Soapy creator and compulsive "lyer"
From a very young age, I was always interested in art. I was raised by my grandparents, as my parents weren't in the picture, and my grandmother was very involved with arts and crafts. She hand-sew quilts with intricate designs, such as wedding ring and double wedding ring quilts; she also drew and painted. Each weekend we would venture to the flea market for her to sell her wares; it was how we made a living.
She taught me how to sew and sketch; she also taught me survivalist skills such as fishing, building a fire, herbal remedies and treatments; making materials out of what was available around me. I became very resourceful very early on. My grandfather passed away when I was nine, and my grandmother passed when I was 13. From then on I lived with my uncle.
Through grade school I was involved in advanced art programs, and continued my art career through high school. My senior year I was accepted into Converse College as a Studio Art BFA with a German minor. The summer my freshman year of college, my biological father found me through Facebook. He lived in Germany, and had been there ever since I was born. The situation is complicated, but I'm glad and grateful to have him in my life now.
With his support and encouragement, I became a double major, with a BA in Studio Art and in German, with an English minor. Though my art has evolved to artisan crafts over the years, I feel my roots in my early art classes gave me the foundation and starting point to think outside the box when making soaps and journals. With the knowledge I have earned and continue to learn, I hope to one day be self sufficient off of my creations. This one goal is the epitome of an artist -- to be successful with what you love.
Though I wasn't able to complete my degree due to life circumstances, I stood up and made the decision to start my life over elsewhere. January 13th, 2014 I hopped on a plane in Charlotte, NC, and landed January 13, 2014 in Seattle, WA. I moved in with my childhood best friend -- 14 years of best friend amazingness -- and we began dating. Lamenting the soapmaking I used to do, he finally talked me into starting up my hobby again, and now I have enough inventory to try and sell soap again.
Unique Useables, take two -- aaaaaaand run!
