Meet Sydni Furgurson | Owner of Gypseasol Crafting Co & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sydni Furgurson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sydni, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been a creative person and loved anything art related. My mom was also super artsy and always encouraged my brother and I to try new things as a creative outlet. Since I was little she would always make different things for our family and friends. I admired this so much and loved to see how excited her art made other people. She started selling things here and there for holidays and occasions and genuinely just enjoyed creating things for other people.

After she passed in 2016 from ovarian cancer, her friends started reaching out to me to make the things she did for their holidays and special occasions. In the beginning, I was making ornaments, home decor and other things that she did until I really started to find my niche. I enjoyed creating designs for t-shirts and loved seeing people wearing my clothing in public. My mom had always dreamed of her business being her full time job one day, but never had the opportunity from juggling between being a mom and constantly working to make ends meet.

I have always loved the idea of owning my own business and when covid happened, I watched everyone around me take the leap a figured why not. In 2022 I decided to quit my job cleaning houses and take Gypseasol Crafting Co full time. Here we are almost 2 years later and while it has been the most challenging 2 years of my life, it has also been the most rewarding. I do this everyday for my sweet momma.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think my art is unique because like me, there is never a design that looks the same as the last one. I have so many different styles and while that helps me reach a bigger audience, I always put my spin on my art so no matter the design, people always know the creator behind the design. I am excited to see where this business takes me. I am known for always doing too much and trying so many new things but I can’t help it. Creating just gets me so dang excited!

It has taken a lot to get where I am today. When jumping into doing my business full time I did not have a clue what all that entailed. I am the gal behind every single title of my job and honey it is a lot! Lots of blood, sweat, tears and pure guts to get here but I do not regret a single moment. I have found that every challenge is followed by the greatest reward. If there is any advice I could give, it would be to simply just walk through every struggle and feel it as hard as you can. While in the moment it might be the worst thing ever, when you end up on the other side it’s a feeling of accomplishment like no other. It is so rewarding.

I have learned to stop comparing myself to others (I am still a work in progress) but it literally rips the joy out of anything that excites you. There will be people who do not agree with a single decision you are making and instead of listening to them, make them be the reason that you do exactly what you set your mind to. There is no sweeter revenge to me than showing someone that I can do it, especially when they doubted me the most. It makes me feel extra spicy when things go my way. hehe.

If there was anything I could tell the world about my business or my story, I would just want to introduce them to my mom. There is no better human than her and she deserves all the credit. She is the reason I am who I am today. I am a fighter, I am sassy and stubborn. I’m a hard worker and I am a badass all because of her. Everything I do is for her and every item in my shop has her attached to it in some way shape or form. Toni Renee is an angel and her legacy lives through me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wilmington, NC is a hoot! I love that I am able to call this place my home. Since my brother and I are the only two that live here, I constantly am finding fun things to do for my family and friends when they come to visit.

First and foremost, I have to take everyone to my favorite food spots. Saltworks has the best burgers and onion rings on the planet. You can never go wrong with Mexican food, just make sure you eat at K-38 or Zocalo when you come to town. We are a beach town so we are known for our seafood and fish bites is the best place to go in my book.

After food, we have to make sure we goto the beach, fort fisher being my favorite spot to hunt for sharks teeth or to watch the sunset. The skies are always chefs kiss. Downtown Wilmington has the best atmosphere during the day and at night. I love taking people to all the local shops and introducing them to my friends. If you are here on the weekend, Saturdays are for the small businesses, Markets are always popping off somewhere, it won’t be hard to find one close by. I love this town so much I am a sucker for just riding around with the windows down and good music in the background. There are a million breweries here and they almost always have live music. Wherever you go in Wilmington, the vibes are always going to be good.

If you’re the spontaneous type like myself, there are so many tattoos shops in town that have the coolest artists in them. There are several places to do different art classes whether it is painting, pottery or permanent jewelry. Almost everything is walking distance and if you come during the spring/summer, the sunshine will be sure to keep you in a good mood!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man, where do I even begin? There are so many people that have supported me SO much since I started going full time with my business. The small business community is something else. They bring the best energy, momentum, encouragement and keep giving you the push you need to just – keep – going!

My boyfriend Zach has been by my side for every insane decision I come up with and he has had my back for them all (whatta guy). He is my pop-up market buddy, my goto for advice on where to pivot next and the shoulder I’ve cried on mannny times. If you own a small business you know it comes with A LOT of mental breakdowns hehe.

My adopted mama Tracey has been my rock since before my mom died. She has been with me through all the good, the bad and the ugly and still has so much faith in me. She firmly believes that I am capable of doing anything and does not hesitate to remind me. She is truly the best and deserves the biggest shoutout.

My family and friends have been the best at not only reminding me how proud they are of me but always buying my clothing, sharing/liking my posts and telling everyone and their mom about my business – it makes my fat heart fat happy everyday and I am forever grateful.

Website: gypseasolcraftingco.com

Instagram: @gypseasolcraftingco

Facebook: Gypseasol Crafting Co.