I feel like I’m helping another teacher to continue doing amazing things for their students and that their planner will help ease their busy, ongoing schedule with an extra splash of color.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am an Art teacher and a small, online business owner here in San Antonio, Texas. I specialize in planner stickers for teachers to help them bring their organization, creativity, and efficiency to a whole new level when planning.
What sets me apart from others sticker stores are my designs that are specifically for Specialist teachers. There aren’t a lot of sticker products for Specialist teachers like there are for Generalist teachers. I want the Specialist teachers, including substitute teachers, to feel just as important and to find unique products made just for them.
I want readers to know how we teachers are passionate about our profession. 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 vibe to their busy daily schedules.
Rather than just jotting down notes with a pen and easily losing track of important to-do lists, meetings, or when it’s the jean day, my bright and colorful stickers can bring their teacher planner to life.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was very shy and would express my feelings through art. Whether I was struggling, stressed, or feeling grateful and happy, Art was my catharsis.
I would paint, draw, or make scrapbooks of childhood memories. As I got older, I became a fan of planning. It allowed me to combine my love for art with scrapbooking, while simultaneously helping me stay on top of school and other daily activities.
Contact Info:
- Email: ana@planningismytherapy.com
- Website: www.planningismytherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsoultx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Art-Soul-1658407541140032
- Other: https://linktr.ee/planningismytherapy
