Meet Miki Simic of Medina County – Hinckley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Miki Simic.

Hi Miki, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Mint Needle started as a breakaway hobby from the medical field in 2011. Working as a nurse, I knew I needed a creative outlet; setting time aside to sew, paint, write, and relax. What began as a small blog eventually grew into an Etsy shop, sewing aprons, selling art, and making quilts. Now looking back, I think that the inspiration I was drawn to had a cascade effect. One thing simply lead to another. It was quite beautiful.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, I am fortunate to say things have run smoothly. However, there are concerns that will always be present. For example, copyrighting. One of the main themes The Mint Needle is known for is The Children’s Apron. I was creating colorful retro styles for children and found myself turning away custom requests almost on a weekly basis. I wanted to keep the interest alive and decided to create a PDF sewing pattern for all the people that wanted “their” fabric choices in use. Even though my pattern is copyrighted and disclosed ‘for personal use only’, there is always that worry in the back of my mind that someone somewhere is using my pattern for profit. I guess somethings we just have to accept.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
From 2011 until now, I’ve emersed myself in so many different artistic directions. I suppose that is what I love most about evolving. What started of as writing a blog… turned into sewing… which turned into color play in painting… which led into photography….and circled back to writing, but this time with a return to poetry, (something I did in my youth). It’s a constant process that I never tire from. I can work on a painting and quilt the same day and find myself writing into the evening hours. If I feel it is good enough, I submit the works to publishing, hopeful that I’ll get to share my piece, whatever it may be. Through the years, I feel most proud of my written work, art, and photography that has been published. (Moonstone Arts Center, Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Great Lakes Review, Tiny Seed Literary Journal, In Parentheses) Reflecting back, I can see why certain steps with sewing and making a small side business had to come first. It truly is about growth and stepping stones.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
We have such a vast array of creative minds here in the city and in the surroundings – but we are all too humbled to put ourselves out there more, and perhaps the chances seem limited as well. When I walk into a restaurant, business, office of any sort, reprints of mainstream work is displayed. It would be so beautiful to have more of our local artists, writers, and creators take center stage.

Contact Info:

• Website: Themintneedle.com (previously mintneedle.blogspot.com)
• Instagram: Themintneedle