Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Sparks Monticue.
Hi Kristina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Kristina Sparks Monticue, and I am the owner and artist/designer behind Thatched Roof Designs. My business began in 2009 with hand-sewn vintage-style fascinators and hair accessories for women and children. I was living in NC, near the beach at the time. Always changing up my style, I had cut my hair extremely short, and as it began to grow back, I struggled to find something interesting to adorn my own hair with-there was nothing out there! (Back then, most of us thought Amazon only sold books!) I’ve had a life-long love of art of all kinds, primarily textural arts. Creating something unique for my own hair was the way it all began. Soon, I discovered that others appreciated my designs as well!
The name Thatched Roof Designs came about for two reasons; I have a love of England and all things British. My maternal grandmother was from just outside London, and a long-ago multi-generational trip to her home and family is the reason this love is woven into the fabric of all I create. The second reason I chose my name was that, as most artists will likely tell you, we don’t like to be locked into creating one type of art for all time. We like to grow, challenge ourselves, and keep things fresh!
Living in the south, I was exposed to a lot of art and made a lot of connections that I cherish. I began setting up at oceanside Farmers Markets that allowed local artists, most weekends throughout the summers. I also participated in large annual indoor events and art shows throughout the Wilmington, NC area. I developed a routine and a repeat customer base. And it didn’t take long before I realized that I loved connecting with and getting to know these folks just as much as I loved creating my art.
Being from just west of the Cleveland, Ohio area originally, in 2017 I relocated back home to be near my family. I continued my art, focusing on hand-woven wall hangings and tapestries made on looms. The feeling of creating something from scratch and liking it enough to enjoy it being in my home- or in my own hair -is such a true feeling of bliss. That being said, I am extremely discerning, and if something isn’t up to my own standards, I would never give or sell it to anyone else. Art has always been an outlet and a part of my life that continues to be there for me. I feel there is no gift like a handmade one!
So, now that we find ourselves in 2023, I am continuing my work, ALWAYS trying new ideas, new techniques and adding just enough new types of art to present home decor and gifts that are on-trend while maintaining my love of times gone by. I have been so fortunate to have the support of my family, no matter where I have been located. While I’m not doing as many in-person shows at this point in time, I am working hard on new ideas and am very excited to share with my friends and customers via social media what’s coming down the pipeline! I stay active on Instagram and Facebook pages and am happy to ship orders to anyone who is not local to me. I do have plans to participate in more local art events in Ohio because we have such a great local art scene around the Cleveland area, and I really take to heart the feedback from and interaction of greeting customers face to face. I couldn’t do what I do without the people I meet!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would agree that nothing in life comes easy. Every business and every artist have ups and downs. At times it can be difficult fulfilling all aspects of what is needed to run a business, especially being just one person (and a perfectionist) and to keep your name out there. Of course, the pandemic caused us all to be cut off from interacting with people for a time, and anytime you make a big move to another state as I did, there is the feeling of starting all over again.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an artist and designer creating art, gifts, and home decor. My work is primarily textural, such as woven wall hangings, but I also have a line of tiny hand-painted themed mushroom decor, as well as hair accessories (which is where I got my start), shoe clips, and keychains. My work is always evolving and I continue to follow inspiration which leads to new pieces!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Always have a positive attitude! Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go the way you expected when you are first starting out. Be true to yourself and keep trying! Be realistic and balanced, but don’t lose your passion along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thatchedroofdesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatchedroofdesigns
Image Credits
James Sparks
Kristina Sparks Monticue
