Hoboken’s Susan Goldman worked in the fashion industry for more than 25 years when she was furloughed from her job after the pandemic began. During those early lockdown days, she and her then 5-year-old daughter Jessie would keep themselves busy doing themed crafts. One day, they chose crayons and read the beloved picture book, The Day the Crayons Quit. The book inspired them to make their own. A few months later, Cre8ive Crayonz was born.
New Jersey Family: Once you had the idea to launch a business, how did you go about developing your own crayons?
Susan Goldman: I ordered four non-toxic crayon brands and tested melting them at different temperatures and for different amounts of time to ensure I produced the product I wanted to sell. I also needed to research packaging so that I could ensure minimal breakage when we mailed the crayons. We went to our place at the Jersey Shore on weekends and I would package boxes of crayons during the week in Hoboken and ship them to myself in Ventnor to see if anything broke.
NJF: What goes into making your custom crayons?
SG: We pick out the colors and then I peel and cut each crayon. I then place the individual pieces into the molds and bake them. Once cooled, Jessie pops them out of the molds and then I shave the back of each of crayon to get the wax build-up off and ensure they are ready to use for coloring.
NJF: What was the biggest challenge in launching your business?
SG: My biggest challenge is knowing when to turn off. I am production manager, marketing director, shipping manager, social media director, head of customer service and head of PR. You have to wear many hats but the one I am most proud of is being a mom and showing my daughter that you can do anything you put your mind to!
NJF: What do you love to do in Hoboken as a family?
SG: My daughter loves the playgrounds. My husband and I are foodies so we all love going to different restaurants. Our favorites include Panello, Augustino’s and Antique Bar & Bakery.
NJF: What will you be focusing on for the holidays?
SG: Our personalized name crayons with an additional shaped crayon and our space set are the most popular. We always come out with holiday-themed crayons for each of the major holidays and our Hanukkah and Christmas sets are also big sellers.
