Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Pereyra.
Hi Crystal, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Two years ago, I was pursuing a career in the medical field. I jumped from pursuing a pharmacy degree to becoming a PA and everything in-between. I didn’t believe I was creative. Then in Jan 2020, I was hospitalized and had to have a major surgery. Through all of 2020 and most of 2021, I had many complications and surgeries. This took a huge toll on my mental health. I decided to order one of those embroidery kits on Etsy to give myself something to do while I laid in bed.
It was then something went off in me, I became infatuated with embroidery which then moved to macramé and pottery. Art gave me an escape from the hell I was living. The repetition of embroidery stitches allowed my brain to have moments of peace. A couple months later, I turned that passion and healing into an art form that will hopefully help heal others and build a community.
My first surgery was composed of taking out my colon and creating an ileostomy. With IBD and this procedure, there is a 95% increase risk of suicide. There are huge stigmas with having an ileostomy. Comments and reactions to it on social media proves that there is not enough education or awareness on this disability. On top of that, there are so many that struggle with believing they are still beautiful with the scars and ileostomy bag. I decided to create art that portrays different body types and disabilities in beautiful manners.
After I became sick and disabled, I decided to take my experiences and passions and bring them together to help other people like me. I now create art representing different body types and disabilities to advocate, educate, and create a community where people feel safe, loved, and respected.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I envy the small business that had a perfectly smooth start-up. I personally don’t believe a business without some struggle is possible simply because you have to learn as you grow and mistakes are the best way to learn.
Since art started out as therapy for me, I really struggled finding my niche. I wanted to create art representing all of my passions. This was extremely overwhelming and also it was hard to find my group of people to sell to. After a lot of thought, I decided that I wanted to represent all body types and disabilities in a beautiful manner.
Another issue I came across (and still struggle with sometimes) is social media and marketing. My personality flourishes in person and I can make connections easily. However, I am not an expert on the algorithm in social media. To solve this, I have been doing a lot of research using YouTube videos and looking at Pinterest for articles helping in this area. Hopefully, this struggle passes soon.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The one thing I want you to get out of my art is that you are beautiful and loved just how you come. I want you to look at my art and think how beautiful it is… and then realize that it is you who is art.
I am honestly just at the beginning of my art career. I found my niche a little over 3 months ago and have been trying to get out as many ideas I can. I have so many body types and disabilities I want to portray; however, each embroidery piece takes about 2-4 hours. It wasn’t easy deciding what I wanted my art to portray. I started with custom orders, then to anime, and then to body-positive products. What made me truly decide to head this direction is what I am most proud of… and that is the connections I’ve made with people. The look on others’ faces when they realize they aren’t alone. The excitement in their voice when they feel seen and heard. The fact that so many have become vulnerable with me and share their stories with dealing with body shame, disabilities, and diseases.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Starting a business has been confusing, especially when it comes from a hobby. Luckily, there have been many other small brands that have helped me along the way and gave me advice. I think the best thing I have done is make connections and listen to all the advice people are willing to give. In this community of small businesses and arts market vendors, people are so willing to help others because understand the struggle of starting.
The one piece of advice I would give someone starting out is to make connections on social media. Fine someone around you with a good following and like their posts, comment on their photos, DM them about their products, create a genuine relationship with creators, and when it comes time that you need help, they will be more than willing to share their insight.
Contact Info:
- Email: hyggeadorning@gmail.com
- Website: www.hyggeadorning.com
- Instagram: hygge_adorning
- Facebook: thehyggeadorning
- Youtube: Hygge Adorning
Image Credits
Hayli Wells
