In our search for a different kind of story to inspire you, we were fortunate enough to chat with Jessica Drake, the owner of Jesse’s Crafting Corner in Texas, which is in her own words “a labor of love”. Hearing how she was able to honor the memory of her late fiance through her becoming a business owner is very inspiring.
Here’s what she had to say…
So, tell us a little bit about your business
I am in the business of selling handmade items made of resin and polymer clay. I will also be adding crochet items very soon. Each item is definitely a labor of love.
What made you decide to start your business?
Many things went into the decision of starting this business. On July 17th, 2021 I lost the man I had planned on spending my life with and he was always the first to hype me up about any and all of my crafting. I started Jesse’s Crafting Corner partly in his honor. I’m also a single mother of 2 amazing boys as well as a caregiver to my grandmother. I’m unable to go out and get a regular job so I figured this would help me to better care for my children as well.
If you could meet your biggest idols, who would you like to meet, and what is the first question you’d ask them?
One of my biggest idols is Blue_Eyed_Darkness on TikTok. In all honesty, my first question to her would be how she was doing. She has taught me that it is ok to not be ok and to love myself for who I am.
What inspires you on your hardest days?
On my hardest days, my children inspire me to keep going as does the thought of how proud my late fiance would be to see how far I have gotten.
What does the word success mean to you?
To me, success means not giving up no matter how hard or discouraging things get. Success is making someone’s day brighter with my items or even with some kind words.
If there was one food you could eat for the rest of your life, what would that be?
The one food that I could eat for the rest of my life would have to be nachos!
Starting a business can be difficult, especially when it comes to finances. What sources helped you start your journey?
My father and I talked at length about me starting this business. He ended up helping me tremendously with the start-up cost. My mother has also been a huge help with some of the costs as well. My mother has also been one of my biggest customers.
What would you like to see your business achieve within this year?
I would like to see my business achieve recognition and maybe even a couple of established customers this year.
What is your go-to when you need a little TLC?
Crafting of all kinds is my go-to when I need some TLC. Crafting helps to soothe my mind by keeping my hands busy. I tend to lose track of time when I’m working, which helps quiet my overthinking mind.
Do you have any advice to give those who are looking at starting their journey?
My advice to anyone who is looking to start their own journey, DO IT! Don’t listen to the haters out there. If you do what you love then you will love what you do! You are doing it for yourself, not for everyone else. If you get discouraged just remember the reason you wanted to start in the first place.
With so much sincerity in Jessica’s business, we hope that her dream will come to fruition and exceed all her expectations.
If you’d like to see what Jessie’s Crafting Corner has to offer, visit the website, the first 15 purchases will enjoy a 15% discount, use the promo code DopeMillion22
Also, check out Addy and Mark Business Registration packages to help you turn your vision into a thriving success.
Finally, visit our blog for more microbusiness related reads, grand opportunities and other cool stuff.
Disclaimer: This resource is for information purposes only. The company is not directly related to The Dope Million in any way. Always check your resources’ original website for updated information.