Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Blanton.
Erika, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my art journey as a child. I was so fascinated by how much emotion a person could pull out of someone by something they’ve created with their own hands. I was also inspired from reading books and illustrating them in my head, and then later onto paper. I was always tucked away in a quiet place either with a book or a piece of artwork I was creating. It wasn’t until high school that I started actually acknowledging that I was really in love with art and began trying to define my style. Once I started college, I realized I wanted to make a career out of my biggest passion. I started my business with little to no experience with marketing or how to manage a small online store. I craft or create art every single day, and not only do I absolutely love it, but it is a huge part of my identity.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’d honestly have to say it has been a great mix of both a smooth and bumpy road. Being an artist is what I have described myself as most of my life, so I am very comfortable with this road that I am on. My biggest struggles are balancing work life and home life. I could honestly spend all day doing some sort of art. It is almost a compulsive need for me to keep creating, but for me art is an outlet that I funnel a lot of my emotions and negative energy into. Basically, it keeps me sane. However, I do feel like I don’t take time to rest because I am pushing myself to constantly build my business and brand.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Petite Pen story. Tell us more about the business.
I am an illustrator and creator. I specialize in digital illustrations, portrait drawings and traditional artwork. Once I expanded my shop I opened a section for my handmade items such as stickers and screen printed teeshirts. I am proud of the energy and hard work that has gone into each piece and the little ways I know how to bring joy to my customers. I am very passionate about the little conscious details that set a business apart like packaging, ethical product resourcing, or creating hand made goods in house. I try to set myself apart by funneling my passions from brands I look up to into my own business model.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I meet so many people online who are finding a lot of joy from creating art and sharing that with the world. I think as time goes on becoming an artist or creator will become a normal and hopefully a respected career path. I would love to make this my primary full-time job. Right now I am still working a full-time job, then coming home to be a mother, wife and work on my own brand. I want to expand and grow into a sustainable business, but still keep that small business feel.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.petitepen.com
- Email: petitepenart@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petitepenart/
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