Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassandra Comas.
Hi Kassandra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I opened my first (and only) Etsy shop in 2016. I began offering custom and premade prints, canvases, and mugs with a variety of motivational and funny quotes. With the help of YouTube tutorials and other artists I found on Etsy, I learned how to create my files on Photoshop and use the artwork I purchased for commercial use to make everything my little creative heart desired. Etsy opened my eyes to the plethora of digital products offered. I moved on to creating digital invitations, party bundles and even offered printing services. In 2019, at the request of another small business and crafty friend, I created their business branding designs, and my love for digital design grew. I’d been contacted by other crafters and small businesses to create their business cards, thank you cards, packaging stickers, etc.
In 2021, I was gifted a brand-new iPad and Apple pencil. I was finally able to create my very own designs to use in my work. I’d achieved my goal for Doozie & Bloom to be completely handmade. Today, I hand draw and hand letter all of my designs. I’ve now branched out into offering stickers, decals, and other craft items while still offering custom design work and older listings too. I’ve opened my very own website while still running my Etsy shop. My current goal is to expand into offering apparel and tote bags with my designs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Copyright and trademark infringement are a BIG DEAL! When I started, I was totally ignorant of the fact that some words and phrases are trademarked. I’ve had a listing or two on Etsy removed for infringement and it’s not a good feeling. With my design experience growing and my yearning for Doozie & Bloom to grow, I smartened up. I began utilizing the trademark search engine which has been very helpful. I also avoid any custom requests that seem questionable. With the artwork I purchased, I knew I didn’t have to worry about infringement. However, there’s still limitations on what I could make and how many products I could sell that could eventually lead to problems. Which is why I now create my own designs.
Another struggle is work. Like, my actual job haha. I wish I could craft and create full-time, but the reality is I’m not there yet. And that’s okay! 🙂
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Doozie & Bloom is not just an online business. I LOVE to participate in local craft/vendor as well. I always share upcoming events on my socials and stories. I find it hard to pinpoint just one thing Doozie & Bloom could be known for since I like to wander down different creative paths. My love for creating has gotten me into all kinds of crafts. When applying for local events and I’m asked to describe my business, I always joke that my table is a mini gift shop of crafts lol.
Digital design is what’s gotten me to where I am now, so I’d say my specialty is definitely in digital design. I’m open to custom orders and I’m always up for trying new things. Digital design can be applied to just about anything really, so I like to experiment with end products. Prints, mugs, invitations, stickers, decals, bookmarks, tote bags, notebooks, etc. All I need is the dimensions, and with a click of a button my design can be made into a physical product. It’s actually really neat, and having done this for 6 years now, I still get SO EXCITED when customers tag me in their posts. It’s one thing to see the file on the computer, it’s another to see that design being applied to a physical item. I’m most proud of being able to create things for people and seeing the end result in physical form. It’s like bringing it to life. The happy customers are what makes it even more exciting.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’d honestly just like to encourage the support of small businesses and local crafters. I know at times, it’s super convenient to order on Amazon or grab a few things from Walmart because they’re easily accessible and REALLY cheap. I get it; this girl is on a budget too! 😉 While I don’t rely on this as my sole income, that doesn’t mean I don’t put any hard work, dedication, or effort into my work. The same goes for others like me and those who do rely on their work as their only income. Shopping small is supporting a single person or family. We’re 1000% grateful when you choose us over a big box store. I encourage everyone to check out local shops and small businesses on socials and in your area. You’d be amazed at the things you can find.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doozieandbloom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doozieandbloom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doozieandbloom
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/doozieandbloom
