Crafty Keri

Here's an interview with a west-coast mom entrepreneur named Keri Zingle. This mom-of-two approached me after noticing our 'Vendors' thread on the ParentTalk Forums and asked if I would be interested in profiling her company, Craft Caravan. Because I'd like to shine a spotlight on hard-working and creative mom entrepreneurs from all over the country, I am more than happy to oblige.

Q: How would you describe your business?

A: Craft Caravan is a company that's run from our home in Vancouver. It's a service that lets kids be surprised with fun, educational crafts they receive in the mail.  Our service is great fun for children, and it makes craft-time easy for parent

Q: How does the service work?

A: Our Kids Craft Club is like a monthly magazine subscription; members receive a shiny green envelope of craft supplies, project instructions, and 'fun fact sheets' at the beginning of each month.  We also provide 'Card Making Kits for kids' - which include 8 brightly coloured cards and envelopes, and are loaded with tot-friendly supplies like glitter glue, stickers, and themed message labels.

Q: How did the idea come to life?

A: Craft Caravan was started as a direct result of a very hectic Valentines Day
with my daughter, scrambling to make a hand-made card for every child in her
preschool class. We were rushing for breakfast, getting ready for work, and getting ready for school, and (because she was too young to manage scissors), I was cutting hearts out of construction paper for her to decorate at the same time.  During the scramble I thought "wouldn't it be nice if someone could just provide me with all of the kid-ready supplies!" A short time later, I left my full time position and chose to stay home with my kids while working on Craft Caravan.  We launched in September 2007, and have been growing every month since.

Q: As a mom, how does it feel to run your own business?

A: I love the flexibility, as it allows me to schedule around my kids, but it's also a huge commitment and responsibility that goes with me everywhere!  In some ways it feels like having a third child...needs lots of nurturing and attention to grow into a successful 'adult', with lots of fun and challenges along the way.

For all you crafty moms, dads and kids out there: I received a few of Keri's projects in the mail.  Lily, our two-year-old worked with our nanny to do the butterfly project together.  It was very simple and small but I have to say it turned out quite beautifully (I'll post a photo of the butterfly soon!).  Keri also sent me their scrapbook kit which I know our son will love.  Craft Caravan ships across Canada and in the U.S., too.