Paula Pecora Cardi didn’t think that she would be able to combine her love for crafts and background in sales to turn it into something of a profitable business. But after a successful trip to a local Christmas festival last year, where she was able to show off some talent, Cardi has since been teaching those who lack artistic abilities how to make, style and design garden gnomes.
In less than a year, Cardi’s Custom Creations has collected corporate accounts, hosted private parties, taught virtual lessons on her Facebook page and thrown “gnome nights” at local restaurants and salons that mimic classic events such as wine-and-paint nights.
“It’s hilarious to see 20 women walk into a restaurant each holding a 4-foot-tall gnome,” said Cardi, who once worked in sales at Rhode Island Local and other local publications. “It’s not going to work like I was. It’s throwing a party.”
Customers from as far as Oklahoma and Florida are tuning into her videos and ordering gnome kits to make them their own while corporate events and social get-togethers remain off-limits.
Alexa Gagosz is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Gagosz@PBN.com.
