Today we’d like to introduce you to Chauncey Mitchell.
Hi Chauncey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Well, let me take you on a little journey through my story. So, picture this: I’ve always had that creative spark burning inside me since the day I was born. But it wasn’t until I had my amazing daughter 21 years ago that things really started to take shape. Every year, I’d go all out planning these epic birthday parties for her. I’d be the one decorating, crafting her outfits, creating party favors, and whipping up sweet treats that would make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Now, here’s the funny thing. People would always tell me, “Hey, you should totally turn this into a side hustle!” But you know what I used to say? A big ol’ “Nah, not interested.” It was strange, really. The only time I’d get excited about it was when it was for my daughter. It was my special way of showing her how much I loved her.
Then, out of the blue, I’d get a call from a family member or a friend asking if I could create a random duplicate of something. And you know what my response was? “Sure, I’ll give it a try!” I’d hop on YouTube, do some quick research, and dive right in. And let me tell you, I actually managed to make that thing after a few tries, I felt like a rockstar. I’ve always been a quick learner, you know. Show me how to do something a couple of times, and I’ll catch on like nobody’s business.
Fast forward to when my daughter hit her senior year of high school. I had this burning desire to make her some custom gear that she could proudly wear and represent her senior year. Little did I know, her friends caught wind of it and started asking for their own custom gear too. Even the cheerleaders in her high school wanted a piece of the action. Before I knew it, a business was forming right under my nose, and I hadn’t even realized it.
And then, the pandemic hit. Talk about a plot twist, right? Suddenly, I found myself locked down in my house, just like so many others. But here’s the thing: I saw it as an opportunity. With all that extra time on my hands, I decided to really focus on starting my business. The only problem was I wasn’t quite sure how to categorize it. You see, I wasn’t just making custom gear anymore. I had ventured into the realms of sweet treats, home decor, and even bath tub bars, stove covers, and welcome signs.
But hey, I didn’t let that stop me. I embraced the uncertainty and let my creativity flow. I started showcasing my creations, sharing them with the world, and building a loyal following. People loved what I was doing, and they wanted a piece of it for themselves. From there, I officially began CMSquared Custom Creations. The “CM2” comes from my initials but also my grandmother’s initials. Our family matriarch has inspired me in so many ways! I thank God that I’m able to continue learning from my grandmother as my business grows. I also thank God for my Mom, who is an inspiration to me as well. She is our family’s rock. She has instilled in me the value of being a loyal and hard worker. When I look at how loyal she is to our family, I know that’s the kind of loyalty I give my customers. Then there is my “little creative auntie”, who is my mentor in this creative world. I can always go to her for advice about new ideas and she helps me to execute them for the business.
So here I am today, doing what I love and making a living out of it. It’s been quite the adventure, from those unforgettable birthday parties for my daughter to become the go-to person for custom gear and all sorts of delightful creations. And you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s a journey filled with passion, learning and a whole lot of joy. And I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth ride. At first, I thought I had to stick to one thing, you know? Find that one product that would sell like crazy and keep the cash flowing. But I quickly realized that my business has its seasons. Some weeks, I’m rocking it with custom sweet treats, but then there are other weeks that are slower, and I feel like I’m watching paint dry. The same goes for custom gear and household objects. It’s like a rollercoaster, I tell ya.
But here’s the thing that was really my lightbulb moment: I don’t have to stay in one lane. I’m a creator of many things, and that’s okay. So, I decided to embrace the ebb and flow, and that’s when the concept for my business name was born. I had the self-realization that I don’t have to be limited to one lane when I can do many.
Now, let’s talk about advertising and social media. Whew, that’s a whole different ballgame. See, my passion lies in making these objects, pouring my heart and soul into them. But when it comes to promoting and selling, I’m a bit out of my comfort zone. I’ve relied mostly on word of mouth, which has worked pretty well so far. But I know I need to up my game and learn how to effectively promote my business. It’s a challenge, but I’m up for it. Gotta keep growing and evolving, right?
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
So, professionally, I’ve been in the GA Medicaid ABD program for a solid decade now. Started as a case worker, worked my way up to the trainer, and eventually became a supervisor. Presently, I’m working at a nursing and rehab facility as a Medicaid specialist. My main area of concentration is helping families navigate the tricky Medicaid program when they’re considering a nursing facility for their elderly loved ones. Trust me, it can be a maze out there, and I find joy in being able to guide them through it all and help them understand the ins and outs of GA Medicaid policy.
My other work passion is a side hustle that keeps me going strong. I love working with my hands and turning my creations into a business. Creativity just runs in my family, and it’s a natural fit for me. I’m all about custom treats, gear, and home goods for my amazing clients. And you know what sets me apart? It’s my ability to keep learning and improving my skills and my ability to truly understand what my clients envision for their special occasions. Give me a challenge, and I’ll conquer it with style.
Over the years, I’ve grown and developed a business that prides itself on top-notch presentation, customer satisfaction, and friendly service. My clients know I’m not one to rush and throw something together haphazardly. I take pride in delivering treats and custom items that’ll leave others in awe. Quality is an absolute must in everything I do.
And you know what makes me the proudest? It’s when my daughter sees me turning my dreams and passions into reality through pure consistency and hard work. It’s all about setting an example, right?
So there you have it. That’s me in a nutshell. Medicaid specialist extraordinaire by day and a creative wizard by night. Living the dream, one satisfied customer at a time.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
When it comes to the future of my industry, I see a world of opportunities unfolding over the next 5 to 10 years. As long as there are reasons for people to celebrate, us small businesses will continue to thrive. Exceptional service and high-quality items will always remain in demand. While trends may come and go, I’ve learned that building trust with clients is the real key to long-term success. When you consistently deliver and exceed expectations, customers keep coming back, regardless of what’s currently popular. Consistency is a cornerstone of trust.
Now, in terms of my own business, there are so many exciting directions I want to explore. I’m eager to learn new and trendy ways of creating custom gear, as staying ahead of the game is crucial. Additionally, having access to more affordable equipment tailored for small businesses would be a game-changer. And let’s not forget about expanding my customer base. Casting a wider net and reaching more people who appreciate what I do is a priority. The industry of making custom treats and custom gear has endless layers, and I feel like I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal in the next 5 to 10 years is to collaborate with my daughter and create our own custom clothing brand. Together, we’ll make our mark and bring a fresh perspective to the industry. It’s an exciting journey of growth and possibilities, and I can’t wait to see where it leads us.
Pricing:
- T-shirts $18 and up
- Custom bathtub bar $75 and up
- Custom stove cover $85 and up
- Custom Welcome Signs $75 and up
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cmsquaredcreations?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmsquaredcreat1
- Email: cmsquaredcreations@gmail.com
- TikTok: cmsquaredcustomcreations
