Today we’d like to introduce you to Acara Miller.
Hi Acara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My business started in 2011 right out of high school doing art shows and selling at stores. I was then known for my enameled copper washer jewelry. I did this through college and then decided I needed a “real” job and became a teacher. I taught for 6 years at a Title 1 school and during this time I had two children. We struggled finding a good affordable daycare, which led me to rebrand and restart my small business as Coastal Chic. I went into it thinking I would do a two day show or two one day shows a month. Over the last three years it has become a lot more than that. The world is much different than it was when I first started and there are a million markets, social media, and so much more that goes into running a small business. During my first three years back in business we rented multiple spots through businesses like The Painted Tree, Lazy Daisy, and Bayside Artisans. At one point we had five locations with The Painted Tree and were doing really well. In April of 2026, we received an email that changed things dramatically. The Painted Tree filed bankruptcy and all their locations were closing. Chaos started and panic among vendors we were told we may or may not be able to get our items from the stores. I luckily was able to go and get all of my items that day from my three local locations in Richmond and Virginia Beach. This was a huge loss for me. Around half of my income came from those stores. However, I was ready for it! Among vendors things were not adding up and many were leaving because of this. In October of 2025, I started a Craft Club, which was the best decision I have ever made! I was struggling with burn out, stocking multiple stores and doing shows. I was making a ridiculous amount of items. The craft club is fun because I come up with the craft and make one or two good examples and then bring the materials and let others create their own and use their creativity. It has been so much fun to watch the creations and meet people I would have never met before. It has also been so fun to have regular crafters come to multiple events. I have also been able to work with multiple other local businesses and help bring more and new customers their way! We also work with multiple different rescues and have been able to donate almost two thousand dollars and we are just getting started!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are so many challenges and obstacles as a mom with three kids trying to run a handmade business. I think the hardest part is doing this alone. I often wish I had a partner who could help carry the load. There are always way too many things to do and way too little time. My older two kids are now in full day school but I still have a baby with me 24/7. Working during nap time and after bedtime is exhausting. When the big kids were in half day school it was great! I was able to get time with them after school so working weekends was not that big of a deal now that is a challenge because that is the only time they are free. I have been working hard to change things to make it so I do not have to work the weekends but it all takes time. I have also worked with a local high school through this time taking on interns to help them learn about running a small business. This has been so fun to work with kids thinking about starting a small business. I was recently able to work with a student who I taught when I was a teacher. However, this is also a difficult job to make sure they have something to do and are really learning something from the experience. Another huge challenge is social media!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I started this business creating copper enameled jewelry and have since started making more themed items. I now sell mainly earrings and gifts that are themed. I make a ton of different holiday themed earrings, bookish, cat, dog, etc. I have also added multiple DIY experiences at shows such as our bookmark bar, mirror and brush decorating and this christmas I will have multiple DIY customizable ornament bars. I tend to create things that I am into so right now I am really into reading and you will see that inspiration in my work.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I listen to books consistently on Audible or Libby! I like a little bit of everything from thrillers to romance! I especially love talking books with customers!
Other than that I mainly use restaurant apps for reward points!
Occasionally I will watch Netflix.
Pricing:
- Our craft nights range $35-55 depending if they offer a drink or a donation.
- Earrings range $10-25
- Gifts range $5-$45
- DIY bars range $10-20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coastalchicvb.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastal_chicvb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastalchicvb/
