Meet Tania Young

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tania Young.

Hi Tania, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As an immigrant, I arrived in the United States from Romania in the summer of 2000 alongside my mother. My educational journey led me to the University of Michigan, where I pursued a college degree in Psychology. Following my graduation, I dedicated seven years of my life to working as an ABA therapist, a profession that focuses on aiding children with developmental disabilities. The gratification of witnessing their progress towards achieving goals and recognizing my role in their success served as a constant reminder of the positive impact I could make on the world. 

However, the structural challenges within many therapy centers became apparent over time, posing difficulties for therapists like myself. One evening, after a particularly demanding day at work, my husband posed a question that sparked a significant shift in my life. He asked, “If you could do anything, what would it be?” My response, unchanged for the past seven years, revealed my true passion – scrapbooking. The desire to spend my days immersed in this creative pursuit and eventually own my own scrapbooking business had been a long-standing dream. 

Encouraged by my husband’s supportive inquiry, we took decisive action. By the end of that week, we officially established our scrapbooking business. In the following months, we diligently filled out applications and were accepted to exhibit at some of the largest scrapbook conventions in the country. The journey toward creating Scrappy Happy Designs was made possible through the unwavering support and involvement of my family members, each contributing in their unique ways. 

Our business has experienced consistent growth, with 2023 marking our most successful year to date. I am grateful for the encouragement and assistance that have shaped Scrappy Happy Designs into what it is today, a venture that continues to thrive and bring joy to our customers. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting this business hasn’t been a smooth road; I believe any new endeavor comes with its challenges. The journey began in a small apartment, attending conventions alongside renowned names in the scrapbooking industry, all while running a one-woman operation out of plastic totes. Initially, I was apprehensive about whether I could measure up to the competition. One of my significant disappointments was the realization that not all competitors were as welcoming and helpful as I had expected. Despite the majority being women-owned and operated, the initial struggle was not knowing the right people in the industry. The competition proved to be intense, and lacking a business background or a mentor to guide me, I had to learn the intricacies from scratch—marketing, client outreach, accounting, and more. 

My expertise lay in scrapbooking, and I excelled in that aspect, but I discovered that running a successful business required much more. I had to embrace the concept of doing it scared, understanding that waiting for nerves to dissipate would only lead to prolonged inaction. As the business began to grow, delegation became a hurdle. Being a perfectionist and micromanager by nature, I had to learn to let go. This shift was crucial. Once I embraced the idea of delegating tasks and trusting others to excel in their strengths without constant micromanagement, the business flourished. 

Acknowledging my shortcomings and accepting that I couldn’t master everything was a valuable lesson. Learning to let others shine in their strengths proved instrumental in the growth of the business. Reflecting on my humble beginnings, I’ve made it a point to support and cheer on fellow women pursuing their dreams. I firmly believe there’s room for everyone, and each individual brings something unique to the table. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a deep passion for scrapbooking, a cherished and somewhat overlooked art form in today’s digital age. This creative pursuit has been a part of my life since childhood when, unknowingly, I began preserving memories by clipping photos and articles in a notebook. As an adult, I realized the profound value of this hobby – not just in recording information but in capturing a piece of the artist’s essence who assembles the scrapbook. 

In establishing Scrappy Happy Designs, my goal was to facilitate the recording of personal stories in the easiest and most convenient manner possible. We offer DIY kits that eliminate the guesswork from scrapbooking. These kits are comprehensive, including all necessary materials and detailed instructions to recreate a layout effortlessly. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing unique titles and die cuts, ensuring that our customers’ pages stand out. With an extensive collection of designs spanning various themes and styles, we continuously add new options on a weekly basis. 

I take immense pride in the intricacy and attention to detail that characterize our products. Our signature style, rooted in vintage Victorian aesthetics, distinguishes Scrappy Happy Designs amidst the myriad of scrapbooking kits available in the market. Beyond the convenience of our kits, we aim to preserve the essence of storytelling and creativity in each finished scrapbook, making them timeless pieces that capture not only memories but also the unique touch of the artist. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I find inspiration and guidance from various resources, particularly through self-help and Christian literature. Rachel Hollis and Max Lucado have been significant influences on my personal and professional growth. Their works have underscored the importance of consistently striving to become the best version of oneself, a philosophy I try to incorporate into my daily life. 

For me, cultivating a vision for the future and setting realistic goals are crucial components of personal development. I believe in waking up each day with the intention of working towards that ideal version of myself. This intentional focus on self-improvement has become an integral part of my identity. 

However, at the core of all my endeavors is my faith. It serves as a guiding force that shapes my decisions, both in business and in all aspects of my life. While I diligently work towards my goals, I recognize that, ultimately, the outcome is in the hands of God. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.scrappyhappydesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scrappyhappydesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scrappyhappydesigns