Remarkable Beaded Jewelry, Hair Accessories, & More
Today’s Friday Featured Artist is Nicole E. Ashton. You can visit her website at www.nicholepaints.com, or her Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/ashtonatelier. Learn more about Nichole by checking our her work an dreading the interview below:
Can you sum yourself up in 3 sentences? Give it a go!
I’m a small town girl who was born in raised in Louisiana — west of New Orleans. I love to make my own jewelry and baking desserts. Superman is my favorite superhero.
Tell us about what you sell:
I’m making art fashionable. Really! My shop, Ashton Atelier, is currently all about custom hand painted shoes. I hand paint characters onto the soles of shoes that customer’s provide. Sending the shoes themselves ensures that they get the size they need and a style they love. They can choose almost any character, color, have something written (painted) like their wedding date, or even have a portrait painted all on the bottom of their shoes. It certainly makes every step they take unique. I’m happy to take requests for the more traditional, wall-hanging art too. :)
hand painted Sleeping Beauty shoes – $45
What is your favorite thing about creating?
I have so many favorite things! I love providing specific requests. Seeing new styles of shoes that customers send. Hearing about their or the recipient’s reactions. The list keeps growing.
Custom hand painted Jem shoes – $50
Where do you find your inspiration?
Childhood memories. I think about what some of my favorite things were growing up, or what the classics are and include them in the collection.
Custom hand painted Little Mermaid pumps – $45
Do you have any advice for other sellers?
If your product is something that’s wearable, then wear it. It’s the best free advertising!
“Just” can be such a limiting word.
“I’m just a mom.”
“I just make scarves.”
“This is just another day.”
“It’s just a job.”
“He’s just a writer.”
“She’s just an adviser.”
Eliminate the “just”s, and eliminate your limitations.
“I’m a mom. I am the most important person in someone’s life.”
“I make scarves. They become reminders of my love for whoever I give them to.”
“This is another day. Anything is possible.”
“It’s a job; another step on the way to my dreams.”
“He’s a writer. He feeds souls with words.”
“She’s an adviser. She motivates, empowers, and propels.”
I don’t just make jewelry. I create art that women can wear. My pieces will help you express your unique individuality, stand out from the crowd, and receive plenty of positive attention and compliments.
Do you think in terms of “just”? How much of a difference would it make if you were to break the habit?
Can you sum yourself up in 3 entrances? Give it a go!
I am . . . . according to my husband . . . quirky, creative and sometimes idealistic. I believe that art is central to the human experience. It is what binds us together.
Tell us about what you sell:
Art prints of my paintings and occasionally a few originals.
Beautiful Things – Small Art Print – $12
What is your favorite thing about creating?
The freedom of expressing my thoughts and feelings visually instead of with words.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere and anywhere. Sometimes I approach a canvas with a really specific plan in mind and other times I start painting with no idea where the painting will end up. I love to be moved by color and textures.
Hope – 11 x 14 Art PRINT – $15
Do you have any advice for other sellers?
I am still really new to etsy, but the best advice I have is to go for it. You never know if you don’t try it. A lot of time, on the job training is the best training.
Do you have a coupon code for us?
FRIDAY20 for 20% off purchase
Winter Chill – 8 1/2 x 11 Art Print – $12
Where else can we find you?
Blog: www.barksblog.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/barksblog
My fabulous fellow business owners,
I’m super-psyched that you’ve enjoyed reading my blog. I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive feedback you’ve given me, and touched by every word of thanks you’ve ushered my way. Each comment, message, and tweet gives me a glorious warm and fuzzy feeling I can’t get from anything else. Even sexy-time.
While I’ve decided to steer this particular blog into more of a customer-friendly direction, there was no way in heck I could leave you guise behind.
I considered it, but your messages and words of thanks changed my mind.
You needy mother-cluckers, you!
So I’ve created a new web space for all of those business-oriented blog posts that you’ve come to love. While it’s directed towards beaders in business, most of the articles will apply to any handmade business owner and aspiring entrepreneur. I hope you’ll join me over at BeadingForBusiness.com. I’ve got some big plans for the new space; you can expect a good time.
