Editor's Note:
Christa Ford’s passion for creating was sparked by her first AtomStack laser engraver, the A5 Pro. From there, she embarked on a remarkable journey from a novice engraver to a successful earring designer, driven by perseverance, creativity, and continuous learning. By upgrading both her equipment and skills, and facing various challenges head-on, Christa finally transformed her passion into a thriving business.
We hope Christa's journey inspires and encourages others embarking on their own creative ventures. Though the path to success may not always be clear, staying committed to your goal will ultimately bring rewards.
The Beginning of Laser Engraving Journey
It was November 2021; I found a great deal on an Atomstack A5 pro laser. I had no idea what I was going to do with it. However, I fell in love with all of the possibilities of engraving items.
I finally opened the box in January 2022, unaware of what I was really diving into with this machine. This was the very beginning of my journey with Atomstack and my love for creating.
I spent a few weeks playing around and learning GRBL software. I would engrave small items for myself. I mostly kept engraving pictures of my precious dog Penelope on small pieces of wood. But I knew that there was so much more I needed to learn.
Learning & Improving Laser Skills
I finally decided to spend the money and purchase the Lightburn program. This purchase changed my entire thinking of the laser machine itself. I learned quicker and started making things like engraved cutting boards, engraved tumblers, and engraved coasters. I was having so much fun making stuff that I was giving gifts to everyone!
A few months later, one of my friends asked me if I could make a wood "Shoe Tying" board. She sent me a picture of what she wanted and I was intrigued! I can actually cut with this machine? I did some research and found what I needed to do to cut the object while also engraving it. I was hooked!!
By August 2022, I was still making the cutting boards, tumblers, etc... I also was cutting and creating door hangers and signs. I had so much stuff made, that I decided to do a craft fair and see if I could make any money with this new found hobby.
Craft Show Trials & Early Setbacks
I set up at a craft show in September 2022. I was excited to see where this could take me. After paying $50 for my booth fee, I walked away selling only a few items and barely made back my booth fee. I was disappointed. However, I was actually more determined.
I paid another $50 and set up at another craft show in December, 2022. Again, I sold a few things but not as much as I had hoped. I began asking myself, what is wrong? Why are people not buying my products? But I will not stop. I will figure this out!
Never Giving Up & Upping the Game
In January of 2023, I decided that I need a bigger, better machine for cutting. So, I ordered the Atomstack X30 Pro with the extension kit. I could cut faster. I could cut bigger. I could create more! I started making more door hangers and ornaments. I'm going to do this! My next show is February, 2023. I want nicer, bigger things!
It was 2 days before my February show and I happened to see something on the internet about these little, wood stud earrings. Well, let's just see how these little things sell. I made 4 little pair of stud earrings, placed them on handmade (flimsy) cards and took them to my show. My poor little stud earrings sat on a tray and no one even looked at them. At the end of my show, I asked my booth-neighbor what went wrong. She states, "Honey, they are not packaged and displayed well. If you work on that they will sell!"
Finally! Success!
Fast forward to May, 2023. I take my beautiful display of stud earrings (many more pair) and the rest of my merchandise to the next show. I could not believe it! My earrings were flying off of the shelf. I made more money in that one event than I made in all of my previous events combined. I knew I had finally found my niche!
A year later and my earring designs have become something amazing. I still all of my products at shows, bringing in much larger amounts of money. Also, I now have my earring for sale at a giftshop in Gatlinburg TN, a vintage and antique shop in Murfreesboro TN, a Trump Store in Manchester TN, a Trump Store in Scottsboro, AL, more Trump Stores pending, and will be setting up at Peeps n Paws in Franklin, TN in October 2024.
I have come a long way in a short amount of time with Atomstack. I love what I do and will continue striving forward.
Thank you,
Christa Ford
