WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
Fire Protection Engineer by day, Mom and insane crafter by night. I am originally from Massachusetts but have been down in the CSRA for 6.5 years now. I came down to work at Plant Vogtle in Engineering. Crafting and creating to me is relaxing and an outlet from the day to day grind. I’ve always found a passion with it, but really love to make new and unique things to bring joy to other people. I have a loving and very supportive husband who always encourages impulse buys or a new toy and three kids aged 8, 7, and 5 with a newborn on the way!

DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.
The process isn’t too complicated for most things. Earrings I like to see what’s different and quirky out there. I design all of my files in Inkscape or Illustrator and then test cut and engrave them on the laser engraver. Once they’re perfected I hand paint them and apply any hardware. Then I take product photos and list them up on the shop.  Hats are a similar process – design, test, apply to the hat via a hat press and voila!  The decor is a little more time consuming. A lot of that is photo editing to ensure a clean engrave of the item. The laser map files are designed and cut into layers. My husband sands, stains, paints and assembles.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My children. This is a family run business so they help with ideas, packaging, and give LOTS of feedback. It’s helping them create an entrepreneurial spirit as well. Not to mention, if you have a dream go for it!  As far as item creation, I like to walk around stores and browse online to see what’s trending and popular and put my own spin on things. I find a lot of joy in seeing people’s faces light up when they purchase or obtain a handmade product from me.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
I danced ballet for ten years! I am also a great shot with a compound bow and arrow.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.
The people. Everyone has a story. There is a lot of misconception about the area but really the people are what make it. One thing I love about these vendor shows is hearing about other people’s stories.

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
It’s zen time for me. Breaks up the monotony of day to day life and allows me to put my energy into something that brings other people happiness. Whether it’s giving a gift to someone else or finding the perfect accent to their home or outfit.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
Don’t be afraid to take breaks! Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with creating the next big thing we forget to take time for ourselves. Burn out is a real thing!