What is your name? Bonnie Ryan
Where are you from? I grew up in Iowa, but have lived in Ohio for the last 20 years.
What is the name of your business? Charley & Me Wreath Co.
What do you make or sell? I make all sorts of different wreaths (grapevine, mesh/ribbon, and burlap), centerpieces, door swags, garlands, headstone arrangements, floral arrangements, etc. I love doing custom orders!
Would you describe your products? Ingredients, types of fabrics, etc. I buy high quality mesh and ribbon and artificial flowers. I want to give customers a product that will last for years to come.
Do you do this full-time or as a side hustle? I think it started out as a hobby, but has really turned into a full-time business venture.
Do you have another job? What is it if so? I worked in the field as a social worker for 10 years but stopped in 2020 when our son was born. We have a 5-year-old (Charley) and a 2.5-year-old (Jax) and for a lot of reasons, it just made more sense for me to be home with them after he was born.
How did you come up with your business name? I named it after my daughter, Charley, who loves to help me make wreaths. She likes to help me pick out ribbons and organize everything before starting on a new design.
What got you started doing this? I have always loved doing crafts. When I first became a stay-at-home mom I made a couple of wreaths for upcoming holidays just for fun and to keep busy. But then I started watching tutorials online, reading about different wreath-making methods, and fine-tuning my skills. Now I love trying new wreath designs and styles!
What is your creative process like? I typically will see a sign, ribbon, or floral piece that I love and will build the wreath around that. I really enjoy combining different patterns and textures.
Do you have a website? Currently working on getting one up and running
How about Instagram and Facebook? Yes! My Facebook group is Charley & Me Wreath Co. I need to get an Instagram account, too!
