Today we’d like to introduce you to Teia James.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am Teia James, the owner of Sincerely Teia™, Customized Fine Artistry®. I am a native of Atlanta. My love and admiration for art stretches as far back as my childhood. I have always been crafty, artsy, and creative since I was a little girl. As a child, I had a vivid imagination. I would create paper dolls out of fashion catalogs, build houses out of books, and make cars out of shoe boxes.
My background is actually in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Power and Computers. I obtained my Bachelor of Sciences degree from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN (Oprah Winfrey’s alma mater). I practiced in the field of Engineering for over 14 years. Although I am technically inclined, I have always possessed a greater passion for art.
I started Sincerely Teia 3 years after graduating from college. I didn’t have a clear roadmap or special formula of “how to become a successful artist/entrepreneur”, I just knew I wanted to create heartfelt custom greeting cards and invitations with a scrapbooking flair.
Fast forward to today, I am a self-taught artist and paper dealer for two major paper distributors, Envelopments and Janice Paper. I provide a unique product for clients all over the country and have done so over the last 11 years. In 2017, I expanded my artistic craft by becoming a fashion illustrator with formalized training from the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Though I am known for my signature custom artistry, I am excited about launching my new stock collection this year featuring personal illustrations inspired by women, fashion, and culture.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The process has not always been smooth or a much-desired path, but my passion has always outweighed the challenges. When I started Sincerely Teia, I didn’t know much about entrepreneurship. I had to learn a lot along the way… I’m still learning today! I’ve made mistakes, but I learn from my mistakes and continue to push forward.
My two biggest challenges have always been “thinking I should be further along in my career as an artist” and “work-life balance”. I read a lot of books about women entrepreneurs and self-help books. When I read, I’m reminded that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be at this time. And as for the work-life balance, it is a constant struggle. I have managed to juggle being a wife, mother to two boys, working professional, and an entrepreneur; it’s truly a balancing act.
My life is very busy and sometimes hectic trying to balance all the above, but I somehow manage to get it done and I take pride in that because it has not been an easy task. Some people believe you can have it all and I agree, but I don’t think you can have it all at the same time. There are times when some things get prioritized more than others and I’m continuously learning that it is okay. Sometimes I have “Wife / Mommy Guilt” from the long hours I work towards my goals.
There are times I feel my family should get that extra time that I put towards my artistry, but I remind myself that I’m an active participant in their lives and I’m building a legacy that we can all be proud of. When my sons grow up, I want them to feel like I’m a kick-ass mom, a mom that worked hard at what she believed in, a mom who defied all odds, a mom who didn’t give up on her dreams, and a mom who loved and supported them through it all. My husband is a great life partner. He’s always been accustomed to my work ethic even in high school and in college, so I truly believe he knows my efforts are genuine… it is the fabric of who I am.
As an entrepreneur who uses social media as a platform for my business, you can very easily become jaded questioning your journey. The imagery that is often presented is that everyone and everything is an instant success when in fact that couldn’t be further from the truth. I started my business in 2007 and to be honest.
I’m still not where I want to be, but I must celebrate where I am and what I’ve accomplished along the way. I continue to put forth the work towards my goals. My passion to create has served as my catalyst and my faith has been my beacon of light to lead the way. The entrepreneurship journey is not for the weak or faint-hearted; it definitely has its ups and downs and the struggle can be so real. I have found that during this journey, you must encourage yourself.
Sometimes we are not as far from our goals as we think we are. In short, I am not an overnight success… I know it just doesn’t work that way. I have worked very hard to be where am I today. I deserve to be here. I am thankful to my clients who have supported me and continue to support me through this journey!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sincerely Teia – what should we know?
Sincerely Teia™, Customized Fine Artistry® creates custom greeting cards, stationery, invitations, announcements, and wall art.
My signature line features hand-crafted designs that are adorned by fine papers, artistic dimensional flair, and embellishments. I incorporate scrapbooking techniques, fashion illustrations, and various art mediums to create incomparable products. As an artist, I am capable of capturing versatile styles with various range & depth from vintage, whimsy, luxurious, contemporary, conservative, and even edgy at times.
Sincerely Teia™ understands the individual who has an appreciation for premium quality & unique hand-crafted artistry to commemorate memorable occasions in one’s life! I continue to strive for excellence and uphold the reputation for creating the perfect way to express heartfelt sentiments while leaving astounding impressions.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I often hear the term “self-made”, but no matter how much effort and time an individual applies towards their business, brand, or artistry, no one is truly self-made. There is always a team of people in the background helping to make things happen.
On the home front, I have a very supportive husband. He offers me a great deal of balance with the children. My father is one of my “Senior Interns”… yep, just like the movie, “The Intern”. He helps with product shipments and distribution, as well as, managing the organization of my studio, the “Fab Lab”. I also have a great deal of support from other local creatives, sorority sisters, and dear friends. My clients are also a major key to the success of my business. They circulate my artistry via social media and by word of mouth.
Pricing:
- Stock Greetings: $10 and up
- Custom Greetings: $35 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sincerelyteia.com
- Phone: 404.596.TEIA / 404.596.8342
- Email: info@sincerelyteia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincerelyteia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sincerely-Teia/109819792375830
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sincerelyteia
Image Credit:
James Anthony
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
