Today we’d like to introduce you to Dayna Daberkoe.
Hi Dayna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. It has always been my true passion, the one thing I have always felt so comfortable and sure of about myself.
Moving to Chicago in my early 20s introduced me to so much, and I went through many struggles figuring out the reality of being an adult. During that time, I learned a lot of skills but mainly developed within the customer service field and retail management. Although I was excellent at my job, it wasn’t my true passion, and at the end of the day, I felt empty. Longing for that moment where I could finally focus on my art again.
Being furloughed during 2020 gave me unexpected free time to dapple into art again. I painted a German folk art-style birdhouse for my mom as a Mother’s Day gift, and soon after everyone wanted one for themselves. I started doing custom projects over those 6 months and the passion was burning inside me for creating art once again.
The biggest gamble I have taken in my life was deciding to walk away from corporate retail jobs and see if I could make my dream a reality. I was 29 at the time, and it felt like a ‘Now or Never’ type moment. Through hard work, lots of research, major risks, but strong determination, I managed to create what is now known as Fawn Haus.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I entered the small business world with very little to almost no knowledge on how it works. I knew my goal was to share my art with as many people as I could, but how to get there was the challenge.
Coming from a strong retail background, I took the skills I learned over the last 10 years, such as marketing, customer service, visuals and displays, social media advertising, etc. —And applied that to my OWN personal business. Nothing has been more fulfilling than applying my time and energy towards my own brand.
I also travel for 90% of my work, bouncing between Chicago and Up North Michigan. I do events throughout the entire state of Michigan, which is my home state, so it allows Fawn Haus to have lots of exposure. I am permanently going to reside in Michigan this year, which is why I have been focused on building my brand and following here rather than Chicago. However, doing events in Michigan, Chicago, and even Milwaukee has me excited and encouraged to continue to showcase my brand around the Midwest.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the sole owner and artist behind my brand called Fawn Haus, which I describe as “Enchanting, modern-day folklore.” Here you will find hand-painted, expertly crafted, timeless artworks and more. Fawn Haus is inspired by Old World European folk art and fairytales. I have found my brand to be original by painting 100% of all artworks by hand and bringing nostalgic folk art back to life. Celebrating different heritages and having customers connect with my work based off heritage is so special.
I strive to create an experience when customers shop my brand. The goal is that you feel immersed in a storybook or an enchanted forest while your eyes wander through my magical and unique treasures. I am known for creating over-the-top displays when I do events and festivals. It doesn’t matter the size of the event; I always showcase my booth at a 10/10 level because creating that experience is my standard for the brand. It’s what I want my customers to expect when they’re shopping Fawn Haus.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Entering this type of career, you MUST be open to taking risks. Without risk, there is no gain. My entire brand was built off the risk of it potentially not working out! I didn’t know if people would love my art, or absolutely hate it and I would never make any sales.
When I did my first-ever event at Blake’s Lavender Festival in Armada, MI I was 50% crazy excited that I had my very own booth at an actual event and 50% terrified that those attending wouldn’t like my art. The market was a huge success, and in that moment, I proved to myself and others that I DO have what it takes to make this work.
Without pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, I’m not sure how far you could get. I search for opportunities rather than expect them all to just come to me. That is how my brand has grown at a rapid rate I never thought possible in just under 2 years.
I feel truly blessed and full of gratitude for my fans and all those who support my art. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for their love and loyalty for Fawn Haus.
Pricing:
- Art Prints $12-$20
- Trinket Boxes $25-$59
- Sage Wands and Crystals $5-$15
- Average Item Cost $9-$29
Contact Info:
- Website: fawnhaus.com
- Instagram: @fawnhaus_
