January 2022
Excited to have Remy – from Yaelly Designs, our Boss Babe of the month!
Thank you Remy for being our January Boss Babe and kicking off our 2022 line up! We would love to learn more about who you are and what you do?
I am an artist and illustrator based in Toronto and I own Yaelly Designs – which essentially is my brand that encompasses my custom and original illustrations and artwork.
My illustrations are generally created digitally using my trusty iPad. With this technology, I can create just about anything from high quality physical prints to commercial brand designs for websites or social media to loads of branding materials like stickers or notebooks.
My artwork is a combination of collage and acrylic painting.
How did the idea of Yaelly Designs come about?
I’ve had a passion for art ever since I was a child and would cover my bedroom walls in drawings (I guess we call those murals now-a-days). The beginning of the pandemic brought me back to my passion and love for art.
I started creating more consistently throughout and began getting commissions but I wanted to differentiate my artwork from my personal self. I used a play on my Hebrew name (Yael) as a pseudonym to sign my artwork and thus Yaelly Designs was born.
What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
My favourite aspect is being able to create what I choose. My creative ideas don’t need to be “approved” by anyone other than myself – and then I get to find out what works/doesn’t.
I also love seeing the direct impact that I can have on people – the joy they feel when they receive a custom illustration and how significant my work becomes to them. It brings me a lot of joy and purpose.
What motivates you?
The drive to be successful and to create something that I’m passionate about that I know other people will find value in.
What tricks have you discovered along the week to keep you focused and productive in your busy day-to-day schedule?
A good playlist helps keep me productive and I have daily, weekly and monthly planners to help stay organised!
What would you say has been most challenging about being an entrepreneur?
The hardest part is that I’m the marketer, the salesperson, the accountant, the product designer and the list goes on. It can be challenging to juggle everything without knowing if it’s the right decision. There’s no one to discuss ideas or strategies with which is a bit challenging at times.
Do you have a role model or greatest inspiration?
I think anyone that has gone against the grain and followed their dreams is inspiring to me.
Any words of advice for other young-preneurs looking to get started in their journey?
Be kind to yourself but also remember, no one is going to make things happen for you. You have to make them happen for yourself.
I’ll leave you with a great quote because why not, “I’d rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed.” – Robert H Schuller