Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erika Maynor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Erika, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I love all things different and beautiful. The mission with The Crafter’s Closet by EMaynor has always been to create the “WOW” factor for your front door. Just like when we are feeling kind of down and frumpy about an outfit choice, we can add an accessory or a pop of color and it can literally transform the clothing from ordinary to extraordinary. The same applies to our homes. A wreath or door charm, a vertical welcome sign, some garland or a whole porch decor design can transform your home and will make you want that energy inside of your house as well. The saying “when you look better, you feel better” applies to where you reside as well.

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 am Erika Davis Maynor, born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama (WESTSIDE)! I am a wife and mother of 2 sons ages 15 and 18. I also work a 9-5 Monday – Friday for a great company, but crafting is my true passion. From childhood I have always been “artsy”. I loved abstract art growing up. There was just something about the shapes, colors, lines an textures that just drew me in. It was different and more free flowing. Once becoming an adult and moving into my first apartment I began crafting, even though I didn’t know it was crafting at the time. I was just trying to decorate my apartment in the least expensive way possible and that stuck with me. I got into creating wreaths because I couldn’t find the exact Christmas wreath I wanted in any store so I watched a few tutorials, bought my supplies and made exactly what I wanted for my home. I showed my friends and they started requesting wreaths from me. It was my cousin who convinced me to sell them and here I am, EIGHT YEARS LATER!

The Crafter’s Closet by EMaynor is craft boutique. We create all types of door decorations, from wreaths, door charms, door swags, picture frame wreaths to vertical signs and our newest venture which is porch scapes. Often, people place so much emphasis and care into the inside of their home but nothing to the porch which is really what people see first. I believe your porch provides the first impression to your home, that’s also why realtors encourage sellers to make sure their home has curb appeal. When potential clients are riding by you want them to be drawn to your home, so I say make what they see unforgettable! We bring your front door alive with our custom creations and because they are customized, your porch won’t look like your neighbors!
We take pride in everything we create and because of that we make items not only for the creativity/beauty aspect but also longevity and durability. We have return customers because they know we are going to create something beautiful that also lasts.
The one thing I want potential customers to know and that I hope current customers already know , is that each wreath, swag, sign, etc. is made with so much care and thought. When you open your box and see what you’ve ordered you also see every ounce of creativity and love I have for what I do.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In late August of 2017, my mom had a stroke and a series of seizures. Because of the severity she was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator. This happened during the start of the football season and I already had several orders and more were coming in and a bridal shower to decorate for. I am an only child and my dad was too distraught to handle the bulk of everything concerning my moms’ care. I had to pivot. I had to notify customers, process refunds and also make arrangements for the customers who chose not to cancel orders. Because she was in ICU there were very strict visiting times. If I wasn’t sitting in the room with her I was in the lobby waiting for the next visiting hour and cutting ribbon/mesh for wreaths.. When I would go home to shower, I would also carve out some time to start an order or finish one, then back to the hospital I’d go.
Once she was discharged from the hospital, she had to have in home therapy. While watching the the therapy sessions I was also making the decorations for the bridal shower. While she napped, I worked.
Thankfully my mom recovered very well, I was able to fulfill orders and finish the décor for the bridal shower. To date, that has been the hardest pivot. However, it was a type of therapy for me in a stressful time and it also showed me what I could accomplish in spite of the circumstances.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

You can sleep/rest when you “make it”.

Entrepreneurship not only requires business savvy but also physical fitness as well. Part of being able to carry out the physical aspect of business is the proper rest. Rest for your body and your mind.

September – December is peak time for my business. Functioning off of 3-4 hours of sleep a night has become the norm for me. But there have been times that my body has just shut down. I have learned my limits and I try my best not to push my limits as it pertains to my health.

Contact Info:

• Website: Coming soon!
• Instagram: thecrafterscloset_by_emaynor
• Facebook: The Crafter’s Closet by EMaynor

Image Credits
Personal Photo: DeShanna Hampton owner of Face Photography