I've compiled a list of some small business resources PLUS discount codes and links for supplies and such to help you grow because we don't believe in gatekeeping; community over competition! This is what I use for my small business; yours will be different but this gives you an idea of what's out there.
If you find this helpful, please consider treating me to a smoothie (cuz I don't drink coffee 😉) so I can keep helping y'all out and providing reliable resources for FREE.
Made It Mikayla
I used to print, laminate, and cut all of my stickers at home, but now am lucky enough to get them professionally printed. But I do make my mini stickers at home this way since there's no manufacturer to make them this small and they're easy enough for smaller items.
Sticker Blitz
I use this brand for my main die cut stickers. They're waterproof, weatherproof, scratch-resistant, and dishwasher safe. They also offer clear and some other variations, but I mostly use the classic version. Use my code "SBMC580" for 10% off (plus it'll give back to me).
Online Labels
When I first started making stickers and sticker sheets at home with my Cricut, I used this brand's sticker paper. Today, I'm lucky enough to get my die cut stickers professionally printed, but I still use their sticker paper to make my mini stickers.
Vistaprint
Getting their sticker singles in the thousands allows me to hand them out as freebies at my events so people can leave with a little plants-and-positivity even if they don't purchase that day. It's great marketing; who doesn't love a free sticker!?
Print Products
Made It Mikayla
Yup, I print my own Art Prints and Greeting Cards in-house (well technically my apartment). I use cardstock that I got from a local paper store, and then print, trim, and fold (for greeting cards) each one with my Epson Ecotank printer, which prints with eco-solvent ink.
Vistaprint
I get my postcards and some notepads printed with Vistaprint. I choose the 100% post-consumer recycled paper option when I can. There's also bookmarks, journals, posters, and calendars, but I haven't gotten to try them out yet.
Noissue
A fellow eco-conscious brand, I get my washi tape from this brand. I also got my logo stamps from here and use them to brand my kraft bags for market packaging. They come with soy-based ink pads.
Accessories
WeCreat
My first ever laser machine! I love the portability of the Lumos, and you can bring it to your craft fairs too. I make my homemade wood pieces with this, including my variegated leaf earrings and tic tac toes. Use my code "mikayla80" for $80 off (plus it'll give back to me).
Zap Creatives
I love this brand for my wood items, including my magnets, keychains, and earrings. Unfortunately, they are not U.S. based like I am, but the quality and everything is great. They ship without plastic-wrapping the products, huge plus. Get 10% off with the link below.
Vistaprint
Vistaprint again! I get my tote bags, caps, and mugs printed with them in addition to my branding/marketing items. See below for more exact branded items. I strive to get 100% cotton when I can, and I love the embroidery for my caps.
Graphic Design Commissions
I'm helping fellow small business owners with their graphic design projects. Need help with your website, logo, branding, and more? Fill out our Inquiry Form and let's work together!
Packaging & Branding
Vistaprint
Business cards, packaging tape, branded apparel, circle logo labels, color paper bags, premium gift bags, wholesale flyers, thank you cards, market cards, product care cards, branded water tumbler, custom loyalty stamp, etc.
I choose the 100% post-consumer recycled paper option whenever they have it, along with the water-activated (not the plastic version) for tapes, and 100% cotton for apparel.
EcoEnclose
A brand that aligns with my own, I get my padded kraft mailers from EcoEnclose. They're made with 100% recycled, 25% post-consumer waste kraft paper fiber and 100% post-consumer waste macerated newsprint. Get $20 off with the link below.
Clear Bags
I use this brand strictly for my greeting card baggies because they fit the card with an envelope perfectly for me. Of course choosing the eco option, because this brand also offers virgin plastic.
Rollo
I use them for my packaging stickers and shipping labels because they print with no ink by using a heat process. I love the green stickers and pre-sized labels. Plus there's no software needed to use their printer.
Booth Displays
Clear Solutions Displays
I got my greeting card spinner, notepad display, art print displays, Spammie display, and postcard holders from this brand. The quality is top notch and the displays break down great for markets. Also great customer service.
Vistaprint
My top tent banner and big double-sided back banner are from Vistaprint. I also got a QR code sign from them. My newest addition is my a-frame sign and I love that it uses interchangeable panels.
GotPrint
I got my first banner from this brand. It shipped super fast and the quality is good. I also get some of my notepads printed with this brand.
Secondhand
When I first started doing markets, my displays were secondhand or repurposed from home. I recommend you do the same and get creative with what's around you! I still use some secondhand items for my displays to this day.
Software
Adobe Creative Cloud
I got my BFA in graphic design in college, and was in the Academy of Media Arts in high school, where I first learned to use Adobe software. I use them to this day and my go-to apps are Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro (although I have experience in the other apps too). If you ever need graphic design services, commissions are open!
Procreate
This iPad app was a one-time purchase and such a great investment when I was first starting out (it was $10 back in 2020, I'm not sure about today's price). I still use it to this day to draw some of my designs.
Shopify
My website host! I'm still using one of the basic themes, but made it my own. It has a good eCommerce back-end and usability is best (I have experience with other host sites like Wix, Wordpress, Weebly, Squarespace, Square, etc. and I like Shopify most). Use the link below if you need a referral.
Hostinger
My design website host! I designed my own graphic design commissions website (and I can help you design yours too). Use the link below for 20% off plus free domain and website migration.
Square
I use Square for taking tap/dip payments at markets. It has a good UI to make checking people out smoothly. It can also take tap to pay on your phone, I just prefer my iPad to checkout with a larger screen. Use the link below for $1,000 in free processing or $20 off hardware.
Tools
iPad Pro 11" 2020 + Apple Pencil 2
My iPad was the greatest investment of my small business! (I also used it while finishing up my last year of college/first year of this biz). I love drawing on it with the Apple Pencil 2, digital planning on it (that's how I got into making my own digital planners, and so much more.
Cricut Explore Air 2
My parents got me my Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine for Christmas in 2019, and in 2020 I started selling with MadeItMikayla. I still have and use this model to this day, and only replaced the cutting mats once.
Epson Ecotank
I switched form my college printer (Canon) to the Epson Ecotank because we're always aiming to be as eco-conscious as we can, and my old printer broke. I love that it doesn't use ink cartridges and lasts a long time.
MacBook Pro 14" 2023
I love having all the same brand of products because the syncing is so convenient. AirDrop is my fave tool ever! Plus this laptop connects with my phone so I can take calls on it, and the newest feature lets you see your phone screen on the computer screen and use it as if it were your phone on your computer (if that makes sense).
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
I love this camera not just for vlogging but for documenting my events, travel, and life. It fits in my hand perfectly and you can customize your experience with different accessories. Plus free up your phone storage.
Other Helpful Links
Faire Wholesale
I offer some of my products for wholesale on Faire and it makes it easy to track orders from retailers. Use the referral link below.
Etsy
Even though my shop is no longer on Etsy, I actually started on there before getting my own website. Get 40 free listings with the link below.
If you found this helpful, please consider leaving me a tip so I can keep helping y'all out and providing reliable resources for free.
Plants-and-Positivity-themed Stationery and Cute Gift Items
Everything is Handmade and/or Illustrated by Mikayla
Eco-Conscious, AAPI-Woman Owned Small Business
100% Human-made Original Artwork ⋆ We are anti-AI
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