Rotero Atelier
It’s been a joy learning about Rori’s journey with Rotero Atelier, and we’re excited to share it with you below. You can support her small business by checking it out here!
About Rotero Atelier
Rotero Atelier is a small business based in Virginia focused on making small stickers and charms. The business began as just simple commissions for family and friends and has since grown to both in-person and online markets like Etsy. Full of fun, whimsy, and charm, Rori’s creations range from quirky alien stickers to K-pop keychains, all of which are made with love and care. At its core, Rotero Atelier is focused on sustainability, with the owner using paper mailers to mail her hand-crafted stickers and plastic bags that can be recycled. Looking towards the future, Rori aims to improve the environmental sustainability of her business and improve her creative craft.
Our conversation can be read below!
What inspired you to start your business? What’s your story?
I've always enjoyed crafting and drawing, I also love sharing my work with others, so I started gifting my creations to friends and family. They all said I should try selling my stuff but I didn't believe that people would pay for my silly crafts. I was unsure when I started my Etsy and started doing in person markets, but so many people have bought my things and have expressed how happy it makes them to own one of my products. Those smiles encouraged me to invest more into Rotero Atelier!
What’s one of your favorite things you’ve made?
It's hard to choose, especially since I make so many things, but if I had to choose it might be my first commission piece. I was so shocked that someone actually wanted a custom product from me! They wanted a keychain with a picture of their cute alien OC and I put so much time and effort into it, hunting down the perfect beads for the project. I also drew their OC's head to make into a sticker because I was so grateful for the commission and wanted to add a little bonus into their order as thanks.
What are your thoughts on the importance of sustainability for small businesses?
I think sustainability for small businesses is so incredibly important. I know from being a long time Etsy and artist alley customer that the packaging you use matters. A lot of waste can be created with excess packaging and not all of that packaging is biodegradable, meaning it's long-term to permanent waste. While I know that my packaging could be more eco-friendly, I am always trying to improve. For my bigger orders I use plastic bubble mailers and an organza bag, which I personally reuse/repurpose and hope that my customers do as well. In order to create less waste, my sticker only orders are shipped in basic paper envelopes. I hope to improve in the future, as I want my business to have a positive environmental impact in the long run.
You can visit her small business here.
