We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Kain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I didn’t even thing twice about this answer. It’s evolving. Being able to constantly grow with your business and evolve with markets and even aligning with current passions has kept us relevant and going strong for 12 years!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always been a creative. To be honest I grew up thinking I was going to follow my passion of photography, and one day I was approached by a friend to try and make hair bows. Once I finished them, she loved them so much and said I should open up an etsy shop. Back then (in 2010) I was like, “What the hell is etsy?” So after some research, (or a long drawn out rabbit hole of adhd researching for hours) I decided, why not? So I opened Project Pinup and listed a few hair accessories and jewelry pieces and it kinda took off. I quit my job 2 years later after being tired of working peanuts for someone else. The major thing I learned in this business, is stay true to your personal style. In the beginning I was making things that I thought other people wanted. Until I figured out that I wasn’t satisfied artistically, making other people’s style. When I started creating designs with my own personal whimsical / goth/ rocker aesthetic, I really fell in love with everything I made. Now it is my personal goal, if I do not like the out come of one of my designs, I go back to the drawing board and make it until I am absolutely obsessed with it!

Being a creative, you do go through ruts however. When my father died unexpectedly from suicide back in 2017 it hit me so hard. I felt like I was never going to be myself again, mentally and creatively. But you do learn to cope with time and heal through art. Art as gotten me through so much my entire life and in my opinion the best form of therapy along with music.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Instead of phoenix, I would make the drive up to Sedona, AZ. In my opinion, it is the most magical place I have ever been to on this planet. But first, coffee. We would hit up my favorite coffee place Black Rock, and grab a Black Out latte with banana and coconut. I literally can’t function without coffee. Then we would go visit oak creek and have lunch by the water. After a relaxing lunch, we would hit up the skate park and skate all day until we have noodle legs! Starving by now, we would go grab some dinner at Tlaquepaque Village as there is an adorable outdoor garden cafe there with the best healthy food. On the way back, we would get to enjoy the unique red rock scenery that makes Sedona one of a kind!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh man! So many people have supported us throughout the years! But, the person who has supported me the most is my husband Daniel. When I first started Project Pinup, I was working by myself doing everything from photography, listing, social media marketing, website building, designing, packaging and more. My husband came on to work with me in 2016 it has helped me so much. He has always been a huge rock (more like a giant boulder) for me and my passion. Now, I get to work every day with my best friend and make really great designs for our clientele. Daniel has helped grow our business so much with his creative designs and drive to really see us succeed.

Website: www.projectpinupaccessories.com

Instagram: @projectpinup

Twitter: @theprojectpinup

Facebook: @projectpinup

Youtube: youtube.com/projectpinupgirl

Other: Tiktok @projectpinup

Image Credits
Daniel Kain Our daughter Lizzy Kain and catahoula leopard dog Luna

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.