We asked our artists to share their stories so we could learn a little more about them. So many interesting life stories that we wanted to share some with you! Their paths to becoming an artist took many twists and turns and were full of different experiences. These are just a few of their stories. We hope you enjoy reading them and that it inspires you to follow your dreams.

“I went to college for medical illustration….now I’m a potter.” B. Robertson

“I originally wanted to run the family beef farm. I was also an ASE Certified auto mechanic. I am a potter now.” S. Dalton

“My father started the business not long after I was born. He got his degree in aerospace engineering but didn't want a job making weapons systems during the Vietnam war, and wanted to make something with his hands. I worked for him off and on since I was four, but got a degree in History, then later (after working with him full time for a couple of years) got an MA in Medieval Studies (history, archeology, and literature). Always wanted to write history and fiction. But came back to the studio to work with my hands, and haven't left.” R. Bowman

“My degrees are in landscape architecture and urban planning. I worked in that field for 20+ years before starting my full-time jewelry business.” J. Craft

“I got a degree in costume design with a minor in women’s studies. I worked for a jewelry company during college and also studied in London. I worked on a Disney film. I love wearable art of all kinds and wanted to work from home while my kids were little. I was head designer for Ohm beads for several years, while passionately producing my own product lines on Etsy. My Gomes got a spread in Creatures Magazine. I decided to get away from sewing and was looking for the right product to go wholesale, and also simplify life. I bought Nettles jewelry company from Kristi in 2007 (she went off to study Chinese medicine) and have been so happy at IndieMe. I also paint and sell my art locally.” A.Hennessey

“Advanced Academics in high school, accepted into MIT for Engineering, but also advanced in Art, got full scholarship for Drawing and Painting, so did what I loved. Ended up with BFA in Textiles. Worked in NYC before starting my own textile company. Studied textiles in Japan. Did marriage, kids, then divorce after 30 years, all the time selling my textiles and ceramics. Evolved into fiber sculptures, then back to clay but with textile sensibilities. There have been moments I wish I had gone with Electrical Engineering, especially at the end of a marriage, lol, but do love what I do now and having my own home studio that is mine alone!” D. McCavitt

“Pottery is a second career for me. Spent 25 years in public education. High school Chemistry teacher and later curriculum director.” N. Addison

“I got a degree in environmental chemistry and theology in 2000. But been a jeweler since 1992. Still making the jewels lol.” A. Randazzo

“I qualified to attend a trade school as a junior in HS and chose welding on a whim. Two years later I left with a phone number for a job and stayed there for 7 years. Most of my friends were musicians and artists…and when they found out I could weld they wanted me to teach them. That led to some design gigs for restaurants and corporate offices…finally made it official in 1993 when I opened “Zero Tolerance Design” with a friend. That lasted about a year. After a move to Texas in ‘95 and fiddling around in my sister’s garage for several years I finally opened The Iron Chinchilla in 2001. My first art opening as the Chinchilla was Sept. 15…4 days after 9/11. But we persevered by jumping into the wholesale market and traveling the country doing festivals. Thank goodness for the internet and IndieMe!! Traveling much less these days.” P. Neuwirth

“I was a "late bloomer" when I discovered clay at the age of 50. Now, 32 ears later, I think I'm beginning to get the hang of it:). S. Day

Are you as impressed as we are? Many times we think we know people just by what we see from the outside, but just by asking the simple question. “tell us about yourself and your journey” the doors of understanding and admiration open. When you take the time to learn more about a person, you are telling them they are important. Ask someone today about themselves and their life journey. Take the time to listen and I bet you will be amazed.