HELLO! I'm Mae and I'm an illustrator from the US - East Coast! I love drawing cute stuff, usually animals and food, on my tablet and sometimes traditional mediums. I love to draw cute chonky animals, food, and landscapes!
****Geraldine Draws is my old name (and still my LLC name) but I changed it this year to Tiramaesu!****
I made my own sticker / stationery shop (Tiramaesu on Etsy, formerly GeraldineDraws) and I want to share my journey as a new & small business owner with you all. Hopefully I can encourage and help some of you see what it's like to manage and open a shop, as well as see some of my doodles! I would love to scale my shop and create more merch like apparel, plushies and other accessories.
Congratulations on your first Faire order! Your washi tape labels are so adorable! It's crazy to think everyt time you get a new order / project you accumulate experience and materials with your brand! Makes you even more prepared for the next order ❤
Thank you so much Bianca! 🤩😊 I definitely should be more on top of my packaging in all instances so that I can be more prepared and packaged things faster should I get another wholesale order 😆 I definitely love gaining all this experience and I'm so thankful!
Great review! 👍 I would love to see a follow up video about sticker sheets, because even though I love the HTVRont paper for die-cut stickers, I don't use it for sticker sheets, because the stickers kind of come off with the backing layer, so for the sheets I use a thinner paper from Evergreen.
Thanks for watching Krista! That’s a great idea - I would want to use these to make sticker sheets as well so I’ll definitely try them out in that format. That’s not good if they come off with the backing layer! 🤔
Thanks for this review! I find that a laminate is needed too. When I apply water on the sticker paper and run it over a few times with my fingers I realize it pills and little bits would come off of the sticker paper even though the colour/ink remains. I have tried the Koala sticker paper brand and I think for me it's not as vibrant as I would like. If you use the matte laminate do you think it would pass the dishwasher test? I'm curious!
Glad you found it helpful Danielle! :) I seriously need to try this Koala brand and compare it with these. The 2 stickers that were already on the bottle in the video where I stuck the new test stickers on were ones that I ran in the dishwasher! They bled unfortunately 🥹 I was told it’s also got to do with the printer and type of ink you use, unfortunately …and apparently the home printers inks aren’t coated or something and can withstand the heat and pressure from the dishwasher so you’d need a more industrial printer with different ink 🤔 so that’s something I’d have to look into in the far future! Lol
@@Tiramaesu_ that makes sense about the dishwasher/ink issue. Hmm I guess it depends if it’s worth it to you to make them dishwasher safe. It could also mean increased costs too for both your supplies and customers. I’m okay with using/buying non dishwasher friendly stickers personally 🙂
Yes very true, and same with me! I’m curious to know if most people buy stickers expecting them to be dishwasher safe or not. I usually buy stickers assuming that they aren’t! I definitely would like to explore that side a little more and try different manufacturers to see if I can find a company that can do this and still be affordable 😁
@@Tiramaesu_ I think the stickers made from sticker making companies are mostly dishwasher safe! For homemade it would have to be pigment ink for the ink to not run. In the future I may consider a pigment ink based printer but if you ever decide to go there I look forward to your reviews and personal experience ☺️
@@Tiramaesu_ okay I did quickly look up Sticker Mule’s website and theirs are dishwasher safe (they’ve been getting some bad press lately so to each person’s views lol)
@@carmenymigue2010 I use the Silhouette Portrait 3. There’s several custom settings I use depending on what sticker brand it is and if it’s laminated. If it’s laminated, I set it to a blade depth of 7, force of 26, speed at 3 and 2 passes. I almost always set it to 2 passes.
Thank you so much for creating this video and sharing your experience! I’m still new and have only done wholesale with one shop. But as for consignment, one question I have is what happens if items are damaged or stolen? I’m guessing as the maker we accept those losses?
Hi Danielle, I'm glad you found the video helpful! Unfortunately it generally would be the maker/small business' loss, however depending on the shop / manager, they might compensate you if they had the knowledge something was stolen. I think it depends on each shop you work with (I'd ask about this if you're just starting to work together to make sure). I currently have ACT insurance which I use because I go to outdoor markets, but I know it provides protection for my products so I'm not sure if that might come in handy should I get anything stolen or damaged!
Thank you for this video ! I didn’t even know the name of this income stream, it’s actually the first time I saw a small buisness owner talk about it ! I have a few questions that came to mind : did you have to rise your prices a little to make up for the 50/50 profit? . And did you sign a contract with the shop owners or made some sort of agreement to seal the deal ? Thank you 🥰
You're welcome, Bianca! I didn't know it either, but glad I came across it! For the greeting cards I consign, I do not charge higher than my usual amount. Luckily, I I'm still able to make some profit even if it's halved. I sell them currently at $5 but I've seen people sell for $6 (it makes me nervous to think of whether that price might start turning ppl away or not...but maybe will think about it later in the future). But if there's something you want to sell as consignment and you think it's still at a good price point where people would buy, I say go for it! And as for contracts, I haven't signed any formal contract with any of the shops I consign with. They're pretty small shops / coffee shops and it's kind of more like a casual agreement that they'd work with me. However, one shop has started asking me to write them invoices for every time they write me a check to indicate how much product has sold in that given time period for their bookkeeping purposes. I think having a contract would be super helpful, though you might be the one to come up with that if you rly wanted it! I'm sure the bigger stores probably will require you to sign a contract. I hope that helps!
So much good advice and relatable points (I also struggle with posting my products because i feel like I'm bothering people). Thank you so much for this video, really needed to hear this.
I agree with you that there is no perfect shop, and we all learn when we actually do it! As a previous online shop owner (and trying to restart recently), my advice would be to keep trying and leave some space for mistakes! Even though you watch the tutorial and learn how to do products, things can be different when you actually do it! I've learned from my mistakes, such as which side of the paper to put so that the printer is printing correctly, and how to print on the best quality from the printer..... No one is born with those skills, and practice makes the perfect!
Omg yes that's a great price of advice, thank you for contributing! 🥹 It's hard when you're starting out and may end up going through lots of paper and Ink to find the right settings for you but it's totally necessary! I remember those early days and it hurts my soul lol but really happy to be over that stage now 😆
Thank you for the mention! *blush* All these tips are amazing, Mae!! You are the MVP!!!!💝💖 Opening a shop in countries outside the USA, Canada, and EU can be so challenging! 😅
So first off your work is awesome! Also, my favorite ice cream is bubble gum, not the one that's pink, blue, and another color, but the old school bubble gum with the chicklets gum in it.
Thank you for this video! So helpful to know there's a good matte laminate as I've been looking. When I clicked on your link the listing shows the 12" x 15ft roll and the description reads GLOSSY CLEAR under Color. Is this correct? Is the matte known as GLOSSY CLEAR?
Thank you for watching! And oh no that’s not the right one! I just checked right now and it seems they pulled out the matte option from their listing so it’s not there anymore 🥹😭 if you’re looking for a matte vinyl laminate, I can recommend Oracal Oraguard 210 or 215 (215 is a bit thicker) , as I previously used the 210 prior to this laminate. Buuut I don’t think I was ever able to find it on Amazon… I think I had to go to other sites to get it 🙈 Another one I heard about others using was this one (amzn.to/3RY6zno) but I don’t have any experience with this! I hope this helps!
@@Tiramaesu_ Thank you for the alternative! I was wondering if you had a chance to test this, but when you apply your stickers to a surface and you need to peel it off, does the matte laminate layer separate from the sticker vinyl beneath it? Especially after it's washed?
Ahh I have not tried peeling them off before but I just tried this (while the bottle was dry) and it looks like it was going to start peeling the laminate off the sticker part and not entirely both !
@@Tiramaesu_ ok thank you so much for testing! I guess that would be the norm as I thought it was just me. Maybe best I dont try to remove stickers after I adhere them lol
100% agree with the "just start" tip, because no one can be fully prepared even after days/weeks/months of research. The best mindset to be in, is that nothing is set in stone and you can tweak things along the way. 👍
Yes! I feel like a lot (myself included) have put this moment on a pedestal and that the first launch must be perfect, which is why we can get so caught up in making sure we get everything right the first time 😅
Thank you for making this video the info is really helpful as someone trying to restart a business myself. Great video, great channel and congrats on 1k!!! COFFEE ICE-CREAM GANG!
I really enjoy watching your videos because they are incredibly informative and engaging. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 1K SUBS!!!!!!! 🥁🎉🫶🏻🥀 I love chocolate 🫶🏻🪽
The transfers look so good! 😍 I don't have a heat press, but I recently saw a video, where they added it with an iron and I checked that there's a really good guide on Ninja Transfers website how to do it! 👍 And as for the flavour - I really like pistachio 💛
Right?! I’m really impressed ! They have a nice specific guide and have videos on it so I felt confident enough to know what I’m doing 👌🏼🤣 thank you for entering! ❤️
Hi! Unfortunately I do not, was only given the link in my description from minus transfers. However there’s usually a pop up when you click to go on their site for a 10% discount when you sign up with your email!
Hi, May! I enjoyed your video and I'm re-starting my small business recently because of your inspiration! Heat transfer is good idea and it's faster and more efficient than hand painting on tote bag! I'm considering of getting a heat press machine and try the DTF! BTW, I love strawberry flavor ice cream! I guess your next artwork is about ice cream~ Also, I wonder how many hours averagely you spend on your small business every week?
Hello Rebecca! Aww I'm happy I could help inspire :) if you're able to afford it, hea transfer products are definitely the best way to do it! Either DTF, sublimation or screen print transfers are probably the best options for making apparel and accessories 🥰 I spend a LOT of time on my small business ! It feels like a full time job 😆 but if I had to guess, maybe 20-30 hours a week! And thank you for your entry!
@@Tiramaesu_ I had my Etsy shop in the same year as pandemic year, as I had a lot free time to learn how to do stickers and run a little shop. But I put it on vacation mode for a long time in those two years, as I started my school and I had to work so I barely had time to spend on Etsy and drawing again. But I still love drawing and handcrafting! I hand paint two tote bag with coffee theme using acrylic painting after I saw your hand-painted tote bag. I love how you make your video; it makes me feel like friends talking. 🥰 I want to try to make 4-5 hours per week to work on painting and making products at this time. And hopefully, I can have my Etsy shop running again~ Looking forward to watching your future videos about you and your product~
Ohh wow that’s great!! I started mine around that time as well 🥰 it’s a lot of work for sure, but you can do it! Putting 4-5 hours in consistently is great and it’s better to do it slow and steady than to spend lots of time. I hope you can get back to making stuff for your Etsy though! ✨ and I’m glad you feel that way!! I try to make it relatable while also documenting my findings the best I can ❤️🤗 I’ll definitely make more!
I’m pausing at 11:21 cuz I need to do Duolingo before midnight and I’m commenting so I don’t lose my place. Brb lol ETA: I see ads for them a lot and it’s so intriguing but I don’t have a heat press and don’t make clothes so not really necessary for me but I still window shop their site sometimes for absolutely no reason lol. The totes are adorable. I love the carbs one so much. And chocolate brownie 🥰
I've given up on my Duolingo 🙈🤣 and that's totally fair enough! I think it helps in case one day that changes and you end up making clothes for business or personal reasons! And thank you so much, carbs are the best haha :) thank you for entering! 🥰
Thank you Bianca! If you have tried HTV before for shirts or bags, the process is pretty much the same (except actually needing to cut and weed your own vinyl which is convenient!👌🏼) I’m super happy with it! 😊 and thanks for your entry!!
Super cute backpack! I myself need to get a new one. The padding in the straps of my current one melted away! I think it's because I used to put it in the dryer after washing 😅
Thank you, this was a great video! I'm working on doing a convention/fair video as well and think I focus more on resources(packaging, printing, etc) but still include some inspiration. Also, that bag is adorable!
Good question and I'm glad you asked! I wasn't sure if that was something anyone would be interested in -- but yes I can definitely make one about it :)
Congrats on making more than spending! 🎊& woah, I didn't know that you can get collaborations so soon - really interested to see how it went with Ninja Transfers 👍
Thank you so much Krista! ❤️ It is seriously a big win for me because I always seem to spend so much on supplies for some reason haha! I will definitely make an update video once my order arrives in the mail!:)