Adore By Nat: Saturday Artisan: Unique Creations by Tracy

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Saturday Artisan: Unique Creations by Tracy

Meet Tracy, our Saturday Artisan! She is the proud owner and artist of Unique Creations by Tracy Storenvy shop.

Stopping by at her shop will definitely make you smile. You will see adorable crocheted animals, each made with love.

Tracy creations are great for your kids, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and even yourself who is young at heart.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

My name is Tracy and I am a SAHM of two kids. Before staying home I was a pre-k teacher and love to teach and do fun activities with my kids at home. I have always loved to craft things for my house or kids. A couple years ago I decided I wanted to learn to crochet so taught myself using you tube videos. Two months later I was sharing what I made and my friends and family started asking me to make them items. Then it was suggested I should open my own shop to sell what I was making and now I am getting ready to celebrate my stores second anniversary.

What is the story behind your shop name?

My store is named Unique Creations by Tracy. When I originally opened my shop I was not sure if I would only sell my crochet pieces, so I wanted a name that would cover any handmade items I would make and sell.

Who is your target market?

My target market is for moms with children. I make a lot of stuffed animals that are great for baby rooms or as gifts for kids. Also, the new baskets I am making that are child themed to keep things organized.

For us who love to travel, could you share a bit about your beautiful town/ city?

I live outside of St. Louis, Missouri. The home of the Arch, St. Louis Cardinals and Forest Park the home of the 1904 World's Fair. It is a very family oriented area with lots of attractions for families like the St. Louis Zoo, Science Center, Magic House, Missouri Botanical Gardens, Butterfly House, and much more.

What is your best seller?

My best seller would be my owls, which are also my favorite to make. Originally, I only sold them in one size but since then have added additional sizes.

How does your day go in general?

My day starts off getting my kids and myself ready for the day, and off to school if it is a school day. Then I usually hop online and check my email, facebook, twitter, and other sites to see if there is anything I need to respond to and then do a bit of marketing for my shop and other handmade artists. Once that is all completed I grab my crochet hooks and yarn and start working on orders or new products for the shop. In the afternoon, I take a bit of break for myself rather it be working out or something else just for me. Then it is time for the kids to come home and I focus on them until they go to bed. After the kids are in bed then I will pull out my work again and crochet or work online if needed.

How do you balance your personal and work life?

Balancing personal and work life has been one of my biggest struggles. I can easily get in the groove with crocheting and lose track of time. Setting alarms to go off to remind me that it is time to take care of things in my personal life has seemed to help me.

What inspires you?

My 5 year old son and 6 year old daughter are my inspiration. They are always asking me to make them animals, princesses, toys, and more. Many of the items I now offer were originally made for my kids.

What is your goal for 2014?

My goal for 2014 was to work on organizing my house, and I am doing that by working on a line of organization baskets that can help me around the house.

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

My first piece of advice is it takes time so don't give up. It takes a lot of work to get your shop up and going, and then you will need to do lots of marketing. Also, make sure you love to make what you make. If you don't love it you will burn out quickly.