Rachel Dolan has been part of Rise’s programs for 17 years, since being referred through a post-high school transition program. In the last couple of years, Rachel learned that another person served by Rise had started their own small business where they customized products to sell at craft fairs. “In my personal time, I had been adding bling to cups for a few years already,” Rachel shares. She knew she wanted to try her hand at a custom craft business!

Rachel and her Employment Exploration Specialist, Jennifer Nedegaard, put their heads together, thinking of how to put Rachel’s talents to use. Jennifer explains, “I worked with her on setting up her first craft fair and everything that went along with the process, including establishing a name.” That’s where “Rachel’s Bling N’ Thingz” was born!

With startup costs covered by Rise’s donor-funded Advancing Lives Fund, Rachel’s business started at the end of 2023. Her first purchases included pens, tumbler cups, and fees to register for three craft fairs. Rachel and Jennifer meet regularly to brainstorm product ideas, research local craft events, seek small business grants, order new product, and stay up to date on Bling N’ Thingz’s budget.

Shortly after starting her business, Rachel was gifted home office space and an accessible electronic desk. “Without Rise and the Advancing Lives Fund, Rachel would not have had the necessary funds to start her business,” explained Jennifer. With the generosity of local supporters and communities, Bling N’ Thingz has been able to expand and thrive.

Rachel’s menu of products has grown to include blinged cups, earrings, compact mirrors, pens, and more! Her products are affordable – ranging from just five to 20 dollars.

Starting a small business can be a labor of love – that means both a lot of love and a lot of labor! As Rachel shares, her favorite part of her small business is “when I’ve finished customizing one of the more complicated products. It’s satisfying.” On the other hand, “It takes a lot of patience. I’m very careful when making products. The larger items can take a whole day to decorate. When something gets out of order, it’s frustrating and takes even more time,” she said.

With Rachel settling into her business, she and Jennifer make sure to keep an eye on the future. “Rachel and Rise are currently looking into 3D printers to help automate some of her work and add more products she offers at career fairs,” said Jennifer. As Rachel adds, “I would like to get into more, bigger craft fairs, plus continue growing the number of products I have available.”

Jennifer sees that Rachel has grown and leaned into her skills. “She is a strong, independent woman that is artistically skilled in many ways. She has a kind heart and is always giving to others. Rachel is really starting to believe in herself, that her work speaks for itself, and she is very good at what she does.” And of all her talents, Rachel says that creativity is the most important!

The crafting extends into Rachel’s free time at home in Coon Rapids. She also enjoys shopping and watching TV, including The Bachelor.