Today we’d like to introduce you to Quiahna Barber.
Hi Quiahna, 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?
Qrafty-Q Qustoms started in 2021, but creativity has always been a part of who I am. What began as me simply enjoying learning to craft things during covid gradually turned into something much bigger than I expected.
I started with custom apparel, party favors, stickers, labels and other personalized pieces. Over time, I continued teaching myself new techniques and adding new crafts to what I could offer. If I saw something I wanted to learn how to make, I was probably going to figure it out!
The workshop side of my business happened pretty organically. I learned how to hand knit and started showing my friends what I was making. They encouraged me to try teaching it to others, so I decided to give it a shot. That became Loops & Lattes, which has since grown and evolved into The Chunky Knit Social.
Today, Qrafty-Q Qustoms is still evolving. I still create custom pieces, I’m constantly learning new crafts, and I’m continuing to expand the workshop side of my business. I don’t think I had a perfect roadmap when I started in 2021. A lot of it has been learning, experimenting, adjusting and being willing to try the next idea.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of my biggest challenges has been learning how to balance growing a business while also working a full-time job and being a caregiver to my mom. There are only so many hours in a day, and when you’re a small business owner, you’re the creator, marketer, customer service department, event planner and everything in between.
I’ve also had to learn the business side of being creative. Pricing my work appropriately, learning what works and what doesn’t, and understanding that not every idea is going to be successful have all been part of the process. Sometimes you can put a lot of time and excitement into something, and the response isn’t what you expected. Sometimes, something you tried almost on a whim becomes bigger than you imagined.
I think one of the biggest lessons for me has been not allowing a slow moment or an idea that didn’t work to convince me that the business itself isn’t working. I’ve learned to adjust, keep creating and pay attention to what my customers and community respond to
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Qrafty-Q Qustoms is a creative business centered around custom pieces and hands-on experiences. I create everything from custom apparel and personalized gifts to paper crafts, crochet pieces and other handmade items. I love being able to take an idea and figure out how to bring it to life.
More recently, I’ve become known for my creative workshops, especially The Chunky Knit Social. I’m most proud of creating an environment where people can come together, learn something new and leave genuinely proud of what they made.
What sets me apart is my versatility and my willingness to keep learning. I don’t like putting myself in one creative box. Qrafty-Q has continued to evolve because I’m always willing to try something new, make it my own and find ways to turn creativity into an experience people can enjoy.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating something meaningful, whether it’s a custom piece made specifically for someone or an experience that gives people a chance to connect, create and slow down.
That’s become one of my favorite parts of The Chunky Knit Social. Guests often tell me how nice it was to quiet their minds for a few hours and simply be present. I love that I’ve been able to create a safe space where people can relax, enjoy themselves and make something they’re proud of.
Pricing:
- Chunky Knit Social $85 – all materials and cafe credit
- Crochet Social $75 – all materials and cafe credit
- Custom Apparel – $25 and up
- Stickers – $2 and up
- Custom Basketballs – $50 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.qraftyq.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/qraftyq
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/qraftyq
- Other: https://tiktok.com/qraftyq
