I haven’t personally met Cheryl, the entrepreneur behind Cheri Handicrafts, but I wanted to share with you my interview with her. She is one of those entrepreneurs whom you know will inspire a lot of people, because she just speaks from the heart. When the heart talks, it’s different — it just hits you and inspires you.
About Cheryl
Cheryl is a mother of two little angels and a wife to husband Carlo whom she met in high school. “My inspiration for my crafts is my eldest Child (Czy) who is hearing impaired. We discovered it when she was 3. Akala namin huli na ang lahat para sa kanya (We thought that we couldn’t do anything about it). During the first year after we discovered her condition, we were always thinking of the challenges and trials that she will have to encounter. But from that experience, we trusted God more and realized that you just need to accept what He has given to you.”
Cheryl started making scrap materials into beautiful, useful things in high school. “In 2010, when I gave birth to Czy, I also started planning for her christening and 1st Birthday. I started creating handmade cupcake towels as souvenir to lessen the expenses since my husband was the only one who was working at that time. I posted it online and that was the start of my small business, but at that time, we it wasn’t something that I would do constantly.”
In January 2012, Cheryl and Carlo decided to get married. When they both searched for suppliers, the lack of funds drew them to consider creating some items by themselves for their wedding. Cheryl read from a forum that handmade bouquets are easy to do, so she started creating her entourage flowers out of felt fabric. After finishing it, she posted it on Facebook and a friend of hers ask if she could make her Bridal and Entourage flowers, too. Without any hesitation, Cheryl said yes, and she was her first customer. The rest was history.
The interview with Entrepreneur Cheryl of Chery Handicrafts
Ginger: What is your brand/business?
Cheryl: Cheri Handicrafts offers fabric bouquets, wedding accessories and event styling. We started making handmade products since Nov. 2010, while we started making handmade flowers in 2012. We use different types of fabric materials like felt fabric, satin, chiffon, lace, brooch, paper, clay, rubber and wood.
Ginger: Who is your market? Why did you choose this market?
Cheryl: Our market are those who are Newly-Engaged and clients who want to style their events based on a particular chosen theme. Since the time we started this business during our own wedding preparation, we just kept at it and continued doing the business. We really think God lead us to this field.
Ginger: How did you come up with this idea? What made you decide to start this kind of business?
Cheryl: Since I am a crafter by heart, I want to show to other crafters that we can also build a good business out of crafting. Sa panahon ngayon specially homebased-moms hirap maghanap ng extra income to fulfill the needs of the family. Parang ang laking factor ng merong pinagkakaabalahan tayong mom’s while taking care of our children.
Ginger: Were there any obstacles that you faced when you decided to pursue becoming an Entrepreneur? What are these?
Cheryl: Yes. Nung mas pinili kong maging fulltime mom and crafter kesa maging isang empleyado. It was really hard at first pero God lead me to the right path.
Ginger: What are three traits that you think an Entrepreneur should have when starting their own business?
Cheryl: Patience, love your passion and don’t stop learning.
Ginger: Unforgettable moments or lessons that you learned as an Entrepreneur
Cheryl: Well, one thing I learned from being an Entrepreneur is to build good relationships with all your clients. If they feel important and genuinely cared for, they will refer you to other people.
Ginger: What advice can you give to other Entrepreneurs?
Cheryl: Use the skills and the talent that God has given you. Be patient. Learn from all your mistakes; these are the things that will help succeed.
Ginger: Do you believe that everyone should become entrepreneurs?
Cheryl: Yes. Strongly agree.
Ginger: How do you market your products?
Cheryl: I promote through my Facebook page. I also offer budget package and freebies to confirmed clients. I post photos of my finish products everyday so that people will see that i’m hands-on.
Ginger: Thank you Cheryl for agreeing to be interviewed! I wish you all the best. I know one of your dreams is to have your own workshop. Don’t worry, Cheryl! Fate must have brought us together! Cheers!
Contact information of Cheri Handicrafts
Email address: cherihandicrafts@gmail.com
Mobile Number: 09255524374
Facebook Page: Cheri Handicrafts
Twitter account: cherihandicraft
Instagram account: Cherihandicrafts
Pinterest: Cheri Handicrafts
