Conversations with Amy Zhang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Zhang

Hi Amy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Funny enough, I actually started my business as a way to sell merch for my twitch channel. I had drawn my own cat emotes for the channel and tried using a third party service to make and ship stickers to my viewers. Finding that the service took a big cut of my revenue, I decided that I would bring it all in house. I started learning how to make stickers using my Cricut machine and that quickly grew to making other products as well. It was all so fascinating to me and the hands-on aspect of it was exactly what I was missing in my full time job as a UX designer. I decided that I would start my own Etsy shop and expand my business to a bigger audience.

I used to post a lot of videos on TikTok and Instagram documenting my process and that’s where a lot of my business first came from. This year I made the big leap of doing my first in-person market because I really missed having the personal connections to my buyers – and I’m so happy I did!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel like pursuing something new is never without its obstacles. As someone who struggles from imposter syndrome, I was always comparing myself to the other shops on Etsy and the small businesses I see on social media that have gone viral. It’s tough not to question your own abilities when your business is not doing as well as the ones you are always seeing online (of course not taking into account that those businesses have probably been in my shoes at one point). I’ve learned that patience and persistence will take you pretty far but you also have to get out of your comfort zone and learn to take the appropriate risks.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist who does all of my own designs and hand makes most of the items I sell. I specialize in selling cute cat themed items ranging from stickers/stationary to drinkware and lately have dabbled in crochet cats. I’m most known for my drawings of kitties in cartoon style! I based a lot of my initial products off of my two kitties Daisy & Hobbes, who are SUCH great inspirations. I’m most proud of the fact that I hand make most of my items. Coming up with the designs combined with the process of making the items is really what I enjoy about all of it!

One thing I am working towards right now are custom cat buddies. I’ve gotten enough feedback about making custom products that I’m actually going for it! I’ve been in the process of experimenting with a couple of customers right now but hopefully I’ll have a robust process that I can scale and use with everyone else in the near future!!

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve done a lot of social media networking. I found a lot of inspiration and help through people on TikTok or Instagram that have been in my shoes at one point. That was also where I was building my community with other small business and potential customers. I don’t have one specific mentor, I have more of a hodgepodge of mentors 🙂
In terms of networking, I also found that going to craft markets is a great networking opportunity. I love browsing the other stalls and seeing the setups, chatting with the business owners etc. You really can make some great friends and the best part is – it’s all local!!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theperfectpeet.square.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theperfectpeet/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564280555892
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePerfectPeet