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
Meet the Small Biz of the Year finalists: KC Chamber surprises Top 10 Mr K contenders
The Kansas City Chamber just unveiled its hotly anticipated Top 10 finalists for the 2024 Small Business of the Year honor — surprising leaders from a wide range of industries with their tickets to the next round of the city’s most prestigious business competition. “This year, 60 candidates applied for awards, and we were awed…
Growing movement by Black farmers seeds plan to honor land, ancestors while cultivating better health
Dina Newman wanted to reclaim Black growers’ seat at the table — helping an overlooked community in Kansas City create their own healthy and affordable food systems to nourish themselves. “When I’m talking food system, I’m talking from a seed to plant,” said Newman, founder of Kansas City Black Urban Growers (KCBUGS). “When you look…
Love story continues: Fans spot Taylor Swift in boyfriend’s New Heights cap; KC hat maker sees green
It’s been more than a fortnight since the Chiefs’ headline-grabbing, pop-culture-infused Super Bowl run, but the Taylor Swift effect remains strong for the tortured poets and creators at one Kansas City company. Sandlot Goods — Kansas City’s only local hat manufacturer — is reaping the benefits of Swift’s recent appearance at the Coachella music festival,…
Translating business: KCMO chatbot breaks down startup lingo in 70+ languages
Editor’s note: KC BizCare is a partner of Startland News. Entrepreneurs who struggle with understanding the complexities of starting a business often find additional challenges if English isn’t their first language, said Nia Richardson, adding that all aspiring small business owners deserve the same access to resources. “We’re trying to look at ways to bring technology…