Daily Inspiration: Meet Crissy Espino

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crissy Espino

Hi Crissy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For as long as i can remember, I’ve always been creative and i’ve always had some sort of side job to make money for myself. In high school i used to offer my services to stud/spike peoples leather jackets or make them metal accessories. As i got older, i experimented with a lot of hobbies and finally fell in love with chainmail. When 2020 hit i had a lot of time on my hands and started to really focus on my hobby and tried to really do something with it. With the support of my partner i started to sell online and to friends and that rapidly grew to where i am today. My hobby is now my full-time job and is what i dedicate my time to and feel so lucky everyday to do what i do.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles in my journey was juggling a 9-5 job and also trying to find time to pursue my actual passion. Almost everyday i would work a full-time warehouse job from 6am-4pm and then go home and work on my small business from 5pm to midnight. I did that for almost 3 years and it really took a toll on my physical and mental health. I finally had enough and felt comfortable enough with my small business to quit my warehouse job and once i did i felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Now a days my struggles look a little different, but i wouldn’t have it any other way. Running a small business takes a lot of self discipline and a lot of energy but it’s all worth it in the end.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Emptyfuneral is a small business that specializes in chainmail wares and other handmade art. I would say emptyfuneral is known for statement pieces that appeal to the alternative crowd. With having a small platform i am proud to say we have raised money for many communities. As a queer women its always been important to me to help my community and we have been able to donate money to LGBTQ+ communities, local abortion funds, the NAACP and many more. Thats what sets us apart from others and what we are most proud of. Emptyfuneral is for the community and always will be.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I feel like my passion to things i love has always been the most important attribute to my success. Once i’ve found something i love to do, i can’t and won’t give up even when things get tough.

Pricing:

• My pricing has and always will be affordable to everyone’. I want to be very accessible so everyone can enjoy good quality jewelry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emptyfuneral.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emptyfuneral_

Image Credits
All photos are taken by me Crissy Espino