Humbled by your support.

I noticed the other day that I am sitting at 798 sales in my Etsy shop.

798 orders completed. 798 things I’ve made, whether it was a sticker or a piece of art. It's all handmade and I can't believe I've gotten this far. I quite enjoy running my little side business.

IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE WHERE YOU ARE.

Five years ago I didn't have a business. I was still struggling between being a hobby artist or a serious illustrator. I had no idea how people made and sold merch, I just knew back then I wanted to try it sometime.

I would open my shop a year later, but I wouldn't take Etsy seriously for a couple more years. The delay was partially due to personal insecurities. I didn't think I made stuff that had mass appeal at the time.

The road to this point has been bumpy and full of u-turns and delays but

I MADE IT THIS FAR. Let's see where I go next. But also I’m going to enjoy sitting here a bit longer. I've beaten a large amount of personal barriers. I deserve some rest before I hit the path again.

I used to take photos of the piles of packages because I never wanted to forget how it looked or felt. Each of those enveloped holds my art inside it! People buy this! How bloody cool is that??

But then when I started bringing piles of packages on a weekly basis to the post office, I no longer felt I needed to document the occasion. The frequency it happens, I continue to feel blessed with each sale.

More than thrilled when I sell original zines and original content too. I understand why people buy fan art, we all already love that existing character/franchise.

So when people take a chance on my original stuff, it brings the tears to my eyes. This art journey of mine has been quite the uphill battle. But I'm starting to see the bonus outcomes of all the previous struggle. Forever grateful. 💜

I love when people tag me on social media to show off their stuff I’ve sent them. This was my first order from Japan. I am so thrilled everything arrived safely and in great time. Took close to 3 weeks to get there from Canada. Not bad!