Little Island Company
Huntington Beach, California
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Barbara: Little Island Company
I have always been creating art or sharing art with others. I started Little Island Company in the eighties designing my own fabrics for a baby bedding collection. Today, I print my designs, mostly lighthearted and fun, on T shirts, Onesies, Tote Bags and Kitchen Towels. I sell on Etsy and at art fairs (before Covid but again soon). I am also able to create my own fabrics (for sale and my own use) through Spoonflower, an amazing resource.
Along with doing my own art I have spent several years helping kids create art. For the past 15 years (stopped now due to Covid) I have worked a few days a week with kids facing medical challenges. From methods I used helping kids get started on a project, I created watercolor kits for beginners that provide everything needed for a fun and easy watercolor painting experience, for all ages.
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
When I started the baby bedding collection in the eighties, we lived on Balboa Island (the little island) and it seemed like a perfect name. As I moved along into other projects, the name always worked for me, and still does.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
I think my style is lighthearted, colorful and fun and I hope makes people smile. I create designs that celebrate things we love ~ cats, dogs, cupcakes and even vegetables. I started with an ice cream design because to me it's colorful, makes a great pattern and is well liked so I also added the words...I Like Ice Cream. Other subjects followed using the same basic format. I love being able to transform simple everyday items like kitchen towels and tote bags into something fun and decorative.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
I hope it is my own creative point of view and sense of style and humor. I know it's not for everyone but it's for some and that's what matters.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
I think the biggest roadblock is one many designers/artists have to deal with and that is being seen, getting found, in this huge community of talent and exposure opportunities.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
I started selling a lot of watercolor kits through Etsy as so many people were stuck at home and began to think about trying new things, including art. I needed to figure out how to get more supplies quickly and find or create products when they were unavailable, due to Covid. For example, the paint sets I was buying for the kits were sold out for months so I created my own paint pallets.
I miss the art fairs and the fun I have doing them with my daughter. But we are looking forward to getting back out there soon.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
I enjoy all aspects of taking an idea from sketch to painting to finished product.
What is your *must do* local activity?
I have always been a walker and hiker and walk all over Orange County. I especially love the Back Bay in Newport, Heisler Park in Laguna Beach and the hills in Laguna. I love the dog beach in Huntington Beach where the dogs are so happy it's contagious. Though not exactly local I was born in L.A. and enjoyed Grand Central Market, Farmer's Market and the art museums as a kid and still do, especially with family.
Where to find Little Island Company
Website: www.littleislandcompany.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleislandcompany/