Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Crooks.
Hi Nia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The idea of starting a coaster company came when my father passed of prostate cancer in December of 2015. As I navigated life after his passing, I needed to find something therapeutic to channel my stages of grief. Poetry writing came natural to me, but drawing was a new love of mine. I began drawing (well doodling) on post-its. I then thought maybe I could turn my drawings into coasters. The original name of the company was supposed to be Coast-it on a Post-it. I ran the idea by my sister and decided to reach out to cancer treating hospitals and see if I could volunteer with patients (children) and turn their artwork into coasters. I felt it would be great keepsakes. Life happened and volunteering and my coaster idea was placed on hold.
It wasn’t until Covid hit and the stay-at-home order really made me sit down and brainstorm. My 5-year-old idea resurfaced, and Crooksy’s Coasters was born. The chosen name of Crooksy comes from the nickname of my late Grandmother Iris Crooks. By using our family’s name, it would allow me to continue my late Father’s (Leon Crooks) legacy since I’m the only remaining Crooks from our family tree.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road is always bumpy when starting a business. Getting the right materials, machines, and tools for creating my spin on coasters took a lot of time and research. I would watch hours and hours of YouTube tutorials to make sure I knew what I was getting into. I wanted to stand out and find something that no one was doing. And in the coaster world, I think I’ve tapped into a very unique endless creative industry.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a coaster creator. I specialize in keepsakes, memories, conversation starters, decorative accents, personalized gifting. My creations are endless and I can pretty much put any graphic, text or photo onto a coaster.
Since my launch on 7/18/21 the sandstone slate coasters have been a hit. I’ve created on other materials. However, I’ve decided to hone in on the sandstones for now. The glossy finish and the uniqueness of each coaster shape provides a great personalized purchase. And they were/are my best sellers.
I am known around town as the coaster girl. I am still building and growing but tapping into this world has set me apart from so many other businesses. Coasters are necessity (in my opinion).
I am proud of me as I know my father would be. I’ve accomplished a lot in these past few months. And as I continue to build my business and blossom into the coaster industry, I am humbled, grateful and overjoyed to carry the legacy of my last name. I know my Dad has his hand in everything I do. His light shines through me as I create. Crooksy’s Coasters is how I will make my mark on the world and that makes me love what I do even more.
Any big plans?
I am looking forward to seeing my product on shelves. I would like to walk into a Target and see my items on an end-cap (even the likes of Sak’s and Neiman’s). I would like a Crooksy’s Coasters set to be sold with every coffee table or dining table in the furniture department.
I want to tap into the funeral business so I can create coasters sets as memories of passing loved ones.
Also, the real estate industry. My coasters are great gifts for new home buyers. Paired with a bottle of wine, champagne or a cup of coffee.
I want to be the go-to coaster creator. I want everyone to know that coasters are not just for drinks. You can have candle coasters, perfume coasters, photo coasters, etc.
Pricing:
- $4o set of 4
Contact Info:
- Email: info@crooksyscoasters.com
- Website: www.crooksyscoasters.com
- Instagram: @crooksyscoasters
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crooksyscoasters
- Twitter: @crooksyscoaster
Image Credits:
Nia Crooks
