Hidden Gems: Meet Rachel Crooks of The Creative AF

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Crooks.

Hi Rachel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve wanted to have my own business for many years, and in the summer of 2025, I finally made the leap and launched The Creative AF. It felt like the natural next step after a career that spanned multiple industries and allowed me to live, work, and travel well beyond my hometown, while ultimately bringing me back to Tiffin.

I have local roots but a very global outlook. I’ve worked in higher education, international programs, marketing, communications, and event planning, and I’ve had the opportunity to travel extensively around the world. Along the way, creativity was always the common thread — I became known as the “good idea” person, the one who could see connections, possibilities, and solutions that others hadn’t considered yet.

The Creative AF brings together my diverse background, my endless creative energy, and a genuine desire to elevate people, businesses, and our community. I’m also an obsessive dog mom, a historic home renovator, and someone who truly believes that good ideas — when executed thoughtfully — can make a meaningful impact.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like many entrepreneurs, I currently run The Creative AF alongside a full-time job, so time and energy management are always a balancing act. That said, I’ve truly loved every project that has come my way so far, which makes the juggle feel worthwhile rather than draining.

Starting something new always comes with uncertainty, but I’ve been fortunate to work with clients who trust the process and are open to collaboration. And on a practical note — as someone planning her own wedding in Italy next year — the ability to build something creative on the side while helping fund that dream has been an added bonus.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Creative AF stands for Advisory Firm, though it also has a playful double meaning. That balance of professionalism and personality reflects both my approach and my belief that creativity should be thoughtful, but never boring.

The Creative AF offers services across four main areas:

• Event design and concepting
• Personal styling
• Interior design and décor
• Branding and graphics

That list isn’t exhaustive, though, because what I’m really offering is my mindset and approach. Clients often joke that they wish they could keep my brain in their back pocket, and that’s exactly the role I aim to fill.

My work has ranged from helping a wedding venue develop a meaningful keepsake for their couples, to styling personal wardrobes, designing interior spaces, creating brand assets, arranging gallery walls, and promoting local arts events. What sets me apart is my ability to zoom out, understand the bigger picture, and then zoom back in with creative, practical solutions that feel authentic and achievable.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that The Creative AF doesn’t force people into a box. Every project is collaborative, tailored, and grounded in who the client truly is.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is delighting people and exceeding expectations — not through excess, but through intention. I see so much untapped potential in individuals and businesses, but I also understand how easy it is to feel stuck or overwhelmed when you’re too close to your own situation.

My work isn’t about convincing people to spend more money. Often, they already have what they need, they just need help seeing it differently. I love being that outside perspective who helps reframe, refine, and elevate what’s already there.

Pricing:

• Initial consultations are free.
• Every client receives a custom proposal based on their specific needs.
• In general, rates are approximately $45/hour.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thecreativeaf.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel_thecreativeaf/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576866336480