tell us a bit about your business and what you do!

Celp Made is a POC, one woman-run business. The products are all handcrafted through the art of crochet and other materials. All items are inspired by abstract emotions, nature, and colors. Products range from hair accessories, fashion pieces and home decor.

how and when did you decide you wanted to start this new venture?

I always loved the arts with a passion. My mother taught me how to crochet in elementary school, and we would frequently take trips to the craft store to purchase yarn. Last year, I picked up crocheting again and started making scarves, beanies, and headbands. I started experimenting more and wanted to make more stylish, fun, but practical items. That is when I decided to make hair scrunchies.

I am also a makeup artist, so I thought making my own hair scrunchies would be great to keep my hair out of the way while I do makeup. I took some time to reflect and travel last year and came back feeling more in touch with my creative side.

I was unable to work due to the pandemic. So I decided to go full force with the time I had & decided to take a step to make an online shop to make my items more accessible to everyone. It was intimidating and took a lot of courage as an artist to put my work out there, but I am forever grateful and happy I did it. I was blessed with a great support system, and my following grew interested in them, and to my surprise, the website took off. Gradually, I released more new items and created new products such as planters, coasters, and face mask accessories.

what do you love most about being a small biz owner?

I love the personal touches I can put into every order. Each item is handmade with positive intent. I get to see and appreciate the whole process of the item being made from its purest form of raw material to the final product: packaging of the item, dropping it off at the post office, and into the hands of a customer. I love seeing each person using my products and styling them with their personal taste. I love knowing that people use my products in their everyday lives, whether exercising, working, shopping, sleeping, giving them as gifts, hanging out, and just lounging at home. I want my products to inspire individuals to be creative and be at peace and comfort.

what are your goals as a small biz owner?

This is just the beginning of my journey, and I am excited to see where this goes. I feel as if I am learning a lot along the way.

Here are a couple of goals I want to work on:

• Create new products
• Expand my inventory with different practical items
• In what ways can I utilize my platform and talent to elicit and advocate for change?
• Learn how to continually improve the customer experience
• Discover and refine my brand identity

what are a few of your favorite items you have on sale?

I love my Furbaby Scrunchies, Lounge Scrunchies, and Paracord Planters 🙂