Meet Spoonflower’s Fall 2020 Small Business Grant Recipients

“So many times in life, we do not have the means to execute our plans exactly how we had envisioned, but thanks to this grant I can personally design the pageant wardrobe that I always imagined while simultaneously adding tons of luxurious, exciting pieces to my brand’s offering. Photo-Synthesis Designs will also gain invaluable international exposure through your social media platforms and the pageant. This is a validating, heart-warming dream come true that could not have happened at a better time, given the many challenges that small businesses like mine have faced this year. Receiving this grant from Spoonflower fills me with a great sense of pride which I will channel into this patriotic Trinbagonian collection; I am humbled that Spoonflower had faith in my brand.”

“This Spoonflower’s grant means a lot to me as an independent designer and entrepreneur. Spoonflower has become an essential part of my creative process through the last years, and has allowed me to continue developing my line of products while still being able to express my creativity with great quality.“

“Receiving the Spoonflower Small Business Grant means a lot for my personal growth as a fashion designer and small business entrepreneur in my small Caribbean island of Barbados. It is an achievement which helps me reach my goals towards producing a cultural fashion project influenced by the traditions and way of life of Barbadians.

“Gender-neutral baby apparel doesn’t have to stop at the basics. We are inspired by adventure and incorporate wildly colorful designs that are suitable for all babies, limiting waste on our planet, and defying gender boxes. Starting with baby leggings to promote exploring with the family, we will continue to expand our offerings and designs by leveraging Spoonflower’s organic, USA-made fabrics.“

“I recently immigrated to the United States and I am fascinated by the American sewing and quilting community. Earning this grant will help me expand and combine my embroidery work with printed fabric that can be used in sewing projects.”

“Ernie and Irene Collection is just starting out and we have big hopes for its growth. This grant is such a source of affirmation and encouragement. With the grant to offset the cost of our fabric, we can focus finances on creating samples for models and broaden our marketing outreach, to truly let the garments shine.”

“Although we are facing a global pandemic that has greatly affected small business owners like myself, I have big dreams of expanding my current project ideas as well as investing in professional photography and an online shop for my products. I very much want to be a voice for Black people who pursue the arts, so I’m grateful that Spoonflower chose to invest in me, a small Black business owner. As a chosen recipient I feel honored to continue to help pave the way for more positive representation and to know that other people believe in my dreams for the future.”

“This grant gives me the freedom to branch out into my new concept of illustrated posters printed on fabric. I am so excited to be able to offer my work as an illustrator on a new product. The income these illustrated posters could bring could support me and my work for months, and hopefully open the door to an exciting new line of products I can offer indefinitely.”

“I’m so thrilled to have been chosen as a recipient of this grant! I’ve been a Spoonflower customer for years and it’s exciting to be recognized and supported by the company and the community.“

“As a Black small business owner this grant is so important to me because so many times Black small business owners are not given the same chances and opportunities. Receiving this grant shows that I am just as deserving and just as worthy as anyone else.”

“As a recipient of this grant, I feel encouraged to know that my work and ideas are recognized by a company I respect. I’m now able to direct more of my focus on the design, production, and reach of my collection, and I’m finding inspiration in the possibilities that wouldn’t have been there without the generous support of Spoonflower.”

“Being selected as a grant recipient means the world to me! It means I can continue to build my business in the direction that I envisioned when I launched—by bringing art and modern style to all aspects of the home.”

“With this grant, I can cater to makers keen to sew a unique, modern heirloom for their (grand)kids. Plus, it’s amazing to present Mamahoela to all the Spoonflower lovers of original design!”