Launching a small business is a journey. I have learned so much through trial and error and will continue to learn as I pursue this endeavor. I have always wanted to make and sell my art from a very young age. I am both learning various means of creating art as well as exploring different media that I have dabbled in before. I am a life long learner so it shouldn't have surprised anyone, including myself that I would venture into the unknown of the business world a bit and doing so through my love of art.
The scary thought is I am not very business minded.....well, not really. I am an artist....that is what I have always found security and comfort in. But, I am also a person who doesn't like to be defeated...a bit of a competitive spirit, you might say. So, as I continue to play with art, I will also surf the internet, ask questions and continue to learn about what it takes to run a small business.
If you are interested in reading, I'll tell you a little more about myself and my family and how I got to where I am at this point. I was born into a very conservative, faith based family....which I feel blessed about. My parents were married to each other for 60 plus years until my mother passed away. My dad is a minister (preacher, pastor, etc.) and has been since he was around the age of sixteen. He is presently eighty five and still leads a small, rural church with a tiny older congregation. I have three siblings (two sisters and a brother) to whom I am very close.....we mostly agree on things of life and our faith journeys. I tell you these things, as I do believe where you come from helps shape who you are.
I went to college and received a BA degree in graphic art way back in 1983...I wanted to be a graphic designer....but was so backward that I didn't pursue that passion like I should have and could have. I was lacking in confidence and settled for jobs in my hometown that really didn't have anything to do with my skills and degree. Then, feeling the next thing I should do was to get married I found myself doing just that. Why? Because I thought that is what I was supposed to do ...... That was a mistake....it didn't last. Not wanting to wallow in my shame... Yes, in the 1980's as a preacher's daughter, you feel shameful being divorced.....I went on to pursue a second degree, being art education.....Then I met my husband of now thirty four years as I was finishing this degree....Being more confident and stable, I began a career as an art teacher. I did this for almost six years... then came son number one, followed by son number two.....At this point my husband and I decided I'd stay home for a while and be a full time mother (the greatest job in the world) .... I had finished my master's degree in art education K-12 just before my second son was born. I nurtured and loved on our sons until they were both in school and then went back to being an art teacher again. This time I taught for fourteen more years until retiring a couple of years ago.
Fast forward to retirement and an empty nest with both sons successful and living in two different states from my husband and I, the dream of owning my own art business danced into my thoughts once again.....so here I am. I have become involved in a local artist guild where I have exhibited some of my paintings, drawings and sculptures. As well, over the past two years, I have sold my jewelry and other uniquely created art works at several local vendor events. In addition I have created my own website where I showcase my art for sale. The website of course is www.tangletree creationsllc.com .....I came up with the name for my business many years ago....even before retiring...It, Tangle Tree Creations, was inspired by the tangled lines I would draw when doodling on notes or writings.... As well, the name filtered into the use of wire that I bend and curl when I am making jewelry. I love the image of a "tree" as to me it represents strength and wisdom. Trees have strong roots that help it to be stable in times of storm, as well as bring strength and nourishment to the growth of the tree. I like to think of this image when I think of the person I continue to grow to be....(They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:8 NLT)
My faith journey....I have always been immersed in a faith culture and the words of wisdom from the Bible. Especially as I age into later adulthood, I want to continue to grow and be grounded in my faith and in my relationship with Jesus. It is my thoughts and understanding that in our life, relationships are all that really matter. I want to grow deeper in love with my God and do so by being a person who shows love and grace to others. I believe God gives each of us gifts to use for the upbuilding of his kingdom as we mature physically and spiritually in our lives. I feel my gift is one of creativity and I strive to use this gift to honor God. I know God loves creativity and art....this is so evident when we read of the guidance he gave to the artisans upon instruction to build the temple and other structures in the Bible. I can spend hours....literally.... being creative. "If you know, you know"....that an artist can get stuck in a time warp when busy making art ....time is lost. I love this feeling of being creative and floating away in thought ....I often listen to music or a podcast as I create and ponder. The works you find on my website have gone through the process of my time making and being creative....Each piece is so personal and special and I love it when others speak of their admiration of a piece I've made and decide to make it their own. This is my gift and way of showing love to others.....
I hope you've enjoyed this little journey that I've just taken, telling you a bit about who I am, and why I do what I do..... come back again and I'll share more along my journey as I learn to navigate my small art business.
Have a great day.....Debbie P.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5 & 6