Today we’d like to introduce you to Rena Hobbs.
Hi Rena, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
So back in 2007, I needed cheap handmade gift ideas for family because we were in a rough patch of finances. I turned to duct tape. I made wallets and some purses and such for everyone for Christmas that year. It was a big hit. I made duct tape stuff for a bit and then added bows because I had young girls. They ended up hating bows so I moved on to getting good a sewing, crocheting, and knitting. My current passion and currently my longest-running craft is custom cups made with glitter and resin, resin keychains, pens and a lot more. I also made some rhinestone projects here and there. I have 6 kids and crafting is my outlet and helps me keep my sanity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Is life ever smooth? Ha. From a business perspective, I can tell you I don’t make money. For me, though it’s not about that. I want to be able to make people happy. And I get great joy I making stuff for people. I also dabble in photography as well and in fact, just photographed a wedding in December after having not done it in a while. I was RUSTY. But I did manage to capture a lot of special memories. And at a lower cost for those who can’t afford high-end. I have the biggest blessing to be able to stay home to take care of my children. My oldest is 20 and my youngest is 9.
So, from a life perspective life has had lots of ups and downs. But my faith in God and my family have really helped me roll with the punches. From the business perspective, I keep it pretty simple. I have to keep my expectations pretty low because of me having such a tiny space to actually craft in. But it is my space. That makes me super happy. And knowing I do what I can while still living my life is a great blessing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Right now, I deal mainly with blinging and resin arts. I make custom cups which is what I have been doing for the past 4 years. There are so many that make custom cups and are super talented. I just do what I do. I do marble dips, all sorts of glitter designs. The possibilities are really endless (except copyright… I stay away from stuff that isn’t my own or that I don’t have the commercial rights to use) I think what sets me apart is my willingness to do just about anything once. And that most of my stuff that I make is one of a kind and can’t be duplicated. I am really proud that I have stuck with this craft for so long (while I still dabble if crochet, knit, photography and sewing, I didn’t stick with those as my main creative outlets for very long)
I got into making custom because one day I saw a glitter tumbler and it was being sold for $65. I was like I can do that myself. HAHA. Ya know the meme that says why buy it for $7 when you can spend $92 and make it yourself? That is SOOOOOO me. Many years and lots of money later I have quite the stash of all the supplies. But I love it and the creativity really flows from that. I enjoy filling needs no matter how silly and frivolous it seems to others.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I used to work with the parrots at Rainforest Cafe in Grapevine TX. I loved working there and I loved those babies so much. Also, a lot don’t know that searching my name you will see a few results down my story of sexual assault on YouTube. I was a guest on a podcast by Jimmy Hinton. I don’t post much on social media about it because it is a conversation that for me can only be done on a smaller scale at least for now. Those are the 2 main things that come to mind when I hear this question.
Pricing:
- Bling Cups are case by case
- 32oz Glitter cups – $65
- 24, 22, and 20oz cups are $50
- 12 oz mugs are $35 & 16oz mugs are $40
- Other sizes and items available
Contact Info:
- Email: mommatobabies@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightyonecrafts/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/81crafts
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdMtTYBL/
Image Credits
Rena Hobbs
