Business Profile: Sonya Edwards

NAME: Sonya Edwards BUSINESS NAME: Handmade With Love, LLC. HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio FAMILY: 2 Children; 3 Grandchildren (ages 14, 12, and 14 months) EDUCATION: John F. Kennedy High School, 2 years of college CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: Driven Foundation (my son started this organization in 2009 to help families with basic human needs in Central, Ohio) MY MANTRA… Fight through it… (pain, disappointment, financial problems, etc.)

EARLY YEARS Thinking back to your early years, was there a mentor or successful entrepreneur that had a significant impact on your decision to start your own business? If so, who and why? No. My children encouraged me to sell some of the things I made a little over a year ago. Prior to that, I gave away crocheted blankets to family members and friends of my children who had babies or toddlers.

CAREER/ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY What professional or business accomplishment are you most humbled by and why? It makes me happy to crochet something that people love and will use on a regular basis.

What is the toughest decision you’ve made professionally or as a business owner? I want to try so many different patterns for handbags, beanies, and blankets. I have a hard time deciding what to make first.

PHILOSOPHY What have you come to learn about success as a minority business owner? I’m thankful to share my gift with a wider range of people. What have you come to learn about balancing a business and lifestyle? I crochet to relax. It helps relieve stress. The only difference is I have to keep track of the cost of supplies and sales. I live with chronic back pain (two surgeries, numerous procedures and pain management injections, and a ton of physical therapy). I have learned to funnel some of my frustration and sadness through crocheting.

MY CONFESSIONS What part of your business brings you the most joy? I enjoy making practical things that anyone can use. I especially enjoy creating things for children.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned as a business owner? How do you apply this lesson to the work you do? Some people have unrealistic expectations when it comes to handmade goods. I do my best to create a quality product understanding that I can’t please everyone.

HOBBIES My ideal vacation is… I crochet every day unless I’m not feeling well. Visiting my daughter and her family (including my youngest granddaughter) in Virginia. I don’t particularly like to travel. Spending time with my two older grandchildren in Columbus, Ohio.

Some of Sonya's creations!