Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosalia Nava.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rosalia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always been someone who loves being creative but I got into lettering and calligraphy in 2016. I would get home after work, practice my lettering and start painting canvases with quotes to gift to family and friends. A couple of my friends started asking me to sell them the canvases and although I hesitated at first, I started selling them locally. Eventually, this led to the opening of my Simple Southern Crafts shop on Etsy! I was so excited to get three to four orders a month since I was still working full time and was only making signs as a hobby. It took about 6-7 months for me to figure out how to promote sales, the website, shipping, etc.
I only sold crafts and home decor signs for a while until I received an email from a bride asking if I would do all of the signs for her wedding. I agreed although I had never done calligraphy for a project of that scale! It was just such a great opportunity for me to learn more about the wedding industry and “dip my feet in the water.” This opened the doors for so many other weddings and events, it sort of spiraled out of control but I was loving it. Eventually, I quit my job and decided to dedicate all my time into this little business, because I saw that it was something I could see myself doing as more than just a hobby.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been too bad of a journey but like any business, it comes with struggles and doubts. It was a very hard choice to leave a steady paycheck for something that might work out and might not. I’m lucky to have people in my life that have pushed me to go for it and pursue my passion because there have definitely been times where I just want to go back to working that 9 to 5. Too often, people see the good parts and not what it took to get there, they just assume it was all smooth sailing.
I know I still have room for growth and I’m still learning so much along the way but some advice I would give to young women and people, in general, is not to let their fears overcome their dreams. I know it’s easier said than done, but I think it’s worth the risk if you’ll be happier doing what you love.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
When people ask me what I do I try to narrow it down to “calligraphy for weddings.” That is what I work on the majority of the time. It ranges from welcome signs, place cards, envelope addressing, seating charts, menus, and bridal party gifts. The materials also vary from acrylic, wood, chalkboards, and card stock. Sometimes I think about just focusing on weddings but I do enjoy making other things so I don’t want to limit my creativity too much. Other items you can find in my shop are graduation cap toppers, birthday chalkboards, home decor signs, birth announcements, cutting boards, and even my original product… canvas quotes.
I would say it’s a proud moment every time I get an email saying my work was featured in an online magazine but even just when people leave great reviews and they tell me how much a piece means to them. I get to be a small part of their big days like graduations, elopements, weddings, and baby announcements so I’m very thankful for that opportunity.
I like to think that something that sets me apart is that I put so much detail and time into every order. Every part of the process is handled by me, so most items can be as customized as you want. It’s a labor of love.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Growing up, I always enjoyed crafts and being creative so I’m sure that played a huge part in what I do now. I remember at school getting asked what we wanted to be when we grew up and I never knew what to say because I didn’t think this could be a job. That’s what’s so great about the opportunities we have today, technology and innovative thinking have helped create so many new jobs that the possibilities seem endless.
Contact Info:
- Website: simplesoutherncrafts.etsy.com
- Email: rosalianava12@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplesoutherncrafts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplesoutherncrafts/
Image Credit:
Rosalia Nava
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