Check Out Lindsay Ciulla’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Ciulla.

Hi Lindsay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Lindsay Ciulla (pronounced “chew-la”) is a full-time multi-disciplinary artist, musician and community organizer based out of Columbus, Ohio since 2003. Lindsay studied instrumental and world music in addition to exploring art courses including photography at The Ohio State University. For years after graduating she indulged her creative side while working a slew of matrix jobs.

Circumstances including serious injuries on the clock and the death of her father in 2018 ultimately pulled her out of waitressing and working in hotels. Lindsay leaned into her creative side as a method of recuperation. She began painting, creating jewelry and volunteering at the local community radio station, WGRN 91.9FM as a forms of self-guided rehabilitation.

Lindsay remains a full-time artist, her mediums are still variable and the majority of her artwork is wearable. Ciulla’s works are influenced by reconnecting with her Sicilian/Southern Italian heritage as well as by nature, healing, inter-dimensionality and elemental energy.

The majority of the techniques employed by the artist are self-taught, the results of creative exploration. Unique pieces made of beads and wire feature precious and semi-precious metals and stones while channeling the bold styles and energies of both humble and noble ancestors as well as colorful memories from her own childhood in the 80s and 90s.

Lindsay intends to grow Hearts & Stars by showcasing her wearable pieces on runways and in galleries, boutiques and at local and national festivals and markets.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I originally envisioned myself having my own shop filled with gems and minerals I have acquired at international gem shows, jewelry made by my own two hands, in addition to apparel, teas, herbs, musical instruments, and more…

I began researching the gem shows as a starting point and I made it to the Tucson Gemini mineral show in Tucson, Arizona in February 20 20. Driving back across America to Ohio. I heard a lot on the radio about a virus called Covid. And less than one month later, they shut the entire state of Ohio down.

It was interesting because Covid initially allowed me to make a lot of money. I became a pop-up vender in a tent as soon as retail was open again. People would spend all kinds of money with us on the corners of random streets and intersections because they couldn’t take their vacations… they couldn’t go to their favorite places, a lot of of them were receiving stimulus money, work from home funds. And they had virtually nowhere else fun to spend their money.

I would leave the parking lot with hundreds and hundreds of dollars in my pockets.

I saw an opportunity to bring community together, and I founded the Mystic Market in 2021, Ohio’s original enchanted market! We brought together all kinds of creative, spiritual, intellectual, unique people from all kinds of backgrounds. There were herbs and artwork and cycle clothing and all kinds of tarot readings and reiki healers. We had belly dancers dancing on top of a parked bus under fancy lights. We basically created an entire scene in that first year

As the world slowly reopened more and more people started selling Crystals, gems and minerals… More and more people started making jewelry (that looked pretty similar to mine) and selling it. At the exact same markets and as me. And more individuals decided to start hosting their own markets often times very similar to the one I found it and on the exact same day. I can celebrate, because I know inspired A LOT of people.

Competition has gone up and it’s strange to look at it as such because really our community is growing, but due to the nature of our economic situation, we are forced to compete with one another. It’s an incredibly conflicting sensation to be excited for your community’s growth while also concerned about not making enough money to keep going.

More and more individuals have been inclined to monetize their hobbies as opposed to getting a second or third job and I can’t say I blame them. The supply keeps increasing as the demand decreases for artsy things, for shiny things, for fun things, for “unnecessary things”… artists are expected to basically do/sell our work for next to nothing.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Ciulla’s works are influenced by reconnecting with her Sicilian/Southern Italian heritage as well as by nature, healing, inter-dimensionality and elemental energy. The majority of the techniques employed by the artist are self-taught, the results of creative exploration. Unique pieces made of beads and wire feature precious and semi-precious metals and stones while channeling the bold styles and energies of both humble and noble ancestors as well as colorful memories from her own childhood in the 80s and 90s.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Trust your instincts, don’t be afraid to ask HARD questions. Stand up for what you believe in and your people will find you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://heartsandstarscrystals.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearts_and_stars_
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@peaksandvalleyswgrn