06/01/2026
For those who don't know me, hi, my name is Cassandra Hoefs, I started this business originally at the happiest time in my life almost 3 years ago it was Cassie's Chandelears... it was just something fun to do and create and supplement a little gap in my income, my late fiancé Casey encouraged and supported me and it was just so nice.
Then in 2024 he passed away of a sudden stroke at the age of 34 and my world shattered, I didn't see any light in making earrings or keychains or anything, I missed craft events I had signed up for previously and all my craft stuff went into storage not to be touched again. Being happy or building something without him felt wrong, I felt sad, guilty, and unmotivated to do anything that brought me peace and joy...
fast forward to a year ago when I started just making earings and ventured into keychains and simple car suncatchers I was in a better place but still depressed, missing him everyday but starting to find reasons to live again for him, for me I was in survival mode, but bored and sad with my everyday life of work and coming home to an empty bed... thus Cass' Handmade Horrors was created, and it was a smaller than small business for friends and family to try and support and make a little extra money at small fairs and farmers markets...
personal issues in 2025 lead me to deeper depression and pretty soon crafting all alone in my room was my safe haven, it was a distraction less than a business, crafting and creating jewelry was my escape, reality was too much to handle so I looked toward the glittering light of beads, and how the sun caught them and thus my more elaborate suncatchers were made and I felt a joy inside me but it still wasn't enough, mental health was in jeopardy.
I got into therapy in March of 2026, and still am to this day with plans to continue for a while, but anyway, I have found so much light and joy in not only crafting, in selling, in engaging with all of you at craft fairs, in seeing a legit business, I'll be it small yes, but its growing, more and more everyday, I have more ideas, I learn new techniques, I add more to my social media posts, and started a website... I am growing, I am healing and I think it shows in my art and in my smile when I talk about it at my craft fairs and to my support system ❤️
Crafting isn't just a hobby anymore, or a distraction from the bad parts of my life, it is legit my free time to turn off my brain and enjoy myself, and finally feel happy and proud at the final stages when I create new Horrors and I get to share them with the world... when I get to share both joy amd grief feelings together and feel him be proud of me... and imagine his amazing smile watching my suncatchers shine and sparkle in the light ✨️ thank you to everyone who supports me, who has bought something, liked my posts, taken a business card, or just talked to me about my pieces, it means so much to me and now maybe you know a little more as to why 🥰
I am no longer surviving in the dark, I am living in the light, I am living for everyone who loves and supports me, I am living for the love of my life who was taken too soon, Casey, and most importantly now, I am living for myself and the small moments of joy in life that I hold onto, hoping to make my small business a big part of my future 🥰
None of my creations are mass produced. They can never be made the exact same way even if replicated so every item you buy from me is 100% one-of-a-kind.
They're made by the hands of a very real woman, fuelled by creativity, stubbornness, and occasionally a bit of blood, sweat, and swear words.
I’m never fully satisfied with my work, but I am proud of it. Proud of the learning, the experimentation, the imperfections, and progress. ❤️
Thank you 💖
