Today we’d like to introduce you to CiCi the Creator Holmes.
CiCi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It’s a bit difficult to pin-point a starting point. I’d like to believe I’ve always been a creator. For the sake of time, I’ll just start around the time I
made it official.
It started with me creating miscellaneous items for myself. That ranged from anything like creating a T-shirt to themed event planning. The more
my work was seen, the more my expertise was requested. When my son begun participating in youth sports, I realized my crafting could be
profitable. As a parent you spend a lot of money on youth sports and memorabilia. Me being the DIYer I am, decided to learn and do things
myself. I first ventured off into the photography side of things. I did class photos, team photos, sports photos, posters, and banners. While
somewhat simultaneously creating custom player and team shirts. The more items I needed for my son’s sports the more I learned and the more I
added to my inventory of custom creations. I added things like cups, bags, and jerseys.
I wanted to transition into entrepreneurship because everything I created for my family (down to birthday parties) I begun offering for profit.
Although I enjoy creating all things, I was finding much of my time being consumed by others and I needed compensation. I also wanted/needed
to do more! And in order to do more, I had to buy more. I was literally spending my paycheck on crafting. I then decided my crafting needed to
pay for itself. The more customers I gained, the more supplies I purchased. That’s pretty much where I’m at with this. I’m still in the beginning
stages of developing myself, business and brand. But I trust that there is so much more, just waiting for me to tap into.
Now to keep it all the way 100, I didn’t take it as serious as I should’ve until I was fortunate to create for Yandy Smith-Harris. I created for her
son’s 16 th Birthday and her team embraced me. They loved my work and showed support. Yandy went as far as sharing my work and shouting
out Omni Custom Creations via social media. At that moment it was like something hit me. I remember thinking “OK MY SHIT IS LEGIT” LOL
Don’t get me wrong I’ve always seen the value in my work but I’m also a bit conscientious. Impressing someone like Vanessa Presume & Yandy
Smith-Harris, gave me something I didn’t know I needed. Yandy & Vanessa if either one of you read this, I want to say Thank You, for the
inspiration and motivation.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? The answer to that is NO. But I didn’t and don’t expect it to be a smooth road. I’m a black woman entrepreneur
attempting to launch a brand and business. I’m also an active parent and wife, so of course I experienced some challenges that I like to call
lessons. The biggest challenge has been me. Yup you heard me right, I get in the way of myself, I get in my head and that’s where the self –
sabotaging begins. I’m my own best and worst critic so it has been quite the journey of trying to reprogram my mind to work for me rather than
against me. Not to go into details, some of the other challenges include but not limited to; maintaining life while pursuing entrepreneurship,
balancing life & work, family feuding/ growing pains, deaths- just dealing with so many people you love transitioning. Honestly, I love my
struggles. I understand you can’t grow in your comfort zone. I understand there are phases and stages you have to go through, so the more I
experience, the closer I am to my higher self and what’s for me. I’m learning to trust my challenges/struggles.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So, what do I do? I create all things. I love creativity in all forms, so naturally I tend to gravitate to creative endeavors that allow me to innovate.
Currently my specialty is custom party favors and treats. Treat wrappers are designed custom using the provided theme, photo, color or my
personal favorite, when the customer gives full creative control. For example, if a customer chose a Snickers bar, I would create a custom
designed wrapper using the theme, color, or photos provided. One of my big hits is the Custom Birthday Box. The Custom Birthday box is a
custom designed box filled with custom treats and items, using the photos and details provided or by the customer.
I create a variety of custom/ personalized gifts. Most known for my creativity in bringing visions to life. As for my work there are two events that
I am most proud of. One is a Bratz Themed party and the other a Doc McStuffins themed party. The Bratz themed party was for a celebrity client.
I did an amazing job. One thing that was so special, was I got to work with my daughter on this. My Daughter (Desire) has a lip gloss line called
Lip Drip by Desire. So, Lip Drip by Desire created 3 custom lip glosses in a set called Sky’s the limit exclusively for this party. It was really cool
to bring her in on this event. Outside of the lip gloss I personally did everything myself, for this party. (down to the delivery of the items) lol. I
wanted to be sure everything was on point I couldn’t risk shipping mishaps through shipping couriers. Custom items created for this party were
custom chip bags, rice krispies treats, Hershey’s, fruit snacks, dog tags, masks, puzzles, and hair clips. I made cute little favor boxes, and a
Custom Birthday Box for the birthday girl.
The second party I’m proud of creating for is a Doc McStuffins themed party. This party was special because I was provided a theme and given
full creative control to create whatever, however. That’s exactly what I did. I incorporated the theme in so many ways on so many levels. Doc
McStuffins is a television show where a little girl pretends to be a doctor, her toys are her patients, and she operates and cares for her damaged
toys. Now for starters I created the invitation as a Dr. appointment. I created a custom doctors white coat and scrubs for the 3yr old birthday girl.
Some of the other items I created for this party were customized Jello filled syringes, prescription M&M filled pill bottles, and Airheads as band-
aids. Along with the classic custom favors such as chip. Bags, Hershey’s, rice krispies treats, capri suns, puzzles, dog tags, and water bottles. I
also thought it would also be a great idea to incorporate a build a bear type of experience. Honestly you have to see the photos, you can view
them via Instagram @omnicustomcreations
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The advice I would give to anyone just starting out is to keep going, DON’T STOP! I know it sounds so cliché, but consistency is key!
Regardless to your starting point if you practice something every day, you’re bound to improve no matter the rate of improvement. So just keep
going. There have been many times I paused, (I mean, did nothing) and I regret them all. I looked back and asked myself why did I stop?
I thought if I only would’ve kept going or executed this. So please don’t be discouraged, just embrace it all.
Pricing:
- Custom Chip Bags (10) – $50
- Custom Rice Krispies (10) – $50
- Custom Hersheys (10) – $50
- Custom Birthday box – $50 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.omnicustomcreations.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/omnicustomcreations
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Omnicustomcreationsllc
Image Credits
Royal Photography Calvra Holmes Shawn Holmes
