We recently connected with Bri Rucker and have shared our conversation below.

Bri, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Before I got into the world of content creation and entrepreneurship my original line of work and field of study was Early Childhood Education. As much as I adore children and helping them learn and grow, crafting has always been something I have been extremely passionate about. In 2020 (just like everyone else I suppose) I decided to leave my teaching job and start up my own small anime inspired craft shop. I absolutely love the freedom of being able to work on my own time and I love that I actually have time to fully execute my thoughts and creations. Now it’s not all sunflower’s and rainbow’s, it can be really stressful, the constant need to create content to get your art out there, the days without orders (which are more frequent than you think) the feeling that no one appreciates your craft and the many days of self doubt, but despite all of that I would choose this path all over again. I have met so many amazing people and have gained more supporters than I ever thought possible, I have also been pushed to go outside of my comfort zone which has done wonders for my social anxiety. So I say all that to say if you really want to pursue a certain path, go for it! You never know where it’ll lead you.

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 Bri and I am a small content creator and business owner. Wickedly Blerdy was created and inspired by my love and appreciation of anime and Japanese culture! All items are made in house and by myself personally and I take a great deal of pride in all of my items as they are all hand crafted. I craft items such as Purses, Glassware, Large home good items like tables and even apparel. I love being able to share and create for the community/Culture there are very few shops like mine, especially those ran by black women like myself or other POC. As much as I love showing up my art I also make it a point to highlight myself as well so others that look like me can also see themselves and pursue their own dreams of entrepreneurship.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Obviously Social Media is the way to go, but I also have been utilizing my email list! It’s been super effective and it’s something that doesn’t rely on an algorithm!

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

In my first year I started on Etsy. I have no issue with the platform it just wasn’t for me or my brand. I like the creativity I’m allowed with the fostering of my own site, I also don’t have to worry about excessive fees like I would had I stayed on Etsy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wickedlyblerdy.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/wickedlyblerdy/

Image Credits
Bri Rucker