Today we’d like to introduce you to Ceci Curbelo.
Hi Ceci, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been a mix of creative and analytical. I studied math in college and pursued jobs in finance but in my 20s had a side business doing invitations and stationery. I had my 2 daughters and as life got busier I worked in the school system as a Math teacher and later as a Treasurer so that my schedule would more closely match theirs.
While in those jobs I always helped with the party planning and sign making and all the fun extra details! As I approached my 40th birthday, I wanted to find an outlet for my creativity as well as a setup that would provide me more flexibility as a mom. I discovered the world of laser engraving by researching online and thought “This would be perfect!”
Even though learning a new industry was a bit intimidating (I would literally be playing with fire after all!) I was excited to try a new challenge. With the support of my family and a leap of faith, I purchased my laser and waited for it to arrive. It took 8 months to be delivered and during that time I took a course on lasers and set up all the business requirements.
Once the laser arrived, I started slowly and with the help of great family and friends, and Instagram I launched my business. I love being a part of making my customers’ events and gifts extra special with customized and personalized touches. Today, it’s been a year and a half, and I have been lucky to be a part of so many beautiful moments in people’s lives. I am enjoying the ride and excited to keep growing!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This journey has been a roller coaster! The first challenge was learning how to operate a laser. This part is very technical and precise. I feel that this is where my math and analytical skills were very useful. I took a course on this and learned so much. I cannot say enough about how helpful the laser engraving community is!
I joined many groups on social media and there was always someone willing to help work through questions and issues I would run into. The next challenge was learning the different materials. I work with wood, acrylic, tumblers, leather, glass and each of these has a totally different setup. Early on I ruined so many items! It really hurt to invest in material and make a mistake (especially ruining expensive YETIs!).
There was a time my machine caught fire working with wood and it brought me to tears thinking I would never figure this out. With lots of persistence and determination – and encouragement from my family and friends- I kept trying and eventually got the hang of it! Now those growing pains are in the rearview mirror and I am much more confident. Practice has been my best teacher! It’s much smoother now.
We’ve been impressed with Marked by Ceci, Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in personalized and customized laser-engraved products. I work with many different materials from tumblers and water bottles to wood and acrylic. I love being able to make that special personalized detail for someone’s event or gift that gives it the extra touch!
I work with my customers to bring their vision to life. It can be something small like a tag for a place card a cake topper or a huge welcome sign for a wedding. I have made tumblers and water bottles for sports teams and schools as well as fishing and golf tournaments and bachelorette parties.
Cutting boards are popular for housewarming and engagement gifts. Everyone comes to me for happy things and I enjoy the ride with them. From single-item orders to large corporate orders, I love creating custom work to mark these special occasions.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Starting a business is a mix of exciting and completely intimidating! The hardest part for me is to have patience with the process. I am a perfectionist at heart and I am my harshest critic but I constantly remind myself that learning a new business takes time.
As long as I am constantly learning and growing I am moving in the right direction, so I am always trying to learn more to improve my craft. Having support from my family and friends has been key to being able to go on this journey. I also cannot say enough about how helpful the mentors in the laser world have been, there is a strong feeling of support rather than competition. Find your tribe of cheerleaders who want you to succeed!
The advice I would give is that it won’t be easy but it will be worth it. I have questioned and doubted myself so many times, putting myself out there was scary! I have learned so much from the hard times and there have been so many positive experiences! It has taken courage but the hardest part was just jumping in and getting started.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @markedbyceci
