Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikita Fields.
Hi Nikita, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, I have always had a passion and love for crafting. I would say that crafting is my safe haven from my busy life. As a full-time job, I am an elementary teacher. When our schools were closed in March of 2019, I was so distraught for my students. I was at home trying to still teach my students from afar by teaching them virtually. I needed a sense of normalcy in my life so I used most of my free time I had to craft more. This was the best outlet for me because I was able to release stress through this hobby. Crafting also gave me something to focus on with everything else going on in my life. My mom was very ill and survived two strokes in the beginning of the year of 2020. That year was a blur for me! I would go to work to teach all day and then go visit my mother in the hospital. This was an everyday routine. It was very draining and my mind was everywhere at the time. There would be times where I would want to cry and fall apart but I would just go into my craft room and start making something. This was very calming for me. Again, this is why I say crafting was my safe haven.
I would occasionally post on Facebook and Instagram pictures of shirts that I made in my free time. A few people would reach out to me and comment on the shirts. Then some people even wanted me to start making shirts for them. I was in awe, of course. I began making shirts and that’s when “word of mouth” really expanded my crafting. Meanwhile, I had only been making shirts with my Cricket for only three months. I was nervous and excited of the attention I received. My husband, Jesse, had the idea of me starting my own small business in crafting. The thought of starting a business or even being a business-minded person never crossed my mind. He encouraged me to push the idea into reality and said he would support me through the journey. My husband has been the best supporter of me and my creativity. Fast forward, on January 5, 2021, Uniqueness By Kita. LLC was born. The thought of being a small business owner blows my mind because it’s an accomplishment of every obstacle I had overcome at the time. Uniqueness By Kita was started in a pandemic and now has survived going on two years. Nobody but God, my husband, family, friends, and supportive customers made this dream happen.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I haven’t met anyone in business that has said they traveled a smooth road! Lol! Being a small business owner is definitely not for the weak and you wear many hats within your company. My husband and I run Uniqueness By Kita using teamwork. I tried to handle things on my own and end up stretching myself thin many times. Yes, I have hit many obstacles within being a small business owner. Challenges and obstacles can make or break you, I choose to believe that if it takes hard work to get to where you’re going, then it’s worth it.
Making sure to provide quality customer service at all times is a challenge that I had to learn very quickly. Sometimes you can’t please everyone, but giving the effort to accommodate your customer’s needs can take you a long way. This has helped me become a better person and small business owner. Don’t get me wrong, there have been times when I wanted to throw in the towel after dealing with unpleasant customers but I don’t believe you can let a few bad experiences control what you do. I have learned that creating clear expectations, providing quality service, and giving kindness keep your customers coming back.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My business is in the art of crafting and customizing. My specialty is making customized t-shirts and bleached distressed t-shirts. Customers always see a t-shirt that I’ve made for someone else or for myself on my social media platforms. They usually make a request from my post or have an idea that they would like me to create. That’s why I love this type of work because the creativity is endless. Advertising and marketing is a full-time job that requires a lot of time. This is how I received most of my customers. I like to advertise my products using Facebook, Instagram, Instagram Reel Videos, Tik Tok, and Snapchat…
I would say what I am most proud of in my business endeavor so far would be getting nominated for best crafter of the year at the CSRA’s Small Business Awards Gala earlier this year in January. I did not win the award that night but to be recognized for all of my hard work and dedication to my customers was a very special moment for me.
I would say what sets me apart from most crafters is the wide variety of products I can provide. I use a Cricut and a Sawgrass Sublimation printer to create my products. When it comes to t-shirt making, I use vinyl and print sublimated images. Both of these styles give my t-shirts a different look. In over a year, I have expanded my craft. I now make customized coffee mugs, tumblers, mouse pads, pillows, key chains, bookbags, photo panel blankets, welcome signs/boards and etc… I will soon be adding jewelry in my inventory. I take being “unique” to a whole different level!
How do you think about luck?
Instead of the word luck, I would like to say it was a blessing in disguise to start my small business when I did. Being off for the summer (Me being an elementary teacher) and staying at home during the pandemic turned out to be a lucky break for me, considering I would have never had enough free time to start and develop my business in the way that I did. The pandemic brought enough bad luck to last a lifetime in all of our personal lives’, but it gave me a sense of focus and dedication that I did not expect. I’m not even sure if I was aware of it in the moment. Being super focused due to the situation of the pandemic really took my business to another level. With that being said, I really do believe that you can create your own luck in a way. On one hand, you can put in the work and dedication to create your vision. Whenever opportunities present itself, you must be prepared to take that moment by the reigns. This could be the most pivotal moment that positively changes the trajectory of your business. On the other hand, if you aren’t putting in the work and you’re just trying to get by, you won’t be ready when those opportunities appear. I have been lucky/ blessed, but I’ve also put myself in positions to capitalize on the chances that come to me.
Pricing:
- Customized T-shirts start at $22
- Customize Journals start at $20
- Customized Pillows start at $30
- Customized Tumblers start at $25
- Customized mugs start at $8
Contact Info:
- Website: www.uniquenessbykita.com
- Instagram: @UniquenessByKita
- Facebook: @UniquenessByKita
Image Credits
The image credits are by Nikita Fields (which is me).
