Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicky Cai
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Yes, of course. My name is Vicky, and I currently live in Glendora, California. My journey with wool began in northern China, where I grew up. The harsh winters there made wool a cherished part of our lives, providing warmth and comfort. This early connection to wool has always stayed with me.
When I first traveled to Taiwan, I discovered a small needle-felting shop selling needle-felting kits. That was my first time creating needle-felted sculptures, and I fell in love with this unique craft immediately. I knew this was the type of craft meant for me. During the pandemic, I decided to turn this hobby into a small business. My husband has always encouraged and supported me on this journey.
We named my business Fuzzy Cabin because of the wool’s fuzzy texture and the warmth and joy associated with a cabin. When people think of a cabin, they often recall memories of nature and the joy of gathering in a warm house. The creation of Fuzzy Cabin stems from my desire to share this joy and comfort with others. I believe that in our busy lives, we all need those tiny sparks of joy. Even if it’s just for a second, that joy is something special I want to share with people.
My first pop-up market was in the city where I live, and I was shocked by people’s reactions to my goods. They loved it and even bought items for their family and friends. This first experience with offline selling was incredibly encouraging. After that, I started selling online and created my own website.
My church friend gave me my first opportunity by asking if I could teach a workshop. That opportunity marked the beginning of my workshops. From that point on, I wanted to introduce more people to this craft. Not many people were familiar with needle felting, and those who tried it loved it but had no one to teach them. That’s why I started teaching many workshops—to help people enjoy this craft and be creative. So far, I have taught more than 20 workshops in the past year and am planning to host a workshop in Northern California. The crazy thing is when I posted that schedule online, all spots sold out in 3 hours. I know people are eager to learn and love to be creative with their hands.
I will continue to expand opportunities for my business and am planning to participate in trade shows next year.
That’s the story behind my small business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, for sure. At the beginning, I didn’t have any confidence that this could be a successful business because not many people knew about this type of craft. When I was preparing my online website, there were so many tasks to do that I almost gave up. I couldn’t see the potential for this business.
However, my husband always believed in me and helped me break down the big challenges into smaller, manageable steps so I could finish them one by one. I really appreciate his help. Any achievements Fuzzy Cabin has made are at least half due to his support.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional UI/UX designer currently working for a utilities company specializing in the EV charging industry. My role involves designing user-friendly interfaces and experiences that make it easier for people to understand and use electric vehicle charging systems.
What I am most proud of is working in an industry that genuinely helps the earth and our environment. I have a deep love for our planet, and I believe that in today’s world, we must pay more attention to our planet’s health. By promoting the use of renewable energy and reducing waste, we can make a significant impact. Through my work, I strive to help people understand the benefits of EV charging and contribute to solving the challenges our company faces in this field.
What sets me apart from others is my passion for combining my design skills with my commitment to environmental sustainability. I am dedicated to creating intuitive and engaging designs that not only improve user experience but also promote eco-friendly practices. I aim to bridge the gap between technology and environmental consciousness, ensuring that our solutions are both innovative and sustainable.
Additionally, my involvement in needle felting and running Fuzzy Cabin allows me to explore my creativity further and share a unique craft with others. This combination of professional expertise and personal passion drives me to continually improve and make a positive impact in both my career and my small business.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t about earning millions of dollars a year. Success is about doing the right things and pursuing what I love. It’s about finding value and fulfillment in what I’m doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fuzzycabin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuzzycabin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FuzzyCabin
- Youtube: @FuzzyCabinStudio
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@fuzzycabin
