Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tara Veil. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
When I first had the notion that a creative business was in the stars for me, one driving factor was leaving something behind that my daughter could be a part of (or be proud that I built). While she’s not yet four, there are so many wonderful skills I want to teach her and talents I’d like to help her discover – but of those, sewing will definitely be one.
At the end of the day, however, I want her (and other people) to know that I cared, that I was there, and that I tried my best to contribute to the world in the best way possible.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve always been surrounded by creatives and artists – the Arts are definitely a part of my family’s culture; my great-grandmother was a tailor, (growing up) my mother stitched up stunning costumes for me, and ten years ago (this month) I married my husband and joined a new family where I gained a grandma who made the most spectacular and beautiful quilts.
So, when 2020 changed all our lives, I leaned into the idea of change and started Crafts2Gather (originally a DIY crafting kit model). Since May 2021, however, Crafts2Gather has metamorphosed into a textile craft shop that aims to not only provide buyers with one-of-a-kind creations but also celebrates the notion that your purchases can help give back to causes that matter – in particular donating to the Alzheimer’s Association.
In my shop, you’ll find bold prints & patterns displayed on designs that are both beautiful and yet practical. Purses, pouches, and bags of most kinds are my main jam, but it’s the custom work that really delights me – that and pushing myself to learn new sewing techniques and try out new patterns.
Have you ever had to pivot?
As I mentioned earlier, Crafts2Gather was born from the idea that families (much like ours at the time) would benefit from a business that could provide them all the “ingredients” to bring to life beautiful and meaningful crafts their family would be extra proud to display. My aha! moment was crafting a finger-painted sea turtle for my father-in-law (Poppa) that I collaborated via USPS with my sister-in-law and nephew. Long term, however, that DIY business model wasn’t sustainable for our family, so I pivoted.
In May of 2021, I was gifted with a combo sewing and embroidery machine from the grandma I spoke of earlier (the one who made the most spectacular and beautiful quilts). Although I was more than grateful to be given a tool that I knew I would use and love, it was bittersweet – for me, it was the defining moment that the grandma I knew was gone. Worse yet, having lived with a great-grandmother who had Alzheimer’s, it was the gut-wrenching knowledge that Grandma must be feeling lost and grieving for the day-to-day activities that brought her joy and that she could no longer do. So, it is in Grandma Veil’s honor that I use my craft to give back where I can.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
While not yet to the state I want it to be, I have started to do my part to take the gifts I’ve been given and use them to give back. As the grandma I’ve spoken of is one of the main reasons I sew today, I knew I wanted to use the net proceeds from my sales to donate to a cause that was personal to me. This is why you’ll find the “Quilting for a Cause” line in my shop – less material expenses & shipping, all net proceeds are donated to Alzheimer’s Association (#EndALZ). I’m working towards it, but this will be the goal for all of the items I create.
I had to start this line with quilted projects to honor Grandma Veil – quilting is not my comfortable space (mainly because of how long it takes to plan for and cut all of the pieces) but having done a few projects, I now understand why Grandma loves it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crafts2gather.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crafts2gather/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crafts2Gather/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Crafts2Gather
Image Credits
All photos are compliments of Tara Veil, Copyright 2023.