take a peek behind the scenes of everything that makes Zestful...Zestful.
Approved by Mom: Grief, Growth, and the Zestful Rebrand
In the quiet moments of caregiving and creative bursts beside her mother’s recliner, Rayna Jo Zest reshaped her vision of Zestful Productions. This post is a raw, joyful, and fiercely heartfelt reflection on grief, legacy, and the rebrand that’s anything but business as usual — it’s personal, it’s bold, and yes, it’s 100% approved by Mom.
Imposter Syndrome and Me: Why I Keep Waiting for Someone to Call Me Out
Still waiting for someone to bust through the wall like the Kool-Aid man and shout, “You don’t belong here”? Yeah, same. 🙃 But guess what? Imposter syndrome is a liar in knockoff heels. This post is a heart-to-heart about building a business, owning your creativity, and shutting down that voice that says you're just "winging it." Spoiler: most of us are.
Soup, Copycats, and the Fast-Track to Oliver’s Next Paperback Edition
You won’t believe what just happened. Picture this: I’m cozied up with a bowl of knoepla soup, chatting with a friend, when they casually mention spotting a book on Amazon with a character eerily similar to Oliver the Owl. Naturally, I had to investigate. Lo and behold, there it was—an enchanted-world-living, owlish-looking character that made me do a double take. Will the real Oliver please stand up?! I don’t know whether to laugh or grab a cookie for emotional support. One thing’s for sure: this little detour has lit a fire under my feathers. The real Oliver is ready to shine, and trust me, you won’t want to miss his next adventure!
The Wait is Over: Branded Oliver Merch Has Landed!
That’s right, our favorite culinary cutie is no longer just a storybook star—he’s strutting into your closet, kitchen, and cart like the feathered icon he is. Whether you’re a longtime Oliver groupie or a curious newbie just here for the cookies, this collection is bold, whimsical, and oh-so-Zestful. You've waited. You’ve wondered. Now it’s time to click add to cart and let your inner owl shine.
The Heart of the Holidays: Family, Love, and a Year to Remember
This year has been a gift in so many ways, from turning a wild creative dream into the Oliver the Owl series to sharing my parents’ legacy with you. But as the holidays approach, my focus has shifted to something even more precious—creating meaningful memories with my mom, who has always been the heart of our family’s Christmas magic. This season, every day feels like a new chapter in a bittersweet story, filled with love, gratitude, and the quiet strength of family.
Merch, Dreams, and a Dash of Zest: What’s Cooking at Zestful Productions?
It started with a friend’s dream about my brand in a big box store—and now, Zestful Productions is turning dreams into reality with foodie-inspired merch! New whimsical designs are added daily to my Etsy shop, so be sure to bookmark it, give it a heart ❤️, and check back often. The fun is just getting started!
Publishing & Profits: Spoiler, It’s More Passion Than Payday
Oliver the Owl was never about making millions—unless we’re talking about millions of memories. For every book sold, I make about $4.19 (yep, enough for a coffee without the fancy extras). But what really keeps me going is hearing from families who’ve bonded over my stories or kids who’ve tried their hand at the recipes. I’m building more than just books—I’m creating a legacy for my kids and a community of little chefs who see cooking as an adventure.
DIY Marketing Magic: How I Turned a Vinyl Banner into a Sandwich Board in My Dining Room
Who needs expensive marketing when you’ve got a bit of creativity and a Saturday night free? When my book launch banner outlived its retail life, I knew I had to get crafty. Armed with a power drill, some paint, and a lot of determination, I turned my dining room into a DIY workshop and transformed that banner into a one-of-a-kind sandwich board sign. Spoiler alert: it’s big, bold, and totally eye-catching at events!
Here’s to bold birthdays, big dreams, and the unexpected magic in between.
Today, I’m celebrating two BIG milestones—400 books sold and my birthday! 🎂🎉 What started as a fun conversation after my 50th birthday photoshoot has turned into an incredible journey with Oliver the Owl flying into homes everywhere. And I couldn’t have done it without you!
To say thank you, I’m giving YOU a gift! For a limited time, enjoy a FREE digital download of Oliver the Owl: A Sweet Season Read-Along Book! Just use code 13NL6B8 at checkout. 🦉💛
From Dream to Reality: My Journey to Becoming a Children’s Author
I didn’t always dream of becoming an author, but turning 50 had a funny way of sparking new ideas. It all started with a puffy tulle skirt, a crown, and a photo shoot. As my mom and I reviewed the pictures, the photographer said, “You should write a book!” And just like that, a seed was planted. Fast forward two years, and I was knee-deep in rhymes and children’s stories, trying to figure out how to bring Oliver the Owl to life. It wasn’t easy—there were plenty of challenges and moments of doubt—but turning that dream into a reality has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.