Drinks and Crafts / Dandy Like Candy

Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:

Jen: Drinks and Crafts & Dandy like Candy

My name is Jen and I’m a creative trapped in an accountant’s body and a maker of all things sassy! I work full time as an accountant but in my free time I love to be creative. My favorite thing to do is hustle my wares at local art shows. It’s a great way to meet people!

Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?

Drinks and Crafts was named after my love of crafting while having cocktails with friends, which led to home craft parties where I would bring the craft supplies to people’s homes and they would supply their own drinks.

Dandy Like Candy evolved from me setting up at art events. I always try to say hello to everyone that passes my booth and when they would ask how I was doing I would always reply “dandy like candy”. It always makes people smile and comment so I thought it was the perfect name for a business.

What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?

In my Drinks and Crafts business I quickly became known as “the coaster girl”. I make coasters out of ceramic tile that I decoupage with funny cocktail napkins. I sell them mix and match so people can make their own unique sets. I don’t sell them online though because they are delicate and expensive to ship. I decided to make them available at local art shows only. I’ve been selling them for about 10 years now.

My Dandy Like Candy Business I started 2 years ago as a way to supplement my income in the summer months when I don’t participate in local art shows. I wanted something fun that still shows my sassy side but was more lightweight and could also be sold in stores. I have made tote bags for years and wanted to add a smaller version and decided that zipper pouches with funny sayings on them were going to be my signature item. It’s been fun to create the designs and see them carried in just over 100 stores around the country now.

What makes your business unique to the industry?

I don’t know if it’s unique but I still take pride in making all the items myself. I think handmade items have so much more meaning. These days it’s easy to find companies to outsource to and mass produce but I would rather make the items myself. I even include a handwritten note in all of my online and wholesale orders. I like to keep that personal touch alive.

What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?

A few years ago I had a situation where I was bullied by another artist who tried to force me to shut down my business. It made me sad that something like that would happen. Doing local shows we artists always stick together and support each other so to have that situation with someone that didn’t even know me or my business was really disappointing. I had done my due diligence and knew I was doing everything within my rights. It would have been easy to give up and let them win but I decided to keep fighting and I’m glad I did. I learned a lot about myself as a person as well as a business owner.

How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?

Sadly this pandemic cut short my art show season so making coasters came to a complete halt and my zipper pouch retailers all closed so wholesale orders also came to a stop. I pivoted and added some fun new designs to the zipper pouches that were related to our current situation and my online retail sales went through the roof. It’s been great seeing all the support from the community to keep small businesses alive.

What is your favorite part of what you do?

My favorite part of what I do is making people laugh. My items are an easy way to make people smile and not take life so seriously.

**What is your must do local activity?**

Well of course I have to say my favorite things to do is to attend local art shows and farmers markets! I live in Gilbert, Arizona and I have to say we have the best local events such as the Gilbert Art Walk and the Gilbert Farmers Market.

Where to find Drinks and Crafts & Dandy like Candy:

Online: www.dandylikecandy.com
Instagram: @drinksandcrafts and @shopdandylikecandy
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dandylikecandy