Episode Description
In this episode of Liz on Biz®, Liz Theresa welcomes her friend and multi-passionate entrepreneur Dayna Hartford. Dayna Hartford shares her journey as the owner of Printavise and Dayna Day Designs, delving into the creative process behind her popular “townie toile” textile patterns, her path to retail, and her love for New England-inspired art. The episode also explores Dayna Hartford’s personal experience with type 1 diabetes, her involvement with Type 1 Fitness, and her desire to make a philanthropic impact. Listeners will learn about the challenges and opportunities of running a creative business—both online (including Etsy) and in stores—plus hear fun insights about product development, adapting to new markets, and the supportive role of family in entrepreneurship.
Show Notes
Episode Highlights
- Dayna Hartford introduces her two businesses: Printavise (with her husband) and Dayna Day Designs, specializing in watercolor “townie toile” textiles (00:00:47).
- The “townie toile” concept grew from local inspiration and by-request commissions, with Dayna Hartford now creating patterns for over 50 towns—adding 18 more in a single week (00:01:08, 00:02:04).
- Dayna Hartford describes her creative process: hand-painting, scanning, digital editing, and researching local history (00:03:54).
- Discussion of Dayna Hartford’s background—degree in textile design and her return to art during the pandemic (00:02:20).
- Getting into retail: cold-emailing and visiting stores, pushing beyond comfort zones (00:03:12).
- Dayna Hartford opens up about being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 18 and how it changed her life path (00:06:23).
- Symptoms, diagnosis story, and medical challenges of type 1 diabetes (00:07:03).
- Support systems: from family to the Norwell-based nonprofit Type 1 Fitness, which empowers people with type 1 through fitness, scholarships, and summer camps (00:10:30).
- Dayna Hartford discusses tech/lifestyle: using an insulin pump and app for diabetes management, and how this inspires thoughts on adaptive clothing (00:09:47, 00:15:48).
- Product journey: Etsy as a key platform, bestsellers like wallpaper and custom pillows, and navigating competition (00:17:49, 00:18:19, 00:19:19).
- Technical and creative considerations in wallpaper design and printing (00:22:18).
- Dayna Hartford’s husband does all the sewing for their products—an unexpected twist (00:27:27).
- Plans for the future: more New England-inspired designs, expanding into florals, launching her own website with innovative tools like room mockups (00:17:02, 00:26:36).
Resources & Links
- Printivize (Website)
- Dayna Day Designs (Website)
- Dayna Day Designs on Etsy
- Dayna on Instagram @Printivize or @DaynaDayDesigns
- Type 1 Fitness (Nonprofit): Norwell, MA
Mentioned
- Topstitch Fabrics
- Ayla Brown, Merla, Feather and Nest (collaborative custom designs)
- Etsy Shop: Dayna Day Designs – wallpapers, pillows, and more
Episode Takeaway:
Dayna Hartford exemplifies creativity, perseverance, and community spirit as a multi-passionate entrepreneur managing personal challenges and thriving as a maker in the modern world. Don’t miss tips and inspiration for turning artistic vision into thriving small business ventures!
