The Journey of a Small Business Owner: From Analyst to Artist

When I opened the doors to my small business, Pillybaxtoodles, at 74 Haji Lane in Singapore, I never imagined the whirlwind of learning that would come with it. By day, I’m a senior FP&A analyst, adept at navigating spreadsheets and ERP systems. By night (and weekends), I’m an artist and business owner juggling digital art, Christmas card designs, and the unpredictable realities of running a creative enterprise.

It’s one thing to dream about turning your passion into a business, but the journey of actually doing it is a masterclass in resilience and adaptability.

Wearing All the Hats

When I started Pillybaxtoodles, I had no formal training in supply chain, marketing, or sales. Creating whimsical digital art was the easy part—my passion for illustration has always been the driving force. But turning my designs into products that customers love, like our exclusive Christmas cards available at Haji Lane, required diving into a world I knew nothing about.

From sourcing materials for our ceramic keychains to figuring out the logistics of printing Christmas cards in bulk, every step was a new challenge. Then came marketing. How do you make your work stand out in a city brimming with creative talent? How do you find your voice amidst the noise of social media algorithms?

The Balancing Act

Juggling my role as an analyst with the demands of running a business wasn’t easy. My analytical skills came in handy for budgeting, forecasting, and data-driven decisions, but marketing and sales required a completely different mindset. There were moments of doubt, like when campaigns didn’t perform as expected or when stock moved slower than planned.

But those challenges became opportunities for growth. I learned how to create engaging content, optimize captions with hashtags like #digitalart and #artist, and build connections with customers. Every success, whether it was selling out a batch of Christmas cards or receiving positive feedback at the shop on Haji Lane, fueled my drive to keep going.

Why Pursue a Dream?

It’s not always easy to step out of your comfort zone, but the rewards make it worth it. Seeing someone smile as they pick up a card you designed, or reading a comment about how your art brightened someone’s day, reminds you why you started in the first place.

For me, it’s about more than just selling products. It’s about creating something meaningful, proving that you can pursue your dreams even if you don’t have formal training, and inspiring others to do the same.

Your Dreams Are Worth It

If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own business or pursuing a passion project, let this be your sign to go for it. You don’t need to have all the answers—you’ll learn along the way. Whether it’s crafting beautiful Christmas cards or creating digital art that tells a story, every small step gets you closer to your goals.

So here’s to chasing dreams, embracing the chaos, and believing in the power of creativity. Who knows? Maybe your next adventure will be right around the corner—perhaps even at 74 Haji Lane.

Ready to make your holiday season extra special? Drop by Pillybaxtoodles for our exclusive range of Christmas cards and other creative treasures. You might just leave with a little more inspiration, too.