This top maker got his start with a social push; but the real influencers behind the Craft E brand: his wife and family
December 23, 2024 | Taylor Wilmore
Enrique Hernandez, the creative force behind Craft E. Embroidery, proved that dedication and creativity can transform a hobby into a thriving business — earning him the title of Made in KC’s top maker for 2024.
“It hasn’t really settled in yet,” Hernandez said about winning the award in mid-December. “But it feels good.”
Enrique Hernandez, Craft E. Embroidery, displays alternate colorways and player designs for his popular embroidered sweatshirts; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Hernandez’s journey began with a simple suggestion from his wife while they watched social media videos of embroidery together.
“She said, ‘That looks like something you could do,’” he recalled. “I’m very creative, artistic — so I started looking at embroidery machines, got one, and started playing with it.”
That playful experiment turned into starting Craft E. Embroidery. At first, Hernandez focused on designs inspired by his love of sports, particularly football.
“I’d record my designs and post them on Facebook and TikTok,” he said. “Over time, I started getting more and more requests. It just became a business.”
Click here to follow on Instagram.
Plus click here for even more holiday gift ideas for Kansas City sports fans.
View this post on Instagram
Persistence pays off
Craft E. Embroidery didn’t land on Made in KC’s shelves immediately. Hernandez applied twice before being accepted — a journey that ultimately culminated in being recognized by the local-first retailer with its first-ever top maker honor.
“It feels amazing. I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” said Hernandez.
His custom embroidery crewneck sweatshirt designs of both Royals and Chiefs players have attracted attention, not only locally but also from out-of-state customers.
“I get a lot of messages asking if I can do a certain team or player,” he said. “I try to say yes, but it’s hard to keep up sometimes. I’ll be working on sweaters for the Chiefs, and then I have to find a break to work on new designs.”
Enrique Hernandez, Craft E. Embroidery, displays one of the embroidered sweatshirts that earned him the title of Made in KC’s 2024 Maker of the Year; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Kansas City at the core
Hernandez credits Kansas City’s vibrant community for helping him succeed.
“I had to be in the right place at the right time — with the winning team, the right designs, and the support of local vendors and creators,” he said. “All the ingredients are here.”
Craft E. Embroidery operates out of Hernandez’s home, where family plays an integral role in both his life and business.
“It’s complicated. But at the end of the day, I do this for my family. It helps having their support,” said Hernandez.
Hernandez continues to refine his craft, working on new designs and dreaming big for Craft E. Embroidery.
“My favorite design so far is probably the gray hoodie signature series that’s coming soon,” he said. “But I have so many others I’m excited to finalize and share.”
Featured Business
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Accessibility platform AskSAMIE expands to 500+ partners thanks to national homecare deals
A pair of significant new partnerships not only allow Kansas City-based AskSAMIE to expand its national reach, said Dr. Brandy Archie; the deals put her startup a pivotal moment in its mission to deliver on-demand support to seniors and their caregivers. Working with homecare organizations ComForCare/At Your Side and CarePatrol will push AskSAMIE — a…
Stripping Missouri’s supplier diversity goals stifles state’s prosperity potential, says women’s business advocate
Ending nearly a decade of benchmarks that helped ensure greater equity in state contracts for businesses owned by minorities and women is a move in the wrong direction for Missouri, said Jennifer Brungardt, emphasizing the coming impact of lost opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. “Diversity and economic growth will be stifled without proper support from our…
Capital connector’s message to women: Your investor pool isn’t just sharks; dive in and learn to swim
When it comes to navigating the waters of capital and equity, Women’s Capital Connection angel investment network and the Women’s Business Center serve as a guide to both entrepreneurs and investors, Kelly Sievers shared. “All the education that we do and all the connections that we make, I would say that’s really the key,” explained…
Entrepreneur behind Soul of Santa aims to create Rockefeller Plaza holiday experience on KC’s east side
Tucker Lott hopes an outdoor ice skating rink at 2000 Vine — the home of Vine Street Brewing — will help solidify a new holiday tradition in the 18th and Vine entertainment district, the veteran entrepreneur said. “We wanted to create a holiday atmosphere where families could gather and have fun,” said Lott. “The entire…