By Beka Compton
The Times
Business Spotlight: A-Ron's Rustic Designs
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June 16, 2022
Lane Gwinn
Erin Elsey, the owner of A-Ron's Rustic Designs, participated as one of this year's vendors during Waitsburg's Celebration Day celebrations. The event was held on the lawn of the historic Bruce Mansion on Main Street.
WAITSBURG-Crafting has been a passion of hers for years, but it wasn't until this year that Erin Elsey combined her love for creating with a drive to be a business owner.
Elsey, who lives in Waitsburg with her husband, Jeremy, and their three children, bought a sewing machine last year and taught herself how to sew rice bags to give to her family members. Rice-filled bags hold heat or cold and can be put in the microwave or freezer to be used on sore muscles. After posting images online, she was swamped with requests from friends and realized this could be the start of her business, A-Ron's Rustic Designs.
One can only imagine her excitement unwrapping the shiny new Cricut waiting under her Christmas tree last year. Elsey immediately put the digital die-cutting machine to work, decorating potholders, toddler and baby t-shirts and onesies, adult apparel, tea towels, and kitchen aprons with catchy phrases. If you can put a design on it, Elsey has.
Joining the Waitsburg Commercial Club and being voted in as secretary helped encourage Elsey to get a business license, making her business official.
Being her own boss has given her the ability to have her business while being a full-time mom. She works during naptimes while the older kids are in school or whenever she's got a free moment.
A-Ron's Rustic Designs is open for business online. Elsey said that though she has an Etsy shop, Facebook has been the most significant source of sales. She takes custom orders and offers pre-made items perfect for last-minute gifts.
Her business also takes her to local vendor events. She recently set up her booth in Prescott and during Waitsburg Celebration Days. The next event is the Waitsburg Small Town BIG Heart Vendor Showcase on July 9, opening at 9 a.m. The showcase, organized by the Waitsburg Commercial Club, will be located at the Gary Thomas lot on the corner of Coppei and Preston Avenues.
"I'm just starting out, and I'm still new to this, but I am excited to see where it goes!" Elsey said.
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