take a peek behind the scenes of everything that makes Zestful...Zestful.
From Soap Boxes to Supper Tables: The Golden Story of Homer Laughlin’s Duz Dishes
Before influencer collabs and giveaways, there was Duz detergent — the soap that snuck dinnerware into every box. Discover how 1950s homemakers built entire Homer Laughlin Golden Wheat dish sets one load of laundry at a time, and why these nostalgic treasures are still shining bright in kitchens (and vintage shops) today.
Introducing Zestful Antiques & Collectibles: Where Memory Meets Meaning
Step inside Zestful Antiques & Collectibles, a heartfelt new corner of Zestful Productions filled with vintage treasures, heirlooms, and one-of-a-kind pieces from decades past. From Depression glass and lace gloves to office relics, schoolhouse finds, and holiday keepsakes—each item carries a quiet story. Weekly drops begin August 15, 2025.
Meet the Maker: The Story Behind Zestful Productions
Zestful Productions wasn’t built from a business plan — it was fueled by late nights, strong coffee, and a bold “why not?” Meet Rayna Jo Zest, the creative behind the crown, and discover how her books, buttery merch, and vintage treasures grew into a brand that’s unapologetically bold, playful, and extra. 💛
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.
Beast Mode: Engaged.
You ever black out from working so hard and wake up with 58 new listings, 5 fresh shop collections, and a homepage that slaps? Yeah, same. Zestful HQ has been buzzin’ — and this glow-up wasn’t for the weak. We’re talkin' late nights, bold moves, and zero chill. Wanna see what 17-hour days and a bucket of iced coffee birthed? Get the full scoop and peep what’s poppin’ on the new site. Spoiler: it’s bold, playful, and extra as hell.
Good, Better, Best: Picking the Perfect Tee
You deserve a shirt that works as hard as you do — and not one that clings in weird places or fades after one wash. In this post, we’re spilling the (fabric) tea on picking the right tee. From soft favorites to tees that hold their own during your fourth iced coffee run of the day, we break down what’s good, what’s better, and what’s straight-up Zestful approved. Ready to upgrade your closet game?
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.
The Launch of the Varsity Collection 🎉
Step onto the sidelines of nostalgia with me as I share the journey from my Mandan Braves cheerleading days to launching the vibrant Varsity Collection at Zestful Productions. Designed with pride in mind, this spirited line of custom senior swag and fan merch celebrates tradition, creativity, and a whole lot of fun. With standout items like our heat-triggered color-morphing mug featuring school song lyrics and bold senior designs, this collection is all about making memories and showing off your school pride in style.
👉 Ready to rep your school spirit?
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 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.
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.
Behind the Story: How Oliver the Owl Became a Culinary Pro
Did I ever imagine creating a children’s book series about a chef-owl? Not exactly. But when life leads you through restaurant kitchens, childhood memories, and creative chaos with four kids, the pieces start falling into place! Inspired by my dad, the real "culinary pro," and my own food-filled adventures, Oliver the Owl was born. From leftover borscht to spaghetti tacos (don’t ask!), it’s all about mixing fun with family and bringing young readers into the magic of cooking.
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. 🦉💛