We were lucky to catch up with Kailey Lancello recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kailey, thanks for joining us today. If you’re open to it, can you talk to us about the best (or worst) investment you’ve made. What’s the backstory and the relevant context behind why you made the investment
Sometimes as a small business owner, it can be difficult to assess the value of investing in tools when you’re not sure where your business will be in a week or month. One of the best investments I made was in a rotary blade, mat and circular template. For those that are crafters, this is not an expensive investment, but when you’re a small business owner scrutinizing every penny that comes in and out of the business, it all adds up! So after a few months of consideration, I bought these tools, which allowed me to decrease the amount of time I was spending on my popular product – coasters.
Now, when I’m debating whether I should buy a tool for my business or not, I consider how much easier it will make a certain aspect of my business. If it meets a certain criteria, I purchase it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am a macrame artist who started creating during the pandemic after seeing plant hangers at a local market just before the world shut down. I create macrame home decor, ranging from large custom wall pieces, to small keychains and wristlets. I also enjoy teaching macrame plant hanger classes at local shops around Charlotte. It’s so fun to see people learn a new skill and use their creativity.
From starting with Amazon bought cord, to finding a small, woman owned cord supplier based out of Florida, I pride myself on shopping small and utilizing environmentally sustainable products. The cords I use are all 100% recycled cotton cord, and I ship using reused materials whenever possible.
And yes, I’ve owned hedgehogs for most of my life.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
While I wouldn’t say my 800 followers on Instagram are a large following by any means. I will say, just put yourself out there. Be goofy, be cringey, be yourself.
There is something you will post that will resonate with someone. Maybe it’s the fact that you didn’t wear makeup. Maybe it’s the fact you made an entire reel out of bloopers and funny faces. Maybe you shared a fact that shined a light on the dark side of your craft or business.
Once I started caring a less about how perfect (or not) my posts and reels were and just started hitting post I saw a difference in myself and my engagement. I had more engagement because I was posting more. Some things worked, while others didn’t, and that was okay. When it comes to myself, I learned my posts did not have to be perfect. I didn’t have to have the perfect reason to post or look amazing, and I’ve seen my excitement to post and interact grow.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivoting in my life is very much like that scene from Friends. In terms of my personal career, I’ve gone from being a corporate buyer (in swimwear no less), to working in hospital development for an organ procurement organization, to being an e-commerce analyst. I like to joke that 180 my career a lot, but never back to the same place.
When it comes to my small business, I pivoted from focusing on selling individual items to selling wholesale. I’ve had over 50 businesses order from me, and it’s very exciting to think about my pieces being purchasable all over the country. Also, over the past year, I’ve worked on providing plant hanger classes. These classes are typically hosted in local shops or plant stores and I’m incredibly grateful for their support in making this happen!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thehandcraftedhedgehog
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kailey-lancello-52871641/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HandcraftedHedgehog
Image Credits
Elizabeth A Images for the cup on coaster and me with the pink plant hanger