Today we’d like to introduce you to Genna Lane.
Hi Genna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always loved crafting and was pregnant with my first child back in 2010/2011. I had learned how to crochet when I was 16 and decided to work on making crochet items for friends and family. From there, the business took off and I slowly started to add in other items like party supplies, vinyl pressed shirts, baby welcoming gifts, and graduation leis. When we were in lock down, I decided to add in sewn items (I learned how to sew back when I was 10). I started making headwraps and bows as well as easy sewn items. I got a ton of orders for face masks from local customers and then I was sent an order for a school set of face mask up in Riverside county that was 750 face masks!!! I hand pressed all face masks with their logos as well as hand cut all face masks and finally sewed them all up and delivered them! It was a lot of work, but I learned that I loved sewing and I wanted to add hand sewn clothing items to my shop. The sewing part of my business took off from there! I now provide a wide array of hand sewn items in my shop in sizes preemie through adult from tees to leggings and joggers as well as dresses and sweatshirts all hand sewn by ME! One of my most favorite items to make are graduation pillows, blankets, and money/floral/candy leis!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been smooth. My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma in 2017 and he was unable to work a normal schedule. We also had two little ones (2 and 5) at home to care for as well. I was running a crafting business, teaching English online to Chinese students, caring for my husband who had cancer, and two littles! I have always said, “What doesn’t kill you, will make you stronger!” I also believe, “Every experience we have, shapes us to be who we are today!” This relates to my business in that, life was hard at that time, but I learned how to work hard to help provide for my family as well as learned how to multitask. I had a small shop that gave me an escape from the hard times we were having and it gave me joy to be able to create for others. I loved seeing photos of my customers using/wearing the items I made and hearing their excitement when they received the items I created! Today, the economy is hitting my business hard, but I am holding out hope that things will turn around and my little business will continue to thrive and grow!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create all types of craft items. I make graduation items: money leis, floral leis, candy leis, inspirational graduation pillows, blankets, and tumblers. I hand sew clothing in sizes preemie through adult. Items include leos, overalls, doll outfits, slippers/booties, sports bags, pjs, knee highs, bow ties, vests, hats, suspenders, tees, leggings, joggers, dresses, tutus, costumes, swimsuits, sweatshirts, cardigans, jackets, rompers, bummies/shorties/biker shorts, skirts, etc. I also sew holiday items (gift bags, stockings, table runners, etc), dress shirts, bread bags, reusable baggies, memory items. Honestly, I don’t usually turn down many items! I like a challenge! 😉. I also make party decorations, sublimation tees, vinyl tees, and so much more!
I am most proud of my accomplishments in my sewing capabilities and also my lei work!
I think one attribute that sets me a part from others is my willingness to communicate with the customer to fully find out what they want made. I pride myself in my customer service and want to make sure I am fulfilling the customer’s wants fully!
I am also proud of my ability to continue to looking forward to the future of my business even in tough economic times.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think there are always risks in small business. I take risk daily when working in my small shop. I buy fabric that may not sell or have ideas that don’t do anywhere with my customers. I have taken risks with make items and all but one hasn’t gone anywhere. When I was starting to make graduation leis, I bought all the supplies to make them and made one up to offer and I was shocked at the response! I sold so many that first year and they have continued to be profitable! I took a risk when I wanted to offer Christmas dresses and thankfully they paid off as well! I bought all the fabric in bulk and prayed hard that I chose a pattern and fabric that would be popular and it was! One time that I took a risk and it wasn’t profitable was when I wanted to make some cute little elf outfits for Christmas two years ago. They weren’t popular and I sold nothing! :(. I bought fabric, spent time making them and sent three samples out to have modeled and I got not one order from them! It happens and we learn from that and move on!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cre8tivelanedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cre8tive_lane?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/593372414683803/?ref=share_group_link&mibextid=wwXIfr
