Meet Our Favourite Local Maker: Chelsea’s Crafty Corner

Local entrepreneur Chelsea-Ann Mullins started a home-based crafting business, never imagining her handmade creations would one day grace the shelves of a beloved store in Arnprior!

Chelsea’s Crafty Corner has established itself as a favourite at Ottawa Valley craft shows, earning a dedicated fan base with its down-to-earth, customer-focused approach and talent for transforming a client’s vision into the perfect keepsake. Offering a variety of items, including decals, stickers, hats, shirts, glassware and home decor, Chelsea’s Crafty Corner is renowned for its best-selling coffee mugs, which come expertly emblazoned with both child-friendly designs and cheeky quotes for adults. As a busy mother of three, Mullins often involves her children in the craft show circuit, where they win over customers by assisting with tasks such as packaging orders, reflecting the essence of a family-run business.

Amy Penaloza, proprietor of the esteemed fashion hub Racked, located at 12 Elgin Street West in the historic heart of downtown Arnprior, stands as one of Chelsea’s earliest supporters and is a prominent advocate for small businesses in the Ottawa Valley. Racked boasts a meticulously selected array of consignment designer labels and a diverse range of locally made products, including photography prints by Ashley St. Germain and Chelsea’s own creations! Working together, Amy and Chelsea have not only created a successful business relationship, but established a long-standing friendship where mutual support and care for one another extends beyond the walls of the storefront.

I began by making items for family and friends, and now I serve regular customers, becoming a part of their special events such as birthdays and baby showers. They rely on me to impress their guests and create something unique. Coffee mugs have become one of my bestsellers, with June being particularly busy as parents often choose to gift their children’s teachers a mug as a token of appreciation. It’s truly heartwarming to contribute to these moments. I love being the go-to craft creator for so many locals that have now become friends. I appreciate that they don’t hesitate to contact me when they need a gift and are in a pinch!

Chelsea-Ann Mullins, Owner Chelsea’s Crafty Corner ~

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Small businesses are the heartbeat of any community, a sentiment that rings especially true in the Town of Arnprior. Here, business is more than just numbers, it’s about passion and the drive to create a circle of care that enhances the community.

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, whether it’s a sole proprietor producing a single product, a family-owned restaurant, a professional service or manufacturing facility. Entrepreneurs, small business owners and local workers are all vital components to the success of our community. When small businesses prosper, the entire community reaps the rewards! The business community in Arnprior is celebrated for its inventive spirit and altruism. Numerous small enterprises contribute substantially by supporting local charities and non-profit organizations. They contribute through product donations, community event organization, and sponsorship of local sports teams. It is clear that engaging with local businesses fosters a beneficial cycle of reinvestment that makes Arnprior a wonderful place to live.

Now is the perfect moment to reflect on the wider implications of our spending patterns and to recognize the advantages of shopping local. Here are some ways you can support the small business dreams of a real person living in our community.

• Shop local
• Visit regularly
• Buy a gift card
• Purchase gifts for your friends and family
• Follow the business on social media
• Write a review of your experience
• Dine at a local restaurant or order takeout
• Help spread positive buzz about the business
• Get to know the business owner
• Be friendly with staff
• Recommend their service to a friend

For custom orders, please email Chelsea’s Crafty Corner: chelseascraftycorner@outlook.com