We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cindy Hernandez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cindy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

This business stemmed from pain. I was going through a hard time in my life and had a hard time finding peace in anything I did. I’m a naturally creative person and my neighbor suggested I take up gardening. She taught me the how to care for plants and in turn she taught me to care for myself. I started giving my plants away as gifts in the form of terrariums. The receivers loved it and some suggested that I sell them, and I did well at small markets and popups. When the pandemic hit, I started getting questions via Instagram on how to care for plants. I spent my whole day answering questions and compiled a list of FAQ’S to help me create content. I started developing a curriculum that led to launching my first workshop (“Plants 101”). As my business has progressed a popular workshop is “pick a pot, pick a plant”, and honestly, it’s one of my favorites. It is a workshop that appeals to all audiences, age and genders. It gives me great joy to see people putting together something they call theirs and that is why my business is called Crafting with Cindy. I truly enjoy creating in community and providing a safe space for people to create freely and meet other people.

Cindy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Crafting with Cindy is a mobile plant shop that works with the community to solve their plant problems. Our products are plants and everything you need to take care of your plants. We also host workshops that teach from the ground up how to garden and pot painting parties suitable or birthdays, weddings, corporate events and team building exercises. What sets us apart is that we use our creativity and knowledge to have a fun space to let go and create something unique to you. What I’m most proud of is the one-on-one attention I am able to give my plant parents in order for them to thrive and have the jungle of their dreams. My brand also enjoys giving back to the community by working with others during the holidays like toy drives, visiting community centers, crafting with foster families at a holiday event and baking cookies for clients at a drop-in center who otherwise would not have holiday cheer.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a family crisis that led me to be a foster parent for my infant grandniece. I knew that meant I would have to take a step back from my business that kept me very busy. I had to close my physical location that was doing well but I wasn’t able to work full time as a case manager, run my mobile portion of the business and continue with the physical location to be fully present with a 4-month-old with special needs. I slowed down the mobile business until she was old enough to take her with me. As she grew, she also became a plant lover and my “mini-assistant”. She enjoyed going to nurseries and the different textures of the plants. I also focused on my developing my online presence by developing my website and working towards a dream on my bucket list which is becoming an author. I have dyslexia which makes it difficult for me to put a pen to paper but I have found other ways to be able to develop my thoughts creatively.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Some of the most important things is being able to be present with your audience and authentic. There have been times where a client will ask me a question about a rare plant that I honestly don’t know the answer to but I either provide a resource or ask for time to reach out to one of my colleagues in order to find the right answer. Being consistent with my message of self-love/care has also given me a solid reputation in the market my business is in. Support the goals of others has also given me a positive reputation among my peers.

Contact Info:

• Website: craftingwithcin.com
• Instagram: Craftingw.cindy
• Facebook: crafting with cindy
• Other: You can find my art pieces @art_by_cdez on Instagram