Meet Natasha Aybar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Aybar.

Hi Natasha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my small business in April of 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak and only launched stickers as my main product. As I struggled to find my footing, I was balancing work and being a full-time college student. However, after adapting to the many changes going on around me, I found comfort in creating. Even as a small child I have always had a passion for art, especially when I was the one making it. This passion has followed me through adulthood and shaped many aspects of my business today. My slogan, “Live Creatively”, serves as a reminder to everyone I encounter to continue to be imaginative and spark their inner creativity through their everyday lives. Launching a small business in the midst of a pandemic was a huge challenge, there were weeks where I would get one order if I was lucky. There were a lot of times where I found myself doubting my capabilities, in which I would turn to my family for advice. They have been my rock throughout this entire journey. With their support, perseverance and dedication to my craft, I was able to rise to the occasion and eventually quit my part-time job to pursue my business full time. Since then, I have reached over 400 sales on Etsy and have a 5-star shop. I have also expanded my product range into tumblers, scrunchies, hand-sewn clothing, and many other goods. I am lucky to have the support of my family through every step of the way, and without them I would not be where I am today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest struggle was balancing work, school, and my business. I found myself wanting to put all my time into creating great products for my customers, so much that my time management skills began to falter. As a result, I had to work harder to keep up with my difficult course-load, as well as find time to manage and grow my business. With time, I was able to develop enough of an audience to where I could leave my part-time job to focus fully on school and my craft. There were also natural difficulties trying to build my foundation during the beginning of the pandemic due to lack of supplies, income, and many other factors. However, this too improved with time and patience.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create handmade goods, specializing in custom stickers, digital artwork, and hand-sewn pieces. I am mostly known for turning individuals, families, pets, and whatever else you can think of into stickers. In fact, I have made over 100 commission stickers since opening my business. I have had individuals come to me for a lot of different pieces of work, however I am most proud to be able to honor lost loved ones through my artwork and help their family through this difficult time in their lives. Due to the seriousness of this task, I am able to build a long-lasting bonds with my customers that is more than just a product-consumer exchange. As of recent, I have focused on turning my original artwork into stickers, as well as expanding my product line. However, I still take commission work as requested.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Throughout this journey, I have learned to always be patient and to keep your eye on the prize. Even when I felt like giving up or that I would never be successful, I continued to push forward and remember what I am working towards. Patience is a necessity when trying to accomplish any goal because the best things take time.

Pricing:

• Custom Digital Art – $30+

Contact Info:

• Email: handmadebytashamarie@gmail.com
• Website: Etsy.com/shop/handmadebytashamarie
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handmadebytashamarie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handmadebytashamarie

Image Credits:
Reese Alexandra Photography (Reese Raulerson)