A Piece of Paradise from Pineapple Co. Art
For many small business owners, running a business is a blend of passion and practicality. Erin Simons, owner of Pineapple Co. Art & Design, runs her art business by combining her expertise as an educator, her Filipinx culture, and her passion for Tahitian dance.
Erin’s work as a full-time agriculture teacher fused with her talents in botanical illustration, and her small business is a way to share her refreshing tropical artwork beyond the classroom.
“My use of storytelling allows me to challenge the boundaries of traditional botany — utilizing stories as a vector to highlight the prominence of plants in their endemic cultures,” Erin said.
The small business owner’s Etsy shop displays a variety of brightly printed plants and flowers, with new and unique artwork frequently appearing. In the new year, Erin’s art continues to evolve.
“I am so excited to be offering new products with my artwork and inspired by my travels, such as pareos (bikini wrap skirts), make-up bags, and notebooks,” Erin said.
In addition to being a teacher and small business owner, Erin stays busy in the Sacramento community. She teaches wood shop and welding classes, coaches cross country, attends hula classes, sits as chairperson for the city library, and acts as Secretary for the teacher’s union.
“Despite my incredibly busy schedule, I always make time with my friends and family a priority,” Erin said. “That is why the goal of my business is to create fun and refreshing artwork for busy people. I want to encourage other hard-working people to prioritize themselves and the ones they love.”
Themes of rest and relaxation are evident in Erin’s artwork. Vibrant colors and tropical illustrations incorporate elements of Filipinx culture and Tahitian scenery to produce the perfect vacation in art form. When you’re in need of a respite from a hectic schedule, Pineapple Co. Art will be waiting to refresh you.
Erin said, “Our goal is to share tropical inspiration to a busy working schedule — from our little island to yours.”
Find your piece of paradise from Pineapple Co. Art here:
Instagram: @pineappleco_art
Etsy: @pineappleco_Art
Read more stories about AAPI-owned small business in Sacramento:
Aloha+Fronds is Growing Plants and Growing Followers
Every Purchase Has Purpose at Sama Tayo
FAHM Feature: How Esmiralda Garcia Bridges Filipinx Values and American Culture
View Erin’s feature in our 2021 AAPI-Owned Holiday Gift Guide