Rising Stars: Meet Maricela Lopez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maricela Lopez.

Hi Maricela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a stay-at-home mom of 3 beautiful children. My youngest started kindergarten last summer. So when she started school I was left home alone. It really hit me hard, like mentally.

I needed to find a hobby to keep me busy, although being a SAHM keeps me busy, I invested in a Cricut Maker. Never thought I would get really crafty. Never would have thought I had so much patience for really small details. I started practicing with Cold Cups, then went into glass cups. I loved everything about it.

Had a talk with my youngest sister about starting my own business and she encouraged me to look into it and start soon. I doubted myself a lot. But with the encouraging words from my husband and sisters, I took that big step.

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?
Nothing is easy in life but I can’t complain about it. The struggle I had was trying to grow my social media and my business.

Thanks to local small businesses that I have meant through this journey who have been so nice to answer my questions and so helpful. as well as sharing my social media content.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in using permanent vinyl and printable vinyl on cold cups, and glass cups/mugs, and now I’m also working on using printable HTV prints and screen prints on T-shirts.

I’m known for the Spanglish phrases I use on social media as well as using them on my products. Customers and followers find them amusing as well as they can identify themselves with these phrases.

There are so many crafters out there who do an amazing job, but what sets me apart from others is when I get a customized order I engage with my customers and envision what they would like, and try to make it even better. Love to send my customers a preview picture as well as a finished product picture.

I craft my products with lots of love.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
The advice I do have is never to doubt yourself. If you want to start your business, do it now, I wish I would have started my business sooner.

Also, work hard, stay consistent and be patient. And if you’re ever doubting yourself or have questions don’t be afraid to reach out. We have to support each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cafecito-custom-creations.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafecito_custom_creations/