Meet Sarika Srivastava

We recently connected with Sarika Srivastava and have shared our conversation below.

Sarika, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

As a Crafter, I believe that creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly to stay sharp. Here are some ways I keep my creativity alive:

**Experimentation: I love trying new techniques, materials, and tools. Experimenting with different mediums and approaches helps me discover new products.

**Learning from failures: When projects don’t turn out as expected, I try to identify what went wrong and use those lessons to improve my next attempts.

**Community engagement: Participating in online Crafting workshops , watching other experienced Crafters video tutorials , and sharing my work with others helps me stay connected to the creative community and stay inspired by their stories and experiences.

**Curiosity: I maintain a childlike curiosity by asking myself questions like “What if?” “Why not?” and “How can I?” when approaching a new project or challenge.

**Patience: Recognizing that creativity is a process that requires time, effort, and patience helps me stay committed to the journey rather than getting discouraged by setbacks or self-doubt.

**Challenges:**
As a creative mom, I face challenges like:
1. Time management: Balancing family responsibilities with creative pursuits can be tough.
2. Self-doubt: Comparing myself to others can be discouraging.
3. Fear of failure: What if my projects don’t turn out as expected?

How I Overcome Challenges:
1. Prioritizing: I schedule dedicated time for creativity and stick to it.
2. Support system: My husband and friends are always there to encourage me.
3. Embracing imperfection: Remembering that mistakes are opportunities for growth helps me stay positive.
By incorporating these practices into my daily routine, I’m able to keep my creativity alive and well-nourished.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Here’s a peek into my creative journey:
I was born & raised in the spiritual city of Varanasi, India. I completed my MBA and worked as a Branch Banking officer before leaving my job to focus on raising my daughter. After relocating to the USA in 2014 due to my husband’s work project, I found myself with the opportunity to explore my creative side and potentially start a new venture from home.

In 2016, I gave birth to my second daughter, and during her first birthday celebration, I discovered the world of handcrafted paper flowers and personalized decorations through a Facebook Moms group. The positive feedback I received on my decorations was incredibly motivating, and I was approached by a group member for a custom order. This marked the beginning of my creative journey.With the unwavering support of my husband and family, I decided to turn my passion into a business, which I named “KREATIVE MOM” in 2017.

As I delved deeper into this creative endeavor, I invested in a CRICUT machine, which was indeed a game-changer for me since it had streamlined my work process and enhanced efficiency by creating intricate designs, cutting precise shapes, and saving time, are all significant advantages that can really set me apart from competitors. The machine has also allowed me to scale my business by automating tasks and freeing up time for high-leverage activities. I began offering customized party decorations, handmade flowers, and event planning services, and created social media accounts to showcase my work and connect with customers. Through word of mouth and social media, the business grew, and I found joy in creating unique items for each client’s special occasions. As a busy mom of two, I’ve learned to balance my responsibilities with my creative pursuits, allowing me to express myself beyond my roles as a mother and wife.

The journey from a stay-at-home mom to a small entrepreneur has been rewarding and fulfilling, and allowing me to turn my passion into a successful venture that brings joy to others.

Looking back, I am grateful for that first order and the role it played in shaping my journey as an entrepreneur.

I am dedicated to creating beautiful, customized, and unique products catering to every occasion and age group, crafting each piece with love and attention to detail.

Here are some examples of the products along with their price ranges:

– Personalized Corporate Gift baskets: $40-$100

– Customized T-shirts for Kids & Adults: $15-$25

– Customized Tumblers: $25-$40

– Personalized Coffee Mugs: $10-$20

– Personalized Party favors: $8-$25

– Custom Home Sign boards: $25-$50

– Seasonal home decor and gifts for friends and families for all occasions

And much more! If you’re looking for unique and personalized gifts, I’m here to help bring your vision to life.

KREATIVE MOM specializes in custom products tailored to customer preferences, with a motto of “You ask it, I can make it.” The business emphasizes customer satisfaction and appreciates the positive feedback received.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful were:

1. Resilience- As a Crafter, I’ve faced numerous challenges, from equipment malfunctions to unexpected changes in market trends. Learning to adapt, troubleshoot, and persevere has been crucial in overcoming obstacles and staying motivated. My advice for those early in their journey is to cultivate a growth mindset, be open to learning from failures, and focus on progress rather than perfection.
2. Creativity and Resourcefulness- As a crafter, I’ve had to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to design challenges, material shortages, and budget constraints. To develop this skill, I recommend experimenting with new techniques, materials, and tools, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
3. Communication and Marketing- As a Crafter, effective communication is vital in sharing your story, showcasing your products, and connecting with customers.

*Advice:* To other creatives out there, I say: Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things & remember, creativity is not a competition – we’re all in this together!

By focusing on these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to building a strong foundation for your crafting journey.

Remember to stay adaptable, creative, and committed to continuous improvement.

Thanks for joining me on this creative journey!

Are you looking for folks to partner or collaborate with? If so, describe the sorts of folks you are looking to collaborate with and how they can connect with you if they are reading this and want to collaborate.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

As a Crafter, I’m always excited to connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for creativity, sustainability, and innovation. I’m open to exploring potential collaborations that align with my values and goals.

Specifically, I’m interested in collaborating with:

1. Fellow artisans: Makers, craftspeople, or small business owners who create unique, handmade products or offer services that complement my own offerings.
2. Creative professionals: Graphic designers, photographers, or other creatives who can help me enhance my branding, marketing materials, or storytelling.

If you’re interested in collaborating with me, please feel free to reach out! You can connect with me through:

* Email: [email protected]
* Social Media: Follow me on Instagram or Facebook and send a direct message
* Craft Fairs and Events: Attend local craft fairs or events where I’ll be exhibiting and strike up a conversation

When reaching out, please include a brief introduction about yourself, your work, and what you’re looking to collaborate on. I’m always excited to explore new opportunities and connections!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreativemomsarika/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kreative.Mom