We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aubree Engell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aubree below.

Aubree, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

After my oldest was born in 2019, I became a stay at home mom, leaving the wine industry after 10 years. One day I noticed Cricut had a sale on one of their machines and was offering a bundle discount, and I thought it would be fun to make onesies for my daughter. My machine arrived and it came with samples of all sorts of materials, and I enjoyed making all the fun DIY crafts from onesies to cups to signs for friends.

My friends started tagging me in facebook post for people looking for someone to make items, and after doing a few items the idea of Harlee Ann Customs was born. It was around the holiday season so I “launched” with ornaments and onesies, and quickly expanded into glass cups.

I was asked to attend a schools holiday vendor market as a vendor, and thats when my fun hobby quickly changed into a small business in my mind.

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?

My name is Aubree, I am a stay at home mom of two, who took on crafting after my oldest was born in 2019. I purchased my first cricut machine a few months after Harlee Ann (the inspiration for my business name) was born. I started off by just crafting for myself and had a few friends order some items over the years.

Towards the end of 2021 I decided to pull the trigger and create Harlee Ann Customs and put myself out there!

Since the beginning of my business, I have shifted away from onesies and pre-made clothing. Cups are my main focus, as I offer over 20 options ranging from glass, plastic to stainless steel, within those options are different color options. I also focus on magnetic bookmarks, car freshies, car coasters and seasonal custom items such and peep plushies, ornaments, stocking tags, and more!

If you find me at a local market, you will more than likely see my cup bar! Its a fun custom experience where my customs get to pick their cup style and cup decal and its made right there for them!

I am most proud that I am able to add the custom item to my customers, and provide great quality products that last.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My best source of new clients has come from previous client referrals, which I am extremely grateful for. Referrals is how I have gotten a majority of my sales, from being tagged in instagram stories, facebook post or word of mouth. Each referral has played a role in my growth as a business.

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

I feel that I built my reputation within my market by providing quality products for my customers. Whether its a cup, shirt or custom item, I strive to provide the best item I can. I believe you pay for quality and I truly strive to provide the best quality I can for each order.

When my small business gets referred to a potential new customer, it is one of the great feelings. It means my work had the quality they were looking for and they loved it enough to share, and I absolutely love that feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.harleeanncustoms.com
• Instagram: Harlee Ann Customs
• Facebook: Harlee Ann Customs
• Youtube: Harlee Ann Customs