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

Hi Heather, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
At the time I was working full time at a Smoothie shop in Florida, I enjoyed my job, but it wasn’t fulfilling. I’ve always pursued art in my life, and even had a few small business experiences as a child, always trying to sell little bracelets I made or something in my neighborhood. For me running a small business really was my calling and what makes me happiest.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all very colorful. My entire life art has been a huge outlet for me, and I only want to make things that make me happy. I was very ecstatic to realize my art can also make others happy as well. I have a motto where I only sell something, if I’d buy it myself. Most of my inspiration comes from nostalgia, animals, foods, cartoons, and Halloween.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am actually planning a vacation in a few months with a friend. We’re going to go to the aquarium, go explore some caves, walk around downtown, and eat all the foods. I absolutely love seafood and will be getting crab at some point during that trip. As someone that grew up in Florida, I really have a soft spot for aquariums, water parks, beaches, and good seafood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a shoutout to my family for always supporting me artistically, especially my Husband and his father. I wouldn’t have made it this far without support from friends within the artist community as well and I’d like to shoutout Vivian Tong at Sketch Beetle Art, Emily Burpo at The Best Ginger Ninja, Crystal Rose at Cosmic Candy Shoppe, and Lyndzy Gordon at BunniDesigns. I could name a hundred more, but these guys defiantly helped me get where I am, even as emotional support. Also, my dog Noodle.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OnigiriArtShop

Instagram: @Onigiri_art

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1154036585059774/?ref=share

Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeEPfdLa/

Image Credits
BunniDesigns, Bunny Malkavian Photography.

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