We recently connected with Sandra Shaw and have shared our conversation below.
Sandra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The idea for S.A.D.I.E.’S CRAFT began with my passion for creativity and my concern about waste in the community. I noticed how many materials, fabrics, wood, and everyday items were being discarded even though they had the potential to be transformed into something beautiful and useful. It was then, my partner Alvin Augustus Elliston, saw the creativity in me and joined with me as a partner in the business. I began upcycling with fabric, crochet thread, old jars, wood, and other discarded materials. In my community, I saw women, youth, and unemployed adults longing for opportunity but lacking resources. One day it clicked‐what if I could give both a second chance? That moment grew into S.A.D.I.E.’S CRAFT a place where sustainability meets creativity, and where people gain skills, confidence, and income while helping the planet. I’m still needing resources to continue my journey.
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?
**Introduction to Our Brand**
Hi! We are S.A.D.I.E.’S CRAFT and we are thrilled to share our story with you. Founded in the year 2023 our journey began with a passion for craft and a desire to make a meaningful impact in our community.
**How We Got Started **
Our founders Sandra Shaw and Alvin Augustus Elliston started out as entrepreneurs and quickly realized the potential to combine creativity within the craft industry area.This led to the creation of S.A.D.I.E.’S CRAFT where we strive to showcase our creative skills and endeavor. Our mission is to inspire creativity and connection through handcrafted high quality products to celebrate individuality and sustainability. We are dedicated to empowering our community by providing unique, artisanal items that bring joy and beauty to everyday life also occasional demonstration at local events also local schools.
**Our Offerings**
We specialize in handcrafted goods, such as jewelry and accessories, home decor, crochet scarves crochet bags, coconut shell bags with crochet and clip on waist leather bags. Our aim is to inspire creativity and connection through high-quality handcrafted products that bring joy and functionality to everyday life.
**What Sets Us Apart
What sets S.A.D.I.E.’S CRAFT apart from others is our commitment to customer connection.We believe that every item should tell a story and we are dedicated to working closely with our clients to create custom pieces that reflect their personality and style.Our passion for craftsmanship and our attention to detail ensure that each product is unique and made with care and a spot of individuality.
**The Problems We Solve**
We understand that in a world filled with mass -produce items,many people are looking for something special and meaningful. Our mission is to provide high-quality handcrafted products that not only enhance living spaces but also make perfect gifts for loved ones.By focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly, We also cater to environmentaly conscious consumers who want to make responsible choices.
**Proud Achievements **
One of our proudest achievements has been described as a significant milestone e.g., launching our first collection, participating in local craft fairs, collaborating with other artistan and other local craft outlets in our surrounding areas. This experience not only validated our work but also deepened my commitment to the craft community/industry.
**What You Should Know**
To our potential clients, followers, and fans, we want you to know that S.A.D.I.E.’S CRAFT is more than just a business; it’s a labor of love.
We value your support and engagement, and we are committed to delivering createtivity and quality in everything we participate in.
We invite you to explore our creations on our Instagram social media page @ sadies_craft. Whether you are looking for a unique gift or a special treat for yourself, we’re here to help you find that perfect item
Thank you for taking the time to learn about S.A.D.I.E.’S CRAFT.
We look forward to sharing our journey with you and your participation in the near future.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I first started S.A.D.I.E.’S CRAFT, it was filled with excitement and dreams of creating beautiful handmade products. I spent years honing my skills in crafting, and I was ready to share my position with the world. However, the journey was not as smooth as I had envisioned.
After months of preparation, I finally launched our business. I poured my heart into creating a collection of unique items, from handcrafted bead jewelry to custom home decor. But just months after the launch, disaster struck. A major technical issue with my social media page is that they hacked my Instagram account.
I felt devastated. All my hard work seems to be falling apart before my eyes.
Instead of giving up, I decided to take action. I reached out to a friend who was more knowledgeable about web development. Together we worked tirelessly to fix the issues, often late into the night. During this time, I also shared my struggles on social media, and the responses were overwhelming. Friends rallied around me offering encouragement and sharing my story.
After several long days, we finally got the social media page back up and running. I learned valuable lessons about the importance of resilience and community support. With renewed determination, I relaunch our Instagram social media page this time with a stronger foundation and a deeper connection to my audience.
Not only did I recover from that setback but I also gained a loyal customer base that appreciated my transparency and perseverance. That experience taught me that challenges are a part of any journey, but with resilience and the support of others, we can overcome them and emerge even stronger.
Today, as I look back, we’re proud of how far S.A.D.I.E.’S CRAFT has come. That initial setback was just a certainty!
Here’s a storytelling illustration of resilience in the journey of S.A.D.I.E.’S CRAFT business.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One significant lesson I had to unlearn during my journey was the belief that success equates to working harder and longer hours. In the early days of our business, we were caught up in the hustle culture, thinking that the more time we spent working, the more successful we would be. We often burn the midnight oil, sacrificing our health and personal relationships.
This backstreet began when we launched the business driven by passion and ambition. We pushed ourselves to the limit, often working late at night and on weekends.
While we did achieve some early milestones. The toll on my physical and mental health was undeniable. The business went into a period of stagnation. My creativity dwindled, and I found it increasingly difficult to make decisions or generate new ideas.
It was during the challenging time that I attended a workshop on work-life balance and productivity. The speaker shared insights about the importance of rest and the idea that creativity flourishes when we allow ourselves time to recharge.
This was a revelation for me. I realize that my relentless pursuit of work was counterproductive and that I needed to redefine my understanding of success.
I began to implement regular breaks,set boundaries for my work hours,and prioritize self-care.This shift not only improved my well-being but also sparked renewed creativity and productivity in our business. I found I can achieve more in less time by working smarter not harder.
Ultimately unlearning this lesson about the the relationship between hard worker and success transformed my approach to business and life. It taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges; it’s also about recognizing when to step back, reassess, and take care of oneself. This has made me a more effective leader and allowed me to foster a healthier work environment for my team.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadies_craft?igsh=MWRsbWtzbTBwdGZuZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15q9bEjPPn/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-a-d-i-e-s-craft-039756139?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
Image Credits
Sandra Shaw