Life & Work with Shauniyah Cosby of Raleigh, North Carolina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shauniyah Cosby

Hi Shauniyah , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I love creating things and turning them into products to sell, a passion I inherited from my mom. She’s always been a creative and resourceful person, and watching her bring ideas to life sparked my own desire to do the same. Whether it’s crafting, designing, or building something from scratch, the process of making and sharing it with others brings me joy. My mom’s influence has shaped how I approach this work, teaching me the value of hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Maintaining a business while juggling college has been challenging. With the demands of coursework and everything being so time-consuming, it’s hard to keep up with the constant work of running my business. There are days when it feels like there’s not enough time to balance both, and I often find myself stretched thin. But despite the challenges, I’m determined to make it work, just like my mom taught me—pushing through the tough times and staying focused on the end goal.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in creating custom “junk cases”—phone cases that are adorned with a mix of colorful, fun, and unique charms. Each case is a one-of-a-kind creation, designed to reflect different personalities and interests. I pour a lot of creativity into every piece, carefully selecting charms that complement each other and tell a story.

What I’m most proud of is how my work has evolved over time, from something small I did as a hobby to a growing business. The fact that I’ve been able to take something I’m passionate about and turn it into a product people love is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud of the positive feedback I’ve received from my customers, especially when they tell me how much they love the personal touch I put into each case.

What sets me apart is the level of customization I offer. I’m not just creating random designs; I work with my customers to help them pick charms that are meaningful to them, making each case feel personal and special. Plus, the trend of junk cases is still growing, and I’ve been able to stay ahead by experimenting with new designs, materials, and themes.

Ultimately, I think it’s my dedication to quality, creativity, and personalized service that sets me apart from others in the market.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I really enjoy living in Raleigh, North Carolina, because there’s always something to do. The city has such a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of activities, whether it’s exploring local markets, checking out cool events, or enjoying the outdoors. I also love how Raleigh has become a hub for entrepreneurs. There’s a strong sense of community and support for small businesses, which really motivates me as I work on growing my own. It’s inspiring to be around so many like-minded people who are chasing their dreams and building something great.

Pricing:

• Classic freestyle (no preferred theme) $25
• Classic freestyle (preferred theme) $30
• Fully customized $35
• Customized cases (case provided by you) $20

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niyhandmade_?igsh=NjM2Y3VzZ2Frb20x&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@niyhandmade_?_t=ZT-8uvwjLg5KeM&_r=1