Jenaya Launstein Art

Learn about Jenaya Launstein Art: Whitehorse, Yukon

Jenaya Launstein Art is a Canadian stationery brand and local Yukon business based in Whitehorse. Jenaya creates stickers and art prints that feature her own nature-inspired designs.

What inspired you to start your business?

As a professional wildlife photographer, I have a love of all things wildlife. I also have a love of nature-themed stickers. However, I was having a hard time finding stickers I liked of some of my favourite northern animals (caribou, muskox, moose, etc.). I went to the drawing board…literally! After a lot of work, I came up with designs I thought would look great as stickers.

How do you describe your business?

I’m a massive advocate for hand-drawn artwork, whether that be a pencil on paper, brush on canvas, or stylus on drawing tablet. Every single one of my designs is hand-drawn by me, no AI is used at any point in the process, and it will always stay that way.

It was a lot of trial and error finding materials that would last. After much frustration and money spent, I finally found a sticker paper that does well on most flat surfaces and lasts quite a while. I also put a vinyl laminate on the surface of all my stickers to ensure increased longevity, as well as a texture most stickers I’ve found don’t have, making for a more premium feel.

What’s your bestselling product?

That’s a tough one! There’s nearly a three-way tie for my most popular stickers between the Caribou, Fireweed and Bison, but I would say the Fireweed slightly beats the other two out.

Why do you think they’re so popular?

I think people want to see more hand-made items and creative work in a world that is increasingly putting out AI generated images to make a quick profit.

Additionally, a comment I always get is how nice the materials feel and the thickness of the stickers. Folks seem to love the textured laminate I found!

I’m also all about promoting wildlife conservation efforts, so a few times a year I’ll try to partner with local organizations and donate some of my proceeds to them.

What’s your personal favourite product from your shop?

I think it would have to be my stamp stickers. As a kid, my grandma would show me her big stamp collection and I loved looking at all the different designs. Even now, when I get something in the mail, I look at the stamp to admire the artwork or photo on it, haha!

I thought it would be fun to turn some of my art into stamps for folks like me who are a bit nerdy about that stuff. It also looks cool when you collect multiple and display them in the same place, almost like you’re making your vehicle or laptop a giant postcard!

What’s your favourite local Yukon business?

Oh gosh, the Yukon is filled with so many amazing locally-owned businesses. I suppose if I had to name a few it would be Cultured Fine Cheese (yes, I’m addicted to cheese), North of Ordinary, The Mini Makerspace, Matthew Watson General Store, and Maximilian’s Gold Rush Emporium. I guess that was more than a few, oops!