Read our interview with Cori, the creator behind Petal & Pine.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Cori! I’m a 24-year-old SAHM and wife living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I first started my Etsy shop when I became a stay-at-home mom. Although my job as such is 24/7, I always make time for creative outlets. I’ve been drawing for years and wanted to turn it into something I could take everywhere. I started making jewelry two months before I opened. I had a Michaels gift card and stumbled upon a UV resin kit, and I have been obsessed since.
Being a mom is the center of my business and the reason for it all, and I want my work to reflect not only my personal interests but the experiences I’ve had in both Alaska and Washington because not everyone gets to live in these places. In my free time I enjoy gardening, drawing, baking, and cozy gaming. My favorite color is yellow, I pretty much run on iced coffee, my favorite animal is a shark, and I’m obsessed with Halloween and fall!
Where did the name “Petal & Pine” come from?
I grew up in Southeast Alaska and Washington state. “Petal” in my name and logo refers to forget-me-not flowers, which is Alaska’s state flower. “Pine” refers to living in the evergreen state! It’s also a play on words as well, I work with pressed flowers (petal) and I draw all my stickers. My thought process was that pencils are made from trees (pine).
How has your art evolved over time?
I started with pencils and colored pencils! Prismacolors were my favorite. A few years ago I got an iPad and have been drawing on Procreate ever since. As a mom especially it’s so nice just picking up my Ipad and going for it instead of having supplies laying around. I also NEVER used to draw people, and now they’re one of my best sellers!
What is your favorite piece that you’ve created?
My favorite is definitely my Cryptid Campfire sticker or Squatch Ross! Sasquatch is my go to inspiration in the PNW and both reflect my life so much. Definitely the most proud of those.
What are you inspired by?
My surroundings! At a young age I spent my time hiking trails, beach combing, kayaking, fishing and looking for bears on logging roads in AK. When I came back to WA my life changed slightly, less bears but similar views. The Pacific Northwest has inspiration everywhere and if I can’t be in AK I’m glad I’m here in WA! Becoming a mom is also a huge inspiration of mine and my greatest accomplishment in life, I wouldn’t have ever considered this business if I hadn’t become a SAHM.
How do you define success?
FEELING like you accomplished something. In business they always talk about numbers and money, but I don’t need this as a job. I need this for me. My business is incredibly small, I don’t make much, but it’s fulfilled something in me much more valuable than money and I’ve gained so many small business friends and customers over the last 2 years.
What habits have helped you succeed?
Being a little quirky and creative! Idea sounds silly? Jot it down on paper and start sketching. Those have been my favorites and most popular! If it’s unique it sells.
Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
My husband Ryan for being my biggest supporter in life.
All images included in this article belong to Petal & Pine.
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