Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Mccleave
Hi Lisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My second son was born in 2020 and at that time, I was a stay at home mom. Since it was covid, we weren’t going many places. During nap times, I found myself wanting to do something….I would organize closets, drawers, clean like crazy. And then one day I started crafting. Never having been crafty in the past, it was odd that I wanted to start making things. I went with it tho! I started by putting peoples initials on ring dishes and doing small door hangers. By posting on social media, I started gaining a following and getting more and more orders! I never turn a project away; learning how to make anything if a customer asks. And thru that, I have gained a little following that always sends me orders. I also created a website for the apparel side of my business. We are growing each year and it’s an unexpected success from a little hobby!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I truly have been so lucky! My family has supported me every step of the way and so have the many people who have joined my group on social media. It’s been fun to watch creations I make that really take off and to also help people create custom items they love. I still can’t believe it’s my “job” to make things all day!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the business name suggests, I make anything and everything that someone asks for. If I don’t know how, I will learn and let the customer know that I’m learning this craft for their order. The bread & butter of this business is apparel. I make a lot of shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, etc. But I also do everything from home decor to paper crafts and floral arrangements.
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve conducted this business – with love and kindness. I love learning about my customers and often times, when placing personal orders, customers tell me their struggles and challenges that they’re going through. I love finding a way to help them. Maybe it’s a discount if they’re struggling financially. Maybe it’s something free that I can give them in addition to their order, that I know will help them feel better, maybe it’s a hand written note. Regardless of what the “thing” is, I love finding a way to connect with customers and make them feel special – on both happy and sad occasions.
What sets me apart is the customers I have. They are all the nicest, kindest and most loyal bunch out there. They come to me with fun ideas, touching stories that make me laugh and cry, and give me motivation each day to keep creating.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
So much credit due to others for sure! My husband to start with…from day 1, he was on board with me starting a craft business. having weird hours and needing extra help around the house and with our two boys. My boys, although small…are mighty and have always embraced this job choice as well. They’ve helped with projects, given opinions and made shirt designs and demands for shirts often! So many friends (too many to name honestly) have helped point out ways to streamline, protect and find balance in my business. All the amazing people in our life have helped us get to where we are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://craftyasamo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crafty.as.a.mother.llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1993320084277355
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@craftyasamo
- Other: https://linktr.ee/craftyasamother
