My Charlotte: Peachlady Crafts
Celia Wang, owner of Peachlady Crafts, shares how she got started creating and what she is most hopeful for in 2021.
by Tess Palladino
Tell us about yourself. How did you get to where you are today?
My name is Celia Wang and I own a small, handmade business called Peachlady Crafts. I hand-make pieces by playing with a mix of fibers like yarn, cotton cords, wool, and fabric to create my own designs. I create home decorations and accessories. I named it Peachlady Crafts because peaches are my favorite fruit!
I’ve always loved crafting since I was a little girl. My mom’s side of the family is especially crafty and was always sewing and crocheting, so I picked it up very young. The skillset and passion for crafting is genetic – it’s in my blood.
I have always wanted to start my own business and be an entrepreneur. I was working in IT risk management and financial services before I left that world and started Peachlady Crafts. I was so busy all of the time and never had enough time to be creative and relax. But now I have the complete opposite job and I love it!
How did you learn your craft?
My mother and grandmother taught me how to sew and crochet when I was very young – I started to crochet in preschool! They used an amazing vintage sewing machine that I loved to watch while they created pieces. My mom was hesitant to let me learn and practice myself since crochet hooks and needles can be dangerous for children – but it was hard to keep me away from it because I was drawn to it all!
I never took any formal classes on sewing or crocheting. I’m lucky that if I see something, I can figure out a way to create it on my own without being taught. It all comes very naturally to me.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Color and nature are my inspiration which give my pieces a bohemian vibe. I like to have my work reflect nature sceneries like flowers, mountains and rivers. I think nature and nature’s colors give us the best treasures. I also love to incorporate food elements into my pieces.
Sometimes I will meditate and while I’m breathing new patterns and ideas will come to me. Once I am finished meditating I rush to get them all drafted on paper so I can create them later.
I feel very grounded when I’m creating products and crafts and it makes me happy. My main goal is to make someone stop and smile from my creations. That is the most important thing for me.
What is your most special memory from Peachlady Crafts?
I thought a lot about this question! My favorite memory is from when I was just starting out and my mom was helping me get ready. She was very supportive and helpful and it meant a lot to me at the time, and now!
What makes your product different from other creators?
The quality and colors. My products are intended to last for years because I use high quality materials. I really enjoy playing with colors and design and making something very unique. My work has a bohemian vibe and feel to it which differentiates me from other creators.
I choose my raw materials very carefully. My products are held together with the strongest yarn, thread, leather, rope, and glue to ensure that nothing will break or fall apart. I have a high bar for the quality of work set for all of my creations. If I make something that I am not 100% confident is my best work – I won’t sell it!
How long does each product take to create from start to finish?
It depends on the size of the product. Some of my smaller pieces like jewelry or plant hangers might take about two hours. My larger or more intricate pieces like the crochet baby toys can take me five to seven hours to create.
What is your favorite piece to create?
I love to create macramé purses and my Amigurumi. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. I love creating stuffed toys (especially bunnies!) for babies and children.
Where can Charlotteans find your products in the Queen City?
Local Charlotteans can find my work at the Charlotte Visitor Info gift shops (multiple locations) and Ruby’s Gift in NoDa. I usually show at different local markets as well, but I haven’t since the pandemic began last year. I hope to expand and show at more markets this year. As always, people can shop my website and Etsy!
What can people do to support small businesses like yours the most?
I love this question. I would love more helpful feedback from customers. I only know what will sell well and what won’t be as popular from going to markets and speaking with people. It’s one of the only chances I have to hear from people about what they like and what they want to see more of in the future designs.
If you aren’t shopping, people can always support us online on our social media accounts. Customers can like, follow, comment, share, and tag their friends to help us on Instagram or Facebook. It’s always great when people take photos of their products being used and in their real homes and share it with the world on social media. You might not think you’re helping small businesses and making a difference – but you are!
Most obviously, people can support us by purchasing products! Even the smallest item can make a difference to a small business owner.
How has Peachlady Crafts had to adjust during the pandemic?
Like everyone, I’ve moved most of my sales online. I haven’t been able to sell pieces at local markets or teach classes in person which was very disappointing – but something amazing came out of it! I transitioned to selling DIY kits online and created “How To” videos on YouTube and Skillshare. These kits sold well and have been very successful, which I’m very thankful for. You can purchase the DIY kits on my website and on Etsy. It has been so exciting to get new customers from all over the world via Etsy!
What are you looking forward to most in 2021?
I’m hopeful that I can start selling in person at markets again. I am also looking forward to growing my YouTube presence and teaching more courses online. I hope to create more DIY kit options for people to create themselves.
I would love to teach classes in person again, too! I would also love to volunteer my time at nursing homes and teach classes to their residents as well. I’m hopeful for the good that 2021 can bring!
