Handmade Gift Shop & Boutique!

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personalized gifts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristen Wysocki, owner of Kreative Kustoms, located in Sherwood Park, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Kreative Kustoms is a local collective gift shop and boutique. We take pride in showcasing over 100 local Canadian artisans' handmade products, providing you with a one-stop-shop experience. We also create custom and personalized items such as clothing, drinkware, accessories, and more. Our goal is to encourage supporting locals in a welcoming and inclusive market-like atmosphere, where shopping is made easy and convenient.

Tell us about yourself

My love for creating started at a very young age. I was always planning, crafting, or organizing in some way, shape, or form. In 2015 I purchased a printer and plotter to take my crafting to the next level and soon became obsessed with creating party decorations and custom gifts. Thanks to family and friends, my hobby soon grew into a small home-based business out of my basement in Sherwood Park, AB.

As the years went on, I started to outgrow my little home office and dreamed of something bigger and better. I had considered opening a storefront for several years, but the vision seemed out of reach for many reasons, self-doubt mainly! Even though COVID had hit in 2019, the timing on a personal level just seemed to work more than ever, and I decided to start looking into retail spaces. Not only did I want to create and showcase my own items, but I wanted to help other small business owners feature their creations without having the overhead cost and risk of their own space.

Once I found a space, I called out local vendors to join me and quite quickly had an overwhelming response of interest. I remember getting the keys to the store and worrying that I would never be able to fill the space, and in less than a year, I knocked out a wall to expand for even more space. I opened my doors in November 2020, and a few months later, I left my full-time job and haven’t looked back!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Opening and surviving during a global pandemic! Some other big accomplishments are receiving Sherwood Park's 2021 New Entrepreneur Business Award, being awarded Platinum in YEG's 2022 Best Gift Shop & Home decor, Silver in Best Boutique, and Platinum in Sherwood Parks 2021 Best Boutique & Home Decor.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Finding balance! It's something I still struggle with today, and with being so passionate about your business, it can be the hardest thing to "shut off" once the day is done.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Believe in yourself, establish a good support network, and take time for yourself!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kreativekustoms.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KreativeKustoms.YEG/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreativekustoms.yeg/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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