Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Elarmo.
Hi Casey, 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?
I didn’t grow up with much, but I grew up with creativity and a lot of heart. In our culture, it’s common for parents to pay for their kids’ education until college, but I was fortunate enough to secure a scholarship. While that eased the financial load, I still wanted to earn my own money to cover books, projects, and personal expenses, so I didn’t have to ask my parents.
I’ve always loved creating things from my ideas, so I started an online shop in college called Kissy Fash. I sold studs, spikes, fabric, quirky accessories like handmade zipper bracelets and colorful bike chain bracelets, and even glow-in-the-dark nail polish. The shop started picking up, and I found myself shipping orders nationwide and meeting customers around my university. That sense of independence was so empowering.
When I moved here in 2013, everything changed. The business eventually had to stop, and I shifted my focus to rebuilding and finding my footing, which felt like starting from scratch. I started my first job in IT and poured my energy into building my career. But in my mid-20s, I went through what felt like an identity crisis. I felt like at my age, I should have already had everything figured out. Instead, I felt stuck and questioned every part of my life: love, career, purpose.
In 2021, I knew I needed a change. I let go of relationships I had outgrown, set new boundaries, and started Casey Laser Co, where I sold laser-cut and engraved items. Creating again gave me a sense of purpose and reminded me that I’ve always had control over my life—I just needed to take action (it felt like a little nudge from the universe to get back to the creative business path).
In 2024, I lost my grandpa. Taking a break to grieve made me realize that life is too short to not live a life that’s true to you. My passion for making things had always evolved beyond just laser crafting, and I felt like Casey Laser Co limited me to that. So I decided to rebrand, and that’s how Peach Dust Collective was born.
The name combines Dust (my partner, who calls me Peachy and supports me in everything I do) with who I am at heart. Dust is a huge part of my business: he empowers me, encourages me, and helps me see that I don’t have to be so hard on myself. When I get overwhelmed or have a meltdown (small business owners, you know the “crying on the craft room floor” moments) because of my own expectations, he’s the calm voice who reminds me to breathe. His belief in me really helped bring Peach Dust Collective to life.
Now the business feels more like me, and it reflects my journey, growth, and limitless creativity. Since the rebrand, amazing things have happened. I built an online community of customers and fellow small business owners I lovingly call “peaches,” and together we’re The Peach Club (sometimes I call it The Peachy Movement). I got accepted to a wholesale platform, started getting brand deals and partnerships, received wholesale orders, got featured in articles and began doing pop-ups that really pivoted my business. I’m also very excited to share that starting August 1, 2025, we’ll have an in-store space inside Elysia Collective Co in San Antonio, Texas!
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?
It definitely hasn’t been perfectly smooth, but every challenge has shaped me.
I often doubt myself and struggle with imposter syndrome—wondering if I’m creative enough, talented enough, or even qualified to do this. Even when people give me great feedback, it’s easy to get in my own head. Time management is always a challenge too, because I work a 9-5 job I’m very grateful for, but it means there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything I want. That can feel discouraging, especially when I set such high standards for myself.
Comparison is another big one. Sometimes I catch myself worrying that I’m not growing fast enough or that I’m not “big enough.” I try to remember not to compare my chapter one to someone else’s middle. I also used to worry that showing too much of my creative side might make people take me less seriously in my corporate role, but I’ve realized that couldn’t be further from the truth.
External challenges like economic changes and rising costs also add pressure, but they’ve taught me to focus on what I can control. Of course, I still have days where I get discouraged, but ultimately, what keeps me going is staying rooted in my values and remembering why I started.
My support system makes the biggest difference. I’m lucky to have my family (Mama Peach, Papa Peach, Sister Peach, and Brother Peach), Dust’s family (Mama Dust, Papa Dust, Brother Dust, Sister Dust, and even Baby Dust), and of course, the greenest of flags, the one who makes everything more fun and manageable, Dust himself. I’m also grateful for my relatives, friends, co-workers, and so many others who show up, cheer me on, share ideas, and believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself. Their love, encouragement, and support are a huge part of what I’ve achieved so far.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Peach Dust Collective, I create a curated collection of cozy, aesthetic goods crafted with intention and heart. Working from my small studio, I handcraft home fragrances, car fresheners, car coasters, glass cups, custom engraved jewelry, bookmarks, art prints, wooden pins, ornaments and keychains. I’m especially proud of my home and car fragrances, which are made using biodegradable, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, and paraben-free ingredients, offering a premium, clean option for customers who care about what they bring into their space.
What truly sets Peach Dust Collective apart is the commitment to sustainability, quality, and ethical craftsmanship. Every product is thoughtfully designed, responsibly produced, and made in small batches using sustainably sourced materials and eco-conscious practices. I also do my best to find and partner with manufacturers that uphold fair wages and fair labor practices, because it matters not just what we create, but how we create it.
Beyond ready-made products, I also offer custom pieces because I love being part of my customers’ most special moments. I know how meaningful it is to have something created just for you, whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, milestone, or simply to celebrate and reward yourself.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is staying true to my ethos: that handmade can be both beautiful and responsibly made. At the heart of Peach Dust Collective is a belief in conscious creation, small-batch artistry, and sustainability. From compostable packaging to responsibly sourced materials and clean fragrance options, every decision reflects that commitment. (You can read more about it in detail on my sustainability and ethos page: https://peachdustcollective.com/pages/our-sustainability-commitment.)
At the end of the day, I hope readers see Peach Dust Collective not just as a shop, but as a little space where warmth, creativity, and mindful craftsmanship meet, and where every piece tells a story.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The biggest lesson is that you truly have the power to rewrite your story, and it’s never too late to go after your dreams. Planning is great, but it’s taking action, trusting yourself, being open to feedback, and taking risks that really bring dreams to life.
I’ve learned that I can be an IT professional, a creative entrepreneur, and hey—even a content creator. People aren’t meant to be one-dimensional, and you don’t have to limit yourself. I also learned that when you stay true to yourself, there’s no need to copy or follow exactly what everyone else is doing, because people can tell when it’s genuine. Customers connect with more than just the products—they’re drawn to your story, your heart, and the care you put into every piece.
I’ve also realized that the moments I share most authentically, even my struggles, are what truly connect me with others. And that growth doesn’t come from perfection, it comes from being brave enough to keep going, even when things feel messy or uncertain. At the heart of it all, my guiding question is always, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” and letting that answer lead me forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://peachdustcollective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peachdustcollective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peachdustcollective/
