Let’s tap into our inner artists and get playful! Our special guest is the founder and illustrator behind I Heart Guts, an award-winning company that promotes characters based on internal organs through a series of plush toys, stickers and apparel. What started as a side project for Wendy slowly grew into this incredible business where these whimsical, creative and impactful plush toys and products can connect with its thousands customers worldwide. Now 20 years since I Heart Guts was launched, Wendy is expanding her products, continuing to be creative, and allowing her company to embody the mindset of “life takes guts” with media attention like People, Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times. 

Here’s the Four Hot Takeaways: 

At 2:55 Wendy shares all of her lasts, like her last travel day, last plush toy that was her favorite, last TV show she found, and last thing added to her work desk that’s super sweet. 

At 12:43 Wendy and Dominique dive into the love of art and chat about Wendy’s journey from having art as a hobby to diving down a career in art, how did I Heart Guts begin, top advice for those wanting to get into freelance and art careers while still being practical, and how to break through those moments of low inspiration to keep on feeling motivated. 

STORY TIME INTERMISSION begins at 30:24 and Wendy gets her prank on! She shares a story about one April Fool’s when Wendy and an employee planned a prank on her husband that involved some plush toys and a highway, so you won’t want to miss this. 

And the final segment at 33:51 talks all things organ plush toys! Wendy and Dominique talk about her go-to tools for illustration and why old school pen and paper are always a great way to start, why her company’s products seem to really resonate with the chronic illness and disability community, the value of having something to bring levity to the challenges or hardships of health issues, her favorite customer story, and what she hopes gets to be in the future of I Heart Guts. 

Please like, comment, subscribe and share this episode, follow Wendy and I Heart Guts @iheartguts, on all social media platforms! Please check out the InvisiYouth Charity Shop to buy yourself or someone you care about our Subtle Activist Color Block bracelet or Sticker Collection on www.etsy.com/shop/invisiyouthcharity with free shipping globally, and please support InvisiYouth Charity by donating, following and joining our programs and community @invisiyouth! 

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