"Starting Tintiko was a leap of faith - a blend of uncertainty, hope, and determination. Every late night, every risk, and every moment of doubt has been worth it."

WHAT THREE YEARS OF TINTIKO HAS TAUGHT ME 🔑

It’s been three years since I began the journey of Tintiko… Crazy! I genuinely cannot believe it’s been so long already. Yes, that was a super cliché opening line, but it’s honestly how I feel.

First things first, if you’re reading this blog, I want to thank you. Your support means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful for the encouragement that keeps Tintiko growing and thriving.

Now that that’s out of the way, let me share some key lessons this entrepreneurial journey has taught me. These insights come from countless projects, late nights, early mornings, and, most importantly, moments of growth.

1. OPPORTUNITIES WILL COME IF YOU KEEP SHOWING UP 🚪

When you work hard and put yourself out there, opportunities will undoubtedly come your way. Sometimes, they’ll align perfectly with your vision. Other times, they’ll feel like wild detours from the path you’ve carefully laid out, step by step. The truth is, only you can decide which opportunities are worth pursuing. Trust your gut - it’s a powerful compass.

In the early days, I said yes to almost everything. When you’re an independent design studio and unsure where your next paycheck will come from, it’s tough to say no. But as I’ve grown, I’ve learned that not every opportunity is the right one. Some ideas went on the back burner, and I’m okay with that.

The key is to never burn bridges. An opportunity that didn’t make sense two years ago could become the perfect piece of your puzzle today. Relationships matter. Nurture your clients and partners, even if things don’t immediately align.

2. BEING SELF-EMPLOYES IS TOUGH, SO STAY READY 🏄🏾

Let’s be real: the self-employed life is not for the faint of stomach. There are moments when you don’t know where your next paycheck is coming from. You’re juggling social media efforts with little return, dealing with clients who demand endless revisions, and trying to keep up with daily life - all while bills pile up.

What I’ve learned is this: when you can invest time or money into improving your processes, do it. Streamlining your business systems is essential for survival. Yes, I’d rather spend hours dreaming up a brand concept on Pinterest, but laying the groundwork for an efficient business pays off. Systems give you peace of mind and help you stay prepared.

Think about the kind of business you want to run. Do you dream of having amazing projects lined up month after month? Start by building a strong foundation. Create a seamless, client-friendly process that keeps people coming back - or better yet, referring new clients your way.

3. SOMETIMES, MORE IS MORE 👑

I like to think of myself as an eclectic minimalist. Does that term exist? It does now! Some days, I’m crafting sleek, minimalistic brands. Other days, I’m diving into a mess of gouache paints, tracing paper, and my trusty iPad.

One thing I’ve learned is that refining your skills beyond the screen is invaluable. Experimenting with different tools and mediums not only fuels creativity but also strengthens your design sensibilities. Sometimes, “more” really is more - and embracing that can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

Check out how I’ve incorporated this into my work: Tintiko Studio portfolio

FINAL THOUGHTS: LESSONS FROM RUNNING A CREATIVE DESIGN STUDIO 🤎

Running Tintiko has truly been my pride and joy - something little me could have never imagined becoming a reality. I vividly remember being just months away from graduating university, feeling completely lost about where my life was headed. I wasn’t sure what kind of career I’d build, but one thing I knew for certain was that a traditional full-time job wouldn’t fulfill me in the long run.

Starting Tintiko was a leap of faith - a blend of uncertainty, hope, and determination. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but every late night, every risk, and every moment of doubt has been worth it. It’s a reminder that taking a chance on yourself, even when the path ahead feels unclear, can lead to something truly meaningful.

To anyone reading this - whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative professional, or someone chasing a dream - I hope these lessons resonate with you.