Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Hicks.
Hi Brittany, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
A & B Creations started as a passion project between two sisters who loved to create. My journey (Brittany) began with crafting personalized gifts for friends and family. One of my first projects was a paper flower shadow box I made for a close friend’s birthday. Seeing her joy and hearing her encouragement to sell them sparked an idea. At the same time, my sister, Amber, was sewing dog bandanas after noticing how inconvenient traditional tie-on designs were while pet-sitting. When friends and family raved about our creations, we decided to combine our talents and turn our hobbies into something more.
Our first real test was a local craft fair, where we set up a booth with borrowed supplies and a simple display. The positive response gave us the confidence to keep going. Over time, we refined our products, improved our presentation, and built lasting connections with customers. Amber expanded her sewing skills, adding stylish and functional bow ties for pets, while I continued customizing intricate paper flower designs for shadow boxes and also added seasonal stickers to the mix.
Running a small business as sisters has been both rewarding and challenging. In late 2023, Amber moved to Arizona, and we had to adjust to managing A & B Creations from two different states. But our passion for crafting and commitment to our customers keeps us going. Amber still flies out monthly so we can work side by side at events, and we’ve learned to navigate this new phase while growing our brand.
What started as a simple creative outlet has become something much more meaningful. A & B Creations is not just about selling handmade products—it’s about celebrating special moments, bringing joy to people and pets, and building a community that feels like family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting A & B Creations has definitely not been a smooth road, but it’s been a journey of growth and learning. Like most small businesses, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges. In the beginning, we had limited resources and a very small budget. We were borrowing supplies, learning how to set up our booth, and figuring out how to present our products in a way that would catch customers’ attention. There were a lot of trial and error moments where we didn’t get it right, but those missteps were key to our growth.
One major challenge came in late 2023 when Amber moved to Arizona. Managing the business with 419 miles between us was a huge adjustment. We had to find new ways to communicate, plan, and execute everything remotely. It meant adapting to a different dynamic while keeping the business running smoothly. But Amber has been incredible, flying out once a month to run our booth with me and keeping up with orders from a distance.
Another struggle has been balancing the creative side of our business with the logistical demands of running it. There’s always something that needs attention—whether it’s managing inventory, setting up at craft fairs, or marketing our products. Sometimes, it feels like we’re wearing a hundred different hats at once, but we’ve learned to take it one step at a time.
Despite these struggles, we’ve always stayed focused on why we started. The challenges have only made us stronger, and each one has taught us something valuable. We continue to learn, grow, and adapt to new obstacles, but we’re more committed than ever to our mission and our craft.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At A & B Creations, we specialize in creating handmade, personalized products that carry deep meaning for our customers. I (Brittany) craft paper flower shadow boxes, which are custom-made to reflect special moments like weddings, memorials, and celebrations. Each flower is hand-rolled with care, and we work closely with customers to incorporate their unique colors, sayings, and memories into the design. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our creations are displayed in homes as lasting reminders of those precious moments.
Amber, on the other hand, brings her creativity to the world of pet accessories, designing slip-on dog bandanas that easily slip through a collar. These bandanas are both functional and stylish, and we offer them in sizes XS-XL to ensure every pet, big or small, has something that fits comfortably. Amber’s passion for pets is evident in every design, and we’ve received so much love from customers who are happy to see their pets looking fashionable and feeling comfortable.
What sets us apart is the attention to detail we put into everything we make. Each product—whether it’s a shadow box, a dog bandana, or a bow tie—is crafted with care and precision. We take pride in offering personalized items that are truly one-of-a-kind, and we love the connections we build with our customers throughout the process. Our focus on quality, customer service, and the love we pour into each product is what makes A & B Creations stand out.
What we’re most proud of is the community we’ve built. Our customers are more than just people who buy our products—they’re part of the A & B Creations family. From receiving photos of our shadow boxes in customers’ homes to seeing pets happily wearing our bandanas, knowing that we’ve created something meaningful that brings joy to others is what drives us every day. That sense of connection and the opportunity to make a difference, however small, is what we treasure most.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson we’ve learned along our journey is to stay true to ourselves and our values. When we first started A & B Creations, we had no idea what we were doing, but we knew we wanted to create something meaningful and share it with others. Over time, we’ve learned that it’s not just about the products we make, but the passion and care we put into them.
We’ve also learned the importance of persistence and adaptability. There have been plenty of challenges along the way—whether it’s adjusting to new locations, dealing with supply chain issues, or managing a business with 419 miles between us (after Amber moved to Arizona). But instead of getting discouraged, we’ve learned to adapt, think outside the box, and lean on each other.
Another key lesson is that growth doesn’t happen overnight. We’ve had to be patient and celebrate the small wins, whether it’s building a loyal customer base or learning how to make our booth stand out at craft fairs. It’s the small, steady steps that have allowed us to grow sustainably and stay grounded in what we do best—creating meaningful, handmade products that connect with people.
Ultimately, the journey has taught us that success isn’t just about what you create—it’s about the relationships you build and the love you pour into everything you do.
Pricing:
- Bandanas & Bow Ties Ranging from $5-$15
- Shadow Boxes Ranging from $25-$55
- Stickers Starting at $3
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @AandBCreationsSD
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AandBCreationsSD
- Other: Email: aandbcreationssd@gmail.com
Image Credits
Image Credits
Dog in Moth Bandana: Chelsea Howell
Cat in Heart Bow Tie: Amanda Garcia
All other photos taken by Brittany Hicks
