Have an account? Log in to check out faster.
It was one of those "50 over 50" shoots and I showed up in an obnoxiously fluffy skirt and a crown. I mean, if you’re going to celebrate a milestone, you might as well do it big, right?
A few hours and a whole lot of laughter later, the photographer looked at me and said: “You need to write a book. And this photo? This should be the cover.”
Plot twist—that’s not exactly how it happened. I didn’t debut with a dramatic memoir and a crown on the cover.
But that crown?
That was the beginning.
I’m Sonja Yantzer, founder of Zestful Productions—and also Rayna Jo Zest, my creative pen name and alter ego. Rayna means “queen,” and that shoot was the moment I stopped playing small with my creativity.
Permission to be bold.
Permission to be playful.
Permission to be just a little extra.
In 2024, I published Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro, inspired by my dad’s 36 years running a family restaurant. One book turned into two with Oliver the Owl: A Sweet Season, a holiday story dedicated to my mom. Just weeks after its completion, we learned of her terminal diagnosis.
While caring for my mom during her illness, I opened my Etsy shop—right at her kitchen table. Creating wasn’t a strategy; it was survival. Design became my outlet. Storytelling became my anchor. One idea turned into another, and Zestful Productions started to take shape.
Today, Zestful Productions is a full-blown creative brand—children’s books, bold designs, creative services, and curated vintage and antique finds. Every piece has personality, heart, and a story behind it.
And the crown?
It stayed.
Because confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up as yourself.
Fair question. There’s a lot
Yes. Zestful Productions is where children’s books, vintage treasures, original designs, road-trip inspiration, home goods and whatever else sparks an idea all get to live together. The common thread isn’t a product category—it’s personality, storytelling and finding a little more fun in ordinary life.
Hi. That would be me. I’m Sonja Yanter—author, designer, vintage treasure hunter, photographer, storyteller and professional starter of “one more little project.” If something appears on this website, chances are very good I had my hands in it somewhere along the way.
Ohhhh yes. Estate sales, thrift stores, antique shops, flea markets and those glorious places where you walk in needing absolutely nothing and leave carrying something you suddenly cannot imagine living without. I hunt for pieces with personality, history and a really good story.
That’s Oliver. He started as a character inspired by my dad and somehow ended up with books, recipes, activities and an entire little corner of Zestful Productions devoted to him. Frankly, he’s getting a little famous and we're trying not to let it go to his head.
Okay, maybe “important” is subjective
Because I can’t help myself. Give me an old kitchen bowl and I want to know whose kitchen it sat in. Give me a family photograph and I’ll find the story. Give me a childhood memory and apparently I’ll turn it into a book. Around here, the story is often the best part.
The original Zestful designs and collection concepts begin here, while production varies depending on the product. I work with carefully selected production partners for some items, which lets me dream up far more things than I could possibly make one-by-one myself.
Define plan. There’s always something brewing—a new collection, an Oliver idea, a vintage treasure I wasn’t looking for, a road trip that inspires something, or a project that started with the dangerous words, “You know what would be cute?”
Poke around. Find something that makes you laugh. Discover a treasure you didn’t know you needed. Read a story. Meet Oliver. Get inspired. Come back later and see what showed up while you were gone.
Behind Zestful Productions
Vintage suitcases. Roadside Americana energy. A future Scamp popup setup. And me slowly turning into an eccentric traveling treasure dealer in real time. Things are escalating...
Read the story →
Behind Zestful Productions
After the pandemic, I did what any slightly feral creative would do — I built out a cargo van and drove 90,000 miles across America.
Read the story →
Behind Zestful Productions
Step inside Zestful Antiques & Collectibles, a heartfelt new corner of Zestful Productions filled with vintage treasures, heirlooms, and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Read the story →