Please start by telling us a little about yourself and your studio.

I am 46 yrs old and retired due to a spinal cord injury that has left me unable to work fulltime. My ultimate goal would be to supplement my income with my Jewelry sales, and establish myself as an Artist in my local community. I live in Ohio with my Life Partner. We have 2 kids both from prior relationships that are full grown.
 
What role does your family play in your art?

My Mom and my sisters are my biggest fans. They have all been so supportive and of course they all had ideas and have given me guidance and critiqued me along the way.
 
Where do you live and what is it like?

I live in Youngstown, Ohio It is mostly flat due to it being a big agricultural state. Youngstown used to be widely known for its steel mills back in the day. Unfortunately they have all shut down and it caused a big migration out of the area.
 
Where did you learn your medium?

I am self taught, It started as a hobby when one Christmas I decided to hand-make all my gifts. So I went and bought some thread and a lot of beads, candle making kit and glass votive jars. I made my own candles and then I strung beads and glued it to the outside of the jars. Shortly after that I started beading Jewelry.
 
What are your goals with your ArtFire studio?

My ultimate goal would be to have as much money coming in as going out. It will happen in time.
 
How did you come to selling online?

Once I figured I was at a level to compete with other Artist's I started to look around and see where I could find a website based community that was both affordable and mainstream.
 
What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?

Practice makes perfect, If you keep doing it then you will find yourself getting better and better, and also don't be afraid to push boundaries and think outside the box. That is what will make you stand out.
 
Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?

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