Cassini Closet is a team of two artists that work to sell a wide range of things. Someone taking a look at their Etsy store would find things such as fluffy paws, tails, fur suits and the occasional plushie. Hailing from Utah they have been to several conventions to sell these. And they have always had a lot of success with their products. So much so they even branch out into doing commissions occasionally.

“During high school, I was fond of the arts, and I really enjoyed arts and crafts,” Cassini Ineubony, one of two owners of Cassini Closet said. “After graduation I continued that passion and got more involved in cosplay, and it went on from there making mascot-like cosplay costumes, and plushies for props. Almost a decade later, my lifetime friend and partner, NerdyHippy, moved out to Utah and has helped me greatly to make it a two-person operation. And now we go to vend at tables/booths as a small artist and manage an Etsy store.” 

Ineubony has learned many things from running her business. From how to deal with difficult orders, to working around an array of challenges that can arise from running her Etsy store.

“Though we narrow down our scope of clientele, every once in a while we will end up coming across challenging orders or ‘interesting’ people, she said. “Sometimes we have to consult with minors or children about what they want for their order, or we have to discuss details such as fabric choices, and colors with those who aren’t savvy with fabric or sewing at all. Other times some individuals will have a limited vocabulary, and it’s difficult for them to express what they want. Other times we have to talk with the parents who are ordering for their child and the parents don’t quite understand but are supportive. So we end up coming across a variety of different challenges in regard to clients.” 

Other challenges can come up such as dealing with shipping, said Ineubony. “We have had a good record so far. However, we have had one to two packages go MIA, or travel across the country, way off course until they arrive at their destination. The stress of this being out of our hands can be nail-biting.”

Through their business, they’ve also learned to make a wide variety of different things through trial and error and many challenges. Or even when they see an item is asked to be made so many times, they see that as an opportunity to make it a permanent listing so many people can order it.

“There was one plushie I spent an entire month dedicated to making, Ineubony said. “It had countless details and three to four different types of fabric. It was of Final Fantasy X’s Bahamut in a chibi form. However challenging, it was still very satisfactory when finished. Especially when we can please the individual who ordered it. In terms of easiest, everything’s got its complexities. However, when things can be streamlined, or finding tricks or materials that can have it be made faster, can make it easier. So far we have a solid grasp and streamlined our progress of making imp/demon tails, Pipe Foxes that are a small soft toy, and 4-digit paws.” 

When asked about any advice they might have for people who wanted to get into the business themselves, Cassini had this to say.

Ineubony said she has advice for people who want to get into the business themselves.

“With lessons learned, you have to be flexible. And you have to find patience where there is none. Invest in tools that will make tasks easier. As they say, ‘work smarter, not harder.’ Never quit learning. Always brush up on new techniques and new fads.”

Always be searching for when materials go on sale, and where you can find them to recycle or repurpose remnants, she said. “What I mean by this is you will always end up buying plenty in bulk, but end up with scraps or remnants, and you’ll have to find a new project to make use of it or find ways to get rid of it rather than throwing it away.”