Meet Sylwia Zalinska | Co-Founder, Silk And Scales

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sylwia Zalinska and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sylwia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After graduating from University with a degree in Psychology, I was overwhelmed with emotion with the seemingly limitless career possibilities that I was somehow all “underqualified” for. After facing countless rejections from companies I applied to, I thought to myself, “Did I choose the right path? Am I even capable enough to be considered for these positions? Should I just give up and further my education?”

Even though I was passionate about the degree I obtained from University, a huge part of me always wanted to do something creative – something I can pour my heart into that would make a difference in someone’s life, even if it was as simple as a smile.

A few (unemployed) months later, I was scrolling through Etsy scrambling to find my friend a personalized zodiac gift for her birthday. To my disappointment, nothing really clicked. I knew what I wanted, I could almost visualize it in my head, but it simply did not exist.

I vividly remember going on a walk with my sister (and co-founder) to discuss my failed attempt at finding a birthday gift I was happy with, during which I found myself saying, “Wouldn’t it be cool if we started a business one day?” And that’s when I had my a-ha moment.

I knew that the “one day” would never come unless I took action, so right in that moment, we decided that “one day” was today. Did I have a single idea how to get started? Absolutely not. But I put in months of work and research to make my dream come true, and the rest is history.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Silk And Scales offers a unique selection of hand-painted, personalized zodiac mugs, tees, gift sets, and digital art for the astrology-obsessed. When we started our business, we wanted to be different from the mass-produced zodiac gifts that dominate the market; we wanted to create something timeless and personal. Not one zodiac mug we paint is the same, and each one is treated with utmost care and attention. Every individual is unique, and we wanted every recipient of our gifts to feel just that. We leave a lasting mark on our customers, reminding them each day when they reach for that mug that there is only one of them among the 7.98 billion people in this world. Our mugs are inherently a gift, whether bought for oneself or gifted by another, and in that sense, they are a daily reminder that you are loved, that you have a purpose in this universe. We live in a world where social media is a natural part of our life, and although it can connect us with hundreds, even thousands of people from across the globe at the tap of a finger, it can make us feel lonelier than ever. We wanted to create something that can link people, however many miles apart, in a more permanent way, so that the individual can remember that they are never alone.

We’re extremely proud of how far our business has come, even though it wasn’t easy. Starting a business is a risk, but even though risk is riddled with uncertainty, I’m a firm believer that risks yield the greatest results, or at the very least, the greatest learnings. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right,” and I firmly stand by that. Your definition of success is entirely up to you.

Starting an online business was the riskiest thing I’ve ever done in my life, yet I went into it with a positive mindset, not putting stress on what I defined as a “successful” business. Success to me was taking the risk; I’ve done more than most people would, and to me, that was success.

Because I chose to view success fluidly, I was able to celebrate a multitude of wins I never expected at the beginning of that journey: learning graphic design, landing a full time job, earning an income through social media, shipping to nearly all 50 states across the U.S. or having our mugs be featured on the Drew Barrymore show. All because of taking a risk.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My sister and I are from Chicago, so if you ever visit the city, we’d highly recommend visiting Millenium Park (and seeing the Bean, of course), walking along the Chicago Riverwalk, gazing at the breathtaking architecture of the Magic Mile, and taking in the entire city from above via the Willis Tower Skydeck. As for a night out, you can’t go wrong wandering into any restuarant or bar that suits your fancy – there’s a buzz around every corner. If you’re feeling adventurous, order a shot of Chicago’s finest Malort… We’ll let you form your own opinion on the taste!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The growth of Silk And Scales couldn’t have been achieved without my co-founder, and sister, Aneta Zalinska. In addition to her support, passion, and optimism, Aneta was the engine behind our marketing strategy and day-to-day operations. She’s not just part of my story, but helped me write it.

Website: http://silkandscales.etsy.com/

Instagram: @silkandscales

Facebook: www.facebook.com/silkandscales

Other: Tiktok: @silkandscales