Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Tozduman.
Katherine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey with The Crafty Kit began with a simple belief: creativity has the power to heal, connect, and inspire.
As a lifelong creative and animal lover, I’ve always been drawn to unique experiences that bring people together, spark creativity, and provide a momentary escape from everyday life. Over time, I noticed many adults were craving opportunities to slow down, unplug, and rediscover the child-like wonder that comes from trying something new and creating with their hands. That realization inspired me to create The Crafty Kit.
What began as a small business offering craft workshops has grown into a company that provides interactive virtual and in-person experiences for corporate teams, organizations, and communities globally. Today, we offer a wide variety of crafting experiences, such as terrarium-building, bonsai workshops, soap making, and custom DIY kits shipped to participants worldwide.
My personal experiences have profoundly shaped The Crafty Kit and our mission. After losing my beloved father, I experienced firsthand how creativity can provide comfort during life’s most difficult moments. That experience inspired products such as our Paint Your Portrait kits, which help people celebrate and honor the loved ones who have made a lasting impact on their lives.
More recently, I faced one of the greatest challenges of my life when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Anaplastic Large T-Cell Lymphoma. After intensive treatment and a bone marrow transplant, I am now in remission. That experience reinforced everything I believed about the importance of wellness, human connection, and finding joy in life’s small moments. It also strengthened my commitment to creating experiences that help others slow down, be present, and make time for what matters most.
Today, our mission continues to extend beyond teaching crafts. We create opportunities for people to express themselves, connect, and experience the positive impact that creativity can have on their lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many small business owners, I’ve faced my share of challenges. Economic uncertainty and changing workplace dynamics required us to adapt quickly as corporate budgets tightened and client needs evolved. In response, we introduced more flexible workshop formats and expanded our lineup of DIY kits, allowing us to continue bringing creative experiences to people wherever they were.
On a personal level, my cancer diagnosis presented an entirely different challenge. Running a business while undergoing treatment forced me to reevaluate priorities, trust my team, and focus on what mattered most. There were days when simply getting through the day felt like an accomplishment.
What helped me persevere was the same thing that inspired The Crafty Kit from the beginning: healing, connecting, and inspiring. The support of my family, friends, clients, and community reminded me why this work matters. Looking back, those experiences made both me and the company more resilient, adaptable, and purpose-driven.
Every challenge has reinforced our initial belief that creativity is more than just a hobby. It reminds us to stay curious, embrace new experiences, and continue growing throughout every stage of life.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Crafty Kit. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Crafty Kit is a creative wellness company that specializes in interactive workshops and creative experiences for corporate teams, organizations, and private groups.
We design hands-on experiences that help people disconnect from stress and reconnect with creativity. Our offerings include bonsai tree planting, terrarium building, soap making, resin art, painting, candle making, chocolate-covered strawberries, and customized DIY projects. We also ship curated kits directly to participants globally, making it easy for remote groups to create together from anywhere.
What sets us apart is our focus on meaningful engagement rather than simply teaching a craft. Every experience is designed to foster creativity, wellness, team building, and human connection. We believe crafting is about more than making something beautiful. It is about creating moments of joy, mindfulness, and connection.
One of the things I am most proud of is our ability to tailor experiences to the unique needs of each client. Our clients range from Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations to schools, community groups, and private celebrations. No matter who we are working with, our goal remains the same: to create memorable experiences that bring people closer together.
I am also incredibly proud of our Craft Café experience, which provides a welcoming space for the Bergen County community to gather in our studio on Sundays for 90 minutes of crafting. By setting aside time each week for creativity and connection, Craft Café offers an opportunity for people to step away from their routines, try something new, and enjoy the simple joy of creating alongside others. For many participants, these workshops become a rare opportunity to unplug, spend intentional time creating, and leave feeling inspired, refreshed, and connected.
At our core, The Crafty Kit exists to bring people together through creativity, helping them slow down, connect, and find joy in the process of creating.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve learned that risk isn’t about being fearless, it’s about moving forward despite uncertainty.
Starting a business was itself a significant risk. Leaving behind the comfort of a traditional path to build something from the ground up required faith, persistence, and a willingness to learn through trial and error. There were many moments when outcomes were uncertain, but I believed in the mission enough to keep going.
One of the biggest risks was continuing to grow and innovate during difficult periods for both businesses and individuals. Rather than retreating, we invested in developing new virtual experiences and DIY kits that allowed us to serve clients in new ways.
My experience with cancer also changed my perspective on risk. When faced with a life-threatening diagnosis, you realize that time is precious. It taught me to focus less on fear of failure and more on pursuing opportunities that align with my values and purpose.
Today, I approach risk thoughtfully rather than impulsively. I believe in taking calculated risks, learning from setbacks, and remaining flexible enough to adapt when circumstances change. Some of our greatest opportunities have come from stepping outside our comfort zone and embracing uncertainty.
Pricing:
- Virtual workshops typically start at approximately $50-$75 per participant, depending on the experience and kit requirements.
- In-person workshop pricing varies based on group size, location, and materials.
- Custom corporate wellness programs and branded experiences are available upon request.
- Worldwide shipping is available for remote teams, parties, and groups.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecraftykit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopthecraftykit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopthecraftykit
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-crafty-kit/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecraftykit
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-crafty-kit-westwood
- Other: mailto:info@thecraftykit.com
Image Credits
Clara Wang Photography (Images 1-6)
Bojan Hohnjec Studio (Image 7)
