Rising Stars: Meet S

Today we’d like to introduce you to S. 

Hi S, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had a creative background growing up. I was taking art lessons during the weekends and enrolled myself in every art class that was provided in schools. I was fascinated in everything fashion-related in my teen years, so naturally, I ended up going to FIDM to pursue a career as a fashion designer. During my years as a designer after obtaining my degree in design and marketing, I realized my true passion was my love for fibers, and that quickly changed my route for the next following years. 

I had resigned from my position as a fashion designer, moved to Colorado after falling in love with the mountains one summer with my husband, and was trying to figure out what to do next. I ended up going to a few local arts & crafts stores one day to gather supplies just because I wanted to create something. 

I started out with dreamcatchers because I’ve always been fond of them. As a child, my mom and I used to collect dreamcatchers and crystals during road trips and decided to make one as I was missing her one day after moving away from home. I was very content with how my first creation had turned out and ventured out to make all different types of fiber art. 

I created Spell & Sage just before the solar eclipse in 2017, and that extraordinary and magical event set the spirit moving forward. Inspired by all things celestial, and with an admiration for bohemian design, every handmade piece from my fiber art to handcrafted small-batch candles are crafted for all bohemian souls alike. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve definitely experienced many ups and downs after creating Spell & Sage. Although I came from a design and marketing background, setting out to pursue my own small business had its own challenges. 

I knew I couldn’t make a living with just my business alone when I first created Spell & Sage, so working full time while trying to create my own art was hard. I remember working 45-50hr weeks for my main income – and using every spare time I had (including sleep time) to create, and outline plans on how to grow my business. I used to stay up until 2a, sleep for a few hours, wake up at 6a for my full-time job, came home by 6p then created. The cycle continued until I was finally able to break free from a full-time job to pursue my dream more and more! 

The other problem I always ran into which I’m sure is common amongst many artists is overcoming imposter syndrome. I can’t say that I have overcome it completely, as I still go through it from time to time now, but I am grateful that I have friends and family who support me through those times. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Spell & Sage mainly features handmade one-of-a-kind fiber art of various types. This includes dreamcatchers, metal mixed media pieces, wall weavings, and macrame pieces. I would say what sets me apart from others is my unique use of crystals in most of my fiber pieces and my selection of fibers. 

I love to thrift, and collect various clothing to rip into strips and incorporate in my creations. I also hand dye some of my own fabric pieces, and am having a ton of fun with various colors for each collection throughout the year! 

I also make all-natural hand-poured small-batch moon phase & aromatherapy candles! Each moon phase batch is poured during a specific moon phase and comes with a crystal to set intentions with for that moon phase. 

What does success mean to you?
When I can create a magical and happy vibe for someone’s home with my creations. The look on a person’s face as they are purchasing one of my pieces – that right there, makes me so happy and motivates me to keep on creating! 

Contact Info:

• Email: spellandsage@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.spellandsage.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellandsage/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spellandsage/

Image Credits
Spell & Sage