About Zestful Productions

One Crown.
One Bold Moment.

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. But that crown?
That was the beginning.
Sonja Yantzer, founder, creator and storyteller behind Zestful Productions, wearing a gold crown in the portrait that inspired the beginning of her creative journey.
Living Life on Purpose icon featuring the Zestful Productions crown symbolizing creativity, confidence, entrepreneurship, purposeful living, bold ideas, and the brand philosophy of Bold. Playful. Extra.

Our Mission

To make ordinary life a little more interesting.

Through vintage treasures, original designs, meaningful stories and unexpected finds, Zestful celebrates creativity, nostalgia, self-expression and the things that make a life feel uniquely yours.

Our Vision

A colorful life collected, created and lived boldly.

A world where old stories find new life, creativity belongs in the everyday, the scenic route is worth taking, and ordinary moments are allowed to feel a little extraordinary.

The Story So Far...

2022 • THE CROWN

One Crown. One Bold Moment.

A milestone birthday photo shoot and one ridiculously fabulous crown became my unexpected permission slip to take my creativity somewhere new.

2024 • THE STORIES

Oliver opened the door.

Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro began with a story inspired by my dad and his 36 years in the restaurant business. One book became another, and storytelling became something much bigger.

2024 • ZESTFUL BEGINS

Creating became my way forward.

While caring for my mom, I opened an Etsy shop from her kitchen table. Books became designs, ideas became products, and Zestful Productions began taking shape.

2025 • THE NEXT CHAPTER

Old treasures joined the story.

A lifetime around collected things found its place at Zestful. Vintage and antiques brought together everything I already loved—history, nostalgia, discovery and really good stories.

2026 • TODAY

And this is only the beginning.

Today, Zestful is growing into a story-led lifestyle brand shaped by vintage treasures, original creations, travel, collecting and whatever interesting detour comes next.


Living Life on Purpose icon featuring the Zestful Productions crown symbolizing creativity, confidence, entrepreneurship, purposeful living, bold ideas, and the brand philosophy of Bold. Playful. Extra.

Not just a tagline.
A point of view.
Oliver the Owl standing with a curious expression beside the Zestful Productions FAQ section.

SO... WHAT EXACTLY IS GOING ON HERE?

Fair question. There’s a lot!
WAIT—IS THIS A BOOKSHOP, VINTAGE SHOP OR LIFESTYLE BRAND?

Zestful Productions is where children’s books, vintage treasures, original designs, travel, collecting 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.
WHO IS ACTUALLY RUNNING THIS WHOLE OPERATION?

Hi. That would be me. I’m Sonja Yantzer—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.
DO YOU ACTUALLY FIND ALL THIS VINTAGE STUFF YOURSELF?

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.
AND WHAT’S WITH THE OWL?

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.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF

Okay, maybe “important” is subjective...
WHY DOES EVERYTHING AROUND HERE HAVE A STORY?

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.
DO YOU MAKE ALL THE NEW STUFF TOO?

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.
IS THERE ACTUALLY A PLAN FOR WHAT COMES NEXT?

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?”
SO WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO HERE?

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.

Extra? Maybe.
But ordinary was never the goal.
Zestful Productions quote icon

"I don't know that people realize all that Zestful is—custom merchandise, vintage items, graphic design and more."

— Colleen, January 2026
Behind the Brand

Stories From the Zestful Journey

Follow the ideas, adventures, creative projects, and life experiences shaping Zestful Productions along the way.

Explore more behind-the-scenes stories →