When ‘Hey, Wiggle Butt’ became a reality in May 2022, it was a dream come true.
What started as an experiment in joy, creativity, and connection became so much more.
Now, it’s time for the next chapter.
Here’s the full scoop.
Angela here, the artist and co-founder of ‘Hey, Wiggle Butt.’
This idea originally started as a partnership with my partner, Richard. As we have navigated building a business together, we realized a few things:
- I am an entrepreneur at heart. Richard, my partner and co-founder of ‘Hey, Wiggle Butt,’ had an exciting expansion to his career earlier this year. This made us realize I couldn’t sustain this business alone while also focusing on my primary business of 16 years.
- In theory, marketing 50+ products year-round can seem feasible for a small business. However, this model is not sustainable for one person to manage.
- I want to return to my roots of gathering people in transformational spaces.
- I am excited to keep creating inspiring art.
- As I step into the role of being the sole owner of the business, ‘Hey, Wiggle Butt’ is a really fun name, but it doesn’t encapsulate who I am and the kind of art I create.
So, we have made the decision that ‘Hey, Wiggle Butt,’ as a brand, is coming to a close.
When should we chase the next goal or pivot?
This decision is a bit of a déjà vu moment.
Years ago, my first side gig was jewelry design. It was a wonderful creative outlet, but only so much I could produce as one person.
I was at a tipping point: I could scale by mass-producing my designs.
Or, I could keep things simple, not put pressure on making so much inventory, and keep things to a limited edition model.
I chose the latter.
Similar to where we are today, scaling a business takes strategy, time, and enough people to make it happen without burning out.
The old me would have chased this goal of scaling. Maybe it’s because I’m in my late 40s or how challenging it is sometimes to navigate life in a messy, unjust world or perimenopause (IYKYK), but life is short.
Life isn’t meant to chase the next goal and then the next, only to end up burned out. Been there, done that.
The Infamous Argument That Inspired Us to Choose Simplicity
I’m reminded of an argument Richard and I had many years ago. We don’t have many arguments, so I remember it so well.
I wanted to sell everything we owned and move to Italy. Maybe I’ve seen “Under the Tuscan Sun” too many times.
He said something that forever changed how I see life:
“You want an extraordinary life, and I don’t. I want a simple life with extraordinary moments.” Yeah, I know… I cried, too.
As he said those words, I realized we wanted the same thing. Those words still remind me to focus on what matters.
Simple Moments and Pockets of Joy
Our mission from the beginning was to “remind people that they matter.”
Richard and I embody this as a core value that drives everything else in our lives, including the home we have created as a couple and how we navigate our relationship of over 20 years.
Whenever we displayed our cards at an event, people would read the messages and laugh.
We would pretend not to notice when people tried to read the “Salty” collection nonchalantly, thinking it wouldn’t be that salty.
Inevitably, people would cry. The hugs and gratitude y’all shared changed me.
“This is the card I wish I would have received when I was diagnosed with cancer.”
“My dad died last month, and I haven’t had the words. This <holding up the grief card> explains it perfectly. Thank you.”
“My grandchild just came out to me. I can’t wait to give them this card <referring to the Pride card>.”
My brother-in-law just graduated from college in his 40s. I’m so proud of him. This is the perfect card. <The Salty Congrats card>”
I have countless other stories…
The connections people have made—and will continue to make—using our cards as a catalyst are more than I could have imagined.
And now that I’m full-on crying as this final ‘Hey, Wiggle Butt’ post comes to a close.
Thank you for believing in our small business.
One door closes so another can open.
Although ‘Hey, Wiggle Butt’ is coming to a close, this is not the end.
Creating art is part of who I am.
Knowing that my art helps people find moments of connection and pockets of joy in a noisy, messy world makes it even more rewarding.
The heartfelt moments with our customers helped us see how much people need hope, connection, and kindness.
I will reveal my new studio and offerings in January 2025.
It will be more than soulful art that reminds you that you matter.
It will also be a gathering place for women and nonbinary folks to connect, create change, and fill our cups so we can continue our important work in the world.
Stay tuned on Instagram for updates.
Love,
Angela
