We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rachel Mambach. Check out our conversation below.
Rachel, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Most people think I sell art (which I do), but my business is really selling moments. My mandala kits and creativity decks give you a moment of calm for yourself. The art that I create gives you a moment to pause and take in it’s beauty. All my art is one of a kind. When someone buys my art, they are buying tens, maybe hundreds of moments that I spent creating something special. In a world that moves so fast, I hope my artwork encourages people to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rachel, and I create colorful fun beautiful art. We are living in a time when there is so much darkness in the world, and I truly think that happy colorful art is challenging the norm. There is the idea out there that “pretty art” doesn’t convey a deeper message, It’s “just pretty.” I disagree, We need beautiful art to battle this world that is becoming exceedingly ugly.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I graduated college in 2008 when there were no teaching jobs in New Jersey. On top of that, I’m an art teacher which is a teaching position that is even more obscure. Often, there are only a handful, sometimes even only one, in a school building. I applied to over 100 jobs in two and a half years before I was finally hired in my current district. Along the way, I applied to the district where I went to elementary, middle, and high school. A district where my favorite art teacher ever, Mrs. Purcell, worked. Working with her would have been a dream. However, a different art teacher was in charge of the department and got to make the hiring decisions. She decided not to hire me. Not because of my teaching, not because of my experience, not because of my resume, not because I had been incredibly involved with the art program when I was in high school in the district, not because I had already completed a long term substitute position in the district. She didn’t hire me because I mentioned I would be excited to work with my former teachers. At that moment, I realized that if I was going to be an art teacher or do anything in the art world, I was going to have to make it happen myself. Everyone always says “it’s not what you know, but who you know,” but that wasn’t true for me. I don’t know who they hired or if that person ended up sticking around, but I know I ended up where I belong. I just started my 16th year in my district, and I’m teaching kids who really love to create in my class. I got this position all by myself, and that’s how I’ve attacked everything since then, I’ve cold called (or emailed) shops, galleries, and libraries to get my art on their shelves and walls. I’ve organized my own pop-ups…in person and virtual. Success doesn’t happen by chance.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes! Well. I wouldn’t consider it giving up, but rather changing my course. Referring back to that 2008-2010 job search, I got to a point where I thought maybe I wouldn’t be a teacher after all. I got a position as a job coach where I helped individuals with various disabilities find and maintain employment. I was there for about two months when I found out my current district wanted to hire me.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think there is so much extremism. People forget that multiple things can be true at once, and the world isn’t black and white. It’s important to question ideas that you are uncomfortable with, but it’s also really important to listen, truly listen, to what other people are saying. Everyone seems to be on their own rigid path without much room for conversation. understanding, or acceptance.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m creating my art…and I know that they house is already clean and the dishes are done. There can’t be any distractions or anything lingering that needs to be done. And of course, I also feel at peace when I’m cuddling with my 6 year old son on the couch!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelmambach.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmambachart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelMambachArt
- Other: https://rachelmambachart.etsy.com
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