Lynn Mulvy, owner of Zaydah Creations, understands that it takes a village. Her business may be new, but the connection she has with her community is deep.

Mulvy says the best part about her job isn’t the crafts or the creations, but instead the heartfelt interactions she has with her customers.

Take, for example, the elderly woman looking for a headstone for her grandchild’s grave. “I had never made a headstone before, but I couldn’t say no. I couldn’t even bring myself to charge her,” Mulvy said. “When she came to pick it up, we were all crying. I was crying, she was crying, my mother in law was crying.”

Or the homeless folks she gives food and hot drinks to. “It doesn’t matter if they don’t buy something, it’s about making people feel seen and welcomed,” she said. “You may be homeless, but you’re still a human.”

Zaydah Creations at 2362 West Shore Rd, officially opened in October, but had been a project years in the making. Mulvy’s adopted daughter, Serenity Zaydah, was the one to come up with the idea, color scheme, and logo. Mulvy explains that they were always doing crafts at home, and she considers herself a crafty person, but owes the inspiration of her business to her daughter. At Zaydah Creations, Mulvy creates original designs and prints for shirts, water bottles, home décor, and more. She can even bring new life to clothing or furniture with personalized, custom decals and screen-printing. Gearing up for Black Friday this week, Mulvy says to expect some festive holiday surprises.

The building, a former pet supply store, looked remarkably different before Mulvy launched her vision. “People told me, ‘If you don’t have money, you can’t make money,’ but that’s not true.”

But life hasn’t been smooth sailing for Mulvy. In January, her husband suffered a stroke and has since undergone several brain surgeries. Then COVID hit, and the grand opening of her business had to be put on hold. Despite the setbacks, Mulvy is determined to keep moving forward. “It’s a dream come true. It’s coming together, whether I have to beg or borrow.” Laughing, she added, “But never steal!”

Mulvy wants to give back to the community that raised her. For the holiday season, she is collecting Toys for Tots, but her giving spirit doesn’t end there. Mulvy is also donating a percentage of proceeds to local organizations, like Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and nationwide organizations, like the United State Submarine Veterans.

“We’re a diamond in the rough,” Mulvy said. “But if we’re about the community, then let’s make it about the community.”

Zaydah’s Creations is open Sunday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2362 West Shore Rd. To get a quote for a customized design, visit www.zaydahcreations.com.