Have you ever thought about launching a Cricut business? Or maybe using a Cricut to support or expand your sewing business? Starting a business may seem daunting but we are here to provide the inspiration to help you get started.

In our Sewing Inspiration series, we chat with different makers about their sewing business (well, today it’s mostly about the Cricut) and how they found a way to blend sewing into work that they love.

Today we are talking with Stephanie Haufsk, hot mama, entrepreneur, and creative mind behind Chickiee Beans, custom design and personalized clothing brand. She also happens to be my baby sister so I can vouch for her talent and general awesomeness.

Stephanie is a DIY enthusiast and maker. When she decided to create personalized garments she turned to a Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker instead of our mom’s and grandma’s beloved sewing machine like I did.

Normally we don’t cover anything outside of sewing, but her creativity and hustle are worth a look for anyone that wants to see how someone turns a creative hobby and passion into a full-fledged brand and company. Plus, there are so many ways to integrate a Cricut into sewing – from precision cutting to using vinyl heat transfer for customization. Check out Stephanie’s photos to get an idea of what I mean.

For some background, a Cricut Explore is a precision cutter. Sure you can make amazing custom cards, BUT you can also make amazing custom tags, labels and stickers in addition to unique shirts (see below) – to support your sewing business.

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How did you first get started with your Cricut business?

I simply wanted to make cute onesies for my daughter. I thought it would be a good idea to buy a Cricut to make things for her. I posted something I made on Instagram and so many friends and family started DMing me, asking me to make them things as well. It took off from there.

What was the path to creating your Cricut business?

I started posting my creations on Instagram when I was pregnant. As requests started coming in for me to make things for others, I also posted the finished products. That brought in more requests. It kept building and growing. Now it’s a full-on business and I’m three years into making not only onesies for infants, but shirts for entire families. I also started customizing all kinds of other items – mugs, tumblers, even welcome mats.

I use Instagram to show my work and take orders through there too.

Where do you look for inspiration?

I turn to Facebook and TikTok for a lot of inspiration. It keeps me current on trends, topics of interest, fun sayings, and whatever else is popular at the moment.

There are so many fun ideas out there now with people sharing how to make the creations. It’s also a great way to figure out where to get the supplies if needed.

What is your advice to a beginner?

My advice to a beginner small business owner with a Cricut is to take the time to learn the software and make sure you have time to invest in yourself to learn! There are so many different things a Cricut machine can do for you, you may not even realize its capabilities! Perfection doesn’t happen overnight. Take the time to learn!

What is your favorite thing to make?

My favorite thing to make is personalized shirts and beer glasses. I have found that I can be very creative when someone asks me to make a shirt for them. The colors of the vinyl, sizes to cut, layering different colors on top of one another, there are just so many ideas I can work with when creating clothing.