A blossoming business
For 18-year-old Maja, her indoor plants aren’t just something pretty to look at – they’re inspiration for her business, Majukooo.
Working from her home in Northern Ireland, Maja’s brand specialises in personalised greeting cards, stationery, fashion accessories and home decor – all inspired by flora and fauna. “I started my brand last year and it’s become my dream job that I’d love to do for the rest of my life! In September, I’m starting a graphic design and illustration university course which will hopefully help me and my business as well.”
Maja tell us more about her small business, Majukooo.
What medium do you enjoy working with most?
Definitely watercolour and ink! I love creating very loose brushstrokes that add a sense of expression to my pieces.
What goes on behind-the-scenes when planning a new collection for Majukooo?
Each collection starts with some brainstorming, and I’d say this starts approximately one to two months in advance! I list all of my product ideas, and the designs that I envision for them. Next, I gather some resources and start painting each illustration. Depending on how large the collection is, this could take one to three weeks. After this, I create patterns on Photoshop using the illustrations that I painted earlier. This can take a few days and it’s probably the most stressful part of making a collection because I always make so many patterns and colour options, sometimes I feel very anxious about if the products will sell and if they’re good enough (some other creatives reading this can probably relate, too!). Next, I order the products from my manufacturers and wait for them to arrive. This can take up to two weeks as well! And voila, there’s a finished collection ready for launch day!
What inspires each collection?
I think it’s different every time – it could be the season, or just things I love! For example, houseplants or flowers!
What does the average day look like for you?
I get up and then have a coffee and chill. Then I do some work – packaging orders, shipping orders, and doing some marketing and interacting with my followers on Instagram. Then I go on a walk and relax for the rest of the day!
If one of your creations could be displayed anywhere in the world, which piece would you choose and where would you display it?
Probably my houseplant print! I’d love to see it in some sort of botanical garden. I just love the look of my prints beside houseplants!
What’s your favourite part of running Majukooo?
My favourite part must be designing products, it feels so surreal to have an idea in your head, draw it out and turn it into a reality! I also absolutely love seeing customer photos and reading their reviews. It feels so rewarding!
How does it feel to know your creations are in homes all across the world?
It feels so crazy knowing that my products are all over the world, being used by and being loved by so many different people!
What puts you in the mood to create?
Going on walks, buying a new plant, seeing and smelling flowers, or simply getting a new idea!
Follow along with Maja on Instagram – @majukooo
Location: Northern Ireland
