We were lucky to catch up with Rycardo “ryk” Goodwin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rycardo “Ryk”, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for ReiRaz Craft LLC came from a very personal place—a love for storytelling through art and a desire to challenge the notion that creativity is just a hobby. Growing up, I saw how often aspiring artists, especially those within my community, were told that art couldn’t be a viable career. That narrative stuck with me, and I wanted to create something that not only showcased the potential of art as a profession but also inspired others to see it as a pathway to self-expression, empowerment, and financial independence.
ReiRaz Craft LLC was named after my children, Reina and Raziel, because family and legacy are central to everything I do. It started with my passion for pixel art—a medium that merges nostalgia with precision and creativity. What began as a hobby quickly transformed into something more when I saw the impact my work had on others. People didn’t just see art; they saw themselves in it. This connection motivated me to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of income level, and to create opportunities for children and families to explore their creative sides.
An important turning point came when a friend, who was the President of the Friends of the Des Moines, WA Library Branch, introduced me to the children’s coordinator. This connection opened the door to hosting workshops at local libraries, helping me create meaningful experiences for kids and families while establishing a reputation within the library community. Libraries became a perfect partner for my vision—they’re inclusive, accessible, and deeply rooted in the neighborhoods we aim to serve.
I also deliberately chose to step into spaces where pixel art with fusible beads wasn’t already oversaturated. While conventions, Etsy, and EDM concerts are popular venues for this type of art, I wanted to differentiate myself and bring this medium to fresh audiences. By focusing on libraries, schools, and community events, I’ve been able to stand out and connect with people in more intimate, impactful ways.
Currently, ReiRaz Craft focuses on hosting workshops at libraries in partnership with organizations like the King County Library System. These events are about more than just teaching art—they’re about inspiring kids to explore their creativity, learn new skills, and see the possibilities of self-expression. Watching a child light up as they complete their first pixelated masterpiece or hearing a parent say, “This is exactly what my kid needed,” keeps me motivated and reassures me that this work is making a difference.
Looking to the future, my vision is to share the understanding that art is more than a pastime—it’s a viable and fulfilling career. I want to shift the narrative for aspiring artists who’ve been told their passion isn’t practical, and demonstrate that art can open doors, build bridges, and create opportunities. This dream fuels everything we do, from workshops to commissions, as we work toward a future where creativity is celebrated and accessible to all.
ReiRaz Craft is more than a business; it’s a movement to uplift communities, empower young creators, and inspire a new generation of artists to pursue their dreams with confidence.
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?
About You & Your Business / Brand
My name is Ryk Goodwin, and I’m the owner of ReiRaz Craft LLC, a family-owned mixed media art business that specializes in pixelated art we call 8-Bit Stories. At ReiRaz Craft, we blend small fusible beads with canvases to create uniquely handmade, nostalgic pieces that tell powerful stories through every pixel.
The inspiration for my business stems from a vision—a world where Black and Brown communities can aspire to become professional artists without being dismissed as unrealistic. I imagine art spaces like galleries and museums reflecting the diversity of their communities, not just the demographics of their donors. Most importantly, I want my children, Reina and Raziel, who are both my first employees and the inspiration behind ReiRaz Craft, to grow up in a world where young, employed contemporary artists like themselves are the norm, not the exception. ReiRaz Craft is named for them, combining their names to reflect our family’s legacy and our commitment to creating opportunities for others.
Our mission is twofold: to create high-quality, handmade art that revitalizes local spaces and to empower the next generation of creators. We partner with small businesses across Seattle to provide ready-to-sell artwork that enhances their interiors while sharing sales revenue with them. This not only builds local connections and supports the businesses we love but also expands our customer base and drives traffic to our online store and social media platforms.
In addition to creating art, we facilitate workshops that bring creativity directly to the community. Partnering with organizations like the King County Library System—the third largest library system in the U.S.—as well as Pierce County Library System and Tacoma Public Schools, we’ve introduced over 200 young participants to the art of pixel creation. These workshops inspire kids to tap into their creative potential while developing problem-solving skills.
What Problems You Solve & What Sets You Apart
ReiRaz Craft addresses two key challenges: representation and accessibility. Too often, Artists from underrepresented communities are told their passion is just a hobby. I want to change that narrative, showing aspiring artists that art is a viable career and a tool for empowerment. By focusing on spaces like libraries, schools, and small businesses—instead of oversaturated markets like conventions or Etsy—we bring pixel art to fresh audiences and inspire creativity in places where it isn’t expected but deeply appreciated.
What sets us apart is our focus on storytelling and connection. Every piece of art we create is infused with care and meaning, and every workshop we lead is designed to spark imagination and confidence. Our partnerships with community organizations allow us to not only teach but also show participants the possibilities of turning creativity into opportunity.
What You’re Most Proud Of
What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made on individuals and communities. Whether it’s seeing a child proudly hold up their finished artwork, hearing from a parent who says their family bonded over one of our workshops, or helping a small business reinvigorate their space with fresh inventory, each moment reaffirms why ReiRaz Craft exists. These experiences are a testament to our mission: to inspire, uplift, and empower through creativity.
What You Want People to Know About Your Brand
ReiRaz Craft isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. It’s about proving that art is more than a pastime; it’s a future, a career, and a way to connect with others. We’re here to redefine what it means to be an artist, especially for communities that have long been underrepresented in art spaces. Whether through workshops, commissioned pieces, or consigned art, ReiRaz Craft delivers high-quality creations that reflect the passion and precision behind our work.
Most importantly, we’re here to inspire others to see creativity not just as something they do, but as something they can become.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been the enthusiastic response from library patrons who participate in our workshops. We’ve found that when participants take home their creations, they’re so thrilled with the experience that they provide positive feedback directly to the library branches, often requesting that ReiRaz Craft return. This word-of-mouth advocacy is invaluable—it not only reinforces our relationships with library systems but also helps expand our visibility within the community.
Our craft and quality speak for themselves. We take pride in offering a wide range of over 60 colors to choose from, allowing participants to fully express their creativity and produce pieces that are both personal and vibrant. This variety, combined with the engaging and hands-on nature of our workshops, ensures that every attendee feels empowered and inspired.
By focusing on creating exceptional experiences and delivering high-quality materials, we’ve been able to build a reputation that encourages repeat invitations and draws new participants. This organic growth, fueled by the joy and satisfaction of those who attend, has been instrumental in expanding our reach and solidifying our presence as a trusted partner in the community.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A pivotal moment for ReiRaz Craft came during a significant transition when my spouse, who had previously served as the Creative Director, stepped away from the company. This change required me to rethink the structure and future of the business while staying true to our mission and vision.
Because I’ve always envisioned ReiRaz Craft as a family legacy, I saw this as an opportunity to involve my children, Reina and Raziel, in larger roles. They’ve always been the heart and inspiration behind the business, and this shift allowed them to contribute in meaningful ways to both the creative and operational aspects of our work. Seeing them grow into these responsibilities has been a proud and motivating experience for me.
To ensure continuity and maintain the quality of our workshops, I also brought in trusted colleagues from the community to help co-host events. This collaborative approach not only enriched the workshop experience but also strengthened our ties to the community.
This pivot taught me the importance of adaptability and collaboration. It reinforced that ReiRaz Craft isn’t just about creating art—it’s about building something meaningful and enduring, capable of thriving through change while staying rooted in its core values.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ReiRazCraft.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ReiRazCraft
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReiRazCraft
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ReiRazCraft
