Meet Devan Stout of Dev’s Designs in Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devan Stout.

Devan, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I became a stay at home mom, I knew I needed something to occupy my time. That’s when I finally talked my husband into letting me buy a Cricut Machine. Once I started, I couldn’t stop crafting. There has always been a creative side to me, but now I could finally explore what I could do with this machine, and it was endless. Even having a husband who loves to be creative just as much as me, if not more.

Great, 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?
Absolutely not. Like any business, there is going to be a struggle. I always try to challenge myself to make myself and my business stand out. There have been plenty of times where I just wanted to throw in the towel in that one specific area, for example, Screen printing. I love every bit of screen printing, but there is a lot to learn about it. I can’t tell you how many times I said “no more” but I always find myself back into it. My husband is better at it than me, so we work as a team to figure out the dos and don’ts of it.

Please tell us about your business.
When I originally started Dev’s Designs, all I wanted to do was making earrings. I was obsessed with the teardrop and feather leather earrings. But then my brain started soaring. I’m always doing research and digging for “the next big thing.” Currently, my two favorite items in my shop are my mama and baby bear key chains and my reverse canvases. The key chains are completely customizable and personal, from name to color and font. So they make the perfect gift for any mama or grandma, even dads! What sets me apart is that I LOVE seeing people happy. I will do anything I can to make sure you are happy with your item and all my items include a smile. I’ve always been in the business of making feel special and happy.

I’m most proud of growing. I started on my kitchen table with a very old computer after my son went to sleep. Now I have a big office in my home that is personalized to my needs and liking. My husband Hunter, helped me completely set up everything, to my new technology, wall organization, and work tables. I love having every item and material in their place.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My Aunt Rosemary was my best friend. She lived right next to my elementary school, so I would go there in the morning before school and spend most nights there after school. She didn’t have kids, so we spent a lot of time together. Every night we had a schedule, get home, do my homework, then we would craft! She taught me how to crochet and all about embroidery. We would color, paint, and even make mosaics with buttons or random things we’d find in her home. Then, of course, we’d go for ice cream or our favorite root beer floats. She passed away recently, but she was incredibly proud of me and I feel like she was the reason I craft today.

Pricing:

• Mama bear key chains with baby – $15
• Most Tees – $18
• Reverse Canvas – $7-$30
• Earrings $5-$15
• Custom orders are available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://devs-designs.weeblysite.com/
• Email: devanstout26@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designsby.dev/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designsby.dev1/

Image Credit:
Devan Stout
Tatum Flake – Painted Desert Photography

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