Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarika Srivastava. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sarika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made?
One of the best investments I made as a business owner was purchasing a CRICUT machine to enhance my crafting process. I initially hesitated to invest in the machine due to the cost, but after researching its capabilities and how it could streamline my work, I decided to take the plunge. The machine allowed me to create intricate designs, cut precise shapes, and save a significant amount of time compared to doing everything by hand. This investment paid off immensely as it not only improved the quality of my products but also increased my productivity and efficiency. It allowed me to take on more orders and expand my offerings, ultimately driving more revenue for my business.
On the other hand, one of the worst investments I made was attending a craft fair without thoroughly researching the event and its target audience. I spent a significant amount of money on the booth rental fee, supplies, and merchandise in hopes of attracting a large number of customers and making a profit. However, the craft fair turned out to be poorly attended with a crowd that was not interested in handmade products like mine. I barely made back the money I had invested and left feeling discouraged.
From this experience, I learned the importance of studying and understanding the market before investing in events or ventures. It is crucial to research the target audience, competition, and success rates of similar events to determine if it is a worthwhile investment. This taught me to be strategic and selective in choosing where to allocate my resources to maximize returns and avoid unnecessary expenditures. It also reinforced the importance of adaptability and learning from failures to make better decisions in the future.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Myself-
I was born and raised in Varanasi, India, where I completed my MBA and worked as a Branch Banking officer at a reputable private bank. After getting married in 2008 and welcoming our daughter in 2010, I made the decision to leave my job to focus on caring for her. As time passed, I felt a strong desire to pursue something creative that I could do from home while still being present for my daughter. In 2014, we relocated to the USA due to my husband’s work project. This move provided me with new opportunities to explore my creative passions and possibly start a new venture from the comfort of my home.
How you got into the Crafting industry / business-
In 2016, our second daughter was born, and on her first birthday, I began planning how to decorate for her milestone celebration. While seeking inspiration, I came across a Facebook Moms group where I discovered ideas for handcrafted paper flowers and personalized birthday decorations. I shared photos of my party decorations in the group and received a great deal of praise, which was incredibly encouraging. A member of the group placed an order for paper flowers and this is from WHERE and HOW unknowingly my journey started.This sparked my excitement & motivation to pursue this newfound passion. With unwavering love and support from my husband and motivation from my family, I officially embarked on my creative journey as “KREATIVE MOM.”
As I delved deeper into this creative endeavor, I invested in new equipment such as a CRICUT machine, which streamlined my work process and enhanced efficiency. I started to offer personalized party decorations, handmade paper flowers, customized gifts, and event planning services. I created a Facebook page and Instagram account to showcase my work and connect with customers. Through word of mouth and social media, my business began to attract more clients, and my creativity and attention to detail earned me a loyal following.
I found immense joy in creating unique and special items for each client, whether it was a birthday party, baby shower, wedding, or any other special occasion. The positive feedback and appreciation I received from my customers fueled my passion and determination to grow my business further.As my business continued to flourish, I faced challenges along the way, such as balancing family responsibilities, managing orders during busy seasons, and keeping up with the demands of running a small business. However, my determination, passion for creativity, and unwavering support from my family kept me motivated to overcome any obstacles.
I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I love every day, turning my passion into a successful business that allows me to express my creativity and make a positive impact on others’ special moments. The journey from a stay-at-home mom to a small entrepreneur has been rewarding and fulfilling, and I look forward to continuing to grow and inspire others through my work.
Looking back, I am grateful for that first order and the role it played in shaping my journey as an entrepreneur.
What type of products/services/creative works you provide, what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others ?
KREATIVE MOM specializes in custom products tailored to customer preferences, with a motto of “You ask it, I can make it.” The business emphasizes customer satisfaction and appreciates the positive feedback received. I have inherited a dedication to quality and finishing, as well as a focus on customer satisfaction, from my father. This ethos has guided me in providing exceptional products and maintaining strong relationships with customers post-sale. My tech-savviness has played a crucial role in delivering consistent quality through the incorporation of cutting-edge machines. This has not only ensured customer satisfaction but also helped in fostering positive relationships and a reputable image in the market. Balancing my personal and professional life has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey, filled with highs and lows, but ultimately rewarding as I strive to excel in both aspects of my life.
What are you most proud of ?
I am proud to follow in my father’s footsteps as a businessman, who passed away 10 years ago. He always stressed the importance of staying engaged in work to stay busy and generate income, even if I quit my job. Today, I am grateful to be where I am and I know that my father would be proud of my achievements. I cherish his memory and feel his love and support in my current endeavours.
What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.
Hello, I’m Sarika, the creative mind and owner of “Kreative Mom”. As a wife, mother of two beautiful girls, and a lover of all things crafty, I established my business in 2017 to fulfil my innate desire to express myself beyond my roles as a mother and wife. I am dedicated to creating beautiful, customized, and unique products, crafting each piece with love and attention to detail.
I take pride in offering a wide range of personalized gifts, catering to every occasion and age group. Here are some examples of the products I offer, along with their price ranges:
– Personalized Corporate Gift baskets: $40-$100
– Customized T-shirts for Kids & Adults: $15-$25
– Customized Tumblers: $25-$40
– Personalized Coffee Mugs: $10-$20
– Personalized Party favors: $8-$25
– Custom Home Sign boards: $25-$50
– Seasonal home decor and gifts for friends and families for all occasions
And much more! If you’re looking for unique and personalized gifts, I’m here to help bring your vision to life. Thank you for supporting small businesses like mine!
Contact Information:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreativemomsarika/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kreative.Mom
Feel free to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for updates on my latest products and promotions! Thank you for your support.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Prioritizing seamless & smooth purchasing experience by understanding customer needs, designing products, and ensuring timely delivery. Furthermore, I believe in the importance of staying connected with the customers post-sale, maintaining open communication, and seeking feedback to continually improve products and services.Leveraging technology has allowed me to consistently deliver high-quality products and build strong relationships, leading to a positive reputation with the customers.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
I have found that social media, particularly platforms like Instagram and Facebook, to be highly effective in expanding the client base. These platforms have been instrumental in showcasing the product line and engaging with potential customers. I am also planning to further grow our customer base by participating in craft fairs and local farmers markets in the near future.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreativemomsarika/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kreative.Mom/