Today we’d like to introduce you to Leetina Graham.
Hi Leetina , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Crafting runs in my family, believe it or not. My Grandmother, Mother, and Father were always part of craft shows and fairs. During that time of my life, at such a young age, I was give the opportunity by my family to create my own item to sale at the OHIO STATE FAIR. So, at the age of 13, I made a Small Porcupine doll. Soon as we went on summer break, my grandmother took me around to look for natural plants that were dried out to be used as the porcupine head and hands. Then my mother showed me how to cut out my own patter, and my dad well he let me cut out and paint my stand to sit my items on. Can you imagine being 13 years old, working at the state fair with your family, and being given the opportunity to create, sell, and keep all the profits? Needless to say, I did great, and that is how it all started. Every year after that, my family saw my excitement and dedication; they trusted me with running the booth until they got off of work. One day during the summer, while at my grandma’s house, I was cutting dress patterns out for my grandma, and she said to me, “Look at you over there tinkering like Tinker Bell; your new craft name is gonna be TINK.” That is truly what started my crafting in creating things.
The older I have gotten, I have learned that life can be challenging day by day, but instead of letting it get you down. Life is too short to be stressed, so I have decided to create my brand to empower every one of all ages with Positive, Funny, Sarcasm, and Faith. I love creating, so with that, TINKS IMPRESSIONS was created.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was blessed with parents whom knew how to do so many things. I watched my mom being successful with being a director, and watch my dad being so dedicated to fixing something himself. With such great teachers I have became a jack of all trades. Wedding Planner, Event Decorator, Custom Gift Ideas.
3 years laters I was able to narrow it down to my true passion, which is Custom Gift idea/Designs.
The main struggle was Covid. The other struggles came from being given the opportunity within Columbus, Ohio. It still remains to be a challenge to get accepted to pop Shops and Fairs, with many of these events not creating much foot traffic. I have found that there is so much more appreciation when it comes to Invite to events/Sales when traveling out of the city where I do receive a great response when traveling to smaller markets such as Mansfield, Ohio. This has allowed me to become more creative in my creations and sales tactics that I have now been able to use while in larger markets such back home in Columbus, OH.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a mother of 3: Daughter Ari (19), Son David (13), Daughter Madison (8), and one stepson, Jayden (9). I work full-time for The County of Franklin Child Support, as well as being the sole owner of Tinks Impressions.
What does success mean to you?
Success is finding something you truly love to do for a living and be able to monetize it. Also to create a future not only for myself but for my family.
Pricing:
- T-Shirts $20 and up
- Notebooks $6 and up
- Tumblers $13 and up
- Mugs $10 and up
- Car Air Fresheners $5 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TINKSIMPRESSIONS.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tinks_impressions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinksImpressions
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@Tinks_Impressions
Image Credits
Leetina Graham
