Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Damiano.
Hi Kelly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I founded Craft-DIY (pronounced “Crafty”) to bring my lifelong passion for creativity and design to life in a new way. Growing up, my love for arts and crafts was inspired by my mom, Kathy. Together, we were always working on hands-on projects—painting ceramics, creating Christmas ornaments, baking from scratch, and even sewing. My dad also played a big role in shaping my DIY spirit. He’s the kind of person who never hired professionals for home projects, always opting to do it himself. I often persuaded my parents to let me take the lead—whether it was repainting the living room or breathing new life into old furniture.
As I got older, my creative hobbies evolved with me, becoming more sophisticated and diverse. What began as childhood projects evolved into more intricate and elevated hobbies. I taught myself photography, interior design, and jewelry making. I dove into natural soap making for five years, showcasing my creations at local craft fairs and farmers’ markets.
Craft-DIY is the culmination of my lifelong journey, a sophisticated DIY studio where craft & design meets modern elegance. I designed the space to be a chic, upscale atmosphere tailored to adults. The projects go far and beyond the typical “arts & crafts” stigma. What sets us apart is our Project Menu offers over 20 projects to choose from. Each member of your group selects their own project- no two people have to make the same thing! Each project comes with step-by-step instructions and our Craft-Tenders are there for guidance along the way. From custom jewelry and home decor to fashion accessories and more, each project is designed to be both beautiful and functional. You’ll leave not just with something you made, but with something you’re proud to use, wear, or display in your home—no forgotten projects gathering dust here!
And perhaps my favorite part? Craft-DIY also offers wine, bubbly, beer, and curated cocktails. Paired with lively music and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting to unwind, have fun, and let go!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My dad instilled in me the importance of careful thought and planning, even for decisions that might seem straightforward. As a young adult, I learned—sometimes the hard way—that he was absolutely right. When it came to Craft-DIY, I took this lesson to heart. I evaluated every angle—the pros and cons, the time and energy required, how to stand out from the competition, the organizational structure, and, of course, the financial risks. I dedicated six meticulous months to preparing a business plan, anticipating challenges, and developing solutions before committing to turning my dream into reality.
That said, of course, there were bumps along the way! And we’re still working on smoothing some of them out. One of our biggest challenges has been marketing—how do we let people know we’re here and share what we offer with the folks of Charleston?
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Retail Management and a Master’s in Accountancy. After college, I spent six years as a retail store manager, which gave me hands-on experience in the industry. Following that, I earned my master’s degree and began a career in public accounting, later transitioning to the private sector. Craft-DIY is the perfect blend of my professional experience, educational background, and passion for creativity.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that vision alone isn’t enough. I have to protect it, refine it, and stay anchored to it even when things get messy. Building Craft-DIY has pushed me to trust my instincts more than outside opinions, especially when others didn’t fully see what I was creating yet. I’ve learned that not every opportunity is the right opportunity, and that saying no is just as important as saying yes.
More than anything, I’ve realized that resilience isn’t just about pushing through. It’s about adapting without losing the essence of what I set out to build. Craft-DIY isn’t just a business, it’s a reflection of my taste, standards, and creativity, and the biggest lesson has been learning to honor that instead of watering it down.
Pricing:
- Making & Mimosas Workshop (Bottomless Mimosas Included!) $52
- Afternoon Delight Workshop $42
- Crafty Hour Workshop (Bottomless Sangria included!) $52
- Open Crafting $35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.CraftDIY.net
- Instagram: @CraftDIYCharleston
- Facebook: @CraftDIYCharleston
