If you’ve ever wandered through a local New Orleans craft fair, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Katie — bright smile, sleeves rolled up, chatting with everyone who passes by. She’s the kind of person who remembers your story, laughs at your jokes, and somehow knows exactly what to create for you before you even finish describing it.
Katie’s journey began in 2013, when she opened her Etsy shop as Mrs. CraftyNOLA. At the time, it was just her, a few ideas, and a deep love for her city. Weekends were spent hauling burlap signs, posters, and custom designs to local craft fairs, meeting people from all walks of life, and finding inspiration in the everyday magic of New Orleans.
“I never set out to just sell things,” Katie says. “I wanted to share the feeling of this city — the music, the food, the laughter, the resilience. Everything here tells a story.”
One rainy afternoon, with water nearly two feet deep around her SUV, Katie found herself daydreaming of a crew paddling through the flooded streets — and just like that, the Kayak Crew was born. That moment of humor and creativity in the middle of chaos is exactly what makes her work so distinctly New Orleans.
Over time, Craft NOLA grew beyond the craft fair tables. Katie introduced the Bayou Krewe, a cast of original characters inspired by the animals and culture of Louisiana’s wetlands, each with their own story to tell. In 2018, a neighborhood-themed design went viral, putting Craft NOLA on the map for customers far beyond Louisiana.
Today, every product begins its journey here in New Orleans — designed and inspired by the culture, traditions, and everyday life of the city. Whether it’s a playful Bayou Krewe design, a nod to neighborhood pride, or a reimagined classic inspired by 300 years of history, Katie makes sure each piece carries a bit of the city’s soul.
But beyond the designs, Katie is most proud of the connections Craft NOLA has made. “I’ve met customers who’ve become friends, friends who’ve become like family,” she says. “It’s not just about selling — it’s about sharing who we are and keeping the spirit of New Orleans alive.”
So next time you browse Craft NOLA, know that behind every design is a little bit of rain-soaked adventure, a whole lot of heart, and one creative woman determined to keep the culture of her city alive — one piece at a time.