Meet Pumpkin

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pumpkin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pumpkin, why did you pursue a creative career?
I enjoy creating many different forms of art, but I wasn’t sure if anything I could create would be something people would be interested in buying. When I got into anime and kpop, I noticed a distinct lack of cute accessories. Especially for shows and bands that are generally marketed at men, but are widely enjoyed by women too. I decided to start making jewelry and accessories inspired by the shows and music I like.
I never thought I’d be able to pursue creating art as my full time job. I was honestly scared of giving it a shot for many years. I was afraid that I would experience burn out and lose my love of creating if it became something I depended on for money. But I became friends with other artists who run their own successful businesses and their experiences inspired me. My friends encouraged me to give it a try and gave me a lot of helpful advice. It’s thanks to them that I took the plunge and opened my own business

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider myself a sort of jack of all trades. I love sewing, drawing, painting, sculpting and making jewelry. When I first opened my shop, I only had the vague idea that I wanted to make cute accessories. I was inspired by my favorite forms of media and wanted to include them in my work. But I struggled with figuring out what customers would actually be interested in buying. What I think is cute isn’t always what other people find cute, The first several months were really a series of me throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks. I would pour my time and energy into creating a product just for no one to be interested. It was really tough and I felt like giving up several times.
Luckily I found success in hair accessories like scrunchies, bows and clips. I enjoy drawing a fabric design and then sewing it into something people can actually wear! And sculpting clay charms that can be turned into clips, earrings and keychains is so fun. Right now most of my items are inspired by k-pop groups, but I’m looking to expand into creating items inspired by more animes and video games.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love taking people to Atlantic Station to shop and check out the pop up exhibits. Although Doraville has the best food in my opinion. China Hotpot and Shoya Izakaya are two of my favorite restaurants. I’m also a big fan of visiting Hello82 in Atlanta for their k-pop events!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The biggest shoutout goes to my best friend Kerstin VanHuss who’s supported me both emotionally and financially with my journey. I would’ve given up a long time ago if it wasn’t for them!

Website: https://pumpkinpretty.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pumpkinprettystore/

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PumpkinPrettyStore