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

Hi Linda, what do you attribute your success to?
Consistency. My efforts have been unwavering as it relates to learning more and more about custom crafts and the many techniques available used to create beautiful personalized pieces. I continue to watch countless hours of online videos, engage in many community specific craft groups, and practice, practice, practice! I attempt to post interesting content regularly so that I keep my audience intrigued and engaged. I have remained steadfast with creating and marketing despite barriers related to my daughter’s condition, finishing graduate school, and the death of a sibling. Consistency has allowed me to enhance my skills and build a strong audience. Lastly, self help books like James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” have helped me realize that focusing on the process and doing everything I can to perfect this process, even by 1%, will eventually lead me to my goals and ultimately, to the person I am trying to be.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Curvy Creationz, LLC promotes and markets custom crafts, particularly, custom tumblers. However, I am open to experimenting with an array of personalized products. At this time, I customize stainless steel tumbler cups which include wine tumblers, baby bottles, sippy cups, wine sets, spray bottles, and more. Additionally, I personalize keychains, phone grippies, badge reels, mousepads, t-shirts, and other items. Again, staying consistent has allowed me to build a strong customer base. However, this has not been easy. There were days where I had little sleep as problems with sleep are twice as common among children with a diagnosis of ASD. Also, at times, grief has overpowered me and an overwhelming course load has distracted me. But, I remained focused on the goal. I overcame these challenges by speaking positivity into my life. Meditation, prayer, and exercise has helped with this process. I now know that if I can push forward despite these challenges, I can accomplish anything. So, a lesson I have learned along the way is, “Even when times get hard, no matter how little, keep pushing!” What I want people to know about Curvy Creationz is that the business will remain dedicated to creating quality unique products. Curvy Creationz, LLC also highlights autism and mental health awareness. It is my aim to normalize the discussion around these topics so that, mainly, people of color seek to prevent and resolve their mental health issues and that young mothers of color, like myself, have somewhere to go to ask questions and seek advice related to developmental disabilities from someone who looks like them. As far as my story, I want people to know that they have at least one strength and this strength can be used to problem solve. I have used and will continue to use my strengths to remain consistent in business and resilient.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recently visited the botanical gardens for the first time in downtown Atlanta. It was beautiful. I enjoyed drinks in the garden and the breathtaking exhibits and plant collections. It was an artist’s paradise. Other places I have frequented and would love to give a try for the first time include black owned, Slutty Vegan, Atl’s House of Henna in Little Five Points, and Jeju Sauna Spa. Their body scrubs are amazing!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My amazing friend Anitra Brown, owner of Reigning Memories based out of Louisiana, has been one of my primary sources of support throughout this process. She is a crafter as well and is privy to all of the barriers and stress that are associated with being a mom boss. She has been a shoulder to cry on when needed, a confidant, and a creative resource. Because of her, I’ve gotten through my most darkest days.

Website: Coming Soon!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curvycreationz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Curvy-Creationz-108020263869334/

Image Credits
Little Five Points; My Milk and Money, LLC

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