Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brittany Hicks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brittany, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

A & B Creations began with two separate passions. I (Brittany) made a paper flower shadow box for my best friend’s birthday, and her encouragement to sell them planted the idea. Meanwhile, my sister Amber was sewing dog bandanas after struggling with traditional designs while pet-sitting. Friends and family loved our creations, which inspired us to combine our talents into a business.

Our first big step was preparing for a local craft fair. With a limited budget, we borrowed a tent, tables, and purchased simple packaging. We refined our products—Amber perfected her bandanas and added bow ties, while I expanded my shadow box designs to include customizations.

The second show at our church cemented our decision to keep going. We learned how to better display our products and began building relationships with customers. Over time, we added small touches, like stapling business cards to bags, and offering stickers for purchase to enhance the customer experience.

Since launching in October 2021, we’ve stayed true to our mission of creating meaningful, handmade products. Starting A & B Creations has been a journey of creativity, collaboration, and love, and we’re excited to keep growing together.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who may not know us, we’re Brittany Hicks and Amber Welch, sisters and co-founders of A & B Creations, a small business born from our shared love of crafting. We specialize in handmade, meaningful products designed to bring joy to our customers and their furry friends.

Our journey started with individual passions. I (Brittany) have always been creative, using arts and crafts as a way to express myself. One of my first projects was a paper flower shadow box for a friend, and the positive response to that gift inspired me to create more. Amber’s journey began with her love for pets. While pet-sitting, she noticed how cumbersome tying traditional bandanas could be, so she designed slip-on bandanas that fit easily onto collars.

Together, we turned these hobbies into a business. We offer custom paper flower shadow boxes, handmade slip-on dog bandanas, adjustable bow ties, and even seasonal stickers. What sets us apart is the thought and care we pour into each creation. Every paper flower in each shadow boxes is hand-rolled and personalized to reflect special moments—whether it’s a wedding, a memorial, or a new baby. Amber’s bandanas and bow ties are not only stylish but also functional, available in sizes from XS to XL to accommodate all pets.

We’re most proud of the connections we’ve made with our customers. Many have shared photos of their pets proudly wearing our bandanas or sent us pictures of shadow boxes displayed in their homes. That sense of connection and knowing we’ve created something meaningful is incredibly rewarding.

What we want people to know about A & B Creations is that it’s built on love—love for crafting, love for pets, and love for the people who support us. Our business is about more than just selling products; it’s about sharing moments, celebrating creativity, and connecting with a community that feels like family.

We’re excited to keep growing, creating, and sharing our passion with the world.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Our reputation within our market has been built on a foundation of quality, consistency, and genuine connection with our customers. From the very beginning, we’ve focused on creating products that are not only well-made but also deeply meaningful. Every paper flower shadow box is carefully hand-crafted with attention to detail, and every dog bandana and bow tie is designed to be both stylish and functional. This commitment to quality has been key in earning the trust of our customers.

Another major factor has been our dedication to customer service. We take the time to listen to what our clients want, whether it’s a specific color scheme for a shadow box or a custom-sized bandana for their beloved pet. Building these personal connections has created a sense of loyalty, with many customers returning to us time and time again.

Consistency has also played a significant role. Whether we’re setting up our booth at a craft fair or fulfilling a custom order, we strive to deliver a reliable and positive experience every time. Customers know they can count on us to provide products that exceed their expectations.

Finally, being active in our local community has helped us stand out. Regularly participating in craft fairs and markets has allowed us to interact with customers face-to-face, share our story, and build relationships. Over time, these interactions have turned into word-of-mouth referrals, which have been invaluable in growing our reputation.

Ultimately, what has helped us the most is staying true to who we are. Our passion for what we do shines through in every product we make, and our customers see that. It’s this authenticity, combined with a commitment to quality and service, that has helped us build our reputation in the market.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Our best source of new clients has been participating in craft fairs and markets, but what’s really helped us expand our audience is branching out into new areas. When we first started, we focused on craft fairs close to home in La Mesa and neighboring cities like Santee, El Cajon, and Lakeside. While these events were a great way to get started and build a local customer base, we realized that to reach new audiences, we needed to venture farther out.

Over time, we began participating in craft fairs in areas like Descanso, Ocean Beach, and Clairemont. Each new location brought us in front of a different crowd, allowing us to showcase our creations to people who may not have discovered us otherwise. These events have been instrumental in introducing our business to new communities and building relationships with customers across San Diego County.

Additionally, these opportunities have helped us establish connections with fellow vendors, gain insights into other markets, and refine our approach to displaying and marketing our products. By staying open to traveling and exploring new venues, we’ve been able to significantly grow our reach and bring our handmade creations to a wider audience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @AandBCreationsSD
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AandBCreationsSD
• Other: Email: aandbcreationssd@gmail.com

Image Credits

Dog in Padres bandana: Tara Van Sickle
Dog in Baby Yoda bandana: Michelle Treske
All other photos taken by Brittany Hicks