Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Alvarez.
Hi Crystal, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Where it began
It was the spring of 2020 and the world was faced with new challenges. Everything that was normal had changed. Realizing something needed to be done to draw her community together, Crystal (company founder) wondered what she could do to make a difference. What was that special something that could bring us all joy? Then it hit her: sidewalk chalk! Could something so simple draw people together in fun and creativity?
After weeks of research and learning how to make specialty chalk shapes (pale, straight sticks simply wouldn’t do) 500 pieces of chalk were carefully placed in boxes. She delivered each box with a note inviting neighbors to be part of the first neighborhood sidewalk chalk art gallery.
It was a hit! 25 of the 38 homes in the neighborhood participated and she learned the names of many who had only waved to her from afar.
Crystal casually made chalk over the next couple of years. Her neighborhood had their second and third annual art gallery and she made chalk packs for several events. Each time she tested variations of her formula, working to make the colors more vibrant, She also learned more about which molds work best and how she could increase batch sizes and get the same result. There was so much to learn! This was truly a hobby where Crystal found joy and with each successfully popped piece of chalk, she thought of others to share them with.
It was Christmas 2021 and Crystal was asked by a family friend for a special box of customized chalk. “Of course!” Crystal thought as the perfect princess tiara came to mind. Little did Crystal know how pivotal that special gift for Everly would become.
Crystal had a few extra tiaras on her desk to share with friends at work when a volunteer who was working on a large project with her, asked about the pieces of chalk. After Crystal shared about pouring chalk with far too much detail and excitement, the volunteer was intrigued and headed home to do some research. He came back encouraging her to sell her chalk.
“I can’t explain why, but selling my chalk just made sense”; Crystal stepped out of her comfort zone with unexplainable courage and started The Chalk Bloc. She knew this was what she was made to do. In May of 2022, The Chalk Bloc launched its website and a new Minnesota business was born.
Since then, The Chalk Bloc has been part of many art, craft, maker, holiday and farmers markets where loyal customers come to fulfill their obsession with our premium sidewalk chalks. The Chalk Bloc has also made custom orders for many organizations across North America.
Our current focus is developing wholesale relationships with children’s and gift boutiques and toy stores across the country.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part things have gone very well. God has always put the right people at the right time in my path. Without Him and them, we would have struggled so much more. We did have a significant challenge when my home flooded and operations had to be put on hold for 4 months while things were put back together again. In hindsight, it was really what we needed. We needed some time to reset and make changes to our lab that have made a world of difference.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Becoming the Owner and Chief Chalkatier of The Chalk Bloc was such a gift. I was actually quite content with my Job of 27 years at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. I loved what I got to do every day and was not looking for a change but when I started making chalk, my heart was screaming – I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!! It truly brought me joy that I knew I had to share with others.
It took me quite some time to surrender my future to God. I worked very full-time at Wooddale and also very full-time at The Chalk Bloc for 3 years. One day I was in The Chalk Bloc lab and I was overwhelmed with knowing that I needed to just give it all to God and He would make a way for me to devote my time to The Chalk Bloc. He is so faithful and continues to place the right people at the right time in my path. I still can’t believe I get to do something so fun.
The Chalk Bloc currently has 3 employees (2 weekly and 1 seasonal) for whom I am grateful. Each season we strategize our show and production schedule and have fun making dinosaurs, butterflies, corn and a whole host of other shapes. The Chalk Bloc is best known for our Jazzy Chalk ™. With 10 or more colors in each piece, it is full of surprises because you never know what color will come out next. Our top selling gift set is our 5-stick set. The colors are bright and bold, the sticks are square so they don’t roll away and they are smooth and durable. Our handmade chalks are so much better than any other chalk on the market (I have tested them).
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Don’t give up! Many times I was blinded by what was on paper and let it shadow what was in my heart. There will always be tough decisions, things to think through, new information that would have made life easier or better processes to bring efficiency. You will be deliriously tired and second guess yourself but if what you are doing brings you and others joy, don’t give up.
I wish I knew (when I was starting out and still today) how all the software programs work together to do all the necessary calculations and reporting. BLAH! Can’t their just be one that does it all instead of 5 separate programs that do a little part of what needs to be done?
Pricing:
- Jazzy Chalks are $7-$9 per piece
- Gift Sets are $10-$14 each set
- Mini Story Sets are $14
- Large Story Sets are $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thechalkbloc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechalkbloc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechalkbloc
