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.
What is your favorite quote, song, or movie?
Make Life Beautiful
Where could we find Unique Creations by Tracy?
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Blog
Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway?
