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My first foray into entrepreneurship was a lipstick side hustle in the third grade, and I was hooked (and in detention). By 15-years-old, I was building websites for brick-and-mortars and helping bands grow their MySpace following.
I spent my 20’s selling handmade vegan bath and body products on Etsy and vending at handmade art events around the United States. In 2007, I began teaching other makers and businesses on how to use Facebook, Flickr, and online forums to promote their wares and reach new audiences.
Creative Enabler was founded in 2010 to to equip creatives and business owners with the mindset, strategy, and infrastructure to grow a sustainable business.
The Etsy Days
I cut my entrepreneurial teeth in the early days of Etsy with my handmade cosmetic company, Lollibomb Beauty, and rose the ranks as an Etsy Top Seller and Etsy Success Story.
During this time, I had been a member of the Miami Craft Mafia, founding member of the Hollywood Craft Mafia, and leader of the Jersey City Craft Mafia. Upon making the move to the New York City area, I decided to start planning handmade art events on my side of the Hudson River.
JCAST & Creative Direction
The very first handmade art event that I organized in 2009 had *maybe* about 18 artists and makers, many of which I met through the Etsy forums and Craft Mafia. The last major event that I organized had over 700 participating artists across an entire city, and I curated and organized an 83,000 square foot warehouse space to create an immersive pop-up art fair!
Life Lesson: Do what you love. Love what you do. Don’t get discouraged and keep working hard. The harder you work, the “luckier” you’ll get!
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve my community in the development, marketing, and coordination of Jersey City, New Jersey’s largest community events:
The All About Downtown Street Fair
2010 – 2013
The Jersey City Art & Studio Tour
2013 – 2016
City of Jersey City JC 4th Freedom & Fireworks Festival
2014 – 2016
“Luca has been integral in the HDSID’s growth for years! She is incredibly hands-on and approaches each client with a specific strategy that caters to their business’ needs and goals. For example, based on her strategy, we were able to obtain one of our biggest sponsors for our 2017-2018 event season. Aside from her marketing prowess and creative thinking, Luca’s best attribute is her ability to make novices feel comfortable with promoting themselves and their business. Every business owner and entrepreneur needs a “Luca/Creative Enabler” to succeed.“
Rachel Sieg, Director, Historic Downtown Special Improvement District
• Groove On Grove Music Series at the Grove Street PATH
• Historic Downtown’s Farmer’s Market at the Grove Street PATH
• All About Downtown Street Fair in Downtown Jersey City, NJ
Creative Enabler Workshop Series
I have taught sustainable marketing strategy for creative professionals and small business owners independently and in partnership with the City of Jersey City, the City of Bayonne, the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation, Hudson County Community College, Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Historic Downtown Special Improvement District, and more since 2010. Topics have included:
Branding On A Budget
Facebook For Small Biz
The You Infusion: Building Your Brand’s Cocktail
Instagram For Artists & Creatives
Content Marketing Planning
The Unsell: Build Your Biz By Building Community
Social Media for Foodiepreneurs
Facebook Ad Strategy
Worked on the development, marketing strategy, and coordination of Jersey City, New Jersey’s largest community events, including the All About Downtown Street Fair (2010 – 2013), Jersey City Art & Studio Tour (2013 – 2016) and JC 4th Freedom & Fireworks Festival ( 2015 – 2016).
partnerships +collaborations
Awards + RecognitionS
Good things come to those who hustle, and sometimes those good things are burritos at the white house (Thanks, Obama!)
In 2015, I was received the honor of being invited to attend SOUTH BY SOUTH LAWN: A WHITE HOUSE FESTIVAL OF IDEAS, ART, AND ACTION at President Obama’s White House.
SXSL was a festival of ideas, art, and action where changemakers, activists, and artists came together on the White House South Lawn to share how they’re changing their communities. Over 20,000 nominations for invited attendees were submitted nationwide, and I received the distinct honor of being chosen as a creative leader making an impact to attend.
june 2010
Made in Jersey City Small Business Achievement Award
Presented by Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, City of Jersey City
March 2012
Woman Of Action Award
Presented by Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, City of Jersey City
The City of Jersey City’s 14th Annual Women of Action Awards honors Jersey City women who have made an impact on the community. The ceremony, which honored 27 women selected by the City Council, was held on Thursday, March 29th at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Recipients were chosen for their artistic, economic, innovative, political, or social contributions by each of the nine members of Jersey City’s Municipal Council.
Pro Tip: Giving freely of your volunteer time and expertise to the community that you love, online or off, is one of the most valuable experiences any creative entrepreneur can embark on to grow their professional network in an authentic and meaningful way.
Ready to craft your own Creative Biz Trajectory?
I’ve assembled a curated selection of good reads to expedite your success:
