Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Calfee.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I learned to sew when I was 9 years old and have always loved it. It was always my creative outlet, but I always saw it as very utilitarian (make myself new clothes) and never considered it in choosing a career. I majored in music and eventually got my teaching certificate and taught in public and private schools for 10 years. In the meantime, my mother started her own drapery business. Through college, single days, and even as a young mom, I worked on and off for her as a seamstress and learned to make draperies and window treatments. For most of my son’s school-age years, I have stayed at home with him. During the 2020 shutdown, I began to realize how close we were to funding college for him and started to think about going back to teaching. While filling out teaching applications online, I began to realize that I did not want to go back to the “daily grind,” that I wanted to continue to be available for my son, and that I needed to continue to be creative. I had already been doing some sewing for people and selling things at craft fairs, so it was an easy step to starting my own business. My mother had her own business and many of my family members have businesses doing some kind of sewing or crafting, so it must be in my blood!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. It is very hard starting your own business and learning all of the administrative and “business-y” kind of things. I am not good at accounting or marketing, but I can’t afford to hire someone to do it yet, so I have to learn and do it myself! It can also be hard when you put out a new product or a post out on social media and get no response! Additionally, balancing working from home and family can be tricky.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am The Crafty Canary – singer, teacher, seamstress. While I teach some voice and sewing lessons, I spend most of my time hand-making fashion and home accessories that make my customers’ lives easier and more fun. I also offer household and crafting tips and devotionals on YouTube. I am very proud of the fact that I make many of my products out of left-over, reclaimed, or “extra” fabric, reducing waste and making for many one-of-a-kind items.
I am very proud that my business tripled in 2021.
I am most proud of the fact that I can be available for my high school-aged son while still being creative and bringing in an income that we can save to help him with college expenses.
I most enjoy educating my followers and customers on my YouTube channel.
What makes you happy?
Spending time with my son and seeing him grow into a godly young man makes me the happiest mom ever! It is what I feel most called on this earth to do: to train up a young man in the way of the Lord. I am also very happy creating a new product and seeing someone find joy in it. I believe I feel happy in creating because I am made in the image of a creative God. He finds joy in His creation and has made us to be that way, too.
Contact Info:
- Email: thecraftycanary1@gmail.com
- Website: www.thecraftycanary.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/the.crafty.canary
- Facebook: facebook.com/craftycanary
- Youtube: youtube.com/thecraftycanary
Image Credits
Everheart Images
