Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Exner.
Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started working with UV Resin in March 2023. It was a creative outlet that helped me cope with the loss of my furry best friend, Snickers, a tortoiseshell cat that I’d had for 16 years. I hadn’t been able to connect with drawing or writing in the same way I had before, but resin was new and interesting and provided a challenge that kept my grieving mind busy.
After a few months, I realized that I seemed to have a little bit of talent for resin work, and decided to try selling some of my pieces at the local Farmer’s Market. I enjoyed the experience so much, I wanted to do more. So I officially registered The Glitter Geek Boutique in August of 2023, and from there, I jumped right into the thick of local craft fairs, festivals, art events, and more. I was even invited to bring my art all the way to Montana to participate in a 2-Day festival event outside of Billings.
Since then, I’ve participated in numerous other markets and events, and I’ve slowly built a presence in art shows from Fort Collins to Denver. My goals for The GGB moving forward are to continue expanding my reach with my brand, to have more shops and boutiques carrying my jewelry and art. The GGB is, at the moment, just self-sustaining, which is fine, since I have a day job that pays the bills, but I wouldn’t mind if it eventually becomes a second source of income for my little family.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh, absolutely not. I’ve done most of my markets and events on my own, and I’ve had days where it felt like everything that can go wrong, does. I’ve also struggled to find a rhythm for my social media activity, which is the primary way I advertise my art and products online. Despite struggles, though, I still find joy in expressing my creativity and making new friends and connections in the artistic communities in Northern Colorado.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a mixed media artist that works primarily with epoxy resin, but I also do a lot of painting and designing as well. I love working with natural inclusions, like crystals, stones, dried flora, seashells, sand, and more. In the community, though, I’m best known for my glittery, sparkly, colorful works that draw in kids and adults alike. I love that people have come to know me as the “lady with all the glitter.”
What I’m most proud of, though, is that I have stuck with my art and my business for over 2 years, now. It brings me joy and has helped me make connections I never would have, otherwise.
How do you think about luck?
I’m not sure I can say I’ve had luck, good or bad, when it comes to my business. I’ve worked hard, sacrificed sleep and free time to create and promote my work, and it seems to – slowly – be paying off.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://glittergeekbtique.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglittergeekboutique?igsh=am1memdubThmYmgw
