Did you ever make something and think, ‘Hey, this is pretty cool. I wonder if I could sell this?’

More importantly, did you ever give it a try?

Coast Guard wife Rachel Wray, current stationed in Honolulu, took her lifelong love of creating and has turned it into a booming business that is helping to make military quarters all over the island feel like home.

This summer she is moving her business, Creations by Rachel, to Memphis where her husband will serve as a recruiter. Though the talented artist said moving a family and a business across country can be daunting, a little planning goes a long way and makes for a successful transition.

Need inspiration for your own small business aspirations? Enjoy this quick conversation with Rachel, creative spouse turned savvy entrepreneur:

Q: What inspired you to begin Creations by Rachel?

A: “The startup of Creations by Rachel was completely spontaneous. As early as fourth grade I can remember making crafts (mainly potholders) and trying to sell them door to door. I have always crafted and decorated as a personal hobby. In November, my husband brought home a pallet board and I ended up painting a duty station block for our house. It just so happens that the next day I stopped by the Dear Olympia store at the Pearl Harbor NEX to look at her paints. As one DIYer to the next, I showed the owner a picture of my block. She liked it and offered to let me consign it at her kiosk! She encouraged me to go home and immediately start a Facebook business page and to think of a name for myself. That night, Creations by Rachel was born. I really was in the right place at the right time!”

Q: Tell me what your company does.

A: “With Creations by Rachel, my mission is to create one-of-a-kind custom home décor pieces that are on-trend and popular. I also offer power tool classes, painting parties, and personal crafting sessions.”

Q: What is the toughest part of being an entrepreneur and starting a new business?

A: “The toughest aspect of all of this has been learning to clearly identify my business goals without letting my emotions control the process or muddy my communication with other business owners and partners. Thankfully, I have had patient mentors.”

Q: What kind of prep work did you have to do to prepare to open your business?

A: “Getting started for this business was pretty minimal on my part. I have taken a few power tool classes from local hardware stores and have attended webinar sessions on growing your business. However, I would say the years I spent crafting and reading design blogs have been my biggest sources of information and inspiration. I have had to add quite a few tools as my business has grown, but the blessing of working from home is low overhead costs.”

Q: What is the best part of owning your own business?

A: “The best part has been interacting and networking with other similar small businesses. These owners are passionate about DIY and home décor, which encourages and inspires me in my own pursuits. And of course, working with my customers and creating relationships with them has been truly wonderful!”

Q: What is your ultimate goal for your business?

A: “My goal for this business is to create a place where my customers feel excited and safe to come create with me. I love bringing them into the creative process and teaching them new skills and techniques. Oftentimes, after a class, I walk away, feeling just as inspired by them, as they, hopefully, do by me.”

Q: As you prepare to move to Nashville this summer, moves are always an upheaval for military families, but as a business owner how will this impact you?

A: “We are getting ready to PCS and it is with some anxiety that I leave behind my customer base in this location. However, I am taking the portable aspects of my business with me and I plan to continue teaching classes as we travel this summer. I think as a military spouse and small business owner, you need to prepare yourself and your customers for the business to slow down until you are settled again.  It helps to create some final fun/big moments such as sales and fun classes just before you leave and again when you re-open. Customers love getting to be involved in these exciting times with you.”

Q: What tips can you share to help other spouses move their business efficiently and effectively?

A: “I would encourage others to start collecting feedback from friends and family on their services or products and to not take any negative feedback personally but as useful information. Also look for ways to make connections with other business owners, social media is amazing for this! Let them know what you have to offer and see if there is a way your services can meet one of their needs. I have found that staying on-trend and keeping fresh ideas helps keep your business relevant.”

Q: What encouragement do you have for military spouses who want to become entrepreneurs but feel overwhelmed?

A: “Don’t be afraid to try new ideas and have them be total failures. It’s a great learning opportunity when this happens. Also, work well with others and don’t be afraid to encourage them in their businesses. Most likely, they will repay the favor by encouraging you. Most of all, keep on creating and having fun!”