Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Czajkowski.
Hi Stephanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When we moved to Atlanta back in 2019, I started working as an events manager at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. Then once the pandemic hit, we all got laid off, which was truly a blessing in disguise for me because I then had the time and energy to find my passion and find my niche. It took me about a year of trying different paths until I finally landed on someone’s DIY page on Instagram. I immediately felt connected and driven to this path. I knew I had to give it a shot, so I did. I “re-launched” my business page into a “DIY + Home” page, and I have now been doing DIY projects for a year now. I do a wide variety of projects, some smaller, crafty projects and some larger ones, like full-room renovations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This DIY journey has definitely had its bumps in the road. For example, when the pandemic hit, I spent a year trying different avenues before I finally found that DIY was my passion. However, I do look back and I know that those days were not spent in vain because they did finally lead me to this road.
Also, during lockdown, we ended up having our second baby, which leads me to say that raising two young kids while trying to find my niche, has not been easy. I obviously wouldn’t change a thing, they are the light in my life, and the main reason I do these projects, but sometimes I can only work on projects when they are napping or after bedtime. I sometimes internally beat myself up because of the slow-ish pace I work on projects, but I know it’s for the right reasons. We have since overcome some of these obstacles now that they are older because they now love to help mommy, and I let them when its safe and reasonable!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Alpine Home Creations?
When I was starting my brand, I knew I wanted a name that meant something to me. The word ‘alpine’ is very special to me, as I am first generation American. My family comes from Switzerland, both my parents were born and raised there, and my brother and I were born and raised here. We traveled overseas to see family every two years growing up, and I have had a dual citizenship since I was 18. Because of my heritage, I feel very connected to the mountains. Secondly, I wanted a name that would incorporate not just DIY but all things ‘home.’ And that’s how Alpine Home Creations came about! I am very proud to incorporate my heritage into my brand.
AHC is a DIY content creation page on social media. I do all kinds of projects, some large and some smaller ones. Some days I may be making a simple home decor video, and other days I may be laying tile in my laundry room. You just never know! My most recent project was building an “organic modern” coffee table from scratch. I love to figure out how to make something out of nothing, and if I don’t know how to do it, I will google and YouTube until I figure it out!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking can be tricky sometimes, but I think the best approach is to be confident and unapologetically you. Just being yourself is the best thing I could say because then you can really go out and have fun.
I recently found a business coach/mentor through the SCORE association. He has helped me tremendously by giving me a non-biased opinion, and I know he’s giving me the best advice to grow and be successful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpinehomecreations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alpinehomecreation
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@alpinehomecreations
