In 2019 you can find all types of products made by people of color. Black owned companies are becoming more and more widespread. However, even with black owned companies on the rise, there are still products that don’t have a black name behind them. Charlotte Nelson came up with the idea to create a black owned school supply and crayon company when she noticed there weren’t any.

Charlotte has always loved crayons and the infinite array of hues that can be created. She was shocked upon learning that there were no blacked owned crayon companies. Something had to be done. She came up with the idea to create her own company. Instantly, the thought came across her mind to make homemade crayons. Unfortunately, she found out that making crayons was not easy. Charlotte realized that she would have to use a manufacturer. She made sure she found a manufacturer that matched her vision. A crayon company that is based in Baltimore and owned by a black woman is phenomenal and unmatched. Charlotte wanted to make sure her company, Charlotte’s Creative Corner reflected that.

Since Charlotte enjoys bright colors, her crayons had to be bright and unique. The crayons, which are called Hue Sticks, are all tested by Charlotte and given a unique name like “Good Jeans”. Occasionally, family members would help come up with names for the Hue Sticks. “Paste” was named by her sister, and “Duuunez” (like sand dunes) was named by her son. Those names will surely have you curious and wondering what the colors look like. What also makes the crayons unique is the big smiley face on the top of them. The smiley faces greet you with happiness as you open the box. This is how you know you are using the one of a kind Hue Stick from Charlotte’s Creative Corner. Not only does the school supply company sell crayons, but you can also find Stikky Stix, colored pencils, calculators and many other supplies.

If you thought Charlotte only made school supplies, then you are mistaken. There is no limit to her creativity. She sews pillows and makes hand painted vases. She also redesigns sign language symbols making them look more feminine. On her bookshelf at work sits a small teddy bear with a fur coat that she made out of vegan leather. Her Stikky Stix features her own artwork as well as the Charlotte Creative Corner logo.

Along with using her talent to create crayons, Charlotte also brings art programs to kids with her Open Art Initiative. This free program is a fun art experience for young artists. Local artists are hired and snacks are provided. Kids are able to meet different types of entrepreneurs and learn what it’s like to be in that profession. There is a female DJ who will talk about the equipment used, teach kids how to spin and practice being a DJ. There is also a man who is developing his own TV network, a fashion guru and plenty of other talented people who are willing to teach the kids who attend. This event is great for kids who are creative and have curious minds.

Charlotte has a son who is her complete opposite. He loves math and shows no interest in art. Her son named one of her Hue Stick colors. He supports his mom, would but rather spend time solving math equations than playing with different color art supplies. They have a good relationship and talk regularly to make sure both are in a good head space. The most support comes from her sister, who is a baker, and her mom to whom she credits her creativeness.

In about 5 years Charlotte would like Charlotte’s Creative Corner to be a household name. She wants her company to be a staple in Baltimore as well as across the globe. The goal is to have her Hue Sticks in most homes and schools like Crayola. Charlotte looks forward to seeing her art events being attended by hundreds of kids and bringing art education to different communities.

To get plugged in with Charlotte and be part of her creative corner add her on Instagram and on Big Cartel as “Charlottes Creative Corner”. If you would like to donate, her cash app is $Creativecoins.