Shopping for the right gift can be tough. Thankfully, there’s a family-owned local business that can help. The Craftin Diva is based out of Bergen County, and specializes in handcrafted, personalized soy candles. The business also sells drinkware, home decor, personalized gifts and apparel, and event favors.
Their signature candles are made of 100% soy wax, cotton wicks, and fragrance oil. The candles are long-lasting and slow burning. The Craftin Diva Owner Ayanelis “Neli” Rodriguez says clients love having the option to personalize their candles. In addition to seasonal and year-round labels, customers can add a unique photo label and message. Their Signature Collection includes scents ranging from clean and soothing, to musky, sandalwood, and floral.
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An Assortment of Gifts
The Craftin Diva sells a range of products and apparel. For instance, their hanging car diffusers are a “modern twist to the tree fresheners,” Neli says. Meanwhile, personalized gifts include photo rock slates, stainless steel tumblers, apparel, and home decor. The business handles event favors for baby and bridal showers, bridal parties, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and company parties, too. Likewise, they create branded items such as T-shirts and mugs for small businesses or corporations.
“My favorite item is the 3D Roses Wax Melt Bouquet in a handcrafted envelope box. I made everything from scratch and the bouquet not only looks real, but it smells like freshly cut roses. The bouquet also has a burn time of 120+ hours,” Neli says.
The Craftin Diva also offers a 3-hour Private Shopping Experience for Northern New Jersey residents. These shopping parties bring the online gift shop straight to a client’s home, complete with games and special prizes. Click here to book a Private Shopping Experience.
The Family Behind The Craftin Diva
Neli’s passion for crafting and DIY began at a young age. “It is a gift that I believe I inherited from my mother,” she says. Now a mother to two boys herself, crafting is a big part of Neli’s home and family. “We do a lot of crafting and DIYing as a way to bond as a family,” she adds.
Prior to starting The Craftin Diva, Neli considered pursuing a masters degree in family therapy. But after the birth of her youngest son, she realized her gift for crafting could also be a career path. “I can make beautiful things with my own two hands. And this gift not only brings joy to me, but the things I create bring joy and smiles to so many others,” she says.
“We are truly a family run business,” Neli explains. She is responsible for making candles, wrapping gifts, plus managing fulfillment, marketing, bookkeeping, and customer service. Likewise, her husband creates the tumblers, T-shirts, and anything that needs to be heat pressed. Their 11-year-old son helps with packing and preparing for shows. Even Neli’s mother helps out with show prep and babysitting when the couple is away presenting products at events. Finally, her two-year-old helps press the print button to make Thank You cards.
What’s Next
Future plans for The Craftin Diva include opening a brick-and-mortar store. “Our hope is to be a staple business in our community; and be THAT store when you need a special gift, a last-minute gift, or a pick-me up treat for yourself,” Neli says. “There is no greater feeling than when we get tags on our social platforms of people enjoying their product; or when they send us messages of encouragement. It makes it all worthwhile,” she says.
The Craftin Diva ships nationwide, and offers local pick-up and delivery within a 25-mile radius. To learn more: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram | Follow them on Facebook.
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All Photos: © Ayanelis Rodriguez / The Craftin Diva
