Daughter of Italian immigrants finds success with Crafty Kids

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The daughter of Italian immigrants, Adriana Giambanco, 36, grew up learning firsthand how hard work pays off.

“My dad was an artist in Palermo (Sicily). When he came here at 18 years old he realized he had to work," she said, noting that he launched his own business, an import/export custom brokerage.

“So I worked there until I became a full-time mom. I have been working since I’m 15 years old," added Giambanco.

In addition to a hard-work ethic, she said she quickly learned the value of money.

"My dad was just starting the business, so I had to help pay for my Sweet 16. You really value money that way... Nothing is given to you. You need to work hard to create what you want,” said Giambanco.

She quickly learned how to run a successful business.

The mother of a 7-year-old son and 4-year-old twin boys, Giambanco wanted to launch a business where she could be around for her kids, yet enjoy getting up each day to go to work.

INHERITED ARTISTIC TALENT

Having inherited her father’s artistic talents, she combined her business know-how with her penchant for artwork.

“When I was little my dad showed me how to draw and paint. One of his favorite things to draw was his kids. We would sit and pose for him,” said Giambanco.

She started renting out church basements to host “mommy and me” arts and crafts classes. After she developed a following of parents, she found a space with her husband, Vincenzo, and opened Crafty Kids on Main Street in Tottenville in September.

“This worked for me because I’m outgoing, creative and good with kids,” said Giambanco.

Crafty Kids offers various mommy and me classes, including those that test sensory abilities. She also offers Italian language classes taught by her mother and art sessions for children ages 4 and older. In addition, she brings in favorite characters, like Elmo and Mickey Mouse, to engage with children in class.

“Mommy and me was created so parents could be involved in what their the children are doing,” she said.

“When you show your child you’re involved, and you are there with them, it means more to them than we think. You get to watch your child grow and go on their educational journey with them. They will be in school without you for the rest of their lives,” added Giambanco.

CRAFT KIDS STATEN ISLAND AT A GLANCE

Address: 153 Main Street, Tottenville

Social Media:

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/craftykidssi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftykidssi/

New Businesses in Focus is a weekly column that relates the stories of new Staten Island businesses owners.

If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.

MORE NEW BUSINESSES IN FOCUS COLUMNS:

FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.