Gheraldyne Turns Crochet and Scrapbooking into a Flourishing Business

Name of Business: Manos Mágicas
Nature of Business: Handmade Gifts - Crochet and Scrapbooking
Location: Capítulo Miraflores, Peru

Gheraldyne Lisbeth Saavedra Rucoba has always been in love with art and handmade creations. As an architect and English/music teacher, she was able to channel her creative spirit into crafting personalized gifts for friends and family. In July 2022, this passion became Manos Mágicas, a business dedicated to creating handmade treasures like albums, birthday cards, pop-up boxes, and more—customized to each client’s preferences.

Initially serving customers through Facebook and WhatsApp, Gheraldyne expanded her reach with the help of Instagram and TikTok. Her unique approach, combining crochet with scrapbooking, set her business apart in the competitive market of Piura. However, she faced challenges along the way, including slow business periods. Undeterred, she enrolled in the “Start Now!” Academy course in July 2023, which provided her with valuable insights into entrepreneurship.

Through the Academy’s training, Gheraldyne learned key principles like maintaining good records, paying herself fairly, and differentiating her business. These golden rules became the backbone of her business growth. “The Academy opened doors to other horizons and helped me see my business from new perspectives,” she explains.

Today, Manos Mágicas brings joy to customers in cities across Peru, including Lima, Tumbes, and Ayacucho. Gheraldyne also teaches workshops, hires extra help during busy seasons, and has even started selling scrapbooking materials wholesale. Looking ahead, she dreams of opening her own store to build a community around weaving and scrapbooking.

“I know with all my heart that we can achieve our goals by following the Lord’s guidance and being disciplined,” Gheraldyne shares. With faith and perseverance, she is turning her dream into reality.