Hello from The Pin Prick!
Based in London, The Pin Prick started as a way to turn my random ideas into a small creative, LGBT-focussed business. With 3 enamel pin designs and a handful of scavenged envelopes, I took a small stab (ha!) at starting an online shop - and The Pin Prick was born!
The encouraging reception of the first line of subtle LGBT+ rainbow pins allowed the shop to confidently grow - and a whole new range of stylish, discreet pride accessories was created. Not all pride accessories have to be gaudy and flashy, and I wanted to design a unique range of subtle pride accessories that were minimalist and quietly understated.
I would never have guessed that the shop would quickly grow to over 250 designs, and have over 100,000 pins sent all around the world! My designs have since been featured on Netflix's Sex Education (S3E3 - and part of a storyline!), cameoed on BBC Three, formed collaborations with organisations (from Meta to local schools!), and stocked internationally in museums and shops. Now the shop has expanded from Etsy and operates from its very own website!
I am so thankful for everyone who has shown so much love for my designs, and it's still such a thrill to walk to the post office each week to send your packages all over the world (come on Antarctica, you're the only continent left to hit!).
We sometimes forget that not everyone in the world is lucky enough to be able to safely showcase pride in an outwardly fashion, and I'm reminded of this any time you guys send me messages that support the subtlety in my designs. I am so humbled when I realise that every pin I send out is part of someone's story - perhaps of coming out, a parent's or an ally's show of support, or a confident (maybe even defiant!) display of pride. For my pins to become part of these stories is an honour I deeply treasure. You've sent me pictures of my pins at your weddings, alt-proms, pride parades, graduations - even as a TATTOO! - and I'm so happy that the designs are bringing you all a little bit of joy.
I can't wait to see what the future has in store (ha!) for us. Stay proud, stay true, and ROCK ON!
Love,
Zar - The Pin Prick!
@pinprick.shop