We recently connected with Erika Reyes and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Erika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The day I decided to literally quit my 9-5 was the day I knew I would be taking one of the biggest risks of all time!

A few years ago, I opened up my small business, Krafted Kyndleigh (crafted kindly) in the corner of my bedroom. I had no clue what I was doing. I worked so hard day and night to make a name for myself. It had always my dream to become my own boss, and I was so set on doing so. Things did not come easy for me, on top of trying to start my own business I was a mom first and had a 9-5 job I had to work around.

I decided to take the leap of faith with Kyle’s full support to quit my job to focus more on my girls and build up Krafted Kyndleigh.

And that I did!

Erika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started Krafted Kyndleigh during Covid. I took that time to seriously dig down deep to learn all I needed to know about shirt making. It was NOT easy but totally worth it!

Once I was able to go back to work full time I never let that get in the way of learning and pursuing my dream of becoming my own boss. Being a mom was always my first priority but learning this was just so much fun and never felt like “work” and I knew if I could just get “this” going I would be able to actually be there for my girls. I would be able to control the times I worked and be around for school events, dance practices, and all the things.

I am so proud that I never gave up. I am so proud that I never let the ones that never believed in me, get in my way. I am so proud to call the ones that stood by my side and always supported me my family.

This was not something that just happened overnight. It took blood, sweat, and a lot of tears but we’re doing it!

I take pride in every order and I knew I needed help the busier I was getting. I needed someone that would believe in Krafted Kyndleigh as much as I did and that was when I decided to bring on April. She is truly the best and believes in my business just as much as me and has helped us grow so much. I will forever be thankful for all she has done for me!

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

Being kind and willing to listen to what others want. Listening to the full story before jumping in with my input.

Most of my costumers have been PTAs, PTOs, or Booster Clubs trying to help fund their schools and teams. With every order I take in, I decided that I would do all I could to help make that happen and donate a percentage back. By doing so, I don’t just feel like a small business that helped them order shirts, I feel like part of their school/team family!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth and of course my love for School Spirit!

I have now taken on multiple schools in my area, I provide them with school spirit shops to shop year-round. I also donate a percentage back to the schools or organizations that I work with, with the money I make from the school spirit shops.

I would love to keep this going and would like to get into bigger fundraisers in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kraftedkyndleigh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krafted_kyndleigh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krafted_kyndleigh2528
• Other: TikTok/ @krafted_kyndleigh

Image Credits

Erika Reyes