Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Doty.
Hi Heather, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Some of my earliest memories are of making customized bookmarks for my classmates, having the librarian laminate them, and selling them for a quarter each so I could buy ice cream at lunch in elementary school. As I got older, I used my art to stay afloat when life got too expensive, but I only partially dove into it. Several years ago, my sister-in-law started to show pigs in school, and at her request, I made customized stickers of her pigs for her to stick on her show box. My husband suggested adding them to an Etsy shop since no one else was making things like that at the time. I am so glad I did! Amazingly, a small leap brought my artwork all over the world!
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a bumpy road! I’m very emotional (type four on the enneagram if you’re interested), and I sobbed when I got my first order because the idea of someone who doesn’t know me wanting my artwork made me so happy. The biggest struggle has always been patience. People don’t post something once, and it takes off overnight, which is how it seems when you see others sharing on the internet. Knowing where even to start was a huge obstacle as well. I saw all these successful people on Etsy and felt overwhelmed and didn’t know what I was doing. I spent a lot of time praying over it, and finally, God gave me the strength to dive in.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love making customized animal stickers. Pets are my favorite and bring me so much joy – especially the show animals with funny names. I specialize in digital artwork, and what sets me apart from my competitors is that my stickers are actually of their animals. I use their photos to recreate the exact markings that make their pet unique. I also love creating physical pet portraits!
What matters most to you? Why?
God is the most essential thing in my life. Everything I have is because of Him, His promises, and His love for me. I pray every day that I honor and glorify him through my work!
I also have been blessed with the most supportive and loving husband I could ever have asked for and without him, I wouldn’t be where I am now. He always reminds me of God’s promises for my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: byheatherdoty.etsy.com
- Instagram: @byheatherdoty
Image Credits
Credit for the photo of the couple: Lexie Berje
