For a kindergartener, getting "a little scissor happy" usually means cleaning up a big mess. But for Elon junior Ashley Haddy, it means relaxation, friendship and the name of her new business, "Scizzor Happy," the newest addition to Elon's Community Church farmers' market.
Haddy began crafting on her own starting in the eighth grade but has been surrounded by scrapbooking and creative keepsakes for as long as she can remember. Her aunt is a graphic designer, and all the women in her family have every birthday, holiday and family reunion preserved in paper memory.
Haddy decided to take her own spin on scrapbooking, using pictures and decorative paper to embellish journals and other personalized gifts for her friends.
She uses different mediums such as colorful paper, stickers, decals and punched letters to create personalized planners, corkboards, picture frames and composition notebooks. Haddy also began a line of Elon Phoenix jewelry during the summer.
But as an entrepreneurship major, Haddy wanted to combine her love for crafting with the experience of being a small business owner.
"Why not see how business works on a small scale with something I'm passionate about?" Haddy said.
After one month, Haddy has learned that running a small business is no easy task.
"You have to know your customers really well, cater to them and learn to use marketing skills like Twitter and other social media," she said.
But after just three weeks, Haddy has gained more than just great business experience. Having a table at the farmers market has allowed her to get to know the unique skills and artistry of many members of the Elon community. Meeting locals and Elon students who visit the market has given her what she calls "a creative, relaxing outlet."
The farmers market, which is held every Thursday from 3-6 p.m. through October, is located on a small plot of land next to the Elon Community Church. And while it is not far outside the realm of what university students call "the Elon bubble," it provides a great opportunity to appreciate and support the town's local taste and talent.
In the future, Haddy plans to start her own hobby and crafting store, with hopes of it growing to a franchise one day. But for now, she'll be at the corner of North Williamson and West College Avenues, an Elon student, artist and member of the greater community.