Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Ricketts.
Hi Keisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a science teacher by day & a creative, free spirit in my free time. I enjoy crafting many things, but my heart got stuck on wreaths! One summer, I made my first wreath for my own home. My mom saw a picture, loved it, and wanted one for her home. Her first was a Halloween wreath. From there, I continued to make door décor for myself, friends and family. It became something that I enjoyed so much. One Christmas arrived, and of course, my mom wanted a new wreath for her front door. She and I went to the craft store and made a wreath for her door together. A nurse who visited our home to help care for my father noticed the wreath we were making. She asked, “How much do you sell those wreaths for?” I never thought others would be interested in paying for my crafts at this time! This is where the idea of a small business was born.
The name, Chubby Cherub, comes from a fun nickname a coworker gave me. A cherub is like a baby angel. It felt appropriate for my wreath designs because historically, cherubs have been artistic representations of guardians at entry points such as homes, temples, and other important, safe places like our homes! Often they are even depicted near a wreath or even holding a wreath.
I started selling my wreaths online via Etsy and sharing my designs on social media. I’ve been a handmade seller at the holiday craft fair sponsored by Strawberry Swing KC for the past 3 years and love connecting with home décor and wreath enthusiasts here in KC. My love of designing handmade deco mesh wreaths has grown into crafting some grapevine wreaths, bows, an occasional garland, and other pieces that can be used to style your home, porch, and patio for various seasons!
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
The road could have been smoother, but I’ve been blessed. Some obstacles have included finding the funding for overhead costs, given that typically I have to create designs (at least) 1-2 seasons ahead of time. Often, this even means funding supplies for Christmas designs a full year before a profit exists. Wearing all the hats of a handmade business is a challenge because you must simultaneously be the head of shipping, marketing, finance, customer service, production, chief creative officer, online shop manager, and employee, continuously learning to better your craft. This can be overwhelming at times, but it has always proven to be worth it when a design is exactly what I envisioned or when a wreath overjoys a customer for their mantle, or when a local customer comes to visit you each year at the craft fair and still raves about their wreath. This satisfaction helps the challenges become doable and meaningful.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in deco mesh wreaths. These designs can be used primarily as décor for your front door and other home parts: over a mantle, a window, or wall space. Wreaths can be hung in any room in your home that requires a festive or decorative touch. My wreath designs are not bound to just Christmas; I create for all holidays and seasons and all homes, large, small, and even apartments!
These aren’t like your grandma’s evergreen wreaths! While I create pieces with traditional elements, many of my more whimsical or playful designs are becoming most known and recognized; bold colors, fun shapes with shimmering accents, and playful attachments like gnomes, Santa Claus and Frankenstein. Things you won’t find in the décor aisle of your average retail store.
I’m most proud of my growth in designing quality door décor and the ways I share that with my customers. I ensure I use quality supplies and design elements with each wreath. I strive to educate my customers on how to best maintain the quality of their wreaths and how to effectively use it in and around their homes. I share tips and videos via social media and email about the best way to hang a wreath, where to hang it, when, how to store it, and what type might suit them best. I want customers to be educated on simple yet beautiful ways to style their homes and porches for each season and holiday.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
A few individuals and groups have played major roles in helping Chubby Cherub Wreaths be a success!
- My husband (affectionately known as Mr. Chubby Cherub)-Offers feedback and another set of eyes on everything from designs to finances. Typically he works the logistics of our craft shows and is an integral part of shipping our wreaths out on time.
- Mom and Sister-Best cheerleaders ever! They accepted those first few designs years ago and planted a seed of success that got me started.
- Friends/Coworkers-There are a few coworkers and friends that have been supportive believers, customers, and even workers at CCW from day one. With their presence, many craft shows, orders, and ideas would only have come to fruition.
- My online wreath-making family- This community has taught me elements of wreath designing and running a business. They are supportive and always available to provide perspective from wreath maker to wreath maker.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/chubbycherubwreaths
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chubbycherubwreaths
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chubbycherubwreaths
- Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@chubbycherubwreaths
- Other: www.pinterest.com/chubbycherubwreaths
