Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Simms-House.
Hi Tiffany, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Krafty Kreations by Tiffany officially started out in March of 2017; the name, the brand. The name is something I came up with along the lines of being different with using the Ks instead of Cs; to STAND out from everyone else. Growing up as a child, I have always enjoyed being creative, creating different crafts, pictures, drawing out visions of just a lot of different random things, making sure placement of those things were in certain areas and things looked good on the paper. (Perfectionist)
So when I had my children, I use to tell myself I’m gonna always be over the top or always do way more because as a child I think I could only remember one good birthday party, which was a sleepover and granted all we had were hotdogs, a cake, and ice cream (and you know back then, that was a PAR-TAY!) but it’s like nowadays the kids enjoy the balloons, the sweets/treats and the parents enjoy all the over the top decor. Lol, which brings me to…
Starting out at first, it was just me decorating for my boy’s parties and sketching out where and how I wanted things placed and especially making sure it was well fitted with the theme chosen. I always wanted to make sure the parties were nice looking since I had a friend that would come and take pictures at every birthday party.
Aside from my children’s parties, there was my 30th birthday party in which the theme was “Tiffany’s Disco 30; That 70’s Party.” This was really the starting point of my business I feel; from me decorating and creating things by myself, to me making it mandatory for everyone to dress in the 70s themed clothing; made me realize like I really enjoy creating crafts, making treats and decorating, I wonder how far this could go. For this same birthday, I had also made my first shirt; when I tell you, the letters peeled off that same day. Lol. I learned and perfected the craft and What did I know, that same year in March (2017) is when I had the name, the brand and was learning things at a fast pace. Fast forward to 2021, I now have events like crazy from birthday parties (ALL ages), baby showers, bridal showers, weddings; booked with making company logo shirts, shirts and treats for birthday parties/showers, and many more.
Some of the other crafts I do consist of; custom banners, acrylic signs, party favors, tumblers, pillows, mugs, and many other things. My motto is “here to Kraft your Kreations,” meaning any creation you see fit. Although I am a full-time special educator administrator at Elgin independent school district and a part-time adjunct professor at Huston Tillotson University, I would consider myself being just about full time with my business since I get orders pretty much 2-3 times a week and sometimes with setups on the weekend. I’m asked how do I do it all, especially with a husband and two children; my response is, “I don’t know how, but like Nike, I just do it!”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course not! Lol. Nothing is ever smooth sailing when you’re trying to grow a business. You will definitely have learning curves and many humps in the road before you truly understand and get the technique down to a T of how and what you’re wanting and trying to do.
Some of my struggles come from me not saying no when taking orders knowing that I’m already overbooked. I can truly say that’s a dilemma for me; is learning to say no and truly stick with it I am always trying to please others and make everyone else is okay no matter what it is. But in due time, I have learned that not all money isn’t good money and saying no at times is okay.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been a special educator for the last 11 years. I have just been promoted to Special Education Specialist for the district. In the field of special education or education period, you see a lot of different things and deal with a lot; however, with a strong mentality, work ethic and a person who enjoys working with people, you can’t go wrong, I love what I do.
I am also an adjunct professor at my alma mater, Huston Tillotson University, where I teach education courses for the adult degree program for those pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in education or special education.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned and still learning is that it’s a must that I take time for myself. I do have a busy schedule to where I barely have time to look out for myself or just take a day to relax, so moving forward, especially since I’m off during the summers is to make sure to schedule at least two weeks where I do absolutely nothing job or business-related. I know it may sound selfish but I am also human and I myself have to understand that if I am constantly on the go and something happens to me, what good benefit will I be to others. So I am learning to take time for myself at any moment I can.
Contact Info:
- Email: KraftyKreationsbyTiffany@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kraftykreationsbytiffany/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kraftykreationsbytiffany
