Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Ibarra.
Hi Christy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Sunflare Creations started during the summer of 2020. While COVID had us indoors and distanced away from one another I used that time to get back to something I’ve always enjoyed doing, crafting. I started off doing a little bit of everything, from cups to floral shadow boxes and shirts in between. I started doing doormats after my mom couldn’t find one that she wanted. Since she only speaks Spanish and majority of the doormats that you find at most stores are in English, I took it upon myself to create one that she could understand and enjoy. After that first mat, I fell in love with making them and just how much you can express your own personality on it. I started off sharing everything I was creating using my personal social media accounts until I eventually made one for Sunflare Creations. We’re even on TIK Tok. My family and friends have been very supportive throughout this journey. From sharing our items/events to just words of encouragement. I could never thank them enough for all the amazing support. The first pop-up we ever did was during the summer of 2021, at the Grand Prairie Farmer’s Market. Although I was very nervous that day, I learned so much from not just the other vendors there but also from those attending the market. Since then, we’ve attended at least one event a month (when possible), have met so many wonderful vendors along the way, and have grown so much not just professionally but personally, as well. If someone would have told me. 2 years ago, that I’d be having my own business doing what I love, I would have never believed them. I am still creating in the same garage where this all started. With the help of my husband, we have been able to see our tiny seed blossom into what it is today. I’d like to think that my small business isn’t so small anymore and one day, we will move on to something bigger (speaking it into existence).
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?
Throughout this entire journey, we have faced many obstacles, but with the help of my husband and four-legged child, I have been able to conquer anything that has come our way. I’ve spent many hours researching suppliers for items to test out. Scouting various brands of supplies that I use or would like to use in the future. Before I sell anything, I make sure that the product can withstand the test of time and can withstand the elements, and that can take quite a while. I’ve had to learn to balance both my professional life and my personal life while planning a wedding in between. Although right now Sunflare Creations is not my full-time job, I put full-time hours into it. The most challenging aspect of all of this is learning to balance my regular full-time job, commuting, spending time with friends/family, as well as making time for myself. (Self-care is important to keep your sanity). Another challenge that I’ve had to face has been storing/inventory issues. Since I work out of my apartment garage, I don’t have the space to store items, meaning I can’t pre-make everything I have. Many items, including ALL of the doormats, are custom-made at the time of purchase. Because there is so much custom work that goes into my mats, the challenge becomes making the item within a specific time frame to get it mailed out as soon as possible. Many of my smaller items that do not require too much space, I try to keep a couple in stock and ready to go.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sunflare Creations Co. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Sunflare Creations is a small business that makes custom hand-painted doormats that allow you to express yourself via a doormat. Whether you want to have something trendy, show your guest what team you root for, something festive for the holidays coming up, or if you simply want to tell someone to go away, we can help! We also do shirts and cups (mugs, tumblers) and always welcome customs. We offer items in both English and Spanish as well as speak it so we are able to communicate in both languages.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success is defined by doing something you love and knowing that others appreciate your work. Knowing that people love my creations and can’t wait to show the world, that’s what make the hours put into this worth it. I love what I do. I would not trade this for anything in the world. If Sunflare Creations blossoms and becomes this big thing, even if it doesn’t, I am proud of the work I have created and will continue to share my love and passion of crafting to the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/sunflare
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunflarecreationsco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunflareCreations.Co/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflareCreationsCo
