Today we’d like to introduce you to Devan and Christian Scott.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My business began as a hobby. In January of 2018, I was recovering from my second surgery due to complications with Endometriosis and was placed on strict bed rest. During that same time, my best friend had just given birth to her son (who is now my god son). Due to my restrictions, I couldn’t do much, so I decided to start crocheting his baby clothes. From there, I crocheted and designed other items and casually posted them on my social media pages. Eventually, people began reaching out asking if my items were for sale. So, in April of 2018, I opened an Etsy Shop (then it was Elayna’s Boutique Co) and began selling my creations.
By September of 2018, my health had taken a toll for the worst. After multiple failed medication regimens and clinical trials, I eventually had a hysterectomy. My husband and I never had the opportunity to have children. This news was extremely devastating, but also provided fuel to relaunch the business. I eventually re-branded my business as Elayna Chanice, partnered with my husband and we have been in business ever since.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey was not smooth by any means. I struggled with constant health obstacles related to Endometriosis that often incapacitated me from being able to work.
In the initial start-up, business was consistent, but then we experienced a stall in sales for months on end. I didn’t know if our product was the problem, if marketing was the problem or if maybe we made a mistake starting the business. Eventually, the consistent lack of sales caused us to use our personal funds to cover our business expenses. But we never gave up.
The advice that I would give is to be resilient. Even if you start off as a small business in a seemingly over saturated market, consistency does pay off. If you have a gift and a passion for what you’re doing, utilize it. Don’t allow the competition around you to stop you from pushing forward.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
We are a handmade baby and toddler clothing business. The items that we offer are a mixture of crochet and sewn materials.
During the fall and winter months, we are most known for our custom girls crochet sweater jacket called The Robin Sweater and our crochet hoodie for boys. We also specialize in designing custom celebration outfits, with our favorite occasion being the first birthday parties.
We are most proud of our working relationships with our customers. We strive to give every order a personal touch as if we design for our own children.
Who have you been inspired by?
My maternal grandmother is a major source of inspiration. She taught me how to crochet as a child and helped me develop my sense of fashion. Crocheting was not an easy skill to pick up, but she was always so patient with me and that was so encouraging. As a little girl, she let me play in her clothes and also pick outfits for her to wear.
Unfortunately, she passed away on January 2019, but every time I crochet or design something new, I always keep her in mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/ElaynaChanice
- Email: elaynachanice@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ElaynaChanice
Image Credit:
Jerren Willis Photography, Adriana Garza Photography, Charissa Funderburk, Michelle Nguyen
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