Moxie & Mischief is offering 20% off storewide through November 25
With her self-described creative signature that’s a “little sass and a little class,” Dani Hawiszczak handcrafts prints, wall art, cards, buttons and other gifts that are designed to be “bright, bold and anything but basic.”
For nearly five years, the Dallas-based founder, artist and sole proprietor of the Moxie & Mischief store on MakerPlace has also worked full-time as a copywriter in the creative department at Michaels. MakerPlace’s parent company encourages its team members to explore their creativity (and set up their own MakerPlace store!)
We think her snarky, modern, vintage creations are clever and simply fun.
Her art celebrates women and the LGBTIA+ communities, exploring the concept of uncensoring women. She often uses imagery of women from the 50s – 60s, who were taught to act a certain way and suppress their thoughts and feelings.
Drawing on her many interests and talents (and perhaps an extension of the "Mischief” part of her business), Dani also draws and paints pet portraits, crochets, collage quilts and explores more mixed-media art. She’s also managing a recent adult diagnosis of ADHD and candidly shares how that’s had an impact on running her store, which has had a string of successful sales since the launch of MakerPlace.
Here, Dani gives us a peek at her creative process and offers inspiration with her thoughts on finding your niche, establishing your workflow, managing costs and navigating personal challenges while operating a creative business.
What is the story behind the name of your store?
I’m a bold person, and I knew I wanted my brand name to reflect that. That’s where “Moxie” came from. “Mischief” captured my snarky style, while allowing room to offer pet portraits and playful mixed-media creations.
Moxie & Mischief handcrafts the perfect gifts for the snarky, likely overworked, women in your life
What should we know about your story that isn’t already in your profile? I went to college for writing and majored in English, so I’m a completely self-taught artist and business owner. I joke that I attended the Art Institute of YouTube. I also spent countless hours on Skillshare, forums and reading books.
How did you start making your products?
I was shopping at an estate sale and found some vintage sheet music. On the cover, there was a guy kissing a woman on the cheek. She’s looking directly at me instead of him. Immediately, I laughed, imagining what she was actually thinking.
That inspired me to explore the concept of uncensoring women. Women have been told to act a certain way and suppress their thoughts and feelings — especially in the 50s and 60s. What if I could change that? What would they want to tell us? Thus, I got to collaging and fell in love.
Women, uncensored: a hallmark of a Moxie & Mischief creation
What is your creative process and routine?
There’s always a seed. It could be a picture of a woman with a sarcastic expression, a phrase I wrote in my head while standing in line or even a color that channels a specific energy. I take the seed and “water” it by playing with materials until I like my plant -- er, art!
What gets you in the creative zone?
I’m fortunate to always be in the zone. I think about creating constantly, and my space is set up to jump in when I’m inspired. There are downsides, though. Notably, I suffer from what I call Creativity-Induced Insomnia.
What inspires you to create new products?
Knowing I can give someone a reason to laugh and feel empowered is everything. Their friends, family and co-workers can see the art and laugh, too. It’s like a pay-it-forward effect of positivity.
What’s your must-have while working on your products?
Diet Coke, and at least four pairs of scissors because I constantly misplace them.
MakerPlace is handcrafted from Michaels Craft Store. What is one thing you always buy at every visit to Michaels?
It’s always different, but I always leave with something.
The Business of Making
What tips do you have for fellow sellers to get the most out of MakerPlace and selling handmade goods online?
In general, I recommend figuring out your packing and shipping process. It’s easy to get excited and launch a business, but knowing the best way to ship will really help protect your profit margins.
As for your brand, edit and find your niche. Find your specialty and the reason why only you can make those products.
As for MakerPlace, I suggest joining the sellers Facebook group and subscribing to the Seller Saturday emails.* Take advantage of calls for listings, contests and opportunities to promote. MakerPlace offers sellers quite a bit that other e-com platforms don’t.
What unique challenges do you face as a maker of handmade goods and how have you handled them?
My biggest challenge is ADHD, and I was diagnosed late at 32 (just a few years ago.) I’ve had to streamline my production, tracking and shipping processes. I’ve organized my space and constantly remind myself to put everything back as best I can. My success depends on me, so it’s been hard, but worth it to adapt.
Leave it to a copywriter to find a brilliant play on words
What advice do you have for new sellers struggling to get their first sale?
If you’re starting an online shop, you’ve probably heard, “you could sell these!” from friends and family. Take advantage of that. When someone wants to order from you, send them to your MakerPlace shop. Ask them to leave a review. Remember, your first sale doesn’t have to be from a stranger; it can be someone who already loves your product.
What is it like to be a full-time employee at Michaels and a MakerPlace seller? How do you juggle the two?
I also have a part-time job teaching painting classes, so I stay busy with all three. I consider time a form of currency, and you have a set budget every day. Each day requires a certain balance (work, sleep, etc.) But each day also has savings (a.k.a., time when you’re not required to do anything.)
I look at my schedule with this viewpoint and determine how to use my “savings” outside my full-time job. Here and there, I allow one hour for creating new designs, one for printing, and I often combine business tasks with leisure activities, like packing orders while watching TV.
Also, I don’t sleep!
Hand-drawing pet portraits is among the many talents of Moxie & Mischief owner Dani Hawiszczak
Moxie & Mischief is offering 20% off storewide through November 25
Follow Moxie & Mischief on Instagram @moxiemischiefdesigns
*Editor’s note: all sellers with active listings in their store are automatically subscribed to the Seller Saturday email that is chock full of tips and news to help sellers succeed on our platform. Check your email!