The Story of "What If"
About Mountain Mornings
Mountain Mornings was built from quiet mornings, wild landscapes, and simple desire to create something meanigful. It is a small Canadian brand built around original illustrations inspired by forests, mountains, and quiet moments in nature.
I’m Petra, the illustrator behind the brand, creating from my home studio in Maple Ridge, British Columbia 🇨🇦. What started as a simple question — what if? — slowly grew into a collection of stickers, apparel, mugs, and paper goods designed to bring a little more meaning into everyday life.
My Story
I grew up in the heart of Europe, in the Czech Republic. My childhood was full of friends, sports, and time spent outside.
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. So I followed that path and studied in a secondary school teaching program at university. Everything felt lined up. I thought I would graduate, find a teaching job, and live happily ever after.
But one day, I started questioning it all. Was teaching truly what I wanted? Or was it simply the path I knew best?
That question changed everything.
Learning to Explore
I began wondering what else might be possible.
What if I explored more?
What if I gave myself space to really get to know who I was?
What if I allowed myself to dream differently?
It felt exciting, but also terrifying.
So I took a year off and moved to Scotland with my then-boyfriend, now husband — and that was the beginning.
I fell in love with wild landscapes — rugged mountains, dense forests, and quiet lakes. After returning to finish my master’s degree, I couldn’t ignore that inner voice calling for more exploring.
So we kept going.
One Step at a Time
I spent a semester studying in Slovenia. My husband and I then lived in Scotland for a year and a half. We walked from the French border through Spain to Santiago de Compostela as our honeymoon. Later, we lived and travelled in New Zealand. And in 2017, we moved to Canada.
From the outside, it might sound like a dream — but it wasn’t always easy.
It was in New Zealand, sitting quietly outside a library in Wellington after losing a job, that the idea for Mountain Mornings first found me. I wanted to build something of my own — something no one could take away, something that allowed me to create freely. I didn’t know what that would look like, but I knew I wanted to try.
After moving to Canada, I slowly began to explore that idea.
I find comfort in what is known and planned. Stepping into the unknown brought anxiety, uncertainty, and moments where I felt completely lost.
But slowly, something shifted.
I learned that I don’t need to have everything figured out. That I can trust the next small step.
And that’s how Mountain Mornings began.
Built on “What If”
What if I draw my logo myself?
What if I start sharing my illustrations?
What if I try a craft market?
What if I open an Etsy shop?
What if I build my own website?
Step by step, one small “what if” turned into something real.
What I Create
Today, Mountain Mornings is a collection of nature-inspired illustrated goods designed to bring beauty and meaning into everyday life.
You’ll find original illustrations on:
– stickers
– enamel mugs
– apparel
– greeting cards
– thoughtful gifts inspired by the outdoors
and more
Each design begins as my own artwork and is brought to life with great care. From printing plantable cards to sublimating mugs and decorating apparel, I stay closely involved in many steps of the process to ensure the best quality.
Thoughtfully Made
Mountain Mornings is created and designed in Maple Ridge, Canada — alongside my daughter and our dog moving through the day with me.
It’s a small business shaped by creativity, patience, and a deep love for nature.
I’m also a proud member of 1% for the Planet — meaning every purchase supports environmental causes here in British Columbia.
Why It Matters
I started this business so I could work with passion and joy — and be my own boss.
That hasn’t changed.
But becoming a mom two years ago gave that answer a new layer of meaning.
It’s no longer just about following what lights me up or creating a life with more freedom.
It’s also about showing my daughter that it’s possible to build something of your own — that work can be meaningful, creative, and aligned with who you are.
Building a business is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. And it can create space for what matters most — time together as a family.
I may not know exactly what the future will look like, but I’m learning to stay present.
To notice the quiet mornings.
To trust the next step.
To create with intention.
That’s what Mountain Mornings is about.
