Meet Sam Mizwicki of Small + Mighty Handmade in Avon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Mizwicki.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Sam. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been a certified art teacher for over ten years. During that time, I attended professional development opportunities whenever I could to learn about exciting new techniques, materials, and processes for my students of all ages. Life long learner over here! As an art educator, I learned to dabble in a lot of different media, but printmaking was something I really enjoyed the most. In my free time, I would create prints on the floor in my tiny one-room 300sq. foot apartment and give them out as gifts or sell them at the yearly local holiday market.

In 2018, my full-time position was eliminated at the school I had been teaching at for two years. That was a huge turning point where I decided I needed to find a better work/life balance with more flexibility. Teacher burnout is the real deal! I wanted to ensure that I could teach and create all while feeling fulfilled. Small+Mighty Handmade was officially born (by the State of Colorado’s standards) in December of 2018. It had been in existence in my mind for many years, but it was at the end of last year that it was a true business. So exciting!

Small + Mighty Handmade allowed me to combine the two things that make me happy, being an educator and a maker. Currently, I still teach Art part-time along with art lessons/clubs in schools. The other time I am working on creating S+MH items or teaching art workshops for all ages. If that isn’t enough, I spend whatever time is left hustling other work that I don’t dread and is more on my schedule. Balance is key and I look forward to the time I spend working in my home studio that is now much bigger than my previous mini apartment!

The local community of the Vail Valley has been amazing in supporting my small (and mighty) business. I did five markets around Colorado this summer and absolutely loved meeting everyone that bought my work. It felt so good to be surrounded by people that understand and appreciate the time and love that goes into each piece.

I believe that art has the capability to heal and promote positivity. It is a place where people are able to feel understood and welcome. I did not have real art classes until high school and it was then that it all made sense. Creating has been a welcomed challenge and amazing outlet along the way.

Has it been a smooth road?
One challenge I have encountered is having to problem solve with different inks, fabrics, and blocks which can definitely be a time suck before starting a project. Also, just having to put yourself out there and keep trying can sometimes be challenging. Those obstacles help me grow which makes me embrace it even more. I like how Small + Mighty Handmade is different every day and does not get boring. That is the same reason I like being an educator, no two days are ever the same.

Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
Small+Mighty Handmade focuses mainly on block printing on fabric, but I dabble, so you will often find other fun gifts for sale as well. For now, I am focusing on printing onto tea towels and clothes for kiddos, but I anticipate this expanding to other items in the future. As a company, I am proud that I took the leap and did it, instead of just talking about it. I try my best to create quality work that I really do love.

Block printing is a bit different process than silk screening. I hand carve all of my blocks (stamps), print everything by hand, and heat set the inks by hand. I feel that this really fits into what “handmade” is all about.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Living in the Vail Valley, I do not make it to the Denver area a lot. When I do, I love the culture and accessibility for a creative outlet. I do not like the traffic in the Denver area. Avon does not have many stop lights so it definitely is something that I notice when I come out of the mountains!

Contact Info:

• Email: smallmightyhandmade@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/small.mighty.handmade/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallmightyhandmade/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/smallmightyhandmade

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