About the Company

TCB Designs, based in Florida, is a home decor business founded by Crystal Faulkenberry. Crystal runs the business as a one-woman show, producing handcrafted items such as rustic signs, car coasters, and personalized gifts. Her products are primarily sold through Etsy and her own Shopify website, where she focuses on farmhouse and rustic design trends. As of 2022, the business generates approximately $5K per month in revenue, and Crystal has also expanded into wholesale, supplying small businesses across the U.S. through platforms like Faire.

Crystal's focus is on creating affordable, high-quality decor that fits within various budgets. She aims to make stylish decor accessible to people, drawing from her own experience as a single mom unable to afford high-end pieces. The company thrives on word-of-mouth marketing, repeat customers, and SEO-driven sales rather than relying heavily on social media presence.

Idea Behind Company

The idea for TCB Designs was born out of Crystal’s personal need for affordable home decor. As a single mom with three kids, she couldn’t afford to buy expensive farmhouse-style decorations for her home. So, she began crafting her own pieces, using reclaimed wood and vintage styles. Inspired by the popularity of farmhouse decor, driven by Chip and Joanna Gaines, Crystal decided to turn her personal projects into a side business. Her initial customers were family and friends who encouraged her to sell her creations. Crystal’s mission has always been to provide beautiful home decor that is affordable, so others in similar financial situations could still enjoy stylish homes.

As someone with a background in graphic design, Crystal had the skills to design aesthetically pleasing pieces. However, she had to learn woodworking to complete her designs. Her husband initially helped her with cutting and framing the wood, but as demand grew, Crystal took it upon herself to learn how to use the tools independently. This allowed her to expand her skill set and take full control over the production process.

Creating the Company

TCB Designs started humbly in 2017 as a side project. Crystal initially worked full-time at Kennedy Space Center while also fulfilling orders in her spare time. She sold her first products through Facebook before moving to Etsy to reach a broader audience. The company began with rustic, reclaimed wood signs that embraced the farmhouse aesthetic, which resonated with customers during the height of the farmhouse decor trend.

Crystal’s journey wasn’t without challenges. She struggled to balance her full-time job, family, and business, leading her to eventually leave her job at Kennedy Space Center to focus on TCB Designs full-time. Over time, the business expanded to include smaller, customizable items like car coasters and tape measures, which became especially popular during the holiday season.

She also had to educate herself on aspects like SEO, product staging, and photography to succeed on Etsy. Through customer feedback and custom requests, Crystal expanded her product offerings, constantly learning new skills and refining her craftsmanship to meet customer demands.

Launching the Business

Crystal launched TCB Designs without taking out loans or using credit cards. She funded the business by only purchasing materials for orders she had already received payment for. As the business grew, Crystal began to stock up on commonly used materials, allowing her to fulfill orders more efficiently.

To gain traction, Crystal created a Facebook business page and later transitioned to Etsy, which proved to be a significant platform for her. The transition required her to learn SEO strategies, product photography, and how to optimize her listings. These efforts led to a steady increase in sales, though the learning curve was steep at first. She credits much of her business's early success to understanding SEO and using it to her advantage on both Etsy and her Shopify website.

Though social media marketing isn’t her strength, Crystal acknowledges that having a more robust presence could help grow the business further. For now, she relies on return customers, word of mouth, and SEO to attract business.

Earnings

TCB Designs currently earns around $5K per month in revenue. However, Crystal has seen fluctuations in sales, especially during 2022, due to increased supply costs and slower delivery times. The rising costs of materials, especially lumber, have forced her to raise her prices, which has impacted the affordability of her products—a core aspect of her business philosophy.

Despite these challenges, Crystal has maintained a loyal customer base, with most sales still coming from her Etsy shop, although her Shopify website is gaining traction. The business has also expanded into wholesale, selling to small retail stores across the country through the Faire platform. Crystal’s long-term goal is to grow her wholesale business while possibly expanding her presence in brick-and-mortar stores, ensuring continued growth for TCB Designs.