OLAF GROWALD
Cecilia Navarro is used to living life at a fast pace. A native New Yorker raised in the Bronx, she first cut her teeth as a court reporter, transcribing trials and even working in the infamous Rikers Island.
But she craved a slower life, so she moved to Texas, settling in Dallas first before migrating west to Fort Worth.
Starting her own business, however, was never part of the plan. The opportunity seemingly fell onto her lap after she made a dreamcatcher for her daughter. The finished piece caught the attention of folks wanting to order her work, so she started an Etsy store and began selling at pop-ups around DFW.
It wasn’t until she found herself at the Acoustic Solstice event on Race Street that she began toying around with the idea of setting up shop in the burgeoning district.
“I was able to take a step back and think to myself, ‘I know that I’m not ready to do something like this, but in a street that’s also growing, there’s a chance that I could,’” she says. “My intuition was right.”
She opened Creatively Beaut Goods on Race Street at the most inconvenient time — March 2020 — closing in the same month she opened, thanks to COVID-19. But her customers came through, still making purchases and ordering custom pieces, which allowed her to reopen in a new space on the ground floor of The Union at River East apartment complex.
She’s stayed open since, selling handmade macramé and jewelry alongside boho-inspired goods by fellow artisans. She also shares the space with Amy Garcia of Ohm Made Creations, who carries a good stock of essential oils and crystals that fit right in with Navarro’s aesthetic.
Looking back, Navarro says she doesn’t regret leaving New York. She’s loved being a part of Race Street, living the slower-paced life she had so long desired, even though she’s still getting used to it.
“I’m still working on slowing down,” she says, “but it’s what I love. I can’t believe how much of the fast-paced lifestyle is engraved in me. I’m just breaking down those layers and learning from my neighbors in Fort Worth to let things flow, be more calm, and take things day by day. It’s my favorite thing about Fort Worth.”
DIY TASSEL EARRINGS
OLAF GROWALD
What you’ll need:
- Flat-nose plier
- Round-nose plier
- Wire cutter
- 22- or 24-gauge wire
- Macramé cord or any kind of cord to create tassel
- Jump ring
- Ear wire
- Comb
- Scissors
OLAF GROWALD
1. Using about 3 to 4 inches of cord, pass it through the jump ring with the help of your round-nose plier.
2. Fold the cord evenly with the jump ring on top.
OLAF GROWALD
3. Hold the tip of the wire in place with your flat-nose plier close to the top of the cord and start wrapping it around about four to five times.
4. Snip off the remainder of the wire with your wire cutter.
5. Open up the ear wire with your pliers. Connect the jump ring, then close the ear wire.
OLAF GROWALD
6. Comb your tassel, give it a trim for an even look at the ends, and enjoy.
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Creatively Beaut Goods also serves as an event space for creative workshops.
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A hard work ethic is what got Cecilia where she is today.
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Recording a dream catcher tutorial for Yelp.
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Cecilia is a big fan of vintage clothing.
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Hosting a crystal wire wrapping workshop.
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Cleaning a chicken coop out by Eagle Mountain Lake. She loves living the “campo” (that is, “country”) life.
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Sneaking in some self-care between work.
