We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nikki Harder. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nikki below.
Alright, Nikki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I was raised by creative women. My grandmother taught me cross stitching, sewing, knitting, and to have a love for all kinds of crafts. My mom taught me how to draw. My aunt taught me ceramics. In college, I worked towards a bachelors of fine arts with a concentration in ceramics. I brought my history and love for fiber arts and mixed it with my love for ceramics for my final thesis. In the years since getting my bachelor’s degree, I have allowed my whim to guide the crafts I focus on at any given time. I love to make custom pieces for people to treasure. I make cross stitch pet portraits that serve as memorials for beloved animals. I make custom cups that allow people to show off their unique style. I get excited about allowing people to have access to art in their everyday lives by making accessibly priced art. I named my business CB Nik: Customized by Nikki because it allows me to be flexible and offer people a wide variety of options.
Nikki, 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 want my customers to feel the love I have for making people’s ideas come to life. I take photos of peoples pets and turn them into cross stitches. I also love to make modern cross stitches of quotes. I rhinestone cups and accessories like lighter cases and pens. I enjoy making complicated rhinestone images on cups. I’ve recently started making vinyl-decorated cups and keychains. Everything I make is hopefully going to speak to someone special and make them fall in love with one of my pieces.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I work full time as a pharmacy technician! Not only do I have a love for art, but I also have a love for science.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I have an email list and send out about two emails a month, announcing new products, sales, and local markets I’ll be attending. I recently started a loyalty program where after a customer’s tenth item purchased, they earn a $20 credit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cb-nik.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cb_nikki
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomizedbyNikki
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cb_nik
