Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Spenla.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Morgan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The Crafter’s Box collaborates with artists to pair thoughtfully sourced materials & tools with detailed, digital workshops for the creative soul. Currently, we release a new workshop monthly and ship our kits of tools & materials to makers all around the world so that together as a community we can dive into new crafting techniques.
I founded The Crafter’s Box a little over two years ago after realizing just how hard it was to stay creative and dedicated to artistic hobbies as life was getting busier and busier. As a corporate, full-time working mom of three small girls, carving out time to focus on the practice of creating was becoming increasingly difficult. Pair that with the overwhelming experience of trying to navigate a traditional arts & crafts hobby store when learning something new (which size paintbrush and what does ‘hogs hair bristle’ mean??) and stretching those creative muscles became non-existent. I could say the same for finding a wonderful workshop or handmade sources for materials & tools… so challenging! So, I decided to change the antiquated way we learn how to craft/make/build with our hands. We partner with some of the most talented artists in the world to bring back the adventure and joy of block printing, natural dyeing, weaving, jewelry making, woodworking, and so many others.
Great, 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?
What is that wonderful quote that if we could actually see all of the roadblocks and setbacks ahead, we wouldn’t start the journey? 🙂 That applies to entrepreneurship in so many ways! My advice for young women starting their own journey is to create a cohort (outside of your business team and family) that can support you. Find those similar/like-minded small business owners walking a similar path of life and use your relationships to support each other, learn from each other and grow with each other. The second most important business relationship is that of a wonderful mentor. Seek one out that is leaps ahead of you and grow a friendship of trust and support. There’s nothing like having the advice and wisdom of someone who has ‘been there/done that’ when you need it. When it comes to your company, work hard, build a strong team, focus on your company culture, lean on your strongest supporters, and finally – truly value each and every one of those customers that believe in you. They’ll help you soar.
Please tell us about The Crafter’s Box.
Many of the small suppliers we work with to build our boxes are made by craftsmen and women. We believe supporting artists full circle means honoring the tools & materials we craft with, too. A wall weaving crafted with your own hands is already special, but it tells a new story when you know the wool that it was made of is milled from a family farm where the sheep are tended to onsite. We try to build stories into all of our projects and we work hard to support makers of all kinds.
Who have you been inspired by?
I had the opportunity this summer to join a group of women in New York City as part of Project Entrepreneur – a summer accelerator program started by Jenny Fleiss and Jennifer Hyman, co-founders of Rent the Runway. Ten companies from around the US were chosen to be incubated under strong, female-founded organizations. What an incredible influence of women to learn and grow from, I’m so grateful for the opportunity.
Pricing:
- Our monthly subscription is $65/month, $180/quarterly
- We’re launching a Marketplace to purchase ALL of our current and past workshop kits this November!
Contact Info:
- Website: thecraftersbox.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecraftersbox/
- Facebook: facebook.com/thecraftersbox
Image Credit:
Summer Kais, Ashley Goldman
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
