Google tools make it easy for someone like me, who is busy juggling so many things. I have all my resources right there.
Kathy Cano-Murillo
Founder
Kathy Cano-Murillo describes her Crafty Chica website as “a world of Latina DIY, including crafts, recipes, home decor, travel, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.” Since launching in 2001, Kathy’s blog, website, and social media profiles have helped grow her brand into a full-time business, attracting book deals, speaking engagements, partnerships, and sponsorships. She’s even hosted craft-themed camps and cruises where she can “inspire others to bring out their inner sparkle—and to see the sparkle in others.” Business really began booming during the COVID-19 pandemic, where people at home were searching for fun crafting projects. “My traffic went crazy, because people wanted to find ways to save money and still be creative,” Kathy says. Google tools help her stay organized and maintain that increase in business.
Google Workspace, including Google Docs and Slides, let Kathy create and share presentations with business partners. And Google Ad Manager helps her deliver and manage ads on her blog. “You can make thousands of dollars a month with a blog, if you dedicate time to it,” she notes. “It's great passive income.” Google Analytics helps her learn where her audience comes from, what posts they’re viewing, and how long they stay. “This helps me craft landing pages and more posts about what interests them,” she says. For example, a post on “things to dip in chocolate” really hit users’ sweet spot, so Kathy created more content around that tasty topic. She pays it forward by inspiring and advising younger creators: “I’m excited to share my experiences, to motivate them to do what they love to do.” Next up: launching her own giftware line. “I am a fourth-generation Mexican American honoring my ancestors’ traditions of sewing, building, and creating,” says Kathy. “I am living their wildest dreams.”