Tanja Percival of Kits and Crates on Turning Creativity into Meaningful, Connection-Driven Experiences

Tanja Percival, founder of Kits and Crates, has built a creative business rooted in thoughtful detail and human connection. As a laser artist, she creates custom engraved pieces designed to make people feel seen and valued, whether for events or businesses. What began without a formal marketing strategy quickly gained traction through consistency, creativity, and showing up on the right platforms. Over time, Tanja transformed that early momentum into a more intentional approach, growing a brand that reflects both her artistry and her commitment to meaningful experiences.

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

I’m a laser artist and founder of Kits and Crates, creating custom engraved pieces for events and businesses. My work is designed to make people feel seen and valued while elevating every event with thoughtful detail.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

In all honesty, I didn’t have a formal marketing strategy when I first launched. I started on a bit of a whim and relied on the platform I was using to help get my product in front of people. It wasn’t necessarily planned, but it gave me the initial traction and confidence to keep going and eventually build a more intentional approach.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. From selling splatter paint picture frames in elementary school to creating handmade cards as a teen, I’ve always loved making and sharing my work. It wasn’t until my 30s that I truly gave myself the opportunity to pursue it fully and let it grow into something more.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

One of my proudest accomplishments has been being hired to create products for the VIP suites at the Taylor Swift Eras Tour when it came to Vancouver. I had just launched a new product at a local event where the event planner happened to be in attendance. While nothing was confirmed that night, we connected and that relationship led to the opportunity. It’s been a true highlight of my business so far, and a moment that really reinforced the power of putting your work out into the world.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One thing I wish I had known is how important a community would be. In the beginning, I thought I had to figure everything out on my own, but having a network of other entrepreneurs to learn from, lean on, and grow alongside has made all the difference. It’s not just about building a business, it’s about building relationships that support you along the way.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

As a solo entrepreneur, I haven’t hired anyone onto my team. I truly value the one on one relationships I build with my clients, as that personal connection is what creates the magic behind Kits and Crates. It allows me to understand their vision and create something meaningful that feels truly tailored to them.

What did you do before starting your own business?

I was a project specialist in innovative technology research for conservation energy management for my province's natural gas utility company.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I ran my business alongside my corporate career for several years, growing it steadily while balancing both paths. Two years ago, I decided to fully trust that vision and take the leap to focus on my business full time, giving it the time, energy, and care it needed to truly grow.

Do you have any recent wins?

One of my biggest wins this past year was stepping into the world of in person markets and completing two large scale Christmas markets. It felt like such a full circle moment to not only be accepted, but to show up and connect face to face with customers and watch people experience my work in real time. Those conversations, reactions, and shared moments reminded me why I started and showed me just how powerful and meaningful that human connection is.

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

If I had to choose one, it would be Instagram. It’s where I connect directly with my audience, share my work, and bring people behind the scenes of my process. It’s been such a powerful tool for building relationships and growing my business in a genuine, meaningful way.

Who are your customers?

My customers are thoughtful, detail driven women whether in their personal lives or professionally. They care deeply about creating meaningful experiences and want every guest or client to feel special, important, and truly seen.

What's your top productivity tip?

My top productivity tip is to focus on one priority at a time. When I’m clear on the most important task for the day and give it my full attention, I get better results and avoid feeling overwhelmed by everything else on my list.

What's your favorite business tool?

One of my favorite business tools is Canva. It allows me to quickly create polished, on brand content for my business, from social posts to marketing materials. It’s easy to use, efficient, and helps me show up consistently in a professional and creative way.

What's your approach to work-life balance?

My approach to work life balance is more about integration than separation. There are seasons where my business needs more of me and others where I can step back, so I try to stay flexible and present in both. I’m intentional about creating boundaries when needed, but I also give myself grace knowing that balance doesn’t always look the same every day.

How do you avoid burn-out?

I avoid burnout by giving myself permission to step away and create space when I need it. Running a business can easily become all consuming, so I’m intentional about setting boundaries and protecting time to recharge. I’ve learned that taking breaks and stepping back actually allows me to come back more creative, focused, and energized.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Start before you feel ready. You don’t need everything to be perfect to begin, you just need to take that first step and learn as you go. Also, don’t try to do it alone. Surround yourself with a community of other entrepreneurs, share your journey, and be open to learning. Growth comes from showing up consistently and trusting that what you’re building will evolve over time.

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Tanja’s journey is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan to start, you just need to begin. Through trusting her instincts, embracing community, and focusing on genuine connection, she has built a business that not only showcases her creativity but creates lasting impact for her clients.

If you’re ready to build your business alongside a supportive network of ambitious women, make meaningful connections, and grow with intention, explore the Entreprenista League.