Local Business Shoutout: Kefi

I have never seen a booth sold out even before it even opened. That is until I saw it in front of my own eyes. I had a booth at one of the local malls and Kefi was my neighbour. The owner, Felicia, came and set her stuffs down and shared that she did not have anything to showcase as all her stocks have been sold out. That is how popular her crochet plushies are. I even got one for myself before it got snapped up!

Her bubbly nature and feisty energy are few of the reasons why I am always following her on IG. And also why I needed to interview her for June's local business shoutout and find out about her journey into business.

Felicia, owner of Kefi

Photo Credit: Felicia

Hello Felicia! Can we get to know more about you and Kefi?

I am a self-taught crochet artist. Picked up the skill around primary school but never really got into it until uni / covid period.

Kefi means "joy" in greek. I find joy in making handicraft objects and those around me experience the same joy when they receive these items from me. Kefi mainly specialises in customisations -- build-your-own plushie and/or custom commissions. This added feature brings my customers back all the time because they have so much fun customising plushies to their liking and do not mind waiting longer for them to be ready. Apart from crochet plushies, I am also expanding on my art to provide more options such as waterproof stickers, acrylic keychains, stationery (such as books), and art prints. and for my crochet friends, I am making more paid patterns :)

Photo Credit: Kefi

Why did you decide to start Kefi?

Kefi started in 2021 as part of a marketing project for 2 of my uni mods. During the project, I needed to put up my photos / products publicly and orders naturally came in. Afterwards, I decided to continue it as a side-hustle through my uni and my first job. Once my first job ended, I continued it to see if it can be a full-time passion project but eventually I was offered a position to do marketing. Hence Kefi goes back to being a side hustle.

What did you have to sacrifice to ensure your business's success?

My sleep. Crochet is a great self-care / relaxing hobby with an unhealthy obsession. There is always that one more row or colour change and suddenly your 15mins becomes 3hours.

Photo Credit: Kefi

Can you describe a major setback you faced and how you overcame it?

I have made a couple of gambles instead of the supposed leap of faith. I had to do serious damage control while thankfully keeping it under wraps.

How do you unwind and recharge from the stresses of business ownership?

I found a job and keep my business as a side hustle / hobby. I made my hobby a hobby again instead of my rice bowl. That took away the stress of "every day life living" and I started to enjoy my hobby again.

What advice will you give to aspiring business owners?

Dare to dream but DO PROPER PLANNING!

If you're thinking about creating a small business out of your hobby, DO IT. However, you need to be mature / able to handle the business professionally and create a brand out of your products.Owning a business is not like carousell (you make you list you sell). Ensure that your products are priced properly and also do enough research for events.

Photo Credit: Kefi

What is 2024 going to be like for you and your business?

I'll be doing a couple of booths and hopefully take up a consignment towards the end of the year :) I recently launched a telechannel too for BTS exclusive updates and also for easier references to my current product in stocks.

Thank you Felicia for taking the time for this interview. Show some love for Kefi by visiting their IG here.