Today we’d like to introduce you to JENNIFER GUNTER.
Hi JENNIFER, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From the time I was a little girl I have been creative and crafting things by hand. My grandmother was my inspiration. She would crochet small animals, hand craft 3 D birthday cards with candy bars. It was very exciting to get one of her creations because you know it was made with love. I am a registered nurse by trade. I often had a busy schedule working night shift, but after being diagnosed with Large B cell lymphoma over 3 years ago I knew it was time to change and focus on life. Since being cancer free I have started hand crafting floral door wreaths, floral centerpiece arrangements and corsages. Most any kind of creation with artificial flowers made with love from the heart. Each piece is custom and unique. Made from the love and kindness that was handed down to me through watching my grandmother make her creations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Having your own business whether it’s full time or part-time is not easy. You have to learn to please the customers and they are always right. Especially if you want them to return. There has been some struggle with people trying to scam and steal your personal information. It makes it hard to accommodate those customers that are truly interested in your creations. It’s also hard because I am still working as nurse as well. Trying to work fulltime and maintain a business is difficult but rewarding and fulfilling because you are doing something that brings you joy and brightens someone else’s day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a registered nurse by trade over 22 years. I find it soothing and therapeutic to make my beautiful pieces. Each one of them is custom and unique based on the customers suggestions and my talents. I create deco mesh wreaths of all colors and sizes. I also create grapevine wooden door wreaths of various colors and styles. I have decorated for corporate events using artificial floral arrangements in varying colors and schemes. I have hand crafted unique corsages using artificial floral designs and unique ribbon. What makes me the happiest is to see the smile of the customer when they receive their unique creation.. they know and feel that each piece is created with love and compassion. What makes me unique is my pricing. While each piece is customized to the customers request or suggestions I try to maintain a minimal price point so that customers can have an affordable unique product in their home. The thought is that they will indeed return for another unique creation or refer a friend or a family member to purchase something as well.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I always had a bubbly personality.. Always happy and smiling no matter who was around. At times some said there was no way that I was that happy all the time that my smile was fake.. I was a cheerleader and loved sports even though I was no athlete. While in middle school, we had an art teacher who allow us to just let our creative juice flow. I created an art piece that we used bubbles to create the background and 3 D African like characters that came off the piece. That piece of artwork was bought by the NCCU museum and hung there for sometime. This moment is what allowed me to believe that I could create anything I set my mind to. Over time I would draw.. not exceptionally well, but still being creative nonetheless. I would crochet blankets and make doll clothes out of old clothes and fabrics that were given to me by my also creative mother who was great with a piece of fabric and sewing machine. I really enjoyed creating new and unique pieces even back then.
Pricing:
- My price range depending on the piece requested but are negotiable if there is a budget that one would prefer to stay with.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Wreath Haven by Jenn
