We were lucky to catch up with Andrew Rawls recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, thanks for joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

With my business, from the start, I wanted to create an inclusive environment where people would feel brave enough to try something new. So much of what we teach, folks are trying for the first time and it takes a lot of courage to try a new activity, especially when you may be bad at it. We are bombarded by “perfect” products on social media, created by master makers. We focus on the fundamental skills so people can build upon those. We want to empower folks to explore and try something new. In addition to that, I want to be a role model for queer business owners and for the LGBTQ+ youth. I want them to see me holding my head high has an out gay man, with a successful business. Because if I can do it, they definitely can too.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started The Crafter’s Library after having worked as a military contractor for a year in the middle of the South Pacific. I was responsible for our middle school and Teen center and loved the fact there was a place for the kids to go and borrow tools, equipment and supplies for all different types of things, including arts and crafts. I wanted a space like that for adults, but nothing existed for the types of crafts I did. So I thought I would create one!

Four years later, I am proud of so much of what we have accomplished. From how I handled being formally protested for being an inclusive space to supporting local non-profits to the sense of accomplishment from all of the students who take our classes, there isn’t one thing I am most proud of.

I think what sets us apart from other craft stores is my and my staff’s dedication to the success of our clients. As a co-working space, we always get folks coming in and asking us questions about their projects. And the way my staff go above and beyond to assist them is definitely not common in the modern retail environment.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

The first thing I tell my staff is that they absolutely should not work for me unless they are getting paid. I refuse to call us a family. We are co-workers. That doesn’t mean we aren’t friends and have a good time with one another. But it does help keep boundaries in place. Maintaining high morale is not difficult if you, as a manger, take time to know your team. Knowing how they like to be recognized, how they take instruction/constructive criticism is really important. Also communicating your managerial style to them is imperative. I am almost too much of a non-micro manager. I let my staff know that I will give them a task and often not much more instruction. They need to upward manage me to make sure they get the support they need for any given project. This approach gives them flexibility and freedom to do their job the way they want, while still allowing them the safety net of asking clarifying questions.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One of the best resources I used to create my team was the Gallup’s Strength Finder. It allowed me to get to know my team well and see what their strengths were. It helped me create a well rounded team, with different team members excelling in different areas. We do cross train, but leaning in to my team’s individual strengths allows them to feel valued and energized to accomplish their tasks. Mentors have also been wonderful. From other retailers I look up to, to memoirs I read that illuminated different managerial styles, I have always tried to surround myself with people I respect and look up to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.TheCraftersLibrary.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_crafters_library
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-crafter-s-library-santa-barbara-2