Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Prado.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Christine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, my story begins when I was a young girl- I was always very much into doodling and other art but I definitely didn’t feed into the craft as I could have. Fast forward to 2016- I was engaged and planning a wedding but instead of spending tons of money, I figured I’d take care of a couple of those items myself. I created my own wedding invitations, centerpieces, and other small wedding signs & received tons of feedback on the wedding decor I created. Shortly after, I started receiving requests from friends and family to make home and wedding decor and received an outpour of love. It was then in November 2017 that I jumped right in and created an Etsy shop to start selling handmade items, all from my home in Fort Worth, Texas. In a sense, it was a very therapeutic hobby for me- a small escape from the real world- mind you, all while tending to a family and home, a full-time career in corporate America, managing a somewhat healthy lifestyle- it was VERY much needed. All of those things still exist for me today and I’m 100% grateful that I took the leap (with the help of my biggest supporters of course) and added another thing that I love to my everyday life.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I certainly struggle with balancing my work and home life. I work a 7-4 day job, get home to handle house duties and still yearn for play time (creating new pieces, fulfilling custom orders and/ or truly focusing on ‘self-care’ time). My free time is very limited and most days can feel very stressful trying to juggle all my “hats”. I have yet to find and stick to a solid routine but every day is a new learning experience. I have a rock solid support system that motivates me to keep going– even when doubt creeps in and I hear that voice whisper “You should probably just quit”, I use it as a motivation to prove that voice wrong… and trust me, she comes around every couple of weeks.
Another challenge is, of course, being out in a world of businesses just like me and my own. I often think, “you know, the community or world even doesn’t need another craft shop” but then I start to incorporate how this hobby of mine feeds my soul and how it makes ME feel. And don’t even get me started on the customers who cry when they see a piece I made for them- that feeling is just indescribable. I believe that if we truly love what we do, that energy and love will radiate back into where we are- back into this beautiful world of ours and make it better. In a short sentence, self- doubt, and pressure is a big challenge of mine, hehe but for as long as I’m able, I will ALWAYS keep trying.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I like to think of myself as a decor shop- whether it be for your own home, a personalized gift for a special occasion or decor and signage for a wedding. I locate and prep (cut, stain or paint) every piece of wood or material needed as my canvas and go from there. I take personalized/ custom orders but recently, home established signs have been a big hit. I tend to also put a bit of my own personal feelings into art/ signs I create and thankfully they’ve been pretty popular with others who can relate.
I would definitely say that I’m proud of being a part of such a big network of Women in Business yet still handling day to day life – working on a side gig while also handling a full-time career, two children, a husband, and home AND still managing to take care of herself, all alongside so many other fierce women who are getting stuff done too (insert muscle flex emoji here). Don’t get me wrong- there are some days where I crash and burn VERY nicely.
I’d like to think what sets me apart is my love for this craft. I’m thankful to say that I don’t have to DO this to live or to get by but I’m very grateful for the fact that I actually WANT to do this- I WANT to create something special for others to commemorate special times in their lives- whatever that may possibly be.
What were you like growing up?
Honestly, I feel that I’m a pretty big introvert- growing up and even today. Just thinking of having to speak to a room full of two hundred people may give me a panic attack but the type of person I am will force me to get up on that stage and I’ll still get it done. I’d say I’m very determined once my mind is set and I will work endlessly to reach a personal goal of mine. I’ve always had a hunger to learn new things- through a book, through someone else’s actual story and well, from my own experience. I remember thinking that I wanted to own a beauty salon growing up- in fact, I’d tell my mom about it all the time but the closer I got to be an adult, the more I learned that wasn’t what I wanted- looking back now, I think it was the fact that I would “own” something, I didn’t even (and still don’t) like doing my own hair, haha.
My interests were always art based now that I think about it- I loved watching movies and was amazed that actors could “act” out these magnificent scenes without batting an eye. I remember when my music obsession hit me as a child and I’d re-enact Selena songs on stage (a.k.a. the hardwood kitchen floor) for my family to see and hear and truly just listening to music and admiring every single instrument that could be heard. I guess I’m not so surprised that I get so fascinated by art and it’s true form to serve as another language at times.
Pricing:
- Prices vary mostly on the size
- Typical prices range from $40 to $100 on most orders
Contact Info:
- Website: sunnieletters.etsy.com
- Email: sunnieletters@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sunnieletters
Image Credit:
Perla E Photography, Bryan C Parker Photography, Avery Holliday Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
