07/11/2026
🌻 **We can't believe tomorrow is our final event as Crafters on Central.** 🌻
Wow...what an incredible ride it has been.
Owning my own business was always a dream of mine. I always imagined buying an existing business and putting my own flair on it. Instead, I was blessed with something even more rewarding—the opportunity to build one completely from the ground up. Literally. When we purchased our building, it was nothing more than an empty shell. Together, we transformed it into a place where creativity, laughter, friendships, and memories could flourish.
There are so many people to thank, but a few deserve special recognition.
To my cousin, **Stephanie Raboin**—thank you for helping me physically build the vision inside these four walls. From construction projects to branding, designing our logo, and countless creative ideas, your fingerprints are on every corner of this studio.
To my mom—thank you for believing in me from day one. You were always there to lend a hand, often at the last minute when I was exhausted and wondering how I'd get everything done. Your support never wavered, and I will always be grateful.
And to my husband, Doug...when we stood before the loan committee presenting our business plan, they asked why they should believe in this dream. Doug simply said, *"One thing about my wife is...she doesn't fail."* Those words have stayed with me every single day.
As we close this chapter, I realize he was right—not because Crafters is closing, but because success isn't measured only by how long something lasts.
Over the past four and a half years, we've built friendships that will last a lifetime. We've created a place where people celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers, baby showers, fundraisers, girls' nights, first dates, family traditions, and so many other special moments. We've partnered with local organizations, supported our community, learned countless new skills, and watched thousands of people discover their own creativity.
I'll never forget opening day, when no one walked through the door. It would've been easy to feel defeated. Instead, we kept believing, kept creating, and within just a few months we were selling out classes and were honored to receive the **Best New Business of the Year** award. From that moment on, this community embraced us in ways we could have never imagined.
While Crafters on Central is coming to an end, we don't see it as the end of the story. We're incredibly proud to be walking away on top—financially, emotionally, and knowing we've made a positive impact on our community. Even more special is knowing that what we've created won't disappear. Dori will continue filling these walls with creativity, and we truly hope this space continues bringing joy to our community for many years to come.
To every customer, instructor, volunteer, employee, vendor, friend, and family member who believed in us, painted with us, laughed with us, and supported us...thank you. You are the reason this dream became everything it did.
Tomorrow won't be goodbye to the memories—it will simply be the closing of one beautiful chapter and the beginning of another.
From the bottom of our hearts...thank you for allowing us to live this dream.
Here's to the next chapter. 🥂💙🌻
