Meet Tiffany Dnaka | Custom Pet Portraits

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

Hi Tiffany, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of my business is a combination of having two things. The first, is having a strong support system. I lost my job during Covid, and that is what launched me into pursing my business full-time. I couldn’t have done this without the help of my parents and my boyfriend. From helping with some of the overhead costs, to taking time off on the weekends to help set up my pop-ups would have been impossible without them. The second factor is being genuine. I am the image behind my brand and I just try to be myself, and I think my customers value that.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started to really pursue growing my artwork after I lost my job. It wasn’t just any job, it was a job I dedicated myself to. I worked three jobs to obtain my masters degree to be part of a community college system I wholeheartedly believed in. I was the former Director of Accessibility Services at Calbright College, sadly my role ended. I saw students who needed accommodations never to secure them, but rather their leadership offered inadequate substitutions. I lost sleep over this, and I am sure you would too. I fought hard to show the leadership the value in delivering accommodations to our most vulnerable population of students, but my voice was not heard. So fast forward, now I am pursing my other passion, which is creating artwork and helping animals in need.

After I lost my fur-baby and my friend lost his dog, I came to Etsy to find a specific style of custom made pet portraits. Long story short, I couldn’t find what I wanted and I decided to create my own with the purpose of giving back to animal rescues!!

I wrote a blog on how losing my job shaped my artwork. This might be helpful https://www.tiffanydnaka.com/post/what-i-learned-from-losing-my-job

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Orange County so my go to spot to eat at for breakfast is Stacks Pancake House in Dana Point! They have the best gluten free pancakes ever! For drinks, I would suggest The Tea House on Los Rios, this is a combo package where you get to try amazing tea and food, but the ambiance is what makes this a go to spot. I would for sure have to make a spot at Aliso Beach in Laguna! I a huge beach lover and I think this is one of my favorite beaches. Last, I would stop at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. Some of my artwork is sold in their gift shop but the work that they do to help rehabilitate the sea mammals is amazing, and who wouldn’t want to see some cute seals?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes, my support system, which includes my family, boyfriend, and friends.

Website: Tiffanydnaka.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffany_dnaka_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tiffanydnaka/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGnsnkJOdvI9NMyQ0j8QFYQ