Liz Chick, a 27-year-old entrepreneur, runs RecCreate Collective in Brooklyn, where she hosts classes on knitting, collaging, painting, and sculpting. The studio became profitable in December, bringing in $25,000 in revenue in January. Chick, who pays herself a salary of $5,500 per month, considers running the studio her dream job, allowing her to be financially successful while pursuing her passion for art. This success was facilitated by a stroke of luck when she won $50,000 in a sweepstakes drawing she didn’t realize she had entered, providing her with the seed money needed to rent the studio space.
Chick’s entrepreneurial journey began when she was a teenager in the Chicago area, thrifting and selling high-waisted denim shorts. After graduating from Parsons School of Design in 2019, she struggled to find traditional design jobs and ended up working in a dimly lit office at a local park. Despite the lack of creative fulfillment in her day job, she pursued her artistic projects on the side, eventually leading her to start RecCreate Collective. With a background in dyeing fabrics using natural materials like avocado pits and onion skins, Chick ventured into selling dyed garments at pop-up markets around New York, while working various jobs to fund her creative pursuits.
Chick’s determination and hard work paid off when she won $50,000, which she used to secure a physical space for RecCreate Collective in March 2023. The funds allowed her to invest in the studio and launch her business, marking a turning point in her entrepreneurial journey. The space was designed to create a cozy and creative atmosphere, with a focus on providing a tactile experience for attendees seeking a break from the digital world. This approach has resonated with participants, who are drawn to the opportunity to connect with others in person while engaging in creative activities.
Despite the success of RecCreate Collective, Chick values giving back to the community by subsidizing tickets for those who may not be able to afford the classes. The studio’s profits are reinvested into the business, allowing Chick to continue growing and expanding the offerings at RecCreate. By catering to the demand for in-person experiences and fostering a sense of connection among participants, Chick has positioned RecCreate as a unique space for individuals seeking a break from their digital routines. The studio’s popularity continues to grow, driven by the desire for tactile experiences and human connection in a post-COVID digital age.
Chick’s journey is a testament to the intersection of passion, perseverance, and serendipity in entrepreneurship. From her humble beginnings as a thrifter in the Chicago area to her current success as the owner of RecCreate Collective, Chick has navigated the challenges of starting a business while staying true to her artistic vision. By leveraging her creativity, resourcefulness, and a stroke of luck, Chick has carved out a niche in the art and design industry, offering a unique space for individuals to explore their creativity and connect with others. As she continues on her entrepreneurial path, Chick remains committed to providing a welcoming and inspiring environment for artists and creatives to thrive.
