Meet Maria Fernanda Arzola Mata of Craft Turtle in Rockwall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Fernanda Arzola Mata.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Maria Fernanda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been the “crafty” one, even since I was younger, I was always wanting to design and create things. So nonetheless, “crafty” is what brought me to where I am today. Last May, I created my very first set of key-chains, eight of them to be exact. I obviously did not need eight key-chains for myself, so I posted them on a local sales page and boom! they all sold just like that. They were a huge hit so I made more, and more and more. Then I added in shirts little by little, cups came along as well, and then pretty much anything anyone would ask for, I tried to make. I then created my Facebook page. Craft Turtle is what I named my little business page because I’m crafty and turtles are awesome! Then slowly but surely, my business page began growing. Nearly 1.3K likes on Facebook. And for that, I am truly blessed and super grateful to each and everyone who has in some way contributed to the growth of Craft Turtle.

Has it been a smooth road?
As much as you hope for things to run smoothly, they just don’t. Life would not be fun without a little trouble. But I would have to say one of the bigger struggles I have, even a year after I began, is time. Oh, how I wish there were more hours in a day. I do still have a job aside from Craft Turtle, and until recently, I was still managing school time as well. Even with everything I have going on, I try to manage, I am a hard worker, I do want to succeed, and I will. I have my goals and I am determined to become better and greater.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Craft Turtle began as selling custom/personalized items, some examples being: key chains, t-shirts, cups, etc. But what now sets us apart from other crafty businesses, is that Craft Turtle now offers Mexican handmade items. I have found a few artisans, within family and friends, who were very excited to partner up with me. As of right now, Craft Turtle has three artisans, they are all native to my parent’s hometown in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato. Each one creates the items they wish to make, I do not tell them what to make, they come to me with their own ideas. While they provide their unique handmade items, they are also able to provide for their families. The extra income is a huge blessing for some of these families, and that makes it an even larger blessing for Craft Turtle. I may only have these 3 artisans now, but I am in the process of adding more, I want to make this part of the business bigger and to be able to offer the very best in handmade goods!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Honestly, if you are committed and determined to make your business succeed, you can do anything and everything you put your mind to. So yes, I believe this city is good for a business like mine. As for any future business, believe in yourself, God will be right there with you every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Email: craftturtle@yahoo.com
• Instagram: craft_turtle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arzolacraft/

Image Credit:
Morales Photography: Paola Morales

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