Meet Marci Musilli | Billing Coordinator & Crafter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marci Musilli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marci, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I firmly believe that I was meant to be a business owner. The dream is to run a business where I generate money and not earn it from working under an employer.

During COVID, I picked up on crocheting. It was therapeutic to me and was a great way to distract my mind. I started out by crocheting simple things like cozies, coasters, and beanies. As I progressed, I started getting praise and remarks about purchasing my work or to sell it at shows. This drove my desire to become a business owner even stronger.

Closer to the holiday season in 2022, I received my first commission. A work friend requested I crochet a bun beanie for them to gift to their family member. I was extremely ecstatic. Instantly, I got to work. Ensured that the stitches were even, the tension is consistent, and that the end result was fulfilling. The customer loved the product which in turn made me happy. After this, I started gaining more confidence in my crocheting and learned how to make amigurumi (plushies). Creating characters from anime, video games, or creating cutesy things in amigurumi increased a lot of interest from friends of friends. With that, the idea of becoming a craft/artist vendor formed.

My wife and I are anime enthusiasts. We attend to anime conventions and comic cons. It’s always such an amazing experience to be in cosplay and immerse into a community that respects each other’s interests. I love shopping in the artist alley. Every time I interacted with an artist, it was inspiring. Listening to how they started and got to where they are now, seeing improvement, and seeing how passionate they are about their work. It pushed me further and further to actually pursuing that goal. And thus, Alley Kit’s was originated.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Alley Kit’s isn’t just specialized in one craft. Crocheting and Hand-made accessories are the main craft. But we allow ourselves to expand our craft in other things. For instance, right now I’m crafting with perler beads and making inventory for upcoming shows. Kit is drawing and will be creating prints and stickers. This is where we stand by the name Alley Kit’s. Alley, like an artist alley, you never know what you’re going to see.

Our first craft show in April of last year at Birchwood Mall. Our assigned spot was way in the back and kind of hidden in a corner. We were concerned that we weren’t going to be able to draw attention to our booth. Regardless, our friends and family came. They showed up to support and encourage us. Eventually other attendees started browsing our work and most left with purchasing something. After this first experience, Kit and I wanted to do more shows.

We did a few more craft shows and some were hit and miss. It’s hard to determine the demographic with an event that’s broad. Eventually, we came across an application for a new small anime convention near us. This was something we wanted and thought since we’re starting out, let’s just try and apply. Alley Kit’s was accepted and it was a great experience! I never thought I would be the person behind the table selling my own work. Even though it was a small event, it was extremely impressionable to us. This led to more opportunities for Alley Kit’s. Instead of craft shows, we applied to more conventions and eventually had the opportunity to be an artist at Otaku U. It was so nice to meet and interact with cosplayers, other artists, and attendees. Everyone was extremely kind and supportive. Every compliment gave us a smile every time.

There were definitely challenges throughout our journey. In the beginning we didn’t know what we should bring, how our set up should look like, and what product to make. We improved by taking notes and observing other tables. Receiving and following through feedback. Then applying it to our business. We are still improving and adding more to our set up but we’re confident that we’ll get to where we want to be. Frustrations and tireless nights were all worth it for the end result, seeing others react towards our work and providing their support. You cannot see your goal as a race. It’s a marathon. You can’t expect perfection if you don’t experience mistakes. You can’t let the negative delude you of your passion.

Currently, 2024, Alley Kit’s will be vendoring at 3 upcoming anime conventions and more to come. One of which is a bigger name convention; JAFAX. I never thought we’d come this far this fast. It feels as if we’ve been doing this for years. Alley Kit’s hasn’t been established for a year. Never give up. You can absolutely create anything. Don’t feel that you have to limit yourself to one craft. You never know, there could be something else you’re even better at.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh wow there’s a lot of places that I love going to. But some of the ones I’ll definitely take them to is Partridge Creek. They have bubble tea, a Korean store called Overrated K Beauty, and a store that hosts various crafters products. All handmade!

Round1 is an absolute must. It’s an arcade that also features bowling, darts, billiards, and private karaoke rooms. They also have a bar for the 21+ there are mixture of classic arcade games, Japanese rhythm games, and Japanese claw machines. My wife and I always leave with something!

Another place I would take them to would be the aquarium. I personally love aquatics and the Sea Life Aquarium at Great Lakes Crossing has beautiful sea creatures. It’s pretty expansive for it being in a mall as well so it’s not too short of a time.

Kura sushi is my go to when I want to bring someone who has never been to a sushi conveyer belt restaurant. It’s an enjoyable dining experience. A robot serves you beverages, you grab your own plate of sushi off the conveyer belt, and there’s a gacha machine that automatically gives you a prize every 15 plates you eat. Sometimes they have themed anime events. In the past they have done Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen.

There are so many more that I could go on about but those are my personal top favorite places to go to.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I couldn’t be where I am without the support of my wife, family, and friends. A big shoutout to my wife, Katie, who co-runs Alley Kit’s alongside me. She as well creates jewelry that are quirky. Katie’s nickname is Kit which is where part of the name Alley Kit’s derived from. Shoutout to my mom for her support and encouragement. She genuinely believes in us and always attends to our shows every time she could. My family, with their support of attending our shows and purchasing from us. Ari, our amazing accountant and helpful hand. Friends, with their love, support, and encouragement, thank you with all my heart. Ellie, our CEO cat and the face of Alley Kit’s.

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