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
Pitches and peaches: Hy-Vee awards $30K piece of the $50K prize pie to family-run cobbler company
Denisha Jones sweetened Hy-Vee’s OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit and pitch competition this week with her ready-to-bake cobblers. Her pitch (and peaches) secured the $30,000 grand prize. “Every time Thanksgiving comes around, I always crave my grandmother’s cobbler. During the pandemic, I was unsuccessful in finding a cobbler as good as my grandmother’s, so I went…
Meet six newly funded startups Digital Sandbox KC is making more fundable tomorrow
Newly awarded funds are expected to help six more companies scale their fledgling startups past the proof-of-concept stage, said Jill Meyer, touting Digital Sandbox KC’s track record of making startups and their products more fundable once they’re built. “Digital Sandbox KC is one of the Kansas City metro’s rare early-stage funds and provides vital support…
Coming soon: 8 new tech startups set for ‘lucky No. 7’ Pure Pitch Rally spot-cash event
From nutrition to logistics, local entrepreneurs continue innovating solutions that could result in Kansas City’s next unicorn, said Karen Fenaroli. Eight such potentially game-changing tech startups are expected to showcase their ideas next month, she announced Tuesday. The seventh annual Pure Pitch Rally is set to return Oct. 17 at the Burns & McDonnell Global…
Best in the US: ‘Market days are work days,’ but all are welcome at OP’s award-winning farmers’ market
More than 7,000 farmers’ markets across the United States competed for the title of “America’s Favorite Market” — but voters ultimately picked Overland Park’s community of vendors and entrepreneurs as the cream of the crop. “The Overland Park Farmers’ Market is the heart of this vibrant and diverse neighborhood where all are welcome,” said Kristina…