This post is sponsored by HP but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
"I started mentoring other immigrants and aspiring creatives the way most good side hustles begin: by accident. I was just sharing my journey as an immigrant trying to build a creative career in the U.S., and people started reaching out with questions. I kept getting messages like, “Wait, how did you figure that out?” So I shared more—what worked, what didn’t, and the mindset shifts that helped me keep going. That’s when I realized it wasn’t just a hobby—it could actually make a real difference for people like me.
My full-time job as a graphic designer kept me busy, but mentoring became a way to give back and build community with people who shared my unique experience. I moved to the U.S. alone and had to figure everything out—career, community, confidence. So when I help someone going through something similar, it really resonates. One client once said, “You made me feel like I had permission to want more,” and that stuck with me. That moment of helping someone believe in themselves—that’s what keeps me going.
But turning a passion into a purpose takes more than good intentions. It takes structure, consistency, and the right tools. I’ve invested a lot of time and energy into finding a starting lineup of digital and physical tools to make my workflows more seamless, and after adding the HP DeskJet + Instant Ink combo to the family, I have some major thoughts.
“That moment of helping someone believe in themselves—that’s what keeps me going.”
When I realized I needed a printer set up I could rely on
Most of my mentoring revolves around resume reviews, LinkedIn tips, and portfolio feedback. I was doing it all after hours, and within a few months, my plate (and my bookmark bar) was overflowing. Call me old-fashioned, but I’ve always been a physical list kind of gal, so leaving to-do lists or client notes amongst 52 open tabs is my idea of a bad time. But living downtown without a car or a printer? Total chaos. Even printing a few pages became an ordeal—hunting down a print shop, uploading files, and waiting around. It completely threw off my flow and took up time I didn’t have.
My honest HP DeskJet + Instant Ink review
Once I pulled the trigger on a sleek and sexy HP DeskJet, everything changed. I could finally print out my client notes, brainstorms, and mood boards exactly when I needed them. And with Instant Ink, I never have to waste an afternoon tracking down refills. It helped me stay in rhythm and show up professionally every. single. time. Here’s why I love it:
Set up was easy
I’m a bit of a doomsday prepper when it comes to my complicated relationship setting up technology, so when my HP DeskJet arrived, I cleared my afternoon to get it up and running. Thankfully, no frantic calls to the IT department were required, and it was so much easier (and faster) to set up than I anticipated.
It connected seamlessly to my phone and laptop, so within a few minutes, I was able to give it a go. I was immediately impressed with the clean and crisp print quality and knew it would be my new bestie for mood boards, contracts, and vision journaling (yes, I’m that girl).
It offered the subscription I didn’t know I needed
HP Instant Ink is potentially the only subscription I don’t regret buying into. It’s an automatic ink delivery service based on how much you actually print. This means there will be no more ink-related emergencies mid-project (I’ve been there and hated that).
It’s flexible and includes cartridge recycling (which I love). It’s also way more affordable than constantly running to the store for overpriced cartridges. It’s the life hack and workflow automation I never knew I needed, and I truly can’t believe I ever lived without it.
The printer is surprisingly sleek
I take a lot of pride in my studio apartment: Decorating it has been a labor of love and, admittedly, a bit of a challenge. As much as I adore it, there’s no hiding that I’m tight on space. Almost everything I introduce into it is visible no matter where you’re sitting in my home, so call me vain, but it has to fit the vibe. The thought of adding a chunky, mechanical eyesore didn’t necessarily fit my home decor Pinterest board, but this model is surprisingly sleek. It fits right on a small shelf next to my desk, so I don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for function.
It fits seamlessly into my workflow
For me, printing out contracts, mood boards, or even quick drafts instantly makes things feel more real, and reviewing things on paper helps me slow down and give better feedback. It’s a small detail, but it really levels up the experience for both me and my clients, and paired with Instant Ink, it keeps my workflow interruption-free.
When I get in my flow state or am working against the clock on projects, I don’t have the time, energy, or patience to deal with tech-related hiccups, and so far, this printer has made paper jams, connectivity issues, and botched print jobs a thing of the past. It quickly connects and delivers high-quality prints without delays, and I can always rely on it when I’m in a pinch.
Why it’s ideal for creatives and side hustlers
If you’re a creative designer, decorator, artist, photographer, or anything in between, you know the tools you use matter. And you may be just as scatterbrained as the rest of us. You need gear that keeps up with your ideas and makes you feel like the professional you are. The DeskJet and Instant Ink combo lets me focus on my clients, not logistics. It saves time, cuts down on stress, and gives me that “I’ve got this” energy on even my busiest days.
“Start small, start messy—but start. You’d be surprised how many people need exactly what you already know.”
Is HP Instant Ink worth it?
If you’re launching or growing a side hustle, HP Instant Ink is one of those low-lift, high-impact upgrades I’d recommend again and again. It’s affordable, functional, and adapts to your workflow, your space, and your schedule—whatever that looks like.
Instant Ink keeps me efficient, client-ready, and, maybe most importantly, makes me feel like I’m really doing the thing. Because I am.
MEET THE DESIGNER
Marta Taras, Jr. Graphic Designer
Marta is a jr. graphic designer for The Everygirl and The Everymom. She works collaboratively with the design team to assist in creating visually compelling assets across both websites and social channels. She is always seeking new challenges and experimenting with different art mediums and programs to improve her skills.
This post is sponsored by HP, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.