We had the good fortune of connecting with Eli Kraftowitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eli, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote is one I have printed and hung by my front door: ‘The Man in the Arena’ by Theodore Roosevelt. It’s a reminder that it’s not the critic who matters… it’s the person who shows up, gets knocked down, and keeps fighting regardless of all the doubtful people.

I’ve been doubted. I’ve doubted myself. I was bullied as a kid, and that taught me early how cruel people, and my own mind, could be. But I also learned that failure is a part of success. If I don’t stand back up, if I don’t keep fighting, I’ll always wonder what could’ve been.

At the end of last year, I was in a dark place, deep in addiction and stuck in the belief that I’d already lost before I even started. But a month into getting clean, I created KraftysKritters, and something shifted. I wasn’t just making content, I was building something meaningful. I built a loving and compassionate community. I found purpose. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was in the arena.

I still fall short sometimes. I still fail. But I get back up, every single time. Because I’d rather be marred by dust and blood, showing up for something I believe in, than hiding in the shadows with the ‘cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.’ KraftysKritters didn’t just help me get sober… It gave me something to fight for, and I will keep on fighting, no matter what!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art has always come from a place of chaos… sometimes joyful, sometimes painful, but always real. KraftysKritters started as a creative outlet during a time when I was fighting for my life, literally. I was newly sober, struggling to find purpose, and was coming out (possibly was still in) the worst manic episode I’ve ever had. But I had this deep love for reptiles and this weird, relentless creativity that refused to die, even at my lowest. So I poured it all into building something that felt alive: art, animals, and authenticity.

Truthfully I have to shout out one of my teachers. Because if it wasn’t for her, I never would have created KraftysKritters. In the very beginning of the semester, she told us that our final project was to do something that we had always wanted to do, but never gave ourselves the time to do it. We had to commit at least four hours a week doing this thing, we never gave ourselves the opportunity to do. Then at the end of the semester we had to share our progress and our process in doing this assignment. I chose to start a YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok all about sharing my animals and my experience building enclosures. Surprisingly enough, it blew up so incredibly fast. So she is one of the main reasons that KraftysKritters exists today!

What sets me apart is that none of this is for show. I am honest, vulnerable, and transparent with every single member of the Kritter Crew. Even the recent time I had a one night relapse. I also created Kritter cards. It’s not something you can buy, but it’s A way to reward people for being positive and encouraging members to the community. Every Kritter card, every tank I build, every piece of merch or content I put out is built with intention. I’m not trying to be perfect. I’m trying to be real. And people connect with that.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve faced addiction, mental health struggles, financial stress, and plenty of people telling me I couldn’t do it. But what I’ve learned is this: if you wait until you’re “ready,” you’ll never start. I wasn’t ready when I launched KraftysKritters. I was scared, unsure, and still healing. But with a nudge out the door from my teacher, I showed up anyway. And every time I failed, I used it as a lesson, not a full stop.

Today, I’m proud of the community I’ve built; the Kritter Crew. I’m proud that I’ve created a space where people can learn, laugh, and feel like they belong and feel safe being open and honest. I’m proud that I’ve stayed clean and sober, besides a very quick relapse, and that this brand has helped save my life.

What I want the world to know is this: you don’t have to have it all figured out to start. You just have to care enough to begin. You just have to believe that there is a PART of you that CAN do it. You are the only person stoping you. My story is proof that even if you’re scared, you can still build something beautiful. You can still change your life.

Krafty’s Kritters isn’t just a brand. It’s my heart, my art, it’s my passion… its my chance to share my story with the world, and enourage others to chase their dreams.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have friends all over the country, because fun fact, I’ve been to 49 of 50 states, with Alaska being the last! So friends always come visit me. My typical itinerary is off Roading at heart attack hill in Kelly flats for some BEAUTIFUL outdoor fun with some camping and fishing. Then we always do Beau Jo’s in Idaho springs (I personally think that ones better than the Arvada one). We also do a nice walk down pearl street in Boulder to enjoy a little shopping with views of mountains. And then of course, ALWAYS do a red rocks show. I can say I’ve easily been to over 200 shows at red rocks! So a little bit of everything, but there is definitely something for everyone out here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The person, or people, that deserve the biggest shoutout is my Mom and Dad. Their unwavering support for me, regardless of all my “failures” has helped me be the man I am today. Without them who knows where I’d be. They have had my back through all the rough times, all of my relapses, all of my mental disorders, and I genuinely cannot express in words my gratitude for them. Ever since I was a child they inspired me to chase my dreams, be whoever I want, and not once judged me… even when I doubted and judged myself. Thank you mom and dad, I love you, more than words can describe!

Website: https://Www.kraftyskritters.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kraftyskritters?igsh=NmhyN3F4dWQ1emti&utm_source=qr

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