Custom Pet Portraits by Tiffany Dnaka
About the Company
Custom Pet Portraits by Tiffany Dnaka is a unique business offering custom watercolor artwork of pets, primarily dogs. Tiffany's brand focuses on not just creating beautiful art but also on supporting animal rescue efforts across the U.S. Through collaborations with various rescues, she donates artwork to help dogs find permanent homes. The business officially launched in 2021 and has seen significant growth due to its personalized nature and the mission-driven approach that resonates with pet lovers.
The company operates mainly online, offering a range of custom art products, including prints and ceramic keepsakes. Tiffany’s art is distinctive due to its digital creation process, allowing for affordable pricing and scalability in product sizes. The business also recently expanded into drop shipping and added a clothing line to diversify its offerings.
Idea Behind Company
The idea for Custom Pet Portraits by Tiffany Dnaka was born out of personal loss and the desire to memorialize a beloved pet. Tiffany's journey began after losing her dog, Moxey, and subsequently, her job. Seeking a way to honor Moxey, she searched for custom pet portraits but couldn't find exactly what she envisioned, leading her to create her own artwork. With no formal training in art but a strong creative background, Tiffany developed her unique watercolor style that would eventually form the basis of her business.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 provided Tiffany with the opportunity to explore her creative side further. What started as a hobby on Etsy quickly evolved into a full-time business when she lost her job in 2021. This transition from hobby to business was driven by a need to find a new purpose and passion, combined with a desire to support animal rescues.
Creating the Company
Tiffany's process of building her business was rooted in digital art, which allowed her to offer customizable and affordable pet portraits. Each piece is meticulously crafted, taking 1-3 hours to complete, and is printed on high-quality watercolor paper. The digital nature of her work enables her to produce large-format prints and maintain low overhead costs. Tiffany's art process involves layering photos to achieve a watercolor effect, ensuring that each portrait closely resembles the original photograph.
In addition to portraits, Tiffany expanded her product line to include ceramic keepsakes and keychains, adding variety and appeal to her offerings. She also ventured into drop shipping to introduce a clothing line, further diversifying her business. The digital foundation of her artwork allows for flexibility in product sizes, catering to customer preferences for both small and large prints.
Launching the Business
Tiffany initially launched her business on Etsy, leveraging the platform's trust and ease of use to build her brand. However, she faced several limitations, such as restricted customer communication and high fees. These challenges, coupled with Etsy's advertising policies, led Tiffany to move her business to her own website, hosted on Wix. This shift allowed her greater control over customer interactions and branding.
Creating her website on Wix was a strategic decision based on cost-effectiveness and design flexibility. Unlike Shopify, which has limited free templates, Wix offered Tiffany the creative freedom she needed to develop her site. This move marked a significant step in establishing her brand's independence and direct customer relationships. Tiffany's artwork's personal and unique nature continues to drive its success, with most of her customers coming from local communities and social media platforms like Instagram.
Earnings
Tiffany's business has seen steady growth, with current monthly sales averaging around $1,200 and significant increases in organic traffic, thanks to her SEO efforts. Despite running at a net negative profit due to ongoing investments in SEO, Tiffany remains optimistic about the long-term benefits. She is exploring various strategies to attract and retain customers, including social media engagement, word-of-mouth referrals, and partnered giveaways.
Tiffany's persistence in building her business without external funding has taught her the importance of adaptability and perseverance. As she continues to grow her brand, she is open to seeking mentors, investors, and partnerships to expand her reach. Her ultimate goal is to scale her business while staying true to her mission of helping dogs find forever homes through her artwork.
