Today we’d like to introduce you to Acacia Harris.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Acacia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I realized I enjoyed crafting and creating things at an early age. I remember the exact moment when I was in the 1st grade. I was in an after school program and we were creating Thanksgiving cornucopia baskets. I remember thinking to myself that “I really like making things.” As I grew older, I would always find myself by myself in my room DIY’ing clothes, painting, drawing, building, etc. Sometimes I would wear my clothes and I even attempted selling custom crocheted scarves in high school. I didn’t really understand it then, but I realize now it was a positive outlet for me to escape the world around me. I would find myself having alone time and creating anytime a negative situation happened in my life, or I felt like I didn’t have any friends to talk to.
When I became an adult, I focused my efforts on relationships and attempting to grow a career and crafting was placed to the side. Fast forward to 2009, I had an awakening period in my life and remembered my previous joys of crafting. I created a unique jewelry line, canvased art collection, and attended craft fairs in attempt to sell my creations. I started to gain a little traction from the sale of my items and then things seemed to slow down. My motivation started to decrease and I felt like I needed to take a break from making jewelry. My break turned into years and I took the time to regroup and reignite my passion in life. At the end of 2016, I survived a life-changing car accident and as a result “Crafting with Cass” was created.
Has it been a smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Hahaha! This road has definitely not appeared to be smooth. I am constantly trying my best to navigate unwavering hurdles as I speak. I can say with confidence that all of the obstacles that I have previously and are currently facing are definitely building character and fueling perseverance. I find as time progresses, that no one person has the perfect formula and it’s important for me to stay true to who I am regardless and to trust the process. I have been fortunate enough to be raised by my mom, grandma, and aunt. These trio of women have each uniquely shaped my life and had a hand in my evolution of who I am today. I pull from all of their taught strengths as I navigate thru life. I have learned not to be so consumed by an environment that focuses on a constant increase in quantity. The most difficult part of the journey is to not quit and keep believing in myself when I feel like things are not ideal.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Crafting with Cass is all about “Crafting for the Streets.” I use print and video outlets to provide fun instructional craft tutorials for everyone. One of my main goals for my business is to showcase the pastime of crafting. I want crafting to demonstrate an outlet or release from some of the everyday stresses of life. Crafting has definitely played a vital role in my life. Crafting is my visual demonstration to the masses that there is another way out of any feeling of entrapment by using the resources and tools around them to create. My business stands apart because I am trying to target individuals that have limited resources or are on a budget, but still like to have nice things. I strive to create “dope” do-it-yourself projects that people really want to make and have. My craft projects are not limited, but can consist of me flipping inexpensive and accessible materials into products that would typically cost more to purchase in stores. I am most proud that I’m building a company that is authentically me, and I get to enjoy what I’m doing.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Atlanta is the perfect place for my business and I would recommend it for the opportunities that the city possesses. I feel very fortunate to be raised in the city and be a part of an environment that I feel fosters creativity. My creativity is heightened by all the culture and uniqueness that Atlanta provides. This is a great place to be encouraged and inspired!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.craftingwithcass.com
- Email: craftingwithcass@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftingwithcass/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftingwithcass/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cass_with
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3jne5qxRhzagi10b7lq8gg
Image Credit:
Crafting with Cass
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