Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Cruz.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my crafting journey in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by an interest in personalizing items. My passion started with wanting custom decals on my tumbler, which led to my husband gifting me a Cricut machine for Valentine’s Day. During quarantine, I immersed myself in customizing apparel, tumblers, and accessories. A month before my son’s birthday, I learned to make custom chip bags, which were a hit at his drive by birthday, sparking my interest in creating various party favors—a significant part of my business today. I loved exploring new techniques in the crafting world which created Craft with Cruz. Two years later, my curiosity extended to embroidered apparel, prompting me to purchase and teach myself how to use a single-needle embroidery machine. Today, I own a 10-needle machine and love and enjoy making custom embroidered apparel. I also participate in several local pop up events and have a website as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My crafting journey involved a lot of learning, trial, and error as I tried to explore all aspects of the crafting world, only to realize I could only do so much. As a new mom juggling motherhood, a small business, and a full-time job, I experienced burnout in 2022. I decided to slow down to focus on my family and my full-time job. After having another baby in 2023, managing everything at the same time was not ideal. Not wanting to give up on creating and feeling like I was stuck & not going anywhere in my job, I decided to quit and stay home with my kids, pursuing my dream of owning my own business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do a bit of everything, from personalized items to custom apparel, but I specialize in personalized party favors and embroidered & printed apparel. I’m known more for my embroidered apparel and personalized party favors. I’m proud of all my work, but I love it when people recognize me at pop-up markets for my unique embroidered designs. I believe my embroidered apparel sets me apart, as people really love the designs I create.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has played a significant role in my life and business. On the positive side, receiving a Cricut machine as a gift just before the pandemic gave me the perfect opportunity to dive into crafting while I was home during quarantine. This timing was incredibly fortunate and helped me develop my skills quickly. On the flip side, managing a new business while being a new mom and working full-time was challenging, leading to burnout and having seconds thoughts on operating a business. However, this experience also taught me the importance of balance and ultimately led me to focus more on my passion and my family. Overall, luck has brought both challenges and opportunities, shaping my journey in unexpected ways.
Pricing:
- Varies on items
Contact Info:
- Website: https://craftwithcruz.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/craftwithcruz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftwithcruz?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@craftwithcruz?_t=8mpleybIm6t&_r=1
