Conversations with Neighbours - Cristiana - November Cover Feature

Please meet this month's cover feature, Cristiana Fard!If you’ve ever come across the name Cute as a Button Girl, chances are you’ve already smiled before even seeing the products. Behind the pink, bow-topped logo and the adorable brand name is Cristiana, a young entrepreneur who’s been known around Newmarket, and the surrounding area, as the “Cute Button Girl.”At just 6 years old, Cristiana had a big idea and an even bigger creative spark. In 2019, after spending a little too much time “pushing her parents’ buttons,” she asked if she could start making her own — literally. With support from her parents, she got her first button-making machine and began creating custom designs for friends. What began as a fun hobby soon blossomed into a growing small business. Cristiana’s signature logo — featuring her silhouette, pink palette, and signature hair bow — was her own concept, brought to life with help from her mom’s design skills. “Pink has always been my favourite colour,” she says, “and I loved wearing bows and big glasses at the time!”Today, Cute as a Button Girl is proudly run by Cristiana and her mom, Monica, a talented graphic designer. Together, they design and handcraft custom buttons, magnets, charms, zipper pulls, keychains, and even pocket mirrors, bottle openers, and jewelry. Their items can now be found in stores across Canada and the U.S., as well as online through Etsy and Faire.Her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2022, Cristiana was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pin in Newmarket, and the following year, she was recognized by Mazda Canada through their “Rising Legends” campaign. She’s also received a “Next Gen” award from the Open for Business Hub in Brampton and was featured by Hire and Fire Your Kids.Proudly shouting #NWMRKTPROUD, Cristiana and her mom love collaborating with local organizations, including partnering with the Newmarket Food Pantry and Newmarket’s own Rebecca and Joanne (the NWMRKTPROUD team). One of their favourite collaborations to date? A special series with Upper Canada Mall.From her small studio to the shelves of stores across North America, Cristiana continues to make her mark — one cute button at a time.Follow her journey on social media at @cutebuttongirl and shop online at cutebuttongirl.etsy.com. Readers can enjoy 25% off a $20 Etsy order with the code NEIGHBOURMEDIA at checkout. #GoodNeighbourA BIG Neighbour thank you to our November Cover Feature 💛👏💫