What it was like starting a business at 17

The truth behind the creator and creation of PerfectJustForYou Shop.

At 17, I didn't even realize I was starting my own business. It was honestly something I genuinely enjoyed doing and many people wanted me to do it for them. At first it was very exciting. I'm someone who loves to start new projects and I aspire in making my creative ideas a reality.

It was 2020, covid started. I couldn't go to school and couldn't get a job. To be honest with you, I had what felt like an infinite amount of time, so I turned to doing things that I genuinely found peaceful and exciting. I spent every day painting, crocheting, sewing and embroidering. I started off with sewing some bucket hats for me and my friends which immediately got the ball rolling. Friends of friends were coming to me for masks, hats, scrunchies and headbands. Then I sort of just decided that one day I'm going to make it an official shop.

Honestly, I had a lot of time on my hands, and this is a genuine passion that helped me find peace and meaning. But at some point, I lost my meaning. Eventually, it became just a job, and I wasn't fulfilled anymore. I ended up taking a break from my small business and then around 3 months later, Kristina was diagnosed with cancer.

Kristina was one of the most dear and significant people in my life and will forever and always be. I spent most of my days with Kristina which now I look back on with tears in my eyes. I honestly was very lucky to have spent so much time with someone I love so much and it never occurred to me that those memories would be all I have left now. There were days where we would just paint or doodle together.

Then one day, Kristina asked me to teach her how to crochet a beanie. I didn't really see myself as a qualified teacher when it came to crochet, even though I did it for most of my life and sold crochet items. I guess in my mind it didn't occur to me that I am qualified and that I am a business owner who used to work tirelessly to perfect these things. We ended up crocheting together where I taught her step-by-step what it's all about. Kristina crocheted her very first baby blue beanie with me. It's an honor. 

This is where I kind of got my spark back. Doing art with Kristina made me realize why I started all this in the first place. I found peace in making art again. It was no longer seen as a job. My friend helped me find my authenticity that I didn't realize I needed back so bad. 

Then I received my very first embroidery machine. This was one of the most amazing gifts a girl with my passion could have ever received from her parents. The excitement of having a new machine that assisted in creating marvelous art was exhilarating. I got to learn so many new things. I entered a whole new world I didn't even know existed. I was like a puppy playing with a new toy. 

But then again. As work began to pill up, I lost my meaning. At this time my friend had undergone lots of treatment. I decided to leave my business behind, and I didn’t ever think I was going to come back.

I spent most of my days with Kristina. From cooking to painting to TV watching to napping. We spent our days together. I can proudly say, Kristina became my best friend.

The holiday season came around and I decided to pull out my handy dandy embroidery machine which was honestly just collecting dust at that point. I made Kristina a line art embroidery of her doggy, Niko, on a t-shirt. The sweetest french bulldog with the most adorable personality. I can still envision her reaction. She was always a grateful and kind soul who could bring out the very best in people. She definitely brought out the best in me. 

That very week I received multiple emails from individuals who couldn't reach me through my Instagram requesting custom orders. My business wasn't really active or operating at that moment, but I decided to still follow through. Spending time with Kristina helped me find my once lost pleasure in my art. Even during the darkest and most difficult times, we turned to art. So, after those orders, I started up again. 

One day we decided to do some drawing in notebooks I got for us. I ended up journaling and Kristina decided to draw colourful fruits. A memorable day filled with peaceful art time and good laughs. I think of that day often. If I would have known that that was the last time we created art together, I would have never let the day end. I would have stopped time somehow. 

When the world lost Kristina and heaven gained an angel, my life turned upside down. 
I expected to live my whole life with Kristina by my side. 
I expected to grow old with Kristina. 
I expected my best friend to still be here sharing life with me.

 I decided my new mission was to make sure her story will always live on.

Now my company raises money for the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation through our art. 

Check out about the f*ck cancer collection to learn more!