Today we’d like to introduce you to Denisse Hernandez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Denisse. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hey, I’m Denisse and I am the face behind Craftjoy. I am currently a senior studying psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University and have started a journey to building my own online creative business. Since I can remember, I’ve had a keen interest in creativity, such as home decor, interior design, illustration and crafts. Once I got to college and it was time for me to pick a major, I was between psychology, ministry and graphic design. I chose a degree in psychology and I was on the path to going to grad school to become a therapist. I enjoyed learning about psychology and dreamt of getting to know people deeper and help them through therapy however, something in me was pushing me for more. I felt God moving me in another direction.
One night at a leadership event, I clearly heard God speaking to me and saying, “Let go of that dream, I have something better.” At the time, I was left more confused and was wondering what God was speaking to me about, and he reminded me of what I loved doing when I was younger, art. I kept my creative-side hidden for a while because I didn’t think I could make any money making art. I began to take my creativity seriously and began Craftjoy in October of 2019. I’ve seen God’s hand move and an explosion of creativity within myself. I get asked often why did I major in psychology if I love art so much, the thing is, I can now use my major in a non-traditional manner and continue to speak life into others through creativity.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting up an online creative business has its ups and downs. Craftjoy started building itself as I began to post quotes, calligraphy and illustrations on Instagram and my friends began to repost my work. I love creating pretty things and engaging with beautiful content. However, the harder part of the business was converting my followers and people who enjoy my content into clients and buyers. It’s been a few months that I have committed to building my brand and I know with years to come, Craftjoy can become a full-time creative business.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Craftjoy – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Craftjoy is an online creative business that focuses on bringing creativity that matters. Five values that Craftjoy has are that my business is creative, empowering, uplifting, caring and truthful. I consider myself to be a multi-passionate person in which I enjoy lots of branches in creativity. Building Craftjoy has allowed me to explore what branches of creativity I enjoy doing most. I enjoy doing illustrations, design, logo and branding. I can spend hours on end illustrating and creating on my iPad. I enjoy working with clients who want the best of their loved ones and for their businesses. I believe that what sets me apart from other artists is that they usually stick to one form of art and creativity, but I thrive in different areas of creativity.
My faith and warm personality also help me build connections with others and help guide the values behind my business. I love personality tests, I am an enneagram one and an INFG, so if that gives you a little more insight about me, I’d love to help you with your next creative project! I have learned that showing my face behind my brand and having a cohesive brand strategy makes me stand out from others. I show myself authenticity and encourage others to buy my products or services. I am filled with joy to know that I am building my own brand and creative business.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I will be done with college in May and I am looking forward to getting my diploma later this year. It has been an exciting four years in college and I am excited for life after college. I want to continue to improve my artistic skills and work with more brands and businesses in the future. The big change for me was changing my career path and I hope I can continue to use my psychology knowledge in the job I get in the future. My boyfriend and I have also been talking about our future together and I am definitely looking to that as well. The future looks promising in God’s hands who is in control of my life.
Pricing:
- Custom Digital Illustrations $50-100
- Logo and Branding $200-350
- Digital Cards $10
- Free calligraphy Sheets
Contact Info:
- Email: denisse@shopcraftjoy.com
- Instagram: @craftjoy
- Other: https://linktr.ee/shopcraftjoy
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