We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittany Hicks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Brittany with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Our work ethic is something we credit to our parents, who both proudly served in the U.S. Navy. Growing up in a military family, we were raised with values like discipline, responsibility, and follow-through. We saw firsthand what it looked like to commit fully to something and to take pride in doing things well, no matter how big or small the task.
Throughout our journey with A & B Creations, our parents have been a constant source of support. They’ve quietly equipped us with the tools we’ve needed to grow—surprising Amber with a sewing machine to expand her craft, helping us purchase our first 10×10 tent, and always checking in after craft fairs to offer encouragement. Their belief in us has never wavered, and that steady presence has meant everything.
We’ve learned that showing up, putting in the effort, and doing it with heart are what truly make the difference. Those are the qualities our parents modeled for us every day, and now they’re at the core of how we run our business.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At A & B Creations, we’re all about creating meaningful, handmade products that celebrate the moments that matter most. I (Brittany) specialize in crafting custom paper flower shadow boxes—each one made entirely by hand, with carefully rolled paper flowers and personalized vinyl details that reflect the story behind the gift. Whether it’s a memorial, a wedding, a baby announcement, or just a “thinking of you” gesture, these shadow boxes are designed to last and to hold real emotional value.
My sister Amber designs and sews slip-on dog bandanas and adjustable bow ties that are as functional as they are fun. Every piece is created with pets in mind—comfortable to wear, easy to put on, and available in sizes from XS to XL. We love seeing the joy our accessories bring to pet parents, especially when they come back to our booth to show us how great their pets look in their gear.
What’s most special about our brand is that it’s rooted in family. Amber and I started A & B Creations in 2021 as a way to combine our individual creative passions, and it’s grown into something so much more. Our business has become a way to stay close, even though we now live in different states, and to connect with a community that genuinely feels like family. Our customers often share their stories with us, and we’re honored to create something that plays a part in their lives and memories.
Right now, we’re focused on expanding our reach across San Diego County by participating in more craft fairs and community events. Amber continues to fly in from Arizona monthly so we can run our booth together, which means a lot to both of us. We’re also exploring new seasonal product lines—especially themed sticker packs and gift-ready bundles—that will debut later this year.
We want people to know that every item we create is made with care, intention, and love. We’re not just crafting products—we’re building memories, celebrating moments, and hopefully, making someone’s day a little brighter in the process.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities have been especially impactful in our journey with A & B Creations: persistence, adaptability, and genuine connection.
Persistence has been essential because starting and growing a small business isn’t easy—it takes consistent effort, especially when you’re figuring things out as you go. There were times when we didn’t get our booth setup quite right or struggled to balance the creative and business sides, but sticking with it helped us improve and grow.
Adaptability became crucial, especially when Amber moved to Arizona. Managing the business from two different states pushed us to find new ways to communicate and coordinate, and it taught us to stay flexible in the face of unexpected challenges. Being open to change and ready to pivot has helped us keep the business thriving.
Finally, genuine connection with our customers and community has been a game-changer. Taking time to listen, personalize orders, and build relationships transformed casual buyers into loyal supporters who feel like family.
For folks early in their journey, my advice is to embrace these qualities wholeheartedly. Stay persistent—even when things get tough, keep going and keep learning. Be adaptable—don’t be afraid to try new approaches or change course if something isn’t working. And above all, build authentic connections with your customers and community; those relationships will sustain and inspire you.
Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the daily dedication, openness, and care that make all the difference.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is take a step back and breathe. It’s easy to get caught up in everything that needs to be done, but giving myself a moment to reset helps me gain clarity and focus.
One of the biggest reasons I don’t get overwhelmed as often is because I get to do this with my sister, Amber. We really balance each other out—when one of us feels stressed or stuck, the other can step in with support, ideas, or just a listening ear. Having someone who understands the journey and shares the load makes all the difference.
Besides that, I try to break things down into smaller, manageable steps instead of tackling everything at once. Prioritizing tasks and celebrating small wins keeps the momentum going and prevents burnout. And whenever possible, I remind myself why I started A & B Creations in the first place—the passion and joy behind what we create.
For anyone else feeling overwhelmed, I’d say don’t be afraid to ask for help or lean on your support system. Sharing the journey with someone who believes in you can turn challenges into opportunities and make the path much more enjoyable.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @AandBCreationsSD
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AandBCreationsSD
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Dogs in Plaid & Daisy Bandanas: Chanel @punk.loaf
Dog in Polka Dot Bandana: Tawnya Ross
All other photos taken by Brittany Hicks
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
