Meet Carmen Estep

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Estep.

Hi Carmen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As an ASU alum who studied Psychology and Family & Human Development, I have always known my calling is to serve others; however, it has been impossible to ignore my love of all things design, curating, and the ability to be creative. Today, I am a REALTOR® and Interior Stylist with a passion to serve my local community.

Crate Forty Eight started with a deep desire of mine to bridge the gap between creativity and giving back. It allows me to create intentional, personalized, and thoughtful gifts for people that my clients love and adore. There is nothing more satisfying to me than knowing I am able to serve others in a way that is meaningful and allows for creative expression at the very same time.

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?
I am a firm believer that some things in life worth having, comes with great sacrifices, trials, and a need to be resilient. Starting Crate Forty Eight has been no exception to this belief, and it has only made me fall more in love with the process.

I am familiar with the work that needs to be put into a new business. As a previous gym owner and a Real Estate Agent, I am no stranger to the need for an entrepreneurial spirit when starting a new business. One of the greatest struggles, however, has been knowing when it is okay to allow yourself rest, to be able to give yourself grace when something is not coming together just as you imagined, and how to simply start, even when things aren’t perfect.

Another challenge I experienced with the launch of Crate Forty Eight was knowing when it was time to ask for help. I have been learning throughout this process that it is crucial to know your strengths and when to outsource the rest!

The ones that love you will be there to support you through it all, that’s what they’re there for, and they will be so honored that they are able to serve you in that way. It may be your small business, but you don’t have to do it alone!

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?
Crate Forty Eight is a curated gift company that provides our clients with the ease of giving intentionally.

Personalized gifts are more than just tangible items, they provide us with the ability to make someone feel known, loved and seen. At Crate Forty Eight, we take great pride in the ability to help our clients foster new relationships, nurture old friendships and serve the ones we love in unexpected ways.

As a REALTOR®, I have realized firsthand that there is a lack of intentionality and thoughtfulness when it comes to something as simple as a closing gift! With this in mind, I wanted to make it simple for my clients to celebrate moments as big as purchasing your very first home, to surprise a loved one with a “just because” gift.

From wedding favors, closing gifts, client retention, corporate gatherings, birthdays, holidays, and everything in between, I can help you give the gift of intention in a meaningful and steadfast way.

With Arizona being the 48th State, I wanted to serve our community by incorporating a local item in each of our curated pieces (hence the name, Crate Forty Eight!). Our everyday items are deliberately sourced and allow us to pour back into the community that loves us so well!

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As a small town girl, I learned quickly that in order to have fun, you had to create it! I truly believe my roots played a pivotal part in my desire to curate and design. Having the ability to now provide my clients with the joy of fresh flowers, reminds me of that little girl who used to go outside in the summer after a beautiful rainstorm and pick freshly bloomed flowers.

My passion to serve the community by providing locally-sourced items in each of my pieces comes from the love I have for my small town growing up. Everyone knew everyone, we often shopped locally, and we celebrated family-owned restaurants and establishments. Today, it is such a privilege to be able to give back to the Phoenix community in this way, just on a much larger scale.

In High School, one of my favorite classes was fashion where I learned how to sew and make cute pajama pants out of a single piece of fabric. I thrived off of the idea that something so simple could be turned into something so purposeful. My other hobbies included Student Council and I was a cheerleader for many years. Now, I find joy in cheering YOU on as you celebrate all of life’s greatest joys, big and small. I love that my interests have been molded and transformed in a new, meaningful way, but is still indicative of the girl with small town roots.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cratefortyeight.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cratefortyeight/