Embark on the heartwarming journey of Stick With Finn, where creativity, compassion, and entrepreneurship intertwine to create a remarkable story. In this interview, we delve into the challenges, triumphs, and aspirations of the founder behind the beloved sticker brand. From facing daunting decisions to spreading joy through adorable designs, Stick With Finn exemplifies the power of following one's passion and making a meaningful impact. Join us as we explore the uplifting tale of Stick With Finn and its mission to brighten lives while championing important causes.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting Stick With Finn, and how did you overcome them?
Starting Stick With Finn presented significant challenges, notably the immense leap of faith required to transform a personal passion into a viable business. The most pivotal moment came when I was confronted with a choice between pursuing a secure academic path, backed by a full-ride scholarship for a PhD in clinical psychology, and embarking on an entrepreneurial journey with my dog, Finn, as the cornerstone of the brand. Opting for the latter, I ventured into the unknown, dedicating myself to building a brand from the ground up. This decision demanded not only a shift in mindset but also a strategic approach to brand creation, market entry, and business management. Embracing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the profound potential for personal and professional growth that lies beyond familiar territories. The journey of Stick With Finn has been a testament to the power of pursuing one's passions, underscored by the belief that stepping into the unknown, while daunting, opens up unparalleled opportunities for fulfillment and success.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of running Stick With Finn so far?
One of the most rewarding parts of managing Stick With Finn is seeing the positive effect our stickers have in supporting animal welfare, especially through our work with Peninsula Humane Society and Joybound People and Pets. It’s rewarding to know that our efforts, though seemingly small, play a significant role in helping animals. The feedback from our community and the results of our collaborations with these organizations remind us that combining creativity with a clear purpose can lead to substantial outcomes. This experience highlights the meaningful impact a small business can have on important causes.
Can you share a moment or experience that stands out to you as particularly memorable or impactful in your journey with Stick With Finn?
A particularly memorable moment that truly captures the essence of Stick With Finn took place at one of our very first craft fairs. A young boy, about 3 years old, was so captivated by our stickers that he began to fill his shopping basket with every single sticker from the bottom row of our booth—the only row he could reach. His initial earnestness and the laughter that followed from everyone around, including his parents and myself, created a ripple of joy and connection among us all. The shared laughter wasn’t just about the humor of the moment; it was a manifestation of the community and connection we strive to foster.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to start their own creative ventures?
To anyone aspiring to launch their own creative venture, the most important advice I can offer is to genuinely listen to your inner voice. Recognizing and valuing what truly resonates with you holds profound importance. For example, I chose to leave my career in academia because I intuitively understood it wasn’t the right direction for me. This pivotal choice paved the way to Stick With Finn. It's essential to understand that a perfectly good path might not always be the best path for you. Listening to your instincts and having a deep self-awareness can lead you to a path that not only satisfies you but also sparks your passion and creativity in unexpected ways.
How do you approach sustainability and ethical practices within your business?
At Stick With Finn, our commitment to sustainability is integral to our operations. Our stickers are printed using commercial grade Eco Solvent printers which use less ink than normal printers and an environment friendly biodegradable ink, ensuring that our products are not only vibrant and durable but also environmentally responsible. We also ship our products using recyclable packaging materials. This strategy underscores our belief that it's possible to offer creative, high-quality products while upholding ethical and sustainable practices.
What role do you see Stick With Finn playing in spreading joy and positivity, both within your local community and beyond?
Stick With Finn is more than a sticker company; it's a beacon of joy and celebration of life's everyday moments. In our community, we see it as a way to unite people, share smiles, and build a sense of belonging through our stickers. Each design aims to brighten days, whether sparking laughter with a Finn sticker on a laptop or initiating conversations over a shared love for a dog breed.
But our impact extends beyond the product. Through our work with animal rescue organizations, we spread positivity by supporting causes dear to our customers and us. It’s rewarding to know that purchases can bring joy, but they also support animals in need. Stick With Finn isn’t just about stickers; it’s about fostering a caring, connected world through every joyful piece we share.
On a broader scale, we see Stick With Finn reaching out to a global audience, using our platform to advocate for issues close to our hearts, like animal welfare, education, and sustainability. We aim to create a ripple effect of positivity, where our stickers are not just vehicles for joy but symbols of a larger movement towards a more caring, connected, and conscientious world.
As a woman entrepreneur, have you faced any unique challenges in the business world, and how have you navigated them?
As a woman entrepreneur, facing initial underestimations about venturing into entrepreneurship has been a notable challenge. My response has been to let the growth and success of Stick With Finn demonstrate my competence and vision. Additionally, I am actively cultivating a network of peers across genders who embrace diversity and inclusion, emphasizing that collective support is key to overcoming obstacles and creating an inclusive business ecosystem. A major part of this is my membership in Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT). WIT offers a platform for learning, sharing, and advocating for women in business—highlighting the critical role of diverse voices in fostering innovation.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for Stick With Finn in the future?
Our strategy includes broadening our product range with stickers that not only align with our principles but also serve ethical and educational purposes, adding depth to our lineup with themes that inspire and inform. A primary objective is to integrate Stick With Finn stickers into educational environments as dynamic learning aids. We have over 100 education-based sticker designs, from the solar system to social studies, and have plans for many more. An equally relevant objective is reinforcing and growing our collaborations with organizations dedicated to animal welfare and environmental conservation. Moving beyond pet-themed stickers, we're now creating designs to raise awareness about lesser-known endangered species such as pangolins and koalas, underlining our commitment to biodiversity and conservation efforts.
By building a larger, engaged community around these initiatives, I hope Stick With Finn will inspire others, demonstrating that businesses can indeed flourish by intertwining profit with purpose, and in turn, make a lasting positive impact on our world and future generations.
