SOS BLOG

 

Guess who turned 15 years old this month!?

When I started Sick On Sin back in 2005 I def did not expect to still being doing it in 2020. I've told this story many times in the past - SOS was only suppose to be a short-term gig. I had left my job as the manager for a popular Canadian kids' website and was trying to decide what to do with my life. I thought while I figured things out it would be fun to make and sell some cute merch for a bit. I had the advantage of being in a relationship with a superstar illustrator who was willing to do all my designs - which was perfect because despite have tons of ideas, I can't draw.

Fast forward 15 years and I'm still making and selling cute merch (and Michael is still doing all my designs)! It's really crazy how fast the time has gone by. Thanks to SOS I have done and experienced SO MANY great things over the years. Looking back, here are some highlights:

• We have done over 500 original designs to date (granted, this is something Michael should be proud of as he's the one that has had to draw them - but I've come up with the ideas and bad sketches for them all!)
• I have been able to use the business to raise money for, promote and otherwise support charities, sanctuaries and organizations I care about.
• We have a loyal customer base that includes people who have been there since the beginning and people who have made numerous orders.
• I've connected and became friends with amazing and inspirational fellow small business owners.  
• All our young fans! This might seem like a strange thing to be proud of but I LOVE that there are so many kids out there who really dig our stuff. (I know how much kids hate getting clothes as gifts but I have heard MANY stories about how happy one was when they unwrap a SOS tee!)

While I have dedicated a lot of time, passion, and hard work to SOS I would never have been able to reach this milestone without the love and support from all our customers, fans and friends around the world. There are a lot of hurdles facing small businesses and it's hard to compete with big box stores and sites like Amazon. There are also way more people doing what I do compared to 15 years ago (which, while that can make things harder, it is actually PRETTY awesome to see so many people using art to support themselves!) And why not throw in trying to survive during a global pandemic just for fun!

So a HUGE thank you to everyone who has ever bought stuff, said kind words about us, promoted us, helped out at events, or aided us in any other way. You got us this far! You're all amazing! And of course, I have to give the biggest thank you to Michael for all the time he's spent drawing the designs, helping me at shows, and assisting in so many other ways! <3

Now a birthday is a time for fun and festivities - so let's get the party started!

1. SALE:

First, it wouldn't be a SOS birthday without a SOS Birthday Sale!

Get FREE SHIPPING on all Canada / USA orders over $15 CDN (and International orders over $100)!

No coupon code required. Sale ends Monday Dec 14 at 11:59 EST.

2. FREE GIFT: 

a) What is a birthday without gifts! All orders over $15 made between Dec 12 - Dec 18 will receive a FREE large magnet featuring this new Party Animal Cat design. I chose a grey cat to pay homage to our sweet old kitty Miso who we had to say goodbye to last month.

(FYI lil' guy is also available to purchase as pins, magnets, keychains, etc. - and is currently 50% off!)

 

 

What's a celebration without games and prizes! We are running giveaways on both the Sick On Sin Facebook page and the Sick On Sin Instagram page where the winners will score this set of 15 of my fave designs (as their choice of either pins or magnets)! 

So be sure to follow both those accounts (if you don't already), look for the post with the below pic and enter! Contests close Dec 15.

Picking 15 designs from the 500+ designs we have done was TOUGH but I think I got a good assortment! If you like what you see, I've made it into a limited-edition set available to purchase for only $15! 

I put a few of our goodies on sale for 50% OFF for the rest of December. 

This sale includes our limited edition holiday designs: Holiday Party Raccoon, Festive Skull, and Krampus.

As well, our fun Mystery Bags are half price! These bags are filled with 10 large-sized pins / magnets that 'seconds' (e.g. slightly scratched). These fun baggies get you a bunch of cute designs for a considerable discount. They're perfect for stockings and little gifts!

 

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Thank you again to everyone who has shown us love over the last 15 years. It's been a fun and interesting ride! While Sick On Sin was never suppose to BE my career, here I am still doing it. And truth be told, I'm still struggling to figure out what to do with my life - so looks like I'll be on this ride at least a little while longer! While I'm not quite sure what the future holds for SOS, I will admit that I am beginning to lose the spark for some aspects of the business so moving forward I'll be looking at ways to make some changes and try some different things. I am excited to see what the next year holds and what cuteness we will release into the world! :D 

Now if you excuse me, I have cake to eat!

xoxox,
Jen 

P.S. The postal service is extra swamped this year and as a result mail can take longer than usual to arrive. Here were our suggested deadlines for getting orders in to help ensure you received them in time for the holidays (you'll see they've all passed).

There is a small, small chance that orders made asap will reach the USA in time. There is a bit better chance that orders made in Canada will arrive. And if you're in Ontario, there is still a pretty good chance. I am working hard to get orders out as quickly as possible, but please understand that I have no control once it's in the hands of the postal service and there are no delivery guarantees.

 

 

Anyway, I'm sure you know that events and conventions have been put on hold for the foreseeable future. While this is totally necessary, it's going to make things really hard for artists and small businesses like us that rely on them. All of our confirmed Spring events have been cancelled which means a significant chunk of our income brought in during these months is gone. Pair this with having expenses from already purchasing stock and supplies for these shows, and things are entering the Yikes Zone.

While I normally do a Spring sale, this year I'm making it a bit bigger. I know many of you are in a tight financial situation, so def put your family needs first. But for others - if you've had your eyes on some of our goodies or would have bought from us at an upcoming fest or need a small gift for someone special - now would be a wonderful time to make an order. I'm super grateful for every single sale we've ever had in the last 15 years, but any that come in during the next few months I'll be doubly grateful for!

From now until March 22 get up to 30% off your order with the following codes:

Get 25% off orders up to $75 with code:
SPRING25

Get 30% off orders over $75 with code:
SPRING30

We don't know what the future holds but in the meantime take care, be kind, and wash those hands!

With a smile from at least 2 metres away,
Jen

P.S. All small businesses will be greatly affected by this and many will not survive. If you're able to purchase supplies from an independent shop or grab take-out / delivery from your fave local eatery, please do so!

Sick On Sin and COVID-19 precautions:

 

Please be assured that orders are always handled with the upmost care. I'm the only one who makes, packs and ships our orders. I'm a diligent hand washer to begin with but I'm also regularly sanitizing work surfaces.

As part of my social distancing, the only place I plan to go the next while is the post office. I'll be limiting trips to once every 1-2 weeks (so your order may take a few extra days to get to you). Thankfully I use a small rural post office so my odds of interacting with anyone other than the clerk is low!

 

 

 

 

 

I usually focus on local organizations for our Charity of the Month recipients but the Australia fires are weighing hard on my heart so 10% of January's profits will go towards this cause.

At the time of writing this, more than 12 million acres have burned, over 25 people have died & more than 2000 homes have been destroy. I’m sending love to everyone who has experienced lost, had to be evacuated or is having to breathe the smoke-filled air. Gratitude to everyone doing what they can to help. Thank you especially to the thousands of volunteer firefighters battling the blazes every day (many of whom are forgoing weeks at their regular jobs to help).

 

Guess who turns 14 this weekend!?!

When I started Sick On Sin back in 2005 I had NO idea that I'd still be doing it in 2019! It honestly doesn't feel like it's been 14 years - time sure flies when you're making tees & pressing pins!

It would not have been possible to reach this milestone without the love and support from all our customers and fans around the world. HUGE thank you and high fives to everyone who has ever bought stuff, said kind words to us, promoted us, etc. these last 14 years. You're all amazing! Thank you to all the fellow small business owners who I've connected with over the years. Thank you to my family and friends (especially my mom!) who have helped me at events. And of course, the biggest thank you to my partner Michael who draws ALL our designs and assists in so many other ways!

I'm so incredibly grateful - as without you all I would not be sitting here typing this. Thank you. <3

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A birthday is a time for festivities - so let's get the party started!

1. SALE:

First, it wouldn't be a birthday without a Birthday Sale! Get up to 30% off your order by using one of the following coupon codes:

Get 20% off orders up to $50 with code: BIRTHDAY20

Get 25% off orders over $50 with code: BIRTHDAY25

Get 30% off orders over $100 with code: BIRTHDAY30

 

The coupon codes expire Tuesday December 3 (11:59 pm EST) so don't delay - come do some shopping!  

 

 

2. FREE GIFT: 

a) Mmmm one of my fave things about the holiday season is gingerbread cookies!  Thought I'd share the cookie love - in a cute and crumb-free way! All orders over $14 made between Nov 30 - Dec 25 will receive a FREE large magnet featuring this new Devil Cookie as a special gift. (This sweet lil' guy is limited edition and not avail. to purchase on its own.)

 

 

What's a birthday celebration without games and prizes! We are running giveaways on both the Sick On Sin Facebook page and the Sick On Sin Instagram page where I'm giving away sets featuring 14 of my fave designs!  Contests close Dec 3.

So be sure to follow both those accounts (if you don't already) and enter the giveaways! 

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Thank you again to everyone who has shown us love over the last 14 years. It's been a fun and interesting ride! I'm not quite sure what the future holds for SOS - however there are some much needed changes that will be made (both to keep it fresh and to keep my flame for it lite). I am excited to see what the next year holds and what cuteness we will release into the world! :D 

Now if you excuse me, I have cake to eat!

xoxox,
Jen 

P.S. Just a reminder that mail at this time of year takes longer - so if you were looking to do some holiday shopping, please get your order in asap!

 

 

 

 

Happy First Day of Spring! 🌷🌱 The Equinox brings us longer days, more sunlight and colour to our gardens - triple yays! Spring has def sprung around here - the snow is almost gone (though I'm sure it will make an appearance at least 1 more time!), the robins have returned and I was able to be outside today without needing mitts and a toque! 

We’re celebrating the start of Spring with a sale:

Get 15% off your order with coupon: SPRING15 (expires Fri night). 

 

With warmer days approaching, now is a fine time to add joy to your wardrobe with a cute new tee! Or add flair to your spring jean jacket with some fun pins! 👍

 

 

Happy Caturday! My sweet grey pal here would like to remind you that shelters and rescue organizations are filled with awesome animals deserving of a loving home! If you are every looking to add a feline (or another furry / feathered creature) to your family - you'll find your forever friend there!

Please skip the pet stores and breeders! Don't Shop - Adopt!

 

 

Wanna spread the word that shelter pets rock? We have Don't Shop Adopt designs involving cats, dogs and bunnies on a selection of tees, stickers, pins, magnets, keychains, bottle openers, etc.!

 

Happy National Homemade Soup Day! I have mentioned many times in the past how much I love soup - would happily eat it every day! Thus I make soup A LOT. It’s funny, I hate cutting veggies for a salad but have no problem putting in the time chopping them for soup! 🤷‍♀️

 The homemade soups I make most often are vegetable, vegan "chicken" noodle, lentil, and split pea. If you made me pick an all time fave, it would be hard but I might have to go for Dreena Burton's Beans & Greens one as it's packed with so much good stuff (I add even more types of veggies then it calls for extra nutrient and extra YUM!). 

 One of the 13 designs released in December 2018 to celebrate our 13 year anniversary is the adorable Souper Duper! It was inspired by my love of soup as well as my love of the phrase 'super douper'! This design is perfect for anyone else who enjoys slurping up delicious soup. It’s also perfect for anyone who is SUPER - like you! Get it on pins, magnets, keychains, bottle openers and pocket mirrors! 

 

Guess what - Sick On Sin is 13 years old! Can you believe that craziness! Does that mean I'm now a parent to a teenager!? Yikes.

I can honestly say it hasn't felt like I've been doing this for 13 years. I've mentioned this many times before, but when I launched the store back in 2005 it was just suppose to be a temporary gig. I left a job in the corporate world and was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and thought I could sell some tees while I did that. Guess I'm still trying to figure out what to do with my life??

It would have been impossible to survive 13 years (let alone 1 year) without the help, support and love from so many folks. First, HUGE thank you and high fives to everyone who has bought stuff, said kind words to us, promoted us, etc. during the years. Thank you to my family and friends (especially my mom!) who have given up their days off to assist me at events. And of course a GIANT thank you to the amazing Michael, who does all of our adorable designs, graphic work and so much more. I'm incredibly grateful - as without you all I would not be sitting here typing this in 2018! Thank you. <3

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A birthday is a time for festivities - so here's how we're celebrating this big milestone!

1. SALE:

It wouldn't be a birthday without a Birthday Sale so here ya go! Get up to 30% off your order by using one of the following coupon codes:

 

The coupon codes expire Sunday December 9 (11:59 pm EST) so don't delay - come do some shopping!  

 

 

To celebrate turning 13, we have released 13 new designs! I'm in love with all of these and I hope you like them too! They're available on pins, magnets, keychains, bottle openers and pocket mirrors - check them all out here! 

 

3. Free Gifts: 

a) All orders made between Dec 6-9 over $13 (after discount / before shipping) will receive this FREE large magnet of our little Imp friend sporting a Lucky 13 tee!

b) Second, all orders over $13 made between December 6 - 31 will receive a FREE large magnet of this cute Devil Snowman as a special holiday gift. 

Both of these designs are limited edition and not available to buy on their own. 

 

4. Giveaways:

What's a birthday celebration without games! There's a contest this weekend on both the Sick On Sin Facebook page and the Sick On Sin Instagram page where you can win a button set of 13 of my most fave designs. So be sure to follow both those accounts (if you don't already) and enter the giveaways!

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Thank you again to everyone who has shown us love over the last 13 years. It's been a fun ride! That said, while there are definitely parts of the biz I love, there are some areas (both large and small) that I'm looking at changing in 2019. Got to keep things fresh! 

Now if you excuse me, I have cake to eat!

xoxox,
Jen 

P.S. Shipping during this time of year always takes a bit longer than normal. There are also some mail delivery delays due to the backlogs from the recent Canada Post strike. If you are wanting to get items for holiday gifts, please be aware that orders to International and USA destinations likely will not arrive in time. Orders to Canadian addresses still have a chance of arriving if you order ASAP, but please understand that we're not able to guarantee delivery in time. If you live in Southern Ontario, there is the possibility to pick up your order in person - please read our recent Holiday Shipping post for details!