Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Kristofich.
Hi Mary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
During 2020, life felt completely unprecedented. I had just received my bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, but the job market was limited due to the pandemic. Honestly, the idea of wearing professional clothes and working in an office with minimal benefits felt soul-sucking anyway.
At the time, supporting local artists through their e-commerce shops was trending. I bought a few pairs of laser-cut earrings, and after receiving my order, it clicked—this was something I could do. With extensive knowledge of AutoCAD from my degree, I began researching laser cutters while sketching out ideas. It started with a lava lamp design and blossomed from there.
In 2023, I did my first show and expanded my product line. I applied for a business license and a street vending permit, setting up near the beach. I received encouraging words from locals and tourists, which gave me the reassurance that I was on the right path.
I’ve always been a big ornament collector—I pick one up on each of my travels. When I moved to San Diego in 2016, I noticed a lack of ornaments that captured the essence of this vibrant city, especially its unique neighborhoods. I realized this was the perfect opportunity to use my technical skills to create mini replicas of San Diego’s city signs. I started with where I live—Normal Heights—and its surrounding areas.
I made a few prototypes and posted them on Reddit’s r/sandiegan to get feedback and suggestions for local businesses that might want to carry them. I wasn’t prepared for the influx of messages and comments asking how to buy them—or when I’d be making ornaments for their neighborhood. It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been non stop making them ever since – without my partner and friends who take the time to have ornament making sessions with me, I would not be able to take on what I have so far. I’ll be releasing the final set of San Diegan neighborhood ornaments this year.
I’m looking forward to developing more oddities, launching new products, and seeing if I can turn this into a full-time venture.
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?
It hasn’t happened yet—but that’s expected. Still, it’s been more exhausting than I anticipated. One of the biggest challenges has been trying to grow wtfmary while working a full-time job. Beyond the creative side, there are so many other moving parts: building an online platform, creating content, maintaining and repairing machines, and—most importantly—prioritizing your well-being (which I’ve learned is the hardest part!).
It can feel overwhelming to juggle everything. For now, I’ve learned to let go of some of the superficial things and focus on creating quality products until I’m able to take on more. In the meantime, I’ve been saving up to take a sabbatical from my day job so I can fully dedicate myself to developing my brand, refining my identity, and bringing to life some of the many ideas constantly floating around in my head.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
wtfmary is a personal and creative extension of who I am. I specialize in laser cutting, which involves CAD drafting, prototyping, and hand-assembling each piece. While I’m best known for my city sign ornaments, I love creating products that are unexpectedly relatable. From lighthearted and humorous to deeply sentimental, it’s incredibly rewarding to see such a wide range of people connect with my work.
What I’m most proud of is never giving up. Starting this from the ground up—while working a full-time job and investing my own money—was scary. It’s hard to explain how unsettling it is to stay committed to something with no guaranteed outcome. But I stayed resilient through the self-doubt, kept grinding, and can now take a moment to truly appreciate how far I’ve come.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To believe in myself, trust the process, and just take a chill pill sometimes, it will all work out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wtfmary.com
- Instagram: @shopwtfmary
