“I have learned more from Craftive Co. than all four years of high school. It has taught me patience to learn new things, compassion for my customers, kindness to those who help me and the strength to create something beautiful,” said Missouri State freshman, Lauren Hustead.

A $20 sewing machine and a “work for yourself” outlook helped Hustead create her own business. After learning to make scrunchies for herself, Hustead’s friends began offering to buy them from her.

“This business has never been something I’ve had to push,” she said. “I didn’t know how popular Craftive Co. was around Missouri State University and Springfield until I started seeing girls wearing my scrunchies and headbands or using my lanyards for their keys.”

Craftive Co. has almost 2,000 followers on Instagram after a little less than a year of being in business. Even though Hustead is originally from Branson, it hasn’t stopped her and Craftive Co. from diving into Springfield’s community.

“We have grown very quickly over the past year. It’s amazing to see supporters around the area show their love for such a small business like mine. I feel so much love every single day for my
customers. They are truly awesome people,” she said.

In February, Craftive Co. held its first Pop Up Shop. The event was hosted at Crave Cookie Dough downtown and partnered with Craftimais for giveaways, both of which are also local businesses.

“The Pop Up Shop was a very humbling experience. As I was there that night, I realized how amazing it was that people were actually interested in something I had created. It was a great feeling,” Hustead said.

Craftive Co. is currently reaching out to other local businesses to spread the word about its products and to hopefully take part in more Pop Up Shops. Hustead is also planning on adding at least five new products to the business in the next few months. One of these new products is reusable lunch bags, which are available on Craftive Co.’s website.

During high school, Hustead was a part of the GOCAPS program that gave her the opportunity to collaborate with other business students, business partners and entrepreneurs in the area.

“That program taught me to embrace change and look towards the future. I was taught professionalism and learned how to become a successful business woman. I do not think I would’ve been ready to take on Craftive Co. if it weren’t for GOCAPS,” she said.

Hustead grew up with two examples of hardworking entrepreneurs: her parents. Therefore, it was not a surprise when she declared entrepreneurship as her major.

“I knew in high school that I wanted to be in the College of Business one day,” Hustead explained. “I have watched my mom work as hard as she can for years to grow her business, and
I believe that I have a lot of the same qualities.”

You can find Craftive Co. on Instagram (@craftiveco) and on their website.

Article by Kelli Volonte.