Wrapped In Faith: A New Perspective
Over the years, the storefront of our creations has changed time and time again.
It's gone through various names and inspirations. Always with the same dream to have a thriving handmade business.
Throughout my childhood, my mom attempted to build a start-up multiple times. I watched her go explore endeavors ranging from sewing comforters to painting wood. Ensuring her handcrafted creations were good quality and unique, but never finding that "one product" that could allow her to make a constant income.
Naturally, seeing her try for so many years inspired me. I was filled with curiosity and a desire to help her in all her ventures. Too afraid of the sewing machine, but happy to help with painting, hand sewing, or organizing duties.
The various tasks made me love creating as a whole. The constant shifts in materials and inspirations left me wanting to explore crafting and art in its full scope. I couldn't narrow down that "one thing" I could focus on 100% of the time. The closest I got was a love for watercolor painting. Unfortunately, I soon realized school doesn't give you the knowledge to learn how to market your art, so I let that dream fade into a hobby.
In that same timeframe, I met my cat, Shinobii. She was the most beautiful cat I'd ever seen. Her grace, elegance, and beauty were mesmerizing to me. She loved dressing up and spending quality time with me as I took pictures, gave her snacks, and played with her.
It resulted in my mom and I creating unique handmade collar accessories, dresses, and outfits for cats that were lightweight and comfortable. It was all I wanted to do. I would design the collars, and my mom would sew them together and create her designs. And then I would have those wonderful photoshoots with my princess. It was an amazing time for us and I'm incredibly grateful that we had the pleasure of living out that dream for a couple of years.
We were so excited for the future of our little shop. We loved receiving pictures of our customers celebrating with their cats, telling us about the cute memories, and cherishing our creations. Unfortunately, it all came to a sudden halt. My personal life took an unexpected turn and we had to close it down. Unable to reach out to my customers for over a year, when we tried to rebuild it under a new name, Magical Wiggles, Etsy's algorithm favored those with budgets to pay extra or exported goods. Our Etsy shop was dead.
We then attempted to set up a stand-alone website, but of course, driving traffic to it was a challenge, and as someone who doesn't have a personal social media account, running one for the business became challenging. It's been three years now that we've had this shop and not a single direct sale.
To say it's been heartbreaking to look at everything unsold would be an understatement. When my life took a turn, it collapsed our handmade cat clothing dreams. It's certainly one of those "if things had been different" moments...
In the meantime, we've continued to think of what's that "next idea" that inspires both of us. And with life-giving another round of major life struggles in 2024, there was nowhere else to turn but to God.
God has been a constant in our lives through all the different stages. In the darkest of times, he's been our strength and our guide.
In this round of life's turmoils, we've chosen to use the talents and abilities He's given us to bring joy, positivity, and encouragement through handmade gifts.
After endless prayers, we feel that this is the path we need to explore.
Perhaps more changes will come. For now, Wrapped in Faith, our new brand symbolizes our aspirations for each person who receives a handmade gift from us.
We want each of them to be filled with hope, happiness, and love. Whether it is that reminder of the companionship of our pets being a reminder of God's mercy towards us or a more religious gift to strengthen our faith, we hope it will evoke a feeling of serenity.
We believe that in this new chapter of our small business, God will show us the path forward, as He always has, and we will slowly spread His love through the handmade gifts we have the honor of creating.