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Meet Lily, the passionate founder of Cute Crafts World
There is something unique and personal about handmade products. Every thread woven is made with care, intricate detail, and passion, creating a unique connection with the customer. Lily, the small business owner of Handmade Crocheting Business, Cute Crafts World, wants her products to continue to bring out the inner child in customers, offering joy, warmth, and the opportunity to rediscover a lost piece of themselves.
Last month, we connected with Lily to learn about her story as a small business owner, the rewards and challenges of running a small business in Toronto, and her plans for her business in the future.
Below is a detailed summary of my Q&A with Lily.
1. What inspired you to start your business?
Life is so busy for everyone; sometimes, we just need something to brighten our day. Happiness doesn’t always need to come with a big price tag. Sometimes, a small, cute item can completely lift your mood. Maybe it sparks a bit of joy or brings back fond memories. That’s exactly why I created Cute Crafts World – to offer a little creativity and warmth that people can hold on to during their busy lives. I want my products to help bring a bit of lightness and happiness to others, even if just for a moment.
2. What’s the story behind your brand name?
The name “Cute Crafts World” perfectly encapsulates what I aim to offer – a world filled with cute, sweet, handmade, and carefully selected items. A lot of my products are inspired by anime, which has been a huge part of many people’s childhoods. Anime isn’t just a hobby; it connects us, and the cute elements help create that sense of joy and escape from the daily grind. I want Cute Crafts World to be more than just a store – a little haven where people can reconnect with their inner happiness. Whether shopping at my booth or browsing online, I want them to feel uplifted, like they’re rediscovering a part of themselves through these little, adorable treasures.
3. What products or services do you offer?
At Cute Crafts World, I specialize in handmade crochet items, including adorable hair clips, keychains, dolls, flower bouquets, potted plants, and handbags. But I also offer curated products like badges, anime stickers, themed pens, keychains, wallets, mini backpacks, and tote bags – all with a strong anime vibe. Plus, I’ve started to offer a line of jewelry: rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. I’m constantly updating my product selection, adding fun and cute designs to appeal to various customers who share a love for all things charming.
4. What are your best-selling products?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one because my products are all well-loved. It depends on the event and the crowd. Sometimes, anime stickers are a big hit, while other times, my crochet keychains steal the show. It can be a bit unpredictable – sometimes, the booth location or the type of event can significantly impact how well certain products do. But no matter what, seeing people get excited about something they love is always a rewarding experience. I’m also working hard to drive more traffic to my website so people can enjoy my products online, too.
5. What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?
One of the biggest challenges is competing with the bigger brands. They often have larger marketing budgets and much more brand recognition. On top of that, rising material costs and logistics issues are adding a lot of pressure. The market constantly changes, so staying innovative and keeping customers interested is challenging. Running an online store and managing its promotion takes a lot of time and energy – and for a small team, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. In addition to that, the increasing cost of booth space at events and the intense competition can be a real struggle.
6. What do you find most rewarding about running your business?
The most rewarding part for me is seeing how my products draw people in. When customers stop by my booth and take the time to browse and pick out something they love, it’s such a fulfilling experience. I especially love meeting returning customers – people who come specifically to find me at different events. There’s something really magical about that connection. At the 2024 CNE, for example, everyone who passed by my booth would say, “So cute!” That recognition – the fact that people enjoy and appreciate my work – is the affirmation that truly warms my heart. It was also incredibly humbling to be recognized by UGC as one of the Top 4 booths to visit.
7. Where do you see your business in the next 5 to 10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I envision Cute Crafts World becoming a more prominent anime-themed brand. I want to expand my presence online, grow my community of anime fans, and become known for creating unique, hand-crafted anime-inspired products. I aim to participate in more anime-related events and conventions, like anime expos and CNE, to continue reaching and engaging with my audience. I also plan to grow my product line, offering exclusive, limited-edition items, and collaborate with popular anime IPs to create special collections. Ultimately, I want to build a community where anime lovers can come together, share their passion, and find products that bring them joy.
8. Are there any new products you’d like us to highlight?
Yes! I’m really excited about some of the new products I’ve launched recently, such as handmade potted plants and custom flower bouquets. They’re unique, cute, and perfect for adding a bit of charm to any space. I’ve also introduced several crochet anime keychains, each crafted with care and attention to detail. These keychains are especially popular because they feature beloved anime characters, making them adorable and a must-have for fans. Additionally, I’ve added a selection of non-handmade anime-themed keychains and fun stickers for Sanrio fans. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for something sweet for yourself or a perfect gift for a fellow anime enthusiast.
9. Are you a full-time small business owner?
Yes, I’m currently working full-time to run this business. It consumes most of my time, but it’s also my passion, and I love it. It’s not always easy – there are tough days – but seeing my progress and my work’s positive impact on people makes it all worth it. I truly feel that every effort, every late night, is taking me closer to where I want to be.
10. What are your main goals for this year?
This year, my main goal is to increase Cute Crafts World’s online visibility and drive more traffic to my website. I also want to participate in more in-person events to strengthen my connection with my customers and see their reactions in person. I plan to infuse even more creativity into my product designs, offering fresh and innovative pieces that capture the essence of the anime world. Additionally, I want to streamline production and improve the efficiency of my supply chain to meet growing demand.
11. How do you see the future of small businesses in Toronto?
Toronto’s small businesses have a lot of potential to thrive. People are looking for more than just products – they want a personal connection that resonates with them. The support for local creators, especially in the arts and crafts space, is growing. However, the competition will get more challenging, with more big brands and chains entering the market. For small businesses to stand out, we must stay innovative and offer unique, personalized services. As long as we keep our authenticity and continue engaging with our communities, small businesses can carve out a meaningful space for themselves.
12. What advice would you give to other small business owners?
My advice is never to underestimate the importance of building strong relationships with your customers. Connecting emotionally with customers is much more powerful than just selling a product. Keep your passion alive, stay creative, and never stop learning. It’s okay to fail – it’s part of the journey. Running a small business is challenging, but the rewards are worth it for personal growth and building relationships. Always treat your customers with care and sincerity. Often, they’ll come back because of the warmth and passion you put into your work. And remember: every bit of effort you put in will lead to growth – sometimes in ways you least expect.
You can support and find the Cute Crafts World
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