Who are you and what do you do?
I am Teeko, the owner and creator of Teeko + Co. I make earrings for sensitive ears and sell prints of my photographic art. I’m a one-person shop and do everything from ideating, designing, marketing, fulfillment, photography, etc.
Have you always been passionate about art and design?
YES! My undergrad was in fine arts and my graduate degree was in arts and cultural leadership. Art and design is a familiar space for me and a space I feel comfortable in. Outside of designing earrings and photography, I am working towards becoming a UX designer.
What are some inspirations for your work?
Anyone who lives in their femininity and shows up everyday as their authentic self. Every collection I’ve created has been about celebrating diversity and being comfortable in your own skin.
What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
They love my products because all of my earrings are hand crafted and made for sensitive ears: so anyone can wear them! When customers wear my earrings, they represent a brand that stands for authenticity, femininity, and diversity.
What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business?
My parents were entrepreneurs, not by choice, but to survive. They created multiple businesses after immigrating to America and I remember watching them work 24/7. As a child, my parents would bring me to clean offices with them to make extra money. I would also become a cashier, stock person, waitress, restaurant manager, farmer, you name it, I probably done the work with my parents.
I learned discipline and fearlessness from a young age; and that hard works pays off. Because of my parents’ entrepreneurial spirit, I get the freedom to choose when to become an entrepreneur.