Today we’d like to introduce you to Tova Goldstein.
Hi Tova, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I used to wear headbands all the time but could rarely find designs that I liked. Since I am a graphic designer one day a thought popped into my head insisting I should design my own! I played with the idea for a while, then decided to push it further and create my neck gaiters. A neck gaiter is a tube of fabric meant to protect your neck and face from the sun, wind, and cold conditions.
They can also double as a headband. This idea came to me as I was a baby bird learning to paraglide. They are commonly used in the sport to protect your face. I couldn’t find any companies that would let me design without ordering a large amount. However, I did find a company that could print the designs on a sheet of fabric with no minimum. Having absolutely zero knowledge of sewing, I spent a lot of time googling and phoning friends, eventually teaching myself how to do it. Four years later, I’m still learning every day.
I’ve sold over 600 pieces, along with a few bulk orders as big as 100. I’ve also made pillowcases, scrunchies, headbands, and stickers along the way. I mostly sell to paragliding pilots because I have found there isn’t a ton of well-designed paragliding merchandise. Recently, I have branched out by selling to a few art markets and posting on the local ski pages.
My current goals are working with mass production, along with designing hats and dog bandanas. I’ve established myself well in the local flying community, which has opened doors for more freelance projects including a custom-wrapped trailer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Teaching myself to sew has been one of the most stressful yet rewarding processes ever. I use a zig zag stitch along with a stretchy fabric and thread which have been incredibly challenging to figure out. Two years ago I upgraded my sewing machine which has made the process a bit easier.
There are a million and one things that can go wrong when a stitch isn’t quite right and when you don’t know, you don’t know. Four years later I feel like I’m finally figuring out what the stitch needs in terms of tension and length which has made everything a lot smoother. Now that I have a better understanding it’s made me dread the process a lot less.
I recently created a prototype mini wing stuff sack (a bag to throw a small paraglider into to make the packing process a lot quicker). It’s a lot less stressful when you only need a straight stitch. It was pretty fun and has inspired me to create other items.
Balancing my business and a full-time job has been tough. I’m not in a financial place where I can pursue my business full-time. Things are picking up though and it is my goal to transition to my business being my full-time gig. Between those two, I’m working a ton.
A lot of my evenings and weekends are dedicated to my business, while weekdays go to my 9-5. Finally, somewhere in the middle, I find time to do all of my activities and maintain a social life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently work as a graphic designer for a marketing company, which is super fun!
The school I went to had an incredible program with a ton of talented designers. I was never the worst, but also never at the top of my class. Between that and my current job, it has been inspiring and challenging working with the best of the best.
I’ve often questioned if I’m good enough, but my business has shown me otherwise. Starting my business has been super cool because I’m designing stuff that speaks to me the most, which includes my love for vibrant colors and the outdoors. It’s past the point of my friends buying stuff to be nice. I’ve reached a huge range of people that love what I make and I think that’s the biggest compliment as an artist.
I’m also very passionate about mental health as I’ve had many of my struggles with it. Art has been my outlet in the sense that I can tell a story without speaking, along with occupying me through sleepless nights. Some of the best art has come from my lowest of lows.
My business has also allowed me a chance to give back. A few summers ago I donated my profits to my favorite nonprofit, Project Airtime. They are a local organization that takes anyone flying, from those with brain and spinal cord injuries to individuals with illness, as well as the elderly and veterans. It’s so rewarding to know that I can help make the dream of free flight happen. Let’s be real, who doesn’t want to fly?
How do you think about luck?
I don’t know if I believe in luck, but more so everything leads you in the path where you belong. All of my failures in life have taught me lessons and have lit a fire in me to be the best version of myself.
When I was applying for colleges I got accepted to my top school’s art program but got denied academically (yes that’s possible). I was so crushed but ended up at my 2nd choice school, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania which eventually led me to my senior year internship in Utah… A place that I’d never been or knew not a single soul. One of the first things I saw when arriving in Utah was paragliding pilots dotting the sky. I thought it was the coolest thing ever and I knew this place could be home.
Learning to paraglide has truly been the best thing ever. It’s inspired me to start my business and most importantly it’s helped me make friends that I can easily call family. I can’t imagine my life without flying at this point. So was getting denied from my top school bad luck, or just leading me to the place where I’m meant to be?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goodtova.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodtova_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodtova
Image Credits
Bri Clark
