Hello and welcome to YOUnicrafts!
My name is Leasa Michele, and I am grateful to be able to share the story of how I got started, and what it is that I do.
What YOUnicrafts stands for?
The creation of this business has been a planted seed for a few years now. Seeing this seed begin to grow, and bloom has been exciting. I felt pride knowing my hard work would not just be seen by others, but felt by them. This pride led me to setting an opening date for June, Pride month. As I am just as proud of being part of the LGBTQIA+ community as I have been in making this business come to life. As a result, I wanted to create a collection of products focusing on the Pride community, but not to end after the month is over. The collection will be something that remains all year round, "I Have Pride" collection.
How I got here.
So, many things led me to this point, but one conversation really hit home and pushed me forward. I was at a convention, seeing many self owned businesses, and realizing my life was not what I hoped it would be after turning 40. I remember speaking with a woman there, and I shared these exact sentiments with her. I told her having a self owned business would be perfect for me, but I didn't have the confidence to even try. She sympathized. Then, she said, "It's a choice. You can do something different, or remain how things are now." I did not like my life the way it was going, just existing. I certainly never thought I would own a business. I loved creating, and used to make all kinds of craft items for family and friends. Unique items that fit their personalities and interests. But, there was only so much I could create without feeling repetative. However, as a business, I could reach as many people as possible and bring smiles to those faces. With this new found confidence, I started my paperwork and the rest is history!