Where it all began!
When my first born was a few months old, i went back to work part time but work never felt the same knowing that my baby was at home without me! I had my second son a couple of years later, and this time around the world had just declared a global pandemic. A huge shift had happened in all of our daily lives, and i knew i did not want to return to my retail job. So, with my husband's support i decided to leave my job, to stay home and raise our boys.
Being a stay at home parent is hands down the best job in the world, but also incredibly tough at times. I was craving a creative outlet and so began playing around with digital design - something i hadn't done for quite a few years!
I soon remembered how much i loved to design, (i had spent alot of my teenage years editing photos and designing when i had my first ever PC. I then went on to design, print and assemble our own wedding invitations a few years later which i spent many hours on, and found super enjoyable too.)
Whilst the boys slept (sometimes!) at night, i would sit down and start creating. I had seen other small businesses setting up shop but simply believed that too many people were already doing it, so why would anybody buy from me? How wrong was i!
After finding the courage to start my very own shop, i began to pour more and more time into Etsy. I finally had a "hobby" again, which is something i didn't feel like i had as a mum.
I'd spent months finalising around 100 designs and listing them to my shop before opening, so that i had plenty to offer my potential customers. I researched for hours and hours which printer to invest in, and i tried and tested cardstock from various suppliers to find exactly what i was looking for.
I went live on Etsy a few days before officially announcing i was open, and to my total surprise i actually got my very first order - the day BEFORE i was due to launch on my social media accounts. This one single order will always stick with me, because it gave me hope that i actually could make some sales!
Sure enough, what started as a hobby became a serious part time job for me as my shop gradually got busier over time. Fast forward 2 years and i've hit amazing milestones, and can't wait to reach the next ones!
There have been ups and downs, of course, as well as quiet times and busier times, but i have enjoyed every step of the way and have so much excitement over the future of Coja Prints.
Thankyou for allowing me to do what i love every day! There is no better feeling than hearing my sons shout "order, Mummy!" each time my phone pings with a notification. And seeing my prints framed and displayed in your homes, and my greeting cards given to your loved ones and friends is quite literally the BEST.
Ellie
x
