Today we’d like to introduce you to Simona Julieta Firpo.
Hi Simona Julieta, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been an artist all my life, I grew up in Argentina surrounded by very creative people and have always resulted to improvise and problem solve the most creative ways possible. After graduating from FIU with a Bachelor in Art I worked as the Lead Artist at the Young At Art Museum. The job was very creative, but I wanted more. During one of the events I was leading for the museum I found an artist I wanted to commission for a Decoden phone case, they never got back to me! I did what any creative person does and decided I could probably make it myself. I made a few cases for my personal use and decided to open an Etsy shop. I began making and selling decoden cases as only a side hustle until the pandemic took my full time job away abruptly. Thankfully this side hustle was already making me more money than my full time job and I had been on the verge of quitting it anyway! I moved my shop to my own website domain and began live streaming on TikTok Twitch and YouTube while I made orders. The pandemic combined with social media success lead me to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As we all know social media algorithms are not the most reliable and long term resources for marketing. The rise of the TikTok shop made a lot of us small businesses who can’t use it really struggle for viewership from our own followers and supporters. My content which was easily being shared to hundreds of thousands of users daily stopped being promoted by the platform, due to me “leading users out of the app” and on to my website. Some of the viewers made the switch to Twitch where I am currently supported better as an artist and celebrated for being a small business owner.
The other main struggles have been the rise in prices for both supplies and shipping! Finding affordable supplies for my craft has been a challenge and has lead me to creative solutions. For example, I have been making my own charms which I would usually be purchasing from out of the country with my laser cutter and resin molds. As for shipping, customers have been understanding but I can admit it has dropped international orders significantly. Due to my living situation and support from my partner I have had the privilege to “hold out” and continue serving my unique brand of custom made wares in a creative market that is slowly being taken down by these issues.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a custom Decoden Artist. Decoden is a collage art form that is recognized for its use of decorative charms made from plastic, metal, and sometimes wood placed on a surface made of Decoden Cream which is made to look like icing by piping on the desired surface using icing bags and tips.
The styles vary but are not limited to cute or “kawaii” characters, such as Hello Kitty from Sanrio, sweets, skulls, hearts, stars, and other pop culture characters. I pride myself in never limiting what is possible in the medium. My shop works by custom order only and I create whatever the customer wants for whatever surface they want. Many other Decoden artists limit the designs and surfaces (for example, they only work with certain color palettes and charms, or only make iPhone cases and mirrors)
The number of customizable listings on my website increase yearly, as new customers request new items they would like decorated in my style. Most recently I have added phone stands and holders as well as mini picture frames that can be put on the fridge.
I’m sure I hold the record of having made the most amount of custom Decoden items, my followers and I have been keeping count and the current tally is 9,181 as of today!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Other artists or brands who would like to collaborate with me are welcome to email me at KawaiiDecodenCases@gmail.com.
As for support, following and interacting with me on all my social media accounts (@SimonaJulieta everywhere!), joining the DecoDarling Community during one of my livestreams (on TikTok Twitch and YouTube), becoming a Patreon or a Ko-fi supporter, and, of course, purchasing a custom item from my shop (KawaiiDecodenCases.com)
Pricing:
- Custom phone cases start at $63
- Any theme for any device!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://KawaiiDecodenCases.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonajulieta
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimonaJulieta
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-288873319-722843374/sets/lofi-decoden
- Other: https://linktr.ee/simonajulieta
