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

I’m the mom to five wonderful young men and the wife to the biggest kid in the world!  Two of my sons are in the military, one Soldier and one Marine, and I’m a former Army wife.  This is the reason that the majority of what I carry in my studio is made out of camouflage fabric.  Custom military purses are just one way for families to show their support.

If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?
Doing the right thing is what defines me.  I’ve always told my children, and still do, that it’s important that you can get up every morning and be able to look at yourself in the mirror and have a clear conscious.

What role does your family play in your art?

My mother-in-law, Susan, and my youngest son, Clayton, are my biggest supporters.  Susan encouraged me whole heartedly to start my business and Clayton does a lot of my marketing for me on various websites.  The reason I started making military purses is the pride I feel for my husband and sons being in the military.  My proudest moment in making the purses was when my son told me my purses were really nice and he is proud of me!  

Where do you live and what is it like?

I live in Phoenix, Arizona.  I think it’s beautiful here.  Coming from the Midwest originally, the beautiful flowers, the mountains, the cactus, and the heat are all new to me and I love all of it. 

Where did you learn your medium?

I taught myself how to sew a few years ago and have just recently, within the last year, picked it back up again with a renewed love of it.

What are your goals with your ArtFire studio?

I would like for my studio to be successful enough to eventually be able to not work a full-time job outside of my home.  My dream is to make purses full-time.

How did you come to selling online?

Again, my mother-in-law, Susan, encouraged me to sell online because she knew her sister-in-law, Andrea, has had success with Artfire.

How did you come to find a home on ArtFire?

My Aunt Andrea (Andrea Designs) sells her scarves on Artfire and once she shared how much she loves it, I had to have my online store here too!

What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?

Try new things, step out of your comfort zone occasionally, watch the trends in fashion, and be true to yourself and your art.

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