Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Rue.
Hi Monica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my sewing journey young with hand sewing doing embroidery! My mother was and still is a master seamstress and taught her daughters all that she knew about sewing! I supplemented her educational training with classic home economics in school; I was always thinking outside the box in all art forms. Definitely more of an abstract artist! I can of course read and follow a pattern, but I love mixing colors, patterns, and styles to make fun and creative styles for myself. Now not only am I making things that are not conventional, I have the privilege to teach the younger generation the intricate dance of balancing the stay with the line’s mentality with thinking outside of the box at a local elementary school. And when I’m not, I am enjoying time at home creating new designs whether that be Knit, crocheted, sewn, or other forms of art!
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?
It has not always been an easy journey. As with any art form, not everyone likes the styles that I do. And that’s OK because that’s why we are all different people! But because I’m such a heart-on-my-sleeve type of gal, it’s hard not to take it personally when I put my heart and soul into everything that I do! I’ve had to learn to take it with a grain of salt. Because they’re speaking from what their own personal taste are! I’ve also had people tell me that no one’s going to buy certain items! When time and time again, I’ve sold dozens and dozens of that item! So, it’s a lot of them projecting their self-doubt onto me and learning how to ignore that and still keep my focus on my dream! So that’s a big part it’s not letting people who aren’t doing all the work that I’m doing influence what I’m doing! It’s very important for me not to let them dampen my fire! And not let their insecurities influence my strength and my self-esteem!
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 specialize in items for the person that loves color! Whether that be colorful aprons, dashikis, resin earrings and jewelry, or hand-dyed fiber and yarn for those at Knit, crochet, or spin! I’m super proud of the quilts that I’ve been making! Since it really does go back to my roots with lots of hand sewing and embroidery! I think what sets me apart from others is I’m creating things that are not just bright and colorful but also things that have meaning behind them. I have subtle differences in style things that I find that are more comfortable and easy to wear, easy to put on, and easy to care for, and also things are going to have a different flair to them! And as I do more and more handmade hand-sewn items, I get to really express my artistic style and whimsy! Not just slow fashion but slow decor in the form of wall hangings, blankets, or Afghans!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I wish that when I was starting out people had told me to stay focused on what my vision was. My ideas and my dreams! Instead of trying to take a square peg and stick it in a round hole, build around that square peg and make it into an amazing castle or empire of your own! Now, I have more and more people that encourage me to stick to my guns and continue to create things that catch my eye and bring joy to my heart and soul because out in the world, there’s others that will see beauty, and it may not be today may not be tomorrow, but it will come! And to NOT give up! Stay true to WHO you are and your brand! And there’s nothing like having a customer that sees the beauty that you see in your hard work, and they want to buy it and have part of your joy in their home!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.monicaruedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/MonicaRueDesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaRueDesigns
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MonicaRueDesign
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/MonicaRueDesigns
- Other: https://www.TikTok.com/MonicaRueDesigns
Image Credits
Monica Rue
Michael Rue
