The Aesthetics Studio: UTM Alumna’s Creative Journey to a Local Pop-Up
The accomplished small business will set up shop at the Erin Mills Town Centre from November 16 to 29 after winning second place in local business contest.
University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) alumna Hannah Grace Wang is set to bring her small business, The Aesthetics Studio, to Erin Mills Town Centre as part of her recent win in the Mind Your Own Business Contest. Hannah’s stationery store, known for its original designs and high-quality products, earned her a coveted two-week pop-up opportunity across from Old Navy and Urban Planet, which will run November 16 to 29.
This pop-up isn’t just a business milestone for Hannah—it’s a “full-circle” moment. “Winning this contest is very special to me as this is my local mall,” she shared. Her story and success offer inspiration to current UTM students and young entrepreneurs alike.
A Business Born from Creativity
The origins of The Aesthetics Studio trace back to 2020 when Hannah graduated from high school during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I knew I wanted something engaging to do during the pandemic,” she says, explaining that, like many young people at the time, she was spending most days online with little else to occupy her. A self-described introvert, Hannah found herself alone often but had always loved drawing. This creative passion eventually blended with her entrepreneurial ambitions, giving life to her stationery business.
Starting a business at 17 wasn’t without challenges, especially during the pandemic. The first year was marked by “trial and error” as she faced obstacles while navigating her new venture.
“In many ways, starting my own business gave me something to hold onto during the most difficult chapter of my life,” Hannah reflects.
Soon, however, she found a supportive community on Instagram, which gave her the confidence to continue and grow her brand. Today, she’s not only built a successful business but also a loyal following that appreciates her creativity and resilience.
Bringing Unique Stationery to Life
The Aesthetics Studio has grown since its initial launch, expanding from cute sticker sheets to a diverse range of products.
“I first started by selling sticker sheets but have since turned my designs into items including keychains, magnets, vinyl stickers, bookmarks, tote bags, greeting cards, and more,” Hannah explains.
She’s even published her colouring book, now her bestseller on Etsy.
Her pop-up at Erin Mills Town Centre will showcase these products, offering local customers a chance to see them in person. Whether it’s unique stickers, a beautifully illustrated tote bag, or her popular colouring book, Hannah’s items stand out for their original design and attention to detail.
Each product represents her brand’s distinctive aesthetic and dedication to creating meaningful, quality items, including soft pastel colours, kawaii drawings, playful cartoons, and charismatic shapes and characters. Eye-catching and one-of-a-kind, her designs are rarely found in stores or online, making them uniquely her own.
The Mind Your Own Business Contest: A Gateway to Growth
Hannah’s journey to the pop-up started with the Mind Your Own Business Contest, an initiative that encourages local entrepreneurs to take their businesses to new heights. She first considered applying last year but didn’t feel ready. By this year, after participating in over 20 pop-up and market events, she felt prepared.
“When I received an email saying I was one of six contestants moving forward to the interview round, I was ecstatic,” she recalls. Two weeks after her presentation, she received the news: she had won second place and secured the pop-up.
The experience has been a mix of excitement and logistical planning, as she now prepares inventory, arranges insurance, and plans for an increased customer base. This opportunity to showcase her brand at her local mall is one she’s worked hard to achieve, and it’s one that’s set to introduce her business to a broader audience.
Advice for Aspiring UTM Entrepreneurs
For UTM students interested in starting their own business, Hannah offers straightforward advice: “Just go for it! Don’t spend too long trying to craft the perfect business plan…those things will change as you grow.”
She emphasizes learning through experience rather than waiting for the perfect time, reminding potential entrepreneurs that success can come from providing a simple but valuable product.
Hannah also notes that small businesses don’t require groundbreaking ideas. Rather, they thrive on offering value to people.
“It’s really as simple as providing something valuable in a way that also brings in profit,” she says, encouraging others not to overthink but to focus on their passions and the needs of their audience.
The UTM Influence: Building Community Connections
Looking back, Hannah acknowledges the role UTM played in shaping her as an entrepreneur. Participating in on-campus pop-ups at the UTM Student Centre and events like the Hart House Art Market and the University of Toronto (U of T) Entrepreneurship Holiday Social provided her with hands-on experience and valuable connections. She credits ICUBE, UTM’s entrepreneurship incubator, for connecting her to a larger network and helping her develop skills she uses in her business today.
In early December, she’ll even be part of the Holiday Market co-hosted by the U of T Bookstore and U of T Entrepreneurship in Toronto, another opportunity that’s come from her university network.
A Local Success Story on Display
Hannah’s journey from UTM student to business owner is inspiring. As The Aesthetics Studio sets up at Erin Mills Town Centre, her story reminds us of the power of resilience, creativity, and community.
Be sure to visit the pop-up between November 16 and 29 to experience her unique products firsthand and support a fellow UTM entrepreneur in this exciting next step in her journey.
