S2, Ep6: The Power of Baby Steps, Boundaries, and Bold Vision in Creative Business, with Priya Vij

Send us Fan MailIn this rich and vulnerable conversation, we talk with Priya Vij, the founder and product designer behind Hapny Home, a hardware brand rooted in legacy, but built on her own terms. From studying journalism and working at Nike to launching her own modern, design-forward product line, Priya shares how returning to her hometown and family industry cracked open a deeper journey of personal agency, identity, and creativity. We dive into the nuanced dance of boundaries in business, why baby steps matter more than overnight success, and how relational dynamics, especially with parents, can both stifle and shape our creative path.We Chat About:Starting a business “next to” the family legacy, not inside itThe tension between independence and inherited wisdomHow imposter syndrome can show up when you’re self-taughtUsing creativity as a tool for healing and self-definitionThe emotional cost of working in male-dominated industriesBuilding confidence through experimentation and small winsWhy face-to-face connection still matters in a digital businessBoundaries as creative protectionGrowing a business and your nervous system at the same timeAbout Priya: Priya Vij is the founder and product designer behind Hapny Home, a cabinet hardware brand bringing a personal and design-forward lens to an often overlooked category. She grew up around the hardware business - her dad’s been in the industry for nearly 40 years - but saw a clear gap: well-made, thoughtfully designed hardware that didn’t cost a fortune. After years of living and renting in Houston, Austin, Portland, and New York, she launched Hapny, named for the cities that shaped her sense of home. Priya designs every piece herself with a focus on modern forms, joyful details, and consistent, high quality materials - all at an accessible price point.Connect with Priya:Check out Hapny Home: http://www.hapnyhome.com/More Resources:Apply to be a guest on the show: https://wearecreativeenergy.com/the-podcastCheck out our blog: https://wearecreativeenergy.com/the-blogJoin the course waitlist for THE TEACHINGS: https://wearecreativeenergy.com/theteachingsFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearecreativeenergy/Learn more about Linda’s work: www.lindalewcreative.comLearn more about Heather’s work: www.heathermanwaring.com