Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristin Heidbreder, owner of Crafty Chassis, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the founder of "Crafty Chassis," a mobile arts and crafts truck, and I am putting more art into the world one party and event at a time! The art truck is similar to a food truck. However, we deliver DIY art fun to a variety of events. Whether it's a birthday party, team building/corporate event, wedding, or friends and family gathering, we have a perfect project for you. We provide all of the materials, tools, and onsite (or virtual) instruction to inspire people of ALL AGES to get creative and make a one-of-a-kind piece of art. We can ship art kits that are complete with materials and an online tutorial that will guide you and your guests through the creative process. Are you looking to host a fun LIVE virtual art party to gather friends, co-workers, and family from afar? Crafty Chassis can happily host your event virtually and ship art kits to your guests to offer an engaging, one-of-a-kind experience. No artistic experience is necessary; we make DIY art accessible to everyone!
Tell us about yourself
I had a very exciting and adventurous career in TV production for many years; however, the life-work balance was off. I was working on this series for HGTV called "Tiny House Big Living," and I was inspired by people who were getting creative with their living and workspaces. Some were making mobile art studios, mobile coffee shops, etc. At this time, the food truck and fashion truck craze was really booming, and the "sip and paint" studios were becoming popular. The idea of a mobile art truck popped into my head, and the rest is history. I have always done fine art as a hobby, and I absolutely love working with a variety of materials and mediums. It is my vision to share these skills and make DIY art accessible to everyone. We offer DIY functional art that incorporates natural, reclaimed, and recycled materials as a medium.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This idea of a mobile arts and crafts truck is truly unique! My biggest accomplishment is that I put my vision into motion, and I am doing it! There are so many opportunities to share this with many communities and people of all ages around the globe. My ultimate goal is to be able to work with clients that believe in giving back, and a portion of my profits will support other local and global artists and non-profits in the art community.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The worldwide pandemic was the most difficult yet also rewarding experience that I have faced as a business owner. However, it has allowed me to adapt and get creative with online tutorials, shipping art kits as well as offering virtual art parties. These assets were not in the original business plan!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Follow your vision, yet be flexible.
- Stay True to yourself and believe in that vision.
- Surround yourself with people who support you, and let go of those who don't.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Americans need to abolish the statement "If you are an artist, you will be a starving artist" I am passionate about this!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://craftychassis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftychassis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftychassis/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-heidbreder/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
