Meet Katie Little | Artist & Small Business Owner

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

Hi Katie, what are you inspired by?

Nature inspires a lot of my art. Living in Southern California, I grew up by the beach and wanted to find a way to recreate it. When I discovered I could get the look of ocean waves with resin and a special heat gun technique, I was hooked. Part of what makes nature so beautiful is that it is perfectly imperfect, and I feel that extends to my art as well.

Another source of inspiration comes from the workshops I just started hosting where I teach the basics of resin pouring. Lately my students have been teaching me! They all get the same supplies, but each of them create something as special as they are. These workshops have inspired me to step outside my comfort zone with my art and try different combinations!

When it comes to what inspires my brand, my belief in speaking things into existence shines through. Many of my mantra based items are inspired by the struggles I’ve faced in my day-to-day life. While some people may think positive affirmations are silly, I love the energy it brings. The best part about incorporating this into my work, is when I find people who really need it. Something as simple as a cup with “you got this” on it can be all it takes to turn your day around.

My business is an extension of myself, and I use my life’s experience as inspiration for where I want to go next. Having battled with depression and anxiety, I love making products that normalize the talk surrounding mental health. While it isn’t always a comfortable topic, it is so important to show people that they are not alone in their struggles. Some of my most meaningful conversations have stemmed from a product I made that touched on mental health. As I continue to grow my business, I hope to continue incorporating these aspects and finding new inspiration as well!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I really love creating functional art, and I think that sets me apart from many other brands. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice beauty for design and functionality. Things like coasters and trays can be made to fit your aesthetic instead of the generic ones you find on Amazon. This goes back to my belief in one of a kind pieces and learning to love their imperfections. Instead of having a picture perfect setup, shouldn’t you have pieces that spark joy and excite you to have in your home?

It took me a while to really figure out where my brand stood and what I wanted to do with my business. I didn’t do things the “right” way by creating a business plan or gathering funding; I just opened an Etsy shop on a whim and hoped for the best. Now as you might have guessed, this has not been easy. But it has allowed me to adapt with my business as I go and change my brand into what I envisioned. I’ve never been much for following plans, so it makes sense I enjoy just winging it.

Something I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I work so hard for this dream of mine. This business has sparked something in me that won’t quit until I make it big. Not in a “wow she’s so famous” kind of way, but in a “wow I can’t believe people feel so connected through my brand” kind of way. I have a vision of a sunshine collective that is filled with good vibes and even better people to share it with 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I’ve got a full day booked, let’s go! We’ve got to get food first, so let’s stop by SNOOZE, An AM Eatery for brunch. After some food and maybe a bloody mary, it’s time to walk it off by checking out the shops in Old Towne Orange! Whether you’re looking for a thrift store, a record shop, or maybe some coffee to keep you going, it’s all there in one spot.

If you’re looking for a variety of options to eat and drink, we have to check out the Anaheim Packing District! Over 30 artisan restaurants and bars to choose from, and plenty of Instagrammable opportunities. Want to grab another drink? Let’s check out Villan’s Brewing Company right down the street for a microbrewery and art gallery experience.

A day in Anaheim isn’t complete without a visit to Disney! But only if you’re buying because those prices are outrageous…

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

When it comes to my resin journey, I owe a shoutout to my MAS Epoxies family. I was new to resin and stumbled upon their virtual Maker Meetup, where they shared tips and hosted giveaways of their resin. The Maker Meetup was such a unique experience and it really pushed me to expand my business into what it is today. We worked on vision boards, how to create passive income, and connected with creatives on Instagram, many of whom I still follow 4 years later. MAS Epoxy is the only resin I use for my projects now because they truly support their makers and have such great products.

Most importantly, I want to dedicate this to my partner Luis. As much as I like to think this is a one woman show, it would be nothing without him. I’m constantly showing off my new creations, and have taken over the apartment with my art supplies. But when I start doubting myself, questioning the value of my work, he is there to cheer me on and remind me to charge my worth. This business and its success would be nothing without someone to share it with. Cheers to us, my love.

Website: sunshinecollective.square.site

Instagram: littlebitofsun.co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Littlebitofsun.co

Other: littlebitofsunco.etsy.com