Featured Artist
Cassidy Millar
Owner of
The Magicians Cat
You guys are going to go nuts when you peek into this shop!
I just love all the goodies she has!!
I just love all the goodies she has!!
I can't wait for you to get to know her!
Warning Label:
You will want everything you see!
What do you sell?
Handmade Semiprecious Gemstone Jewelry & Found Object
Repurposed Jewelry & Fine Art Photography & Ink Drawings
Repurposed Jewelry & Fine Art Photography & Ink Drawings
https://www.etsy.com/listing/121684753/white-coral-starfish-gemstone-freshwater?ref=shop_home_active
How did you get started with Etsy?
Like a deer in head lights! It was a little overwhelming at first and actually I didn’t get serious about participating until this January. My sister has an Etsy and it was her recommendation that got me building a shop. Once I sunk my teeth in I realized it was never ending. I started making treasuries, I joined teams, I made a team, I made friends! I was in creation heaven!
When did you get interested in making your Art?
I have an over active imagination! I have been passionately pursuing photography since the very moment I was able to use a digital camera, circa 1998. My trips to the zoo became longer and I started to understand what “camera upgrade” really meant! I began collecting jewelry making supplies in 2011 and made my first piece in 2012. I was inspired by all the artists where I lived at the time, Portland OR. I had found a more touchable outlet for expression, I was hooked.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Chaos, Mother Nature and Space. I love motion just as much as I love stillness. I love the finite and vastness. I believe everything is possible and this has been a key philosophy behind my pieces. Also, true love. Lots of my pieces are put together because I feel they create harmony and balance, key components to love in this crazy world. Gemstone have amazing metaphysical properties, this has always intrigued me.
Who taught you or how did you learn your art form?
I learned to love the art of jewelry making from a former boss, Tamara. She owns an amazing shop in Portland, OR called Redux. My pursuit of photography started when I was very young and although I have no formal training, I have been blessed to meet many amazing professionals over the years. Practice, lots and lots of experimentation and failure and spontaneous success. Fearlessness is key here.
Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?
More friends!! I see myself creating textile based necklaces. More fur, leather and lace. I see rings in the future and long chains. My heart wills me to make more ink drawings and take more travel photographs. Also, I hope to have models for my jewelry!
How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?
I am a nanny and a zoo volunteer, most of my free time is early mornings and evenings. I hold myself accountable for a certain amount of effort to reach my set views and favorite goal daily. I never want my friends to wonder if I am coming out of my cave, however, this is a business to me and I put in my shop hours to ensure I am constantly growing.
Is this a hobby, part-time job, or full-time job?
This is a full time extra job. In the last two months I've put in serious amounts of work, around 40 hours a week, crazy right?!?! Its paid off more than I could have imagined. I've made compromises with my spouse and sometimes we have work dates!
Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?
Build from the heart, that’s my motto. I care about helping people adorn themselves, but it goes both ways. You must love an artist’s authentic heart felt work and feel honored to be a part of their unique vision, as much as the artist must create what they love with keen inspiration and passion. I see what sells and most of it I honestly cant make! My five year vision doesn’t even include these things either. I may be slightly offbeat, but you are looking at my whole heart.
Where else can we find you online?
Did you always want to have your own business?
Yes and no. I love service, I love caring for other people. Ideally, you get to work for yourself and that’s great! There have always been times in my life where I am employed, happily! Owning my own business has been incredibly rewarding and liberating.
Any other thoughts you want to share with us?
Know yourself. We can get caught up in this crazy world market and become very judgmental of ourselves and others. Just remember that your passion is unique to you, even if someone has something similar, you aren't going to create identical pieces, your hands are different, your hearts are similar. We can get discouraged and feel lost in this giant ocean of Etsy. The great news is there are tons of avenues for expression; teams, treasuries, blogs, shops, product photos, team games/challenges…the list goes on. Feel inspired and honored to be working side by side with such incredible artists, you ARE one of them! There is a common human goal, and we can strive to meet that every day. I am so grateful for everyone and Etsy. Happy Long Life!
I told you~ Amazing stuff!!!!
Cassidy, thank you for sharing your talent and passion with us!
Come visit my shop Pieces of Home Mosaic!
Beautiful work! I especially love those earrings at the end:) I know the feeling of working a day job, plus a full time side job! It's exhausting at times, but totally worth it:)
ReplyDeleteFound you via etsy's blog team!
www.toddah.net
Beautiful feature. Such amazing talent~! Thank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feature Kate. I so appreciate this because I am a new shop owner and I agree with everything said.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, Kate! I'm feeling inspired and reassured!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the jewelry! Great stuff :)
ReplyDeleteFound you through BloggingBuddies on Etsy!
Have a great day!
Erin
Great feature!
ReplyDeleteNow following your blog
Stopping by from Blogging Buddies
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