We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenna Venturella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have been creative and artistic since childhood because my grandma always encouraged my imagination. This continued through high school, where I excelled in art class and had paintings in several art shows. My thoughts behind starting my own craft business began when I was reaching the end of nursing school in 2021. I knew that I loved helping people but I also have always loved making presents for people that are more personal than store-bought. As a broke college graduate, I had to think of ways to be creative and still make a dime. Crafty B Custom Design officially launched on Facebook in 2022 and has only gotten bigger and better ever since! I first started by only selling to my friends and family, but it wasn’t long before the word spread and Crafty B was making customs for everyone! Over the years I have established a great group of repeat customers that keep me busy with orders and new customers daily. I currently work as a full-time nurse and craft on the side. My end goal is to run Crafty B as my full-time job while I raise a family with my amazing husband.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Crafty B creates custom-designed apparel and resin items with quality-grade products. I have tested many products over the years and have been able to narrow down ways to offer the best quality for the best prices. I am most excited about Crafty B Custom Design’s variety of items. From onesies, shirts, and sweatshirts to resin badge reels, hair clips, car coasters, and so much more! I am constantly looking for new things to make, and my friends and customers are always pushing me to find new products and fun designs! I have gotten this far in my crafting business from constant motivation to do more and be better for myself and my family. The harder I work today, the less work I will have tomorrow. Crafty B has not always been easy, but it has been worth it. I overcome my challenges by reminding myself of the progress I have made since the beginning and the possibilities that lie ahead. A few lessons I have learned along the way is to give yourself a due date for every project you begin and charge for your time. Those who want to order custom-designed items will understand and respect your prices and turnaround time, or they aren’t worth the stress. Small businesses thrive from positive reviews left on business pages and word of mouth by fellow small businesses and customers. It is crucial to remember to shop small before ordering from big companies and support someone’s dreams!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting my hometown of Lima, Ohio, I would have a list of restaurants and stores that are hidden gems not everyone knows of or thinks about! I suggest Winan’s Coffee and Chocolate and Touch of Europe Bakery if you want coffee or just a sweet treat. As for breakfast options, I would highly recommend any of the Lulu’s Diners around town or the Vibe Coffeehouse downtown, which serves different pastries and breakfast options with some of the best coffee! For lunch, you will not want to miss out on some of the best burgers our town offers from Kewpee Hamburgers. Or if you are looking for an experience and food, Westgate Entertainment Center offers fun for the whole family with bowling. Bumper cars, axe throwing, and so much more! Dinner options include Beer Barrel Pizza & Wings or Fat Jack’s Pizza for top-notch pie! If you still have a sweet tooth after that, check out Sara’s Sweets, Plush Palace Cookies, or Pete’s Ice Cream- you won’t regret it! There are so many cool new vendors around town to visit and shop from! Crystal Visionz is for those looking for spiritual guidance, Faith and Flare Boutique is for all the fashionistas, and Jen’s Furniture & Collectibles TOO for those not wanting to pay retail prices! That is just a small list of fun ideas for an itinerary around my town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my wonderful grandmother, who has always supported and encouraged any idea I have ever had. She helped me find my artistic abilities and allowed me to express myself my entire childhood. I have always felt loved and supported in her eyes and am forever grateful for all the experiences that she has given me. I love you, Muck!

Website: crafty-b.square.site

Instagram: @craftyb10

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftyb10?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Jennifer Silone (my mother) was my personal photographer!

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutOhio is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.