Are you ready to meet some makerpreneurs? In this crafty new series from The Design Network sponsored by Michaels Craft Stores, follow the stories of six entrepreneurs who turned their passion for making into a profession. You’ll get an inside look at their studios, their projects, and pick up some helpful business tips along the way! They Made It and now you can find out how!
In our premiere episode, meet Lexi Petersen, a talented clay jewelry maker from Utah. She originally began her business making scarves and scrunchies on her grandmother’s sewing machine to pay for dental hygiene school. After experimenting with polymer clay, she shifted her focus and now creates unique earrings through her full-time business Indie Cords & Co.
Next up we have knitter and digital artist Faith Humphrey Hill. At a young age, Faith knew she wanted to be an artist and followed that passion all the way through high school and college. She honed her skills illustrating life through figure drawings, landscapes, and still life portraits. After picking up the knitting needle, Faith decided to incorporate both mediums into her unique artistic works. She now creates her captivating portraits through digital art and knitting for her business Dartily.
The third episode features Florida mixed media artist Lauren MacLeod. Lauren has always had a love for the ocean, which has lead to incorporating beach elements into her resin artwork. It also inspired her to name her business Mermaid Trash. Lauren even donates a portion of her proceeds to organizations that focus on ocean cleanup and conservation. What once started in her garage has now grown into a brick and mortar store where Lauren hopes to educate people about this relatively new medium using epoxy resin.
Iowa-based fiber artist Candice Luter never felt like she had a solid support system growing up to help her achieve her dreams when it came to art. Without an avenue available for her to express her creative side, she entered the corporate world. It wasn’t until she attended a local farmers market that Candice re-discovered her love for art and began upcycling furniture. This was the path that led her to start her company Candice Luter Art & Interiors. Through experimentation and developing her skills, Candice now concentrates on fiber art, wall hangings, and mirrors to create unique home accent pieces.
In the next episode we follow best friends and teachers Stephanie Osmundson and Loreal Hemenway. Over years of teaching, they developed a passion for creating beautiful and fun spaces that keep students entertained and inspired. They wanted to be able to provide resources to other teachers as well, which prompted the start of their business Happily Ever Elementary. Through their social platforms and the site Teachers Pay Teachers, they have been able to share their concepts and ideas with other teachers to create a collaborative community.
Last but certainly not least, meet Keenan Goldsmith. This New Orleans native decided to blend his passion for creative cocktails and his love of knitting to create his business The Knitting Bartender. Keenan was introduced to knitting at just 10 years old when his mother taught him the craft after learning it from her father. What once started as a hobby has now grown into a thriving business, which has allowed Keenan to share his talent with others. You won’t want to miss his incredible knits!
Check out all of these makers and their incredible stories on Made It Thursdays at 9/8c only on The Design Network.