HAPPI*NESS HANDCRAFTED
Los Angeles, California
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Nessa: HAPPI*NESS HANDCRAFTED
My name is Nessa and I am the creator of HAPPI*NESS HANDCRAFTED. 🤗 I haven’t always had an obsession for succulents, but when I discovered them it was like the blanket was lifted from my eyes. I started out small by making little desktop gardens out of old Altoid tins. Then I quickly expanded and 4 years later I’m still creating and experimenting with everything my imagination can think of.
I create unique succulent arrangements and one of a kind succulent art. I’ve always been an artist at heart and had to figure out a way to create something that included both of the things that make me happy, succulents and art.
My world has expanded amazingly by putting all my love and energy into what makes me happy. This is my happy place and I just want to spread as much of my happiness as possible. And that is why HAPPI*NESS HANDCRAFTED has been the best thing to ever happen to me.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
Like every artist, I struggled at the beginning trying to hone in on what I wanted to focus my small business on.
I decided to try something different and see what would happen if I created a piece of string art and somehow worked in faux succulents so that it could bring someone happiness anywhere in their house and would, in a sense, live forever. From that, my succulent string art was born.
It started out on pieces of wood. I do all of the woodwork myself, so it gives me a chance to really make something special. I have now expanded and created some truly unique string art pieces on discarded books. They are real books getting a second chance at life by becoming art. So much love and happiness goes into each piece.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
I always try to create something out of something that already exists. There are so many beautiful and amazing things in this world it seems a shame to let them go to waste. I am always on the hunt for an amazing and unique container that I could fill with some bits of happiness, a.k.a. Succulents or an old book that I could transform into art.
Just trying to spread as much happiness as possible in a world where things can be big and scary.
Photo Courtesy: Nessa Coe of her Pineapple Light Up Faux Succulent Wall Art
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
The biggest road block I would say would be trying to be seen. In a world where there are so many people with so many incredible talents and dreams it’s hard to figure out a way to squeeze yourself into their busy lives and to make an impact.
I told myself early on that if i was really going to go down the creative path that it had to be something unique. Something that would bring people joy and happiness and in turn bring me joy and happiness.
The products that I make are all so special to me and I feel like anyone who purchases something from me, gets me and understands my loves and obsessions.
Owning and running a small business will always be a struggle, but the amount of happiness I see on my customers faces make it all worth it and in turn fuels my own happiness.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
Like everyone else, I’ve adapted my business to online and social. This was tough for me, but so great because it pushed me to create that presence that I hadn’t dove into yet.
I was desperately in need of a website and this crazy pandemic has forced me into the world of online sales. I’ve had such a great time pulling all of this together and in a sense it has shown me that my creations are loved and needed.
The happiness that comes from someone driving up for a curbside pickup has me smiling from ear to ear. We both know that the other one is smiling from this interaction even if we can’t see it. Them with their new succulent baby or art piece, and me from seeing their level of excitement and happiness.
There is so much darkness that has sprouted from this pandemic, but I’ve also seen the love, beauty, and support that has come from it.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
I love what I do. I get to be creative in so many different ways. Every job that I’ve had has forced me to suppress my creative side. It always made me sad and I felt stunted in a sense.
Since opening my own business I have taken every creative idea and run with it. It has been such an amazing road to discovery and every up and down has been completely worth it. I am proud to say, “I love what I do!”
What is your *must do* local activity?
Nature. Nature is amazing and allows me to feel more like a human. Walks are a must every day. There is so much beauty in my local neighborhood and I love seeing it everyday.
My favorite is finding hidden small business gems. It’s a tough time for small businesses and when I find one, whether it be a restaurant or a nursery, I try to support where I can. It’s like stumbling upon a gold mine that no one knows about.
Where to find HAPPI*NESS HANDCRAFTED:
Online: HAPPINESSHANDCRAFTED.COM
Instagram: @HAPPI_NESS_HANDCRAFTED
Facebook: @HAPPINESS HANDCRAFTED