We were lucky to catch up with Alicia Snyder recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alicia, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I wouldn’t necessarily define it as a single project, but rather an initiative that has grown into something deeply meaningful to me. Our Youth Market events at The Blu Door have, without a doubt, been one of the most impactful things I’ve been a part of.

The idea came from a very personal place. As a small business owner and a mom, I saw firsthand how natural creativity and curiosity come to kids—especially my own. I wanted to create a space where that creativity could be nurtured and where young people could feel what it’s like to turn an idea into something tangible. Not just making art, but sharing it, valuing it, and experiencing the confidence that comes from putting themselves out there.

What started as a simple idea quickly grew into something much bigger. The Youth Market became a place where kids—some as young as three—show up with their own handmade products, set up their booths, and proudly represent something they’ve created. It’s not just about selling; it’s about learning, confidence-building, and giving them an early introduction to entrepreneurship in a way that feels fun and supportive.

What makes it especially meaningful is the way the community shows up for these kids. There’s something incredibly powerful about watching people slow down, engage, and genuinely invest in encouraging the next generation. The energy is unmatched—it’s joyful, inspiring, and full of heart.

While we host a variety of events throughout the year, the Youth Market stands apart. It reflects everything The Blu Door is about: creativity, community, and creating opportunities for others to shine. It’s more than an event—it’s a starting point, and being able to provide that for these kids is something I’m incredibly proud of.

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

My journey into art, small business, and ultimately founding The Blu Door really began during a season of uncertainty. During COVID, I made the decision to step away from my retail job—something that felt both freeing and incredibly nerve wracking at the same time. It was my husband who encouraged me to take that leap and pursue something of my own. What started as a leap of faith quickly turned into one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

That time allowed me to fully lean into creating, something I had always loved but never pursued at that level. I began selling my work as a vendor, setting up at markets, meeting people, and learning the ins and outs of running a small business firsthand. What I didn’t expect was how deeply connected I would become to the community through it. So many of the people I met along the way became more than customers—they became friends, supporters, and eventually even vendors inside The Blu Door. That sense of connection is truly what laid the foundation for everything that came next.

The idea for The Blu Door grew naturally from that experience. I wanted to create a space that felt like what I had found at those markets—a place where creativity is celebrated, where small businesses are supported, and where people feel genuinely welcomed the moment they walk in.

What makes it all even more meaningful is the space itself. The shop was once owned by my late grandfather—better known as Shorty—and operated as his motorcycle repair shop, Shorty’s Cycle. It’s a place that holds so much history for my family, and being able to transform it into something new and full of life has been incredibly special. In many ways, it feels like I’m honoring where I come from while creating something meaningful for the future.

The name “The Blu Door” is a direct reflection of that legacy. The original door on the building—what those closest to my grandfather lovingly called “Shorty Blue”—was always a standout feature. It had character, it was memorable, and it carried stories of its own. Keeping that as part of the identity felt only natural, and over time it has become a symbol of everything The Blu Door represents: honoring history, celebrating creativity, and creating a space where old stories and new beginnings come together.

Today, The Blu Door is so much more than a shop—it’s an experience. We’ve created a space filled with thoughtfully curated, handcrafted goods from a variety of talented vendors. We go above and beyond to make sure what we offer feels unique, meaningful, and special—items you won’t just find anywhere else. It’s about creating that “you have to see this place” feeling.

But beyond the products, it’s really about the people. We host a wide range of events throughout the year that are designed to bring the community together—markets, workshops, seasonal events, and our Youth Market, which holds such a special place in my heart. These events create opportunities for connection, creativity, and support in a way that feels genuine and fun.

Giving back is also woven into everything we do. Many of our events are created with intention, where a portion of booth fees or proceeds go directly to local organizations, families, or causes in need. Being able to use what we’ve built to pour back into the community is something that means so much to me.

At its core, The Blu Door is a reflection of my journey—taking a chance, leaning into creativity, and building something rooted in connection. It’s a space where people walk in as customers and often leave as something more. And that, more than anything, is what makes it all so meaningful.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media has been a mix of intention, consistency, and being willing to adapt. I’m very goal-driven by nature—when I set a goal, I stay focused on it until I reach it, and then I raise the bar. That mindset has played a big role in how I’ve approached growing The Blu Door online.

That being said, social media today isn’t always easy. The algorithms are constantly changing, people engage differently than they used to, and many have shifted between platforms or taken breaks altogether. It can feel unpredictable at times, but I’ve learned that consistency and authenticity matter more than trying to “figure out” every algorithm.

For us, visuals have been huge. Posting clear, bright, eye-catching images makes a difference, especially when you’re showcasing handmade products and creative work. Just as important are the words you use—your captions should feel like you, like your brand, and invite people in rather than just sell to them.

One of the biggest pieces of advice I give is don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and ask for support. Whether it’s friends and family sharing your posts, or putting yourself out there in local and surrounding groups, that early support can go a long way. Find your people and let them be part of your growth.

At The Blu Door, we’re also incredibly fortunate to have a shop full of talented makers. Social media becomes a shared effort—we support each other, share each other’s work, and that collaboration helps expand our reach in a really natural way.

And honestly, when it makes sense, don’t underestimate the power of a good giveaway. When done thoughtfully, it can bring new eyes to your business and create excitement around what you’re doing.

Above all, I’d say stay consistent, stay true to your brand, and don’t get discouraged. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but if you keep showing up and creating something people can connect with, your audience will find you.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

It’s funny—this is actually something I was just talking about with my husband. One resource I truly wish I had leaned into earlier is AI, especially when it comes to writing and content creation.

In the early days of my creative journey, I would spend hours trying to find the “right” words. I’d type something out, delete it, rewrite it, second-guess it—over and over again. What should have taken minutes would sometimes take an entire day because I wanted it to feel just right. As someone with ADHD, I’ve always had moments where I know what I want to say but getting it out clearly can be a challenge.

Now, I can start with a general idea and use AI as a tool to help bring structure to those thoughts. I still go in, tweak it, and make sure it sounds like me—but it’s taken away a lot of that overwhelming feeling and pressure. It’s allowed me to focus more on creating and connecting, rather than getting stuck in my head.

I know AI can sometimes be looked at negatively, especially in the art world, but I really believe it comes down to how you use it. For me, it’s a support tool—not a replacement for creativity. It helps with the behind-the-scenes pieces, like writing and organizing ideas, so I can put more energy into the parts of my business that truly matter.

My advice would be to stay open to tools that make your life easier and your business more sustainable—but always stay true to your voice and your work. There’s a difference between using something as a resource and letting it replace your creativity, and that balance is everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thebludoormi.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopthebludoor