We were lucky to catch up with Vicky Cai recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vicky, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

It’s always exciting to talk about earning that first dollar from creativity. I made mine in 2020, selling my own needle-felted goods on Etsy. Back then, I was just doing it for fun and out of curiosity, wondering if anyone out there would actually buy my crafts. I still remember my first sale vividly—it was a needle-felted broccoli, sold to someone in New Jersey who planned to use it as a Christmas ornament!

And to my surprise, she continued to support my shop by buying a pair of my needle-felted avocados as well! I was so amazed and grateful for this very first stranger who became a repeat buyer. It meant a lot to me at the time, and it still does.

Vicky, 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?

Hi everyone! My name is Vicky, and I’m originally from Harbin, China, now living in Southern California. Art has always played a significant role in my life, ever since middle school. Over the years, I’ve explored many different forms of art and craft, from traditional painting and drawing to more modern digital media. While I enjoy digital art, my passion still lies with traditional media—it gives me a sense of peace and a deeper connection to what I’m creating.

I first discovered needle felting in 2019 while traveling in Taiwan. I stumbled upon a small shop selling needle felting kits, something I had never seen before. The soft texture and cute shapes immediately caught my eye, and I was hooked. When I returned to LA, I dove into this craft and, after about a year of practicing, I began considering selling my creations online.

Eventually, I decided to take it seriously and turn it into a business. I also wanted to share my love for needle-felting
with others, so I started hosting workshops to teach this craft. One of my proudest moments was when I taught my first workshop—it felt like an incredible achievement. Teaching in English, which isn’t my native language, was something I never imagined I could do. But when I completed that first workshop, I was filled with such fulfillment and satisfaction. I knew how much effort I had put into preparing for it, and it all paid off. Now, I truly enjoy teaching and meeting new friends through this process.

How did you build your audience on social media?

If you want to attract a global audience, it’s important to consistently build up your social media presence. Regular content helps you reach people worldwide. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a more local audience, try attending markets or fairs. These events naturally draw in real, local customers. Offering small treats or free items is a great way to engage with people—ask if they’d be willing to follow you in return, and most will be happy to support!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Provide more opportunities for artists to showcase their work, such as public markets or art shows. Encouraging creativity with rewards or prizes can also inspire artists to continue pushing their creative boundaries.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fuzzycabin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuzzycabin/

Image Credits

fuzzycabin