Today we’d like to introduce you to Maia Dabney-Miller.
Hi Maia, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Embarking on a crafting journey can be an incredibly fulfilling and transformative experience. It all began for me with a single moment of curiosity, which eventually blossomed into a passionate pursuit of creativity. One fateful Christmas in 2018, a gift from my Mom changed the course of my creative endeavors. I unwrapped the Cricut Maker, a versatile cutting machine, and instantly felt excitement mixed with a touch of intimidation. The possibilities seemed endless, and so did the learning curve. Little did I know this machine would become my gateway into crafting.
It’s no question as to how I came about to find this journey. I can remember many times my Mother would DIY accessories, crafts, and many more things than I could even recall, just to spoil us as kids. Emerging from these familiar memories, is exactly how I came up with my business name. My Grandma always had a knack for crafting as well. I can remember old shoe boxes full of craft supplies. I can remember the fresh smell of mixed plaster and digging my fingers in a newly filled mold. I can even remember sitting down at restaurants and going crazy with the crayons on the big sheets of paper that covered the table. I had no clue all of these little creative journeys I experienced as a child would come back to me in my future.
Looking back, it’s astonishing to see how far I’ve come with what I once considered my “small business”. The transformation has been remarkable from the early days of feeling intimidated by the design, to striving for exceptional quality in each product created. Every day presents a new learning opportunity, and I love being able to expand on my artistic abilities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this business happens when clients approach me with unique requests, entrusting me with their creative visions. The joy experienced when those visions are brought to life is immeasurable. I take great pride in offering personalized touches to every creation, believing that keepsakes like graduation stoles, t-shirts, rock plaques, and resin crafts carry even more significance when made with a story to tell. That’s why I am passionate about creating custom-made products that hold special meaning for all, and my business name shares this exact insight: Spoil Them Creatively (STC).
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Diving into the crafting world, I quickly learned that designing and crafting are distinct worlds demanding mastery. To become successful in crafting, one must be able to do both. Learning the ins and outs of different design softwares was my most significant learning curve. I am thankful everyday for the Adobe Photoshop classes I took advantage of in high school and college, but that was just the beginning. After numerous hours of learning what doesn’t work for my liking as a designer, I finally started to self-learn Adobe Creative Cloud applications. I’ll never look back; to this day, I encourage other crafters to do the same and learn the right way.
Just as designing and creating are two different worlds, creating content had become a more significant challenge. I was in limbo with sharing my artistic ability on social media. The trends are ever-changing; posting reels had become more popular than ever, and if you don’t keep up, it’s hard to be seen.
Flashing forward to early 2023, I made it a goal of mine to dig deep into posting daily on Tik Tok. The adage is true: if you stay consistent, you will see the results. I could finally share my creations with more clients than I could ever imagine when one video blew up, and that’s all it took. One video changed my life for the better, when I thought I was wasting my time. Just when I had doubts and thoughts of giving up on social media, overnight success brought logistical challenges, compelling me to revamp production processes to meet a surging demand.
I was in a race against time. The process I was using prior would not pay tribute to creating a fast, custom service. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to upgrade my printer, heat press, and much more crafting equipment to reduce production time and make orders manageable. Every small business dreams about going “viral” and “blowing up,” but it’s not always sunshine and rainbows when it comes to being the only person running every aspect of the business.
This leads me to my current struggles. Designing, creating, and posting is now cakewalk compared to having to turn away customers. I’m headed toward expanding my business without jeopardizing customer service and quality. It’s a delicate balance to find, but I’m committed to navigating this expansion with patience and foresight.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I relish the opportunity to delve into my work, which embodies the spirit of breaking boundaries and fearlessly pursuing passion. Spoil Them Creatively has carved a niche in crafting customized Graduation Stoles featuring the story behind each Graduate. However, this niche was very different from my beginning, middle, and most likely won’t be the end.
I’m a numbers girl at heart. I graduated with a Mathematics degree and a co-major in Education from Hamline University in 2019. I’d love to consider myself a self-taught graphic designer one day, but until then, I have labeled my skills as a digital creator. Paying attention to the small details and expanding on “there’s more than one way to get to the finish line” have transpired into my creations from my background in math, and is truly what sets me apart.
In my early years of school, I excelled in most subjects, but one thing stayed true: I had a passion for teaching others. Reflecting on my roots in Saint Paul, I am driven by a deep-seated desire to give back to my community and empower future generations. My vision extends beyond crafting exquisite products; I aspire to establish a “maker space” where young minds can explore and nurture their creative talents. I am most proud of where my business will be in the future. I’ve laid the framework for making my actual dreams a reality.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
At Spoil Them Creatively, my success is built on two pillars: unwavering dedication to customer service with effective communication, and creating high quality keepsakes. I don’t just prioritize meaningful connections with my clients; I embed it in STC’s DNA. Every interaction is an opportunity to exceed expectations, to listen intently, and to tailor my offerings to suit their unique vision. My commitment to open dialogue, whether discussing design concepts or addressing inquiries, cultivates trust and fosters long lasting relationships. My ability to connect authentically with customers sets me apart and fuels my continued success in an increasingly interconnected world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spoilthemcreatively.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/spoilthemcreatively?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SpoilThemCreatively/?tsid=0.08620796127810282&source=result
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLzHJnQ-ZZlJWm3LYBURVdA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@maiamills29?_t=8h1gHthzMRX&_r=1
