Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Castro.
Hi Gabriella, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Craft & Yap started when I gathered people together for the Cupid Project, where we created Valentine’s Day cards for seniors in nursing homes. The event was so much fun that I decided to start throwing monthly craft events with a different theme each month. From there, what started as a single volunteer craft night has grown into monthly events, a traveling charm bar, private parties, and collaborations with local businesses and organizations around Austin.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. In the beginning, one of my biggest challenges was finding venues that were willing to take a chance on a new concept and figuring out how to reach people who were looking for the same mix of creativity and connection that I was. Marketing myself and putting myself out there didn’t always come naturally, and a lot of the growth has come through trial and error. I’ve spent a lot of time testing different crafts, materials, event formats, partnerships, and collaborations to see what resonates most with both our community and our team. A big part of the journey has also been saying yes to new opportunities and challenges, then figuring things out along the way. Whether it’s creating a custom experience for a private party or developing a unique activation for a brand, I’ve learned to lean into creative problem-solving and adapt to each situation. Every event teaches me something new, and that willingness to learn, evolve, and find solutions has been a huge part of getting Craft & Yap to where it is today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Craft & Yap is all about bringing people together through creativity. We host monthly craft events around Austin, but we’ve also grown into so much more than that. We’ve created experiences ranging from wellness-focused events, whether it’s Pilates and bedazzling or breathwork and vision boards, to birthday parties, charm bars, corporate gatherings, university galas, and large-scale SXSW brand activations.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how versatile the business has become. We’ve brought our charm bar to events with more than 100 guests, partnered with local businesses and organizations, and created experiences for people from all different backgrounds. Giving back is also an important part of our mission. Through our Crafted for a Cause events, we’ve supported local nonprofits, raised money for Pug Rescue Austin, and organized donation drives benefiting Caritas of Austin.
What sets Craft & Yap apart is that we’re creating more than just a craft. Whether someone joins us for a public event, private party, corporate gathering, or brand activation, our goal is to create an experience that encourages creativity, connection, and community.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always excited to connect with people who believe in building community through creativity. Some of my favorite events have come from unexpected collaborations, so I’m always open to hearing new ideas. Whether you’re a local business, community organization, brand, venue, wellness instructor, social club, or someone planning a special event, I’d love to explore ways we can create something meaningful together.
And for anyone who wants to support Craft & Yap, the biggest thing you can do is show up. Attend an event, bring a friend, share our events with someone who might enjoy them, and help us continue building a creative community here in Austin. If you have extra craft materials looking for a second life, we’re always open to donations. And if you attend an event, don’t be shy about tagging us in your photos and videos-sometimes it can be tricky being a one-woman show and remembering to capture all the fun while also hosting the event! 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://CraftandYap.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/craftandyap_ATX
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575028870050
