Interview with Jessica of Grace Inspired

What is your craft / art / creative endeavor?

I started out creating my own line of felt designs. But as I became more and more concerned about the chemicals in every skin product we use, I’ve also begun my own line of all natural skincare products. So now I do both!

How did you get started? Have you worked in other creative areas before the kind of work you’re doing now?

When I became pregnant with our first daughter, my husband and I became more and more aware of the chemicals and drugs we were inundating ourselves with. It became a big concern. So I started to look for alternatives and began making our own skincare products.

Do you work alone? With a team? Do you engage your family or friends in the work? What is your process? How do you ensure you get your work done yet still have a life?

I work alone. It’s pretty much my escape. I’m a stay at home mom and wouldn’t trade being home with my daughter for anything. So when she’s asleep or playing, I’ll pull out the sewing machine or mix up a batch of moisturizer or shampoo.

Where do you sell your work? Which venues are your favorites? Do you prefer selling online or in person? Do you attend shows or fairs? Is your work in a gallery or brick-and-mortar store?

I sell both product lines at my etsy store and also am part of an artist co-op in downtown Sanford (north of Orlando, FL) called Fawn. I’ve done a few shows, but haven’t sought them out as they’re so much more work for me and with a family it’s hard to put that much time commitment yet.

What do you wish I had asked you?

“Where do you hope this takes you?”

I really have a heart to help women in need. I would love for my sales to reach a point where I need to expand. When that happens, I want to seek out at-risk women looking to make a change in their life but don’t know where to turn. I’d love to be able to provide jobs for them, a hope and a future.

That’s a beautiful goal, Jessica. I hope you can make that happen! And if *you* would like to be interviewed on Try Handmade, just fill out this form :)