Rising Stars: Meet Brenna Venturella of Lima

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenna Venturella

Hi Brenna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been creative and artistic since childhood because my grandma always encouraged my imagination. This continued through high school, where I excelled in art class and had paintings in several art shows. My thoughts behind starting my own craft business began when I was reaching the end of nursing school in 2021. I knew that I loved helping people but I also have always loved making presents for people that are more personal than store-bought. As a broke college graduate, I had to think of ways to be creative and still make a dime. Crafty B Custom Design officially launched on Facebook in 2022 and has only gotten bigger and better ever since! I first started by only selling to my friends and family, but it wasn’t long before the word spread and Crafty B was making customs for everyone! Over the years I have established a great group of repeat customers that keep me busy with orders and new customers daily. I currently work as a full-time nurse and craft on the side. My end goal is to run Crafty B as my full-time job while I raise a family with my amazing husband.

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 any other business, there are good days and bad days with owning a small business. During the holiday seasons when everyone is looking for special gifts, sales are great and business is booming! During the off season or while everyone is vacationing, sales drop and I have to find new ways to attract attention. So one of the biggest obstacles I find is trying to stay up to date with current trends and deciding what will and won’t sell in your area. Another challenge I face is TIME! As a full time nurse, I struggle to balance work life, craft life, & family life A LOT. I have multiple calendars and work planners all over the place, but still find myself scrambling to reach due dates and get stock built up. I try to still make time for date nights with my hubby, getaways with the family & some social time with friends because it is important to remember who supported you along the way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Crafty B creates custom-designed apparel and resin items with quality-grade products. I have tested many products over the years and have been able to narrow down ways to offer the best quality for the best prices. I am most excited about Crafty B Custom Design’s variety of items. From onesies, shirts, and sweatshirts to resin badge reels, hair clips, car coasters, and so much more! I am constantly looking for new things to make, and my friends and customers are always pushing me to find new products and fun designs! I have gotten this far in my crafting business from constant motivation to do more and be better for myself and my family. The harder I work today, the less work I will have tomorrow. Crafty B has not always been easy, but it has been worth it. I overcome my challenges by reminding myself of the progress I have made since the beginning and the possibilities that lie ahead. A few lessons I have learned along the way is to give yourself a due date for every project you begin and charge for your time. Those who want to order custom-designed items will understand and respect your prices and turnaround time, or they aren’t worth the stress. Small businesses thrive from positive reviews left on business pages and word of mouth by fellow small businesses and customers. It is crucial to remember to shop small before ordering from big companies and support someone’s dreams!

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is just being yourself. Figure out what interests YOU, and run with it! There are tons of creative people in this world, so find your niche & make a name for yourself! Every item you make, has a little bit of you in it. Be unique & believe in yourself and someone else will too!

Pricing:

• $18 badge reel with beads
• $15 badge reel without beads
• $10 interchangeable Velcro face
• $20 tumblers with lid and straw
• $25 adult t shirts

Contact Info:

• Website: https://crafty-b.square.site
• Instagram: @craftyb10
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftyb10?mibextid=LQQJ4d