Meet Kiearstan Hughes | Craft-preneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiearstan Hughes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiearstan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a kid, I was always into crafts. I started out making bracelets and selling them with my childhood best friend, Britney. I was selling those bracelets everywhere! Daycare, family functions, my aunt’s job…literally everywhere! Over time, I would pick it up and put crafting back down as life changes happened. Finally, I decided that I wanted to pick my first love back up and take it seriously. With a push from my family and friends, I have returned to the thing I love with an added a twist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
By day, I am a Technology Consultant and of course by night, your favorite Crafty-nista. My work is truly a labor of love. What sets me apart from others, is that I aim for my craft to be an integral and memorable part of their lives. Most of my orders are for special occasions such as weddings or birthdays so I always aim beyond my customer’s expectations. What makes me excited is seeing people genuinely enjoy my cups, shoes, signs etc and the feeling they have of being exclusive because the items are tailored to them. Weddings are a favorite because that I means I played a special role in someone’s special day.

Of course, what I do isn’t easy. I place each rhinestone and/or pearl individually on cups, shoes etc which can take 8-12 hours or MORE! I make plenty of mistakes especially in the late night hour. But, I have learned that I can always recover. When I keep that I mind, I feel almost invincible!

What I want the world to know about Kie’s So Crafty is that this is a brand tailored to you. I take great pride in the work that I produce and it brings me the GREATEST joy to make someone’s day because of something I made.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
At some point, we have to grab coffee from YellowHammer (my fave) and beignets from Mobile Beignet . For Taco Tuesday, we would grab dinner from Villa Del Rey. At least one day, we would take a ride to the Eastern Shore and visit Fairhope. I would definitely drop by the Yard! Thursday, we can take a stroll downtown and visit the Haunted Book Shop . Then, end with dinner and a movie at Nexus Cinema. If it’s Artwalk week, it is a MUST we participate and visit all of the galleries. We may even throw on some rollerskates for Roll Mobile. Over the weekend, we can get brunch at Bob’s Diner and visit Insider/Outsider.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I can’t shoutout just one person as it has truly taken a village to get me here. Firstly my husband, Patrick, who always pushes me to new creative heights. My brother Kris is my cheerleader and greatest hype man. My mom, dad, aunt Angie, Uncle Marco, grandparents and bonus dad Alvin who always show up when I need them and shuttled little Kie back and forth to Michael’s in her early days. My friends that never fail to share or show up for me Annie, Remy, TK, Caroline, Kassie and others! Last but not least, my fellow Crafty person and CEO of BossMade Planners, Ashley. She has spent a plenty of late nights with me helping figure things out, try new crafts, and has helped me gain new opportunities as I grow.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kies_socrafty

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiessocrafty/

Other: Tiktok: kies_socrafty

Image Credits
(Main Image) Carl Steele Foto