Mural artist Tina Nguyen didn’t set out to start a business five years ago when she decided to make a unique, meaningful Christmas gift for her cousin. Taking one of her mom’s old shirts, Tina crafted an oversized scrunchie designed specifically for her cousin’s long hair—a bold, practical, and fun accessory her cousin immediately fell in love with. 

“She convinced me to start selling them that same night,” Tina says. And just like that, XXL Scrunchie & Co. was born.

What began as a loving, homemade holiday gift has since transformed into a business that blends colour, creativity, and utility together with a touch of joy.

From scrunchies to tote bags (and even dog bandanas!), XXL Scrunchie continues to grow, one thoughtful creation at a time. 

Table of contents:

• Creating bold, functional accessories with a big why
• The art of scaling up—with heart
• Building on generational strength
• A balancing act every holiday season
• Festive creations that give back
• Simplifying the holiday hustle
• Build your entrepreneurial dream with QuickBooks

Creating bold, functional accessories with a big why

The brand may have started with that single holiday gift, but Tina’s vision for her company has grown into something much larger, with a goal that’s simple yet powerful. “The driving force behind my business? Creating products that bring joy and utility all while showing that small businesses can thrive in a world of mass production,” she explains. 

From the big, bold scrunchies that started it all to her ever-expanding product line, for Tina it’s all about creating moments of joy with thoughtful, handmade products infused with this purpose. It’s a focus that’s helped XXL Scrunchie stand out—not just as a brand, but as a source of inspiration for any creator looking to turn their ideas into something beautiful and meaningful. 

The art of scaling up—with heart

For Tina, shepherding XXL Scrunchie’s growth has involved an exercise in balance. Scaling up meant moving out of her parents’ basement and building a team of eight to help meet increasing demand—but her commitment to quality and care has never wavered. 

“One of the biggest challenges has been scaling up while maintaining the personal, handmade touch that my brand is known for,” she says. “I’ve had to find ways to grow without losing that connection.” So, while the business’s growth has meant she can no longer handwrite personal thank you notes for customers, she still finds ways to make her customers feel valued, such as personally writing out their names for each order.

Building on generational strength

Her dedication to staying connected to her customers is something Tina traces back to her parents’ example. Immigrants who came to Canada to start over with nothing, Tina’s parents worked hard to build their own businesses—a foundation of dedication and perseverance that serves as a deep source of inspiration for Tina, reminding her of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity.

This inspiration helps carry Tina through the challenges of small business ownership. Whether she’s tackling the pressures of the holiday season or finding new ways to grow while staying true to her brand’s roots. The lessons she’s learned through watching her parents overcome obstacles to create a better life are more than a family legacy—the deep belief in the power of perseverance they’ve instilled in her play a large role in the driving force behind her business. 

A balancing act every holiday season

It’s that same perseverance that Tina draws on during XXL Scrunchie’s busiest time of year: the holiday rush. For Tina, it’s the most exciting—and demanding—time for her business.

“It’s my busiest time,” she admits, “and balancing the influx of orders while maintaining the quality and care we’re known for can be challenging.” 

The key, she explains, is staying organized, and making quality her top priority. To navigate the rush, she plans meticulously, setting clear priorities for her team and focusing on delivering the best possible experience for her customers.

It’s this careful planning and focus on teamwork that ensures the magic of the holidays is consistently reflected in the thoughtful, high-quality XXL Scrunchie products her customers receive during this busy season.

Festive creations that give back

For Tina, the holiday season isn’t just about managing the rush—it’s also a time to engage her creativity and spread joy through festive product launches.

One standout product is the XXL Scrunchie advent calendar, filled with the brand’s beautiful handmade scrunchies and other accessories. Designed to delight customers during the most magical time of the year, Tina’s special holiday creations capture the joy and excitement of the season while giving customers something truly unique to celebrate with. 

That same spirit of joy and connection extends beyond her products. Giving back to the community is central to XXL Scrunchie’s values, not just during the holidays but all year long.

Tina takes pride in using her platform to support causes she’s passionate about, such as fundraising for the Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward.

“My community is the heart of my business,” she says. “Their support keeps me going, and in return, I’m committed to finding ways to give back.”

Simplifying the holiday hustle

The busier XXL Scrunchie gets, though, the more complex Tina’s responsibilities become. Which means juggling customer orders, team coordination, and financial management during the holiday rush is no small feat.

“QuickBooks has been a lifesaver,” she says, “especially during busy seasons. Before QuickBooks, I relied on manual spreadsheets, which worked for a while but became overwhelming as my business grew.”

By helping her track expenses, manage invoices, and stay prepared for tax season, QuickBooks takes much of the stress off Tina’s plate. And during the holiday rush, being able to quickly view her cash flow helps Tina ensure her inventory decisions stay financially sound. 

Build your entrepreneurial dream with QuickBooks

For Tina, XXL Scrunchie has become more than a business. It’s a way for her to bring joy and creativity into people’s lives. With future projects like the brand’s upcoming colouring book, she’s excited to keep growing while staying true to her mission of creating a joyful community.

As her business expands, staying organized and managing high-demand seasons remains the key to success.

QuickBooks Online helps small business owners like Tina keep everything running smoothly, no matter the season. From streamlining operations to simplifying financial tasks, QuickBooks helps you stay focused on turning your big dreams into reality.