Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina.
Hi Nina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I spent ten wonderful years teaching in the Philippines and another five years in Jakarta, Indonesia. In 2015, my husband and I were married in Jakarta, and the following year, in November 2016, I moved here to the United States.
When I first arrived, I worked as a tutor and preschool teacher. But there came a moment in my journey—a quiet but powerful turning point—when I realized I was being called to do something different.
That realization led me to a new path as a graphic designer in a sign shop, where I discovered my love for creativity and design.
In 2020, I took a leap of faith and opened my Etsy shop. I started small—just me and my Cricut machine—but my heart was full of dreams. Then, the world suddenly shut down as the pandemic began, and life took another unexpected turn.
In December of that same year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a season of deep pain and uncertainty—multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments followed. I lost my hair during my first chemo, and even lost my ability to speak for a time because my mouth was filled with sores. Yet even in those dark moments, I chose to keep going.
While still in treatment, I bought my first laser machine—a symbol of hope and new beginnings. That machine opened endless creative possibilities and reminded me that even in brokenness, beauty can rise.
Through more challenges, including another surgery in October 2024, I never lost faith. I trusted that every trial was shaping me into someone stronger and more grounded in purpose.
Today, I am humbled and grateful to see how far I’ve come. I am on remission and what started as a small dream has now grown into a thriving business with several machines—a large-format printer, UV printer, large plotter, and more. But more than the equipment, it’s faith, resilience, and grace that built it all.
My journey is a reminder that even when life changes direction, God’s plan never fails. Every setback can be a setup for something greater—if you keep believing, keep creating, and never stop shining your light.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
First, as an immigrant, I didn’t have enough resources to start a business. Second, I had no prior experience running one. My background is in education—I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Education, major in English, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Management—but not in Business Administration or Graphic Design. Lastly, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced a long road to recovery. Although I completed all my treatments, I continue to deal with lasting side effects and the daily challenges that come with the medication I take every day.
It was definitely not a smooth road. However, what made the journey more bearable was the unwavering support of my family and friends, especially my best friend—my husband, David—who stood by me through the most difficult and painful chapter of our life together. He never doubted that I would make it and did everything he could to support me. When I underwent another surgery in October of last year, I still had to process orders and he made sure I would be able to ship them on time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create custom signs and personalized gifts, most of which are laser-engraved or printed. I’m proud to say that many of my customers come to me unsure of what they’re looking for, but with my help, we’re able to bring their ideas to life.
What sets me apart is my patience and genuine care for my customers. I make sure each person feels special and valued throughout the process. Every product I create reflects hard work, dedication, and the time I spend ensuring that my customers truly love the final result.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is showing genuine care for my customers. Having experienced the pain and vulnerability that come with being a cancer patient, I truly understand what it means to receive sincere compassion. Without my customers, I am nothing. Whether it’s in the way I create each product or how I communicate with them, I want every customer to feel that I love what I do—and that every piece I make comes from the heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iprintsignsolutions.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iprintsolutionssignsandgifts
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/iPrintSolutions
