Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Carlin.
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am in love with unique one-of-a-kind fashion that not a lot of people have. With so many things being mass produced it’s hard to find individuality in clothing and style. I am all about standing out and turning heads… BUT I love a great deal even more. I came across a lady that painted hats in another state. I noticed her hats were $350 or higher. Even though they were pretty, I am not one to spend that much on one item of clothing, and I don’t expect others to as well. I thought about how I have always been crafty, and I could learn to do it for myself. The intention was just to paint one hat for myself, but in the learning process, I fell in love with the craft and the ability to express myself in a fashionable way. I now want to help others do the same but in a much more affordable way. Everyone deserves unique pieces that show off their personality.
I paint on anything I am able to get my tools and brushes on… hats, purses, shoes, mirrors you name it. The possibilities are endless. I greatly enjoy painting any custom order that is requested. I have painted hats for a mule business, painted superhero letters for bedrooms, ball caps for girls trips. There was also a client that wanted me to paint a desert scene on an attic door for their home, and it was neat to use my creativity on something like that.
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?
Any business starting out is never a smooth road… and if anyone says it is I feel they haven’t been learning much along the way. Challenges help us grow and become better. There has been and still is lots of trial and error with paint mediums and tools.
Lots of creative ideas that just didn’t pan out like I’d hoped. Through all of this, I’m still figuring out which shops and vendor events are best for my products to be shown at.
My social media skills could be improved also. I forget to record my painting process because I get so focused while I am in the studio creating. I just hope that people still appreciate the time and work even though they don’t always get to see the process of it happening.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work part-time in a dental office, but in my free time I am either working on acting projects or I am mostly in my studio painting and coming up with new ideas. I am proud of my creative side to put together pieces that are different and stand out in a crowd. It warms my heart when someone wears one of my hats and gets complimented on how cool they are.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me is creating something for someone that makes them gasp with delight and helps set them apart from others. We all want something that expresses who we are and what we like, and my products do just that. They immediately let others know that you’re unique and fun. I love providing that for people… But I love even more being able to provide it at an affordable price.
Pricing:
- Hats range from $42-$99
Contact Info:
- Website: Thepaintingcurve.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepaintingcurve/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/groups/4793019804089466/
