We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karla Ortega-Buelvas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karla below.
Alright, Karla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
Absolutely, naming anything, especially a business, can indeed be a challenging task. When it came to naming my brand, I grappled with various ideas before settling on something that truly reflected my craft and offerings. Ultimately, I chose “Karla’s Custom Creations” because it encapsulates the essence of what I do.
While I do offer pre-made items like bottles and canvases at craft shows and on Etsy, my specialty lies in creating personalized and custom pieces. These bespoke creations are where my passion and expertise truly shine. My brand name, therefore, serves as a testament to my commitment to turning my clients’ ideas into meticulously crafted and uniquely tailored gifts. It’s all about bringing their visions to life and providing them with something truly special and meaningful.
Karla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey into the world of craftsmanship and entrepreneurship was anything but conventional. Crafting started as a cherished hobby, something I indulged in whenever time allowed amidst the chaos of raising a family and navigating the demands of a teaching career spanning nearly two decades.
Life threw me unexpected challenges, particularly with my mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, which required significant time and emotional investment. Balancing caregiving duties with the rigors of teaching and family life became increasingly daunting, especially amidst the upheavals brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ultimately, after much contemplation, tears, and heartache, I made the difficult decision to step away from teaching, a profession I had dedicated myself to for so long. It was a bittersweet moment, leaving behind something I loved deeply, but I knew it was necessary for my own well-being and for the sake of my family. Transitioning into entrepreneurship allowed me to prioritize my mental health and spend more precious time at home, where I could continue caring for my loved ones while pursuing my passion for craftsmanship on a more significant scale. Every piece I create now carries with it the journey of resilience, adaptation, and the unwavering commitment to craft something beautiful out of life’s challenges.
I specialize in creating a diverse range of personalized and custom items, tailored to meet the unique preferences and desires of my clients. Some of the products and services I offer include are
Customized Bottles, which are indeed my specialty and best seller, and they’re often what I’m most recognized for. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creativity, I transform ordinary bottles into extraordinary works of art. Whether it’s wine bottles, glass vases, wine glasses, or beer mugs, I pride myself on crafting personalized designs that perfectly capture the essence of my clients’ visions. Each customized bottle is meticulously adorned with intricate designs, names, dates, or special messages, making them truly unique and meaningful. From weddings and anniversaries to birthdays and holidays, these creations serve as timeless keepsakes that celebrate life’s special moments.
My dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction ensures that every custom bottle I create is not only visually stunning but also a reflection of the personal connection I strive to establish with each client. It’s this commitment to excellence that has earned me a reputation for delivering exceptional and unforgettable creations.
While customized bottles may be my flagship offering and personal favorite, I also delve into the world of custom-made canvases from time to time. Although they may not be my top preference, I recognize the artistic possibilities they offer and enjoy exploring new creative avenues. Working with canvases allows me to express my artistic flair in different ways, offering a unique medium for storytelling and expression. Whether it’s through acrylic paintings, mixed media collages, or intricate designs, I approach each canvas project with enthusiasm and dedication. While bottles remain my specialty, I appreciate the occasional opportunity to cork on this alternative canvas. It’s all about embracing versatility and pushing artistic boundaries to deliver captivating and meaningful creations for my clients.
In addition to customized bottles and bespoke canvases, I’m thrilled to offer a wide array of personalized crocheted items. Crocheting allows me to infuse warmth, comfort, and personal touches into every piece, making them cherished treasures for my clients. From adorable baby items like blankets, hats, and booties to luxurious king-size blankets perfect for cozying up on chilly nights, I cater to a diverse range of needs and preferences. Sweaters, scarves, and other wearables are also among my repertoire, each meticulously crafted to fit and flatter. One of my specialties is graphgans, which blend the artistry of crochet with the intricacy of graph patterns. These customized creations can depict anything from beloved characters and scenes to meaningful symbols and designs, adding a unique and personal touch to any space. Whether it’s a thoughtful gift for a newborn, a statement piece for the home, or a stylish accessory for the wardrobe, my personalized crocheted items are crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring they become treasured heirlooms for years to come.
What sets me apart from others in my field is not just the products I offer, but the personalized experience and attention to detail I provide to each and every client. I prioritize understanding my clients’ unique preferences, desires, and stories behind each request. This allows me to create truly personalized and bespoke items that resonate with them on a deep and meaningful level. I take great pride in my craftsmanship, ensuring that every item I create is of the highest quality. From the materials I use to the techniques I employ; I strive for excellence in every aspect of my work. Crafting is not just a job for me; it’s my passion. I pour my heart and soul into every project, going above and beyond to exceed my clients’ expectations and create something truly special for them. Overall, it’s the combination of personalized attention, quality craftsmanship, versatility, passion, and exceptional customer service that sets me apart and makes my work truly stand out in the industry.
I’m most proud of the personal connections I’ve formed with my clients and the impact my creations have had on their lives. Knowing that I’ve been able to contribute to their special moments, whether it’s through a custom bottle commemorating a milestone or a crocheted blanket bringing warmth and comfort, fills me with immense joy and fulfillment. Overall, I want people to know that when they choose my brand, they’re not just getting a product – they’re getting a personalized, handcrafted creation infused with passion, care, and meaning.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One significant pivot in my life occurred when I decided to transition from a career in teaching to becoming a full-time artisan and entrepreneur.
For nearly two decades, teaching had been my passion and my livelihood. I loved the sense of fulfillment that came from shaping young minds and making a positive impact in my students’ lives. However, as life threw unexpected challenges my way, including caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s and navigating the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized that I needed to make a change for my own well-being and that of my family.
After much contemplation, tears, and heartache, I made the difficult decision to leave teaching behind and pursue my passion for crafting on a more significant scale. It was a leap of faith into the unknown, filled with uncertainty and apprehension, but it was also an opportunity for growth and reinvention.
Embracing this pivot meant stepping out of my comfort zone and charting a new course for myself. I poured my energy and creativity into building my artisan business, focusing on creating personalized and custom items that reflected my love for crafting and dedication to quality craftsmanship.
While the transition wasn’t without its challenges, it ultimately proved to be a transformative journey. I discovered new strengths and talents within myself, forged deeper connections with my clients, and found a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment in my work.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the courage to pivot and pursue my passion wholeheartedly. It taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and following my heart, even when the path ahead is uncertain. And though the road may be winding, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Securing the initial capital to start my business was indeed a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I owe much of its success to the unwavering support of my husband, friend, and partner. His encouragement and belief in my talent played a pivotal role in turning my hobby into a thriving business.
When we first embarked on this venture, we were navigating uncharted territory, with little knowledge of the intricacies involved in starting a business. However, armed with determination and a shared vision, we dove headfirst into the process.
Using a portion of our savings, we took the necessary steps to establish Karla’s Custom Creations LLC, including obtaining permits, business licenses, and other legal documentation. While it was daunting at times, knowing that I had my husband and friend by my side provided the reassurance and confidence I needed to press forward.
With the initial paperwork out of the way, we began investing in the essentials: materials, tools, and branding. Every penny was carefully allocated to ensure that we had everything we needed to bring my creative vision to life and establish our brand in the market.
Though the journey was filled with uncertainties and challenges, our collective determination and resourcefulness propelled us forward. Together, we weathered the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, learning and growing with each step along the way.
Looking back, I am immensely grateful for the support and sacrifices made by my husband, friend, and partner. His belief in me and our shared dream laid the foundation for Karla’s Custom Creations to flourish, and I am forever indebted to him for helping me turn my passion into a successful business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/karlacustomcreations
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karla.custom.creations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karla.custom.creations
- Other: Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karlacustomcreations?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc