Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathlina Richburg.
Kathlina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started making macrame during the pandemic as a creative outlet for myself. After falling in love with it, I wanted to reach a larger audience and share my creations with the world. I also wanted to make a difference, the first product I launched was actually a BLM bracelet which included a donation to the cause. I wanted to do more after educating myself, being actively anti-racist, protesting, signing petitions, etc. but when I started my business I had limited funds, so launching this product helped me to donate to a cause I cared about. I expanded my business from there by adding a variety of new products, and it grew from there.
The name City Macramé came from combining two of my passions. My background is in Urban Planning, and I’ve always had a passion for art and design. I love to create pieces that are diverse, vibrant, and unique -just like my city life…and so, City Macramé was born.
As a single mother working full time, this business has been a huge blessing to help supplement my income while fitting in with my busy schedule. Before the pandemic hit, I worked full-time and then tutored kids in the evenings to make extra money on the side, but once COVID happened I didn’t have that extra money coming in – so I decided to take things into my own hands and open my own business.
I make macrame wall hangings, macrame keychains, macrame earrings, accessories, and more. All my items are made with love and care. I am a proud supporter of the BLM movement as well as an LGBTQ+ ally and I want my products to reflect that. BLM items include a donation because we can all do a little more good in this world.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’d like to see any business owner that says it’s been a smooth road and call their bluff. Owning a business is a literal rollercoaster of emotions. I have no background in business, just an entrepreneurial spirit so it has definitely been challenging navigating this on my own. It’s scary to make the jump, take a risk, and go outside your comfort zone but it’s worth it. I am determined to make my business successful no matter what obstacles and challenges I face. Honestly, the hardest thing for me is balancing social media/content creation to promote my business against what I actually want to do, which is the actual making of the products and working with my hands to create. Sometimes I feel like I am doing so much more content creation, website editing, product photos, etc. than actually making things. I’m still learning and that’s ok, it’s only been a little over a year. Mistakes just become lessons learned and that’s how I’ll keep improving.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make so many different macrame products, wall hangings, keychains, earrings, accessories, and more. All my items are made with love, care, and attention to detail.
I also love COLOR. There are a lot of macrame artists out there, but way too many neutral colors for my liking. What sets me apart is that my products are VIBRANT! I wouldn’t have it any other way. Color brings joy, influences your mood, evokes the senses. I want my products to do that too.
One of my favorite things was tie-dyeing my own cord. I created beautiful products from that hand-dyed cord. Each one is one of a kind because of the unique patterns and coloring of the tie-dye – you won’t find it anywhere else.
I’d say I specialize in custom orders. I love when people reach out to me for something very specific, unique color combos, etc. We work together and make their vision a reality.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Find my products at the Makers of Maryland retail location in White Marsh, MD for the holiday season Sept 18-December 2021. I also do at least one pop-up a month. You can also find my products online at citymacrame.com or etsy.com/shop/citymacrame and social media @citymacrame !
Contact Info:
- Email: city.studio.by.kat@gmail.com
- Website: etsy.com/shop/citymacrame
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citymacrame/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citymacrame/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@citymacrame?
