AbbyGetsCrafty: How a Missouri State Student Balances Business with School

Writing & Graphic by Kadence Schaecher

In an era of overconsumption, cheap labor, and cheaper products, finding trendy yet ethical accessories can be incredibly difficult. Discovering a small business with products that are both incredibly well-made and absolutely adorable feels like striking gold. 

The online Etsy store abbygetscrafty is one such vein of shining gold, with trendy bags, jewelry, keychains, and more that are sure to elevate your outfits and items. With a five-star store rating and over 800 sales, abbygetscrafty is a great option for anyone looking to purchase some high-quality handmade accessories. 

Best-sellers of the shop include wire-wrapped gemstone rings, handmade crochet bags, and adorable beaded car mirror charms. The store is run by Abby Chase, a student at Missouri State University.

Chase started the store when she was a sophomore in highschool. 

“I always loved being crafty, and I thought it would be fun to make jewelry and sell it,” she said.

When moving to college, however, she was conflicted about continuing her business as a full-time student. After some thought, the best choice for her was clear. She had fun making and selling her items, and would continue to keep her shop open as frequently as she could.

“I love sharing a little bit of myself with other people,” Chase said. “It’s a wonderful feeling to put a smile on someone’s face because of something I created.” 

For Chase, it’s also important to have fun creating the items she sells.

“I love making my rings,” she added. “They are my best seller and they are so fun to make.” She also discovered a love for crocheting, so she added several crocheted items to her storefront to continue her passion.

Still, adjusting to the balance between education and business during her first year in college has had its challenges.

“Marketing has always been hard,” Chase said. “If you don’t market your business, no one will know you’re out there. Now that I’m in school, I rarely ever have time to market my shop, and it’s harder to make sales.” 

Between classwork, career planning, and stressful scholarship applications, being a college student can be difficult. It is easy to become overbooked, especially when working a job during school. Adding in a social life, time to take care of your space, and rest time — which is important yet undervalued — having time for hobbies can feel overwhelming. Running a full business out of a dorm room on top of all of this can seem impossible. But for Chase, the impossible is never a feat.

To any aspiring small business owners, Chase thinks it is never too late to start your dream. 

“Have fun,” she said. “Put yourself into your work, and don’t take everything so seriously. Make your shop a reflection of you, not what other people want it to be.”

Over the years of running her store, customers rave in reviews about how adorable each product is, as well as the shop’s amazing customer service. It is clear Chase follows her own advice by putting her heart into every product she sells. 

To find Chase’s products, visit her Etsy store, and learn more about her business on @abbygetscrafty on Instagram and TikTok.