Chismeando with my Comadre—A weekly interview blog series focused on meeting motivating creative female entrepreneurs as a source of inspiration for women looking to fulfill their dreams.
We hope that through these interviews, you find the same dose of inspiration each woman found to
just start and follow your dreams!
On today’s post, we bring you Ducky of Duckeats.
With a passion for food and art, Ducky’s current creative outlet is making and selling enamel pins that are inspired by her favorite food and culture.
What motivated you to start your business?
I've been lucky to be surrounded by many talented and creative people for most of my life and a need for a creative outlet has always been there for myself.
Growing up, baking and photography were my hobbies and as I got older I started to experiment more with my baking and photo taking. Food has always been something I was passionate about and I loved how it brings people together and how happy people get when you make them a homemade meal or baked goods. There was a point where I was selling my baked goods and doing a few pop-ups. but then I got consumed with my 9-5 job.
Now you are probably thinking, how did I get started making enamel pins? In 2015, when the enamel pin community started growing, I was surrounded by people making pins of their art and favorite things. I realized I had the same resources to make my own pins based on my interest and what I'm passionate about. I noticed that there were no pins that represented the food of my culture besides taco and burrito pins.
Growing up, going to the ‘Panaderia’ with my Dad was one of my favorite childhood memories and till this day pan dulce is still a favorite of mine. I decided to have my first pin designed, which was a pink concha. I received such a huge and positive response from that pin, I started to make more—then came the flan and ‘marranito’ pins. Three years later, I'm still selling those and have been making more!
What in life inspires you to create more of what you love?
My love for food! I get inspiration from cookbooks, food magazines, well curated food journals, food/photo zines, from other entrepreneurs who are hustling and going against the grain and when I see people following their passion while giving back to their community. It's been very fulfilling when I see the excitement people have when they see my pins because it represents themselves as well and brings back good memories of their traditions and family. I want to continue to create that excitement/happiness for others.
What is your biggest dream for your business and/or life?
A dream of mine has always been to own a space to share great food, well curated art and handmade goods from my favorite creatives. I also want to continue to travel the world and experience different cultures and food and share those experiences.
What is the largest hurdle you've had to overcome to get to where you are now?
The largest hurdle has honestly been myself. I've had so much self-doubt throughout the years. I would start a project and then just stop. I always made excuses on why it wouldn't work and would become lazy. Seeing how my small pin business has been successful and continues to grow has made me more confident in starting new projects now.
What is one piece of advice you'd give women looking to step into your field?
If there is a passion project you want to start, just start it! Don't be afraid of failure. Use all your resources and ask tons of questions. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. You'll be surprised on how many people will support you and your ideas. You got this!
What do you do to reset and refresh when life feels heavy?
I will read new books, meditate, find new recipes—I find cooking/baking to be very therapeutic—I'll drink lots of kombucha and probably try to plan a weekend getaway. Traveling definitely helps me reset.
What is your favorite activity on days off?
On my days off, I treat myself to coffee at my favorite coffee shops, take photos and spend time with my favorite people, which probably consist of eating good food.
If you could hop on a plane right now where would you go and why?
I would go to Japan right now because Tokyo is one of my favorite places—I love the culture, food and people. I'm always super inspired when I am there and think everyone needs to visit at some point. Being there takes me out of my comfort zone, which is needed at times.
Who would you invite to dinner? Frida Kahlo, Virgen de Guadalupe, or someone else that inspires you?
Frida Kahlo
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading Ducky's insight into how she started her own business and what keeps her motivated. Stay tuned for a lot more Chisme with other inspiring chicas!
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This is really inspirational. I just recently started my own blog so when Vero B. Shared your post on FB I was curious to see it! I love your concept. I too wanted to do a friend shout to shed light on my friends endeavors. Great look!
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