Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Shank.
Hi Daniela, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My business Dulce Miel Crafts started as an answer to postpartum depression. At the time I was transitioning from being a restaurant manager to being a stay-at-home mom. The shift was hard for me at the beginning being so used to the fast paced environment then having to slow down. I decided to try my hand at a creative outlet and bought a Cricut machine. I didn’t know what I would do with it, but a few months later I made my first cake topper for my son’s birthday and completely fell in love! Crafting became a way that I was able to get in-tune with my creative side again and turn simple paper into items that could bring joy. Little by little with the help of my family I gained enough confidence to being selling custom cake toppers. I started on social media, gaining more skills as I took orders and eventually opened up my Etsy shop. Through my online shop I have been able to reach a larger audience for my custom party decor and have been able to expand my offerings. My offerings now include items for parties, gifts, stationery and so much more! In the few years of being in business I have had the great honor of working with amazing clients, event coordinators, restaurants and local small businesses.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As far as business struggles there have been plenty! There has been a lot of trial and error in operating an online shop. From figuring out costs to shipping issues, I’ve been through it all but have been able to find solutions in the best way possible. As far as other struggles my biggest one is self-criticism. Its a mental battle everyday of asking myself, “Is this good enough? Am I good enough?” I aim to bring the best of myself into every creation I make, and I can only hope the love I have for crafting and my clients translates onto their items. Another challenge is balancing work and motherhood. Knowing when to cut off orders so I can have time to spend with my son has been a learning process. Accepting that success looks different for everyone has also been a lesson I’ve had to learn along the way. Success to me at this time doesn’t mean hundreds of orders—it means having time to do what I love for an income and spending time with my family.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I hand-make party decorations, supplies and favors. My specialty is my cake toppers! Every topper I design is created to be unique and embody your event with care and detail. I love creating cake toppers that have fun or hard-to-find themes; it brings me a smile knowing I can capture that special age and their favorite things on media that can be saved to look back on. In addition to my current product lines, we are currently expanding to branded stationary, which has been a fun new journey!
Over the years I’m most proud of being able to work with amazing people! I’ve been blessed to have clients who come back year after year, seeing their little ones grow through every year and themes for their birthdays brings me so much joy. Other special clients have shared their story with me of how they’re celebrating a first birthday after their baby was in NICU or how they’re planning the biggest party because they’re cancer free—these clients’ stories have really fueled me to keep working and creating to help people celebrate anything and everything! Every celebration or event that I am able to take part in means the world to me!
I believe my creativity and dedication to my work sets me apart from others in the same business. I like the challenge of creating something completely new and different. I am constantly learning new techniques to make my cake toppers, favors, and other products extra special! From taking classes, to testing materials, to revising designs, our promise to our clients is that we will bring you the best of what we have!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people think my name is Dulce! The name Dulce Miel Crafts actually came from my son which I call my honey bear. He’s always loved honey on everything and I was trying to think of a name that would capture the inspiration behind my business, from there Dulce Miel Crafts was born!
Pricing:
- 3D Cake Toppers starting at $28
- Chip bags $25
- Custom Notepads $10
- Custom Notebooks $15
- Custom pricing for most items
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dulcemielcrafts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dulcemielcrafts/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/dulcemielcrafts/
