Community Highlights: Meet Jane Estantino of Pink Moon Atelier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Estantino.

Hi Jane, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After a battle with breast cancer in early 2020, I found myself contemplating my life choices and direction. During this time of self-love and healing, I was able to openly admit that I wasn’t happy in my current career choice that I had dedicated over 15 years to.

Of course, I was scared to try something new. Was I too old to start over? Am I wasting all the time I’ve put into my curating my career? There was only one way to find out.

I decided to take all my life experiences, good and bad, and turn it into a safe place for everyone from all walks of life. I wanted to share my life experiences so that others can know that they’re not alone, that someone is always rooting for them, and that it’s OK to love yourself.

From that, Pink Moon Atelier was born, my life project that came to fruition in March of 2022.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To be very frank, the biggest struggles come from money. It’s never easy to admit it, but as a new business I knew that there would be ups and downs in regard to sales and income, but actually experiencing it is different.

There is a newly added layer of stress that didn’t exist when I had a steady paycheck.

Despite that, the overall reception to my store has been amazing. I’ve made new friends, met so many new people, and have so many supporters from family, friends, and my followers on social media. Without them I believe I definitely have as much success as I am having for a small business that is just starting out.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Pink Moon Atelier?
Pink Moon Atelier is a boutique that curates pastel, kawaii accessories, collectibles, and inclusive-sized apparel.

We also host a variety of events such as group art shows, pop-ups with a focus on featuring other small creators and makers, and soon we’ll have workshops as well!

I am most proud of the fact that I am able to support other small businesses, artists/creators that I follow and admire by wholesaling from them and making them accessible in a physical space. I also love being to provide size-inclusive apparel because kawaii pastel fashion is for EVERYONE.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I currently don’t, funny enough. However, I listen to Critical Role & Reddit on Wiki for entertainment while I work at the store with no customers around.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pinkmoonatelier.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkmoonatelier/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinkmoonatelier
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pink-moon-atelier-bellflower-3
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pinkmoonatelier

Image Credits
Event photos by Lindsey Mejia Thompson