Meet Marybeth

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marybeth a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marybeth, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from the depths of my passion. Even if sometimes I feel like I’m going nowhere, everything I have endured keeps me going. I am dedicated to the experience and grateful for the opportunities to grow and to learn.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve wanted to be an artist from a very young age, but it wasn’t until after losing my son’s father that I decided to focus professionally on my passions for home décor and textiles. My grandmother was a seamstress, and my grandfather was a master builder, so working with my hands comes naturally.

I initially envisioned my art career as nonprofit, with a focus on accessibility and community, but after experiencing significant challenges, including financial hardships, I redirected my art to focus on what was sustainable for me and my son. Specializing in punch needle and tufted home décor made from upcycled materials allows me to create meaningful, functional pieces while giving back. I also advocate for substance abuse so when I sell my art in person, I give away free narcan to raise awareness and show support.

My brand is rooted in the belief that nothing is ever wasted. I transform used materials into one of a kind pieces. Currently, I operate as an LLC and sell my work in a bookstore on the East Coast. I periodically still vend at markets with plans to update my website and grow my online presence. My goal is to connect with a wider audience, share my work more broadly, and continue exploring new creative projects. I make coasters, wall art, mirrors, rugs and small furnishings. I do customs and wholesale.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Some qualities that have been most impactful has been my radical optimism in believing in a future that is yet to come. My perseverance for continuing the journey even when the path is unclear and my commitment to my craft by honoring the process, not just the outcome. My advice for anyone early in their journey is to keep going. No one’s experience is the same so don’t compare yourself to others. Always stay true to yourself.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m interested in collaborating with other artists, creators, wholesalers, shop owners, digital creators or anyone interested in punch needle or exploring crafts together! My dream is to meet new people, share ideas, and learn from one another. Collaboration is all about building relationships, exchanging knowledge, and supporting each other in the creative community. Anyone who wants to connect, share experiences, or grow together is welcome to reach out.
I want to chat, cocreate and support the community and make cool things happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sticknscratch.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stickn.scratch/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stickn.scratchFLA/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sticknscratch?dd_referrer=

  https://www.depop.com/sticknscratch/?brandIds=499&productId=343529954

Image Credits

All of the photos were taken by myself.