At Los Angeles Comic Con 2024, I had the pleasure of interviewing Faheema Chaudhury, the creative force behind Unicorn Crafts. This whimsical and heartwarming brand transforms illustrations into wearable art and charming keepsakes. From her booth in Artist Alley, Faheema shared her journey as a small business owner, the inspirations behind her unique creations, and valuable advice for aspiring artists.
I first met Faheema through a mutual friend who was already a fan of her work. When I saw her unique pins, I was hooked and immediately bought one. This time, at Los Angeles Comic Con, I couldn’t resist adding two more to my collection. There’s something about the style and subtlety of her designs that really draws me in. Her pieces are a perfect balance of fandom love and artistic originality.
From Grief to Growth, Finding Joy in Creation
Faheema’s journey into the world of Unicorn Crafts began with an emotional story that shaped her creative process. After the loss of her mother, she found solace in creating art, turning her grief into a positive outlet.
“I always say it’s a sad story with a happy ending. I used Unicorn Crafts as a way to deal with how my mom passed away. I channeled all that grief into art, and without realizing it, I created a small business that has flourished ever since.”
Her website further details this story, explaining how what began as a simple shrinky dink jewelry brand has blossomed into an entire creative enterprise. Today, Faheema’s work ranges from earrings and enamel pins to stationary and keychains. Each piece she creates is colorful and heartfelt, honoring the little girl who still lives inside her heart. Recently, she has begun exploring her Bangladeshi culture for inspiration, bringing new life to her personal style and artwork.
A Local Love for LA Comic Con
2024 marked Faheema’s second year, showcasing her work at Los Angeles Comic Con. While it may not be her busiest show, she enjoys the local connections she can make:
“It’s always lovely to be in my backyard. I do a lot of shows in Orange County and travel for other events, but it’s nice to meet people from the area. Plus, it’s great that I can drive home and sleep in my bed at the end of the day.”
This local connection allows Faheema to engage with fans and customers who live nearby, further grounding her work in a community she cares deeply about.
Finding Inspiration in the Unseen
Regarding her favorite fandoms, Faheema describes herself as a “Disney girl” through and through, but with a unique twist. Instead of focusing on main characters like Disney princesses, she turns her attention to the background characters that often go unnoticed.
“I love focusing on the secondary and tertiary characters. For example, in Alice in Wonderland, I don’t do Alice or Cheshire Cat, but you’ll see me focus on the pencil bird or the bread-and-butterfly. It’s those little, if-you-know-you-know moments that resonate with people.”
This approach allows her art to stand out, especially for fans who appreciate the hidden gems in their favorite stories. As someone who now owns multiple pieces from her collection, I can attest to how her work combines fandom with thoughtful artistry. Each piece feels like a delightful discovery.
Advice for Aspiring Creators:
Creativity and Community
As a successful artist and small business owner, Faheema had some thoughtful advice for those just starting out, emphasizing both the practical and the personal sides of the creative journey.
First, she stresses the importance of handling the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a business—something many artists overlook in the early stages.
“Register your business, especially when it comes to taxes. The tax man will always come for you, so it’s better to be prepared!”
Beyond the logistical side, Faheema encourages artists to find space to disconnect and recharge their creativity. Reconnecting with nature or exploring new environments plays a crucial role in keeping her inspiration alive.
“Getting out in nature or even visiting museums helps me when I feel overwhelmed. I also love having a trusted group of artist friends to bounce ideas off. It’s important to have people around you who let you be authentic and creative.”
This blend of community, self-care, and practical business management is vital to her success, and something she hopes will help others on their artistic journeys. Having had multiple interactions with Faheema, I’ve seen firsthand how supportive she is of other artists—always open to sharing ideas and lifting others up in their creative pursuits.
Where to Find Unicorn Crafts
For those looking to bring a little bit of Faheema’s creativity into their lives, Unicorn Crafts offers an array of unique items. You can find her work online at unicorncraftsart.com, and she also sells wholesale through Fair.
Be sure to follow her on social media to stay updated on her latest designs:
•Instagram: @unicorncrafts. •TikTok: @unicorncrafts_