Conversations with Cherisse Brault

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherisse Brault.

Hi Cherisse, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My husband bought me my first Circuit for my birthday four years ago. I was so excited because I have always wanted one. I talked about it so much that my dad made a joke. One day, I told him I would buy myself a circuit, and his response was, “I’ll buy you a circuit; how many do you want?” He had such a straight face on him. I told him Dad, those are expensive, and he said, “No, they are 25 cents at the pet store. I will go and get you some. How many do you want?” Thinking I was talking about cricket from then on, it became a rolling joke in the family until I got my own. Shortly after that, I began making items here and there; my friends and family pushed me to open my own Etsy shop and sell locally. My little business was taking off slowly but surely; I was still working full-time, coming home and filling orders all night. It got so busy that people were picking up orders for their loved ones on Christmas Day that year.

Shortly after that, I kept pushing myself, and the long work days and nights working at home after everyone went became a norm. Then two years ago, I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer, and my whole life shifted. I went from being the busy mom, wife, friend, daughter, and sister to a holy cow. How can this happen to me, not again? You saw that 5 years ago, I had to have an emergency hysterectomy due to possible cervical cancer that nearly destroyed me, and as I sat in the doctor’s office, all I could think was, “Here we go again.” You see, when someone tells you that you have cancer, a piece of your heart breaks, and the worst things go through your head. But this time, it was different. All I could think of was my beautiful daughter, husband, and family and how this would not be the end of me! I pushed even harder and finally had my surgery.

I can now say that I am cancer free going on 2 years! But that scare in me for the second time in my life made me realize there is more to life, and I want to do more things that bring me joy. For the past year, my husband and I have been discussing making my business full-time. There was no way I could quit my 9-5 and do this full-time. I talked myself out of it many times and stayed working and doing the local Farmer’s Markets, Etsy, and my custom orders until the beginning of this year. I read a book that was eye-opening for me, “Jump” by Steve Harvey, which gave me the confidence to spread my wings and Jump. I have done that, and I could not be happier for the opportunity. I have more family time and time to do the things I love, “crafting.” So when someone asks me if it was worth it, I respond 100 times! But don’t get me wrong, like, in the book, your parachute will not open right away, but within time, you will start to sore, which I feel I am at right now. I have a fantastic partnership with The Candle Company, whose shop is in Oldtown Scottsdale. Where you can see my newest collection of tumblers, I also partner with Hang5Paragrips, who display them in their booth at the different markets. I continue to do Farmer’s Markets on the weekends, along with custom orders, but now I can adjust my time when needed, so I get all the family time.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
It was not a smooth road; I had bumps and bruises. I only joke about that because you must do so many obstacles and research to get your business started. I have learned so much along the way and am still learning as I go. But the friendships you make with other small businesses help and guide you. I am a completely open book, so many people ask me how to get started with what I do and with markets, and I love to help guide them. I even wrote a How-To Guide for those looking to become a vendor. There’s room in this world for everyone to shine, and if I can help guide them in any way, I will do my best.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known for my Custom Tumblers, Signs, and Coasters. It has become a family business with all hands on deck when I have shows, events, and orders.

What matters most to you? Why?
I am building a legacy for my family. I come from a strong family, and I was brought up with the same strong morals, and I try to teach those to my daughter as she goes through her teenage years. When someone walks into my booth at the Farmers Market or picks up their custom orders, their eyes light up, and I see that smile on their face for making their vision come to life. That is my passion! Seeing each item’s joy to others reminds me of my hard work and how far I have come.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: azcreationsbycheri
• Facebook: azcreationsbycheri
• Youtube: azcreationsbycheri
• TikTok: azcreationsbycheri

Image Credits
CCMAZPhotography