How long have you been in business and what made you get started?
I have been in some sort of crafting/style/creative business for as long as I can remember. My mom would encourage us as kids to always be making something. To use our hands, to use the things around us, to really think outside the box and create things for ourselves and for others. We had little jewelry businesses, we made pottery, we built forts and created whole lives for our toys out of popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners. So ya, I guess it’s always been in me. The literal answer though, is that I really pushed myself, and really truly made my little shop a reality last September. It was in my heart and in my gut for a long time, but there was just never a “good” time to start. I had three young kids and a million excuses. Until the day came where I was ready to do it. And once that day arrived, there was no stopping me.
Does your business have a tagline, what is it?
Not necessarily a tagline, just an over all theme I would say. I try my best to make simple, modern, and customizable creations for home and life. I make everything for myself first, try it out for a bit, and then offer it in the shop via Etsy and Instagram.
If you were being announced by Conan O’Brian, David Letterman or Pat Sajak prior to coming out onstage what are some things they would mention to introduce you and your business to the audience? Ha! Can I be on Jimmy Kimmel instead?
And if I’m going on live TV, can the celebrity guest be Sam Heughan? Asking for a friend…
I think I am probably followed mostly because of my “good moms say bad words” attitude, my ability to keep it pretty real in the midst of my day to day chaos, and my overall “I can make you pretty much any gift” shopping experience. I got you, girl!
Tell us what your business is/does/makes/service it provides/etc. (note: sometimes this is multiple things and that is GREAT, list them all, explain in detail):
I make alllll the things. Where should I start? I make wreathes, custom jewelry, iron on vinyl designs, silhouettes, and custom tags and ornaments. If you need a gift or a little treat for yourself, I am your girl!
What is your work day like?
(Do you wake up early, work late, communicate, what jobs do you do yourself, who do you talk to etc.)? I typically wake up at 5:45 or 6 and try to get my body moving a bit with a quick workout. If I am being 100% transparent, I don’t love working out. I am not one of those people who pops out of bed and greets the day with a big ass grin on their face. But, by the end of the workout I feel better, am more energized and really just happy to have it under my belt and get the day started. The kids wake up at 6am, snuggle up on the couch, or in our bed while I get my pump on (ha!) and watch a few minutes of cartoons.
By 7:45am we are dressed (ish), teeth brushed, bellies full and out the door heading to the bus stop. Between 8-3pm its all a big ol tornado of snacks, games, playdoh, tons of messes, crying (sometimes from the kids and sometimes from me), tv breaks so I can work for a bit on supply management, order prep, accounting, social media schtuff, a nap every once in a while, and a few more cups of coffee. 3:30 bring it on homework, dinner prep and park play.
My husband swoops in from work around 5:30 and after dinner comes cleanup, bed time books and snug and work for a few hours before bed. It’s a crazy crazy schedule but honestly we have so much fun, even in the hardest hours and longest days, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
What advice would you give other entrepreneurs starting out in Gilbert?
JUST DO IT. Straight up Nike style. I waited so long, and had so much fear about how people would react or if I could find any success in what I was doing, it held me back for an embarrassing amount of time. But now, who cares? Who cares if I fail, who cares if I look silly or make a fool of myself, at least I tried. Nothing changes if nothing changes and I wanted a change. I wanted to be creative, I wanted to contribute to the household. I wanted to my kids to see me working hard to better myself and take myself seriously. It was scary, but it was worth it. I read once that confidence is not “will they like me,” but instead “I will be just fine if they don’t.”
How has GILBERT helped your business?
(city programs, overall growth of the town, people, location, etc.?) The people. It’s incredible the amount of love and support I have gotten from the community. From fellow shops, to perfect strangers needing gifts, everyone has been warm and welcoming and showing nothin’ but L-O-V-E.
What locations in Gilbert can we find your business/products/services?
I am solely on IG and Etsy for now. Made with Love market has been knocking down my door (love you girls!) but I just haven’t had time to commit. If you have time though, go check them out at San Tan on Saturdays - so many amazing local vendors to shop from!
Favorite place to hang out in Gilbert?
We love to head too Old Town Gilbs and wander. Grab an ice cream at Petersons, walk up and down the strip and people watch. Let the kids play back by the water tower, maybe graze a little bit at Postino or JoyRide…. It’s such a wonderfully lively, family friendly place. You just can’t go wrong here.
If you had to pick ONE place to eat in Gilbert every week for the rest of eternity, where would it be?
Joe’s Farm Grill and Clever Koi. Ok, ya I cheated and said two. Although seriously Clever Koi, are you reopen yet?! Breakfast and lunch at Joe’s because duh, and a stiff drink and ramen at Clever Koi. Not only is the food eclectic and fresh, the service is always on point which is just as important in my book!
What Gilbert based business is your favorite to follow on Social Media (name a few if you just can’t pick)?
Oh, hands down theLifestyledCo - Kristen is a visionary and she is incredible to watch grow and pivot and learn and teach. She runs a multi million dollar company with grace and style and its sooo damn pretty to watch.
We often hear the term “Shop Local”, being a small business in a rapidly growing area how can our readers/followers help you and businesses like yours grow?
If you are looking for something local, custom and truly one of a kind you can shop (of course) but also you can follow my business on IG and like/share/save/comment on posts. It helps my business tremendously just to show some love. Bonus, it’s FREE! THANK YOU
