ABOUT CARLEE

Carlee's Crafty Creations is the realization of my lifelong dream. Although I'm happily married with a wonderful family, crafting has always been my true passion. My husband is my biggest cheerleader, always encouraging me to pursue my dreams.

I've longed to have my own business, rather than just working for others in accounting roles. At the peak of my career, I was an accomplished Finance Comptroller, overseeing transactions from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars. I've always maintained 100% accountability and earned a reputation for responsibility, trustworthiness, and dependability.

My mother introduced me to crafts from a young age, and some of my fondest childhood memories are of painting with her or taking art classes in school. It's surprising I didn't end up going to art school, as my passion for crafting continued to evolve over the years, from scrapbooking and bow-making to creating bubblegum necklaces, gnomes, wreaths, and digital designs.

My diverse cultural heritage - Italian and German - and upbringing in the melting pot of Chicago have instilled in me a deep appreciation for different cultures. This is reflected in the eclectic mix of dishes and baked goods I create for family and friends. I find inspiration all around me, just waiting to be discovered.

ABOUT CARLEE’S CRAFTY CREATIONS

In 2010, I started a business Facebook page around the time my youngest son was born. By October 2017, that page had amassed an impressive 1,200 followers. I knew I wanted to turn my passion for crafting into a livelihood, but the path forward wasn't clear. 

Then COVID-19 hit in 2020. I was working for a custom home builder, and as construction slowed due to the pandemic, I also underwent major neck surgery. Shortly after, my husband's job relocated us from Colorado to Florida. Facing these challenges, I began pondering ways to supplement our household income from home.

That's when I decided to rebrand my business and build a dedicated website. It was a leap of faith, but as a woman of strong faith, I was determined to forge a new chapter. Starting in July 2021, I immersed myself in the art of wreath-making and the intricacies of social media marketing - studying algorithms and the nuances of building an online presence.

I started small, selling my "Carlee's Crafty Creations" products to friends and family, sharing posts on local community pages. But I quickly realized that approach had limited potential. Heeding the advice of business coaches, I summoned the courage to expand my reach. Constant evolution has been key.

A whole new world opened when I began selling on Etsy. However, I eventually decided to part ways and build a custom website to have full control over my online storefront. Along the way, I've added new product lines, including beautiful party favors for all occasions and holidays available as digital downloads. Very soon, I will be launching a dedicated website for Enchanted Farie Designs, which will feature only my digital design templates.

THE REALITY OF STARTING A BUSINESS

Starting a new business can be terrifying, especially when the world seems chaotic or the path to success is uncertain. Yet, I took a leap of faith and decided to go all in. With the support of my childhood friend, I am launching my new website, Carlee's Crafty Creations (CCC). There is a sense of pride and satisfaction in creating something from scratch that is truly my own.

Inspired by the many women who have turned their ideas into million-dollar brands, I am committed to doing it right. Investing in quality products is paramount, and I have learned that patience is essential when building a new venture. Carlee's Crafty Creations may take time to grow, but I am dedicated to seeing it through.