Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosie Rodriguez.
Hi Rosie, 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?
When I graduated college in 2017, I had no idea what I wanted my life to be. Fresh out of college I had no other skills than my BFA in acting. So I thought it was all I was good for. I was in a rut. The deepest most depressing rut I’ve ever been in. Angry that others had found success already, angry that I couldn’t find any happiness, angry that I wasn’t doing what I wanted, instead what I HAD to. I would wake up miserable, tired, unmotivated to work on my craft. I became a zombie with a routine; Work, Cry, repeat.
After a bunch of questionable jobs, I found solace through art and resin work. Before and after work, it started as a hobby, started an Instagram to share my work, I made a few sales but never expected anything would come from it. I was finally finding a new outlet after feeling so low. I started turning around my mindset. I started working with other mediums: Resin, Shrink plastic, and most recently Acrylic.
Then the pandemic hit, another low. Theatres closed, Productions halted, my work furloughed me, One hit after another… so naturally, I started an Etsy shop at the peak of the pandemic.
Things started off slow, one or two sales from friends and family showing support.. Then one day I got my first sale from a stranger, then another, then another! I couldn’t believe it! I went from 10 sales a month to 26-30! Things started selling out and I needed to restock items!
And here I am! Over 800 sales later, being featured on an online article, my earrings worn in a friend’s music video! I am feeling encouraged and fueled by making things, and being motivated by my imagination and my creativity. I am more positive, and I’ve taken more charge in making sure I never fall into that empty rut again.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My struggles came from social media itself. Posting things to Instagram and Facebook feel like throwing things into a dark void that will never be seen on anyone’s phone. At the start of my journey, I was very into ‘comparing’ my success to the top sellers I look up to. It gets really hard day today.
Another struggle is the creeping monster of “doubt”. When I make something for my shop, there’s always a voice in the back of my head doubting the design, the success of how it’ll sell. Etc. It creeps in, but I’m in a much better headspace now where I can shake it off and feel positive. A much better change from where I started for sure.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make Earrings/Necklaces/Wall Art/Custom jewelry pieces
My mediums include: Resin, Shrink Plastic, Acrylic cutting and engraving, Metal, 3d printing.
My top-selling items: “Famous Art Earrings” which are wearable pieces of art ranging from Van Gogh to Matisse. Any custom picture Placed in a small frame and filled with Resin. Hung on Hooks, There my most customizable item!
Just in time for Halloween, my “Lock, Shock, and Barrel” have become a seasonal bestseller and one design I had to restock!
My jewelry stands out because of how I approach design. My influences come from a love for nostalgia and the unconventional and unique. I believe in making a statement with every piece I make. I enjoy the fact that there are no rules in art and fashion. I believe that life is way too short to be weary about standing out.
The thing I’m most proud of is not succumbing to the “right” or “wrong” way of making things. I revel in making mistakes and learning from them. Some earrings never made it past the cutting room floor because of how I want to make the experience better for the customer. I’m always thinking of the “next best thing”.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Patience is a definite virtue. My 800 sales didn’t come to me overnight. I want to tell the people starting out that it takes time and trial to find your voice as an artist. I’m still finding mine, like the seasons your mind changes, your style changes, and that is okay! Just please don’t bully yourself and COMPARE to other sellers. It is the most toxic, unhelpful, and harmful thing to do to yourself as a creator.
Don’t rush to sell, build an audience first then start selling only if YOU want to!
Think of your art (if you are selling) as a business. When I buy something off a small shop online, I expect the quality to be as I ordered. To be honest, I’ve sold things that have broke during transit, were not the best quality when they arrived to the buyer, i’ve made some mistakes. In the beginning, I was so focused on getting things out and sold as fast as I could. Quality over quantity is a BIG tip on how I started approaching things as my audience grew.
Be kind to yourself and your art, and pay the kindness forward. When I first started, I wanted advice from anyone I could get it from. Sometimes sellers are too busy to answer messages (Always be kind and respectful of boundaries) and some will answer right away! We are a community, a tribe of makers! And with your success, you’ll be able to pay it forward to the next business just starting out. It’s a great feeling.
Pricing:
- Customs ranging from $30-100 depending on project
- Famous art Earrings are $30
Contact Info:
- Email: rodrose13@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseGardenResin
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rose_garden_resin/
