Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a single working mom who needed a creative outlet. To fill that need, I began working with leather and other textiles. My materials of choice are blanket-weight wool and waxed canvas. I use these to create one-of-a-kind totes, purses, jewelry, accessories, and pet items.
How did I get started in art and my business?
I’ve always been creative. If you were looking for me in high school, you’d find me in the art department. I graduated from college with a degree in Interior Design and worked in that field for many years. But as life happens, things get busy and priorities shift. I found myself missing art and the creative process. That’s how Stitch & Hammer Studio was born.
What made me take the leap into being my own boss?
The leap into selling my own goods really came out of necessity. A few years ago, I unexpectedly became a single mom and needed additional income. That motivated me to start my own business and begin selling my creations. It may not be the most glamorous start-up story—but it’s honest and real.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?
My favorite moment was recently being recognized by a regional magazine as an up-and-coming entrepreneur and artist. That recognition meant a lot to me because, the year before, I had overcome some major life challenges. It felt incredibly rewarding.
Have I had any major failures? If so, what important insights did I gain?
I’ve had plenty of failures while running my business—product design missteps, paperwork and filing mistakes, and accounting errors. One of the biggest challenges was having my e-commerce site shut down right before the holiday season due to an error that was out of my control. I had to quickly pivot, find another platform, and hire affordable help. I’ve learned that failure is part of the process—and without it, it’s hard to fully appreciate success.
What is the last thing you worked on?
I rarely make things for myself, but a beautiful wool remnant came in and I decided to make a tote bag just for me. When I receive wool remnants from a local mill, I never know exactly what I’ll get—but I fell in love with one of the pieces. That’s one of the perks of being the maker!
What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?
I’ll be bringing my handcrafted tote bags, purses, and makeup bags. Each piece is handmade by me using leather, wool, and waxed canvas. I love working with vibrant wool patterns sourced from mills in the U.S. I’ll also have handmade belts, jewelry, and hair accessories. And you just might find a few toys for your four-legged friends as well!
