Our latest featured artisan interview is with Julia Garretson.
Julia is an artist, a pod collector, a gardener, and a recycler. She studied and received a BFA from the Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland, Oregon. Currently metalwork, papermaking, teaching, and growing her business are important to her. Julia is happy creating functional art and being sustainable.
Check out Julia's Etsy shop, http://juliagarretson.etsy.com. Julia's jewelry made from recycled bike inner tubes and enameled reclaimed copper has been a big hit at the Trillium Artisans store.
Recycled Bike Tire Earrings with Red Bead by Julia Garretson
Q: If you are not a native of Portland – what drew you to this city?
A: I moved to Portland after finding my dream school, the Oregon College of Art and Craft, an advanced school in art and handcrafting.
Q: Are you a full-time artist, or do you have other jobs as well? If you are not a full-time artist, is that something you would like to be some day? Why or why not? How possible is it that you will be able to go full time?
A: I am a full-time artist and I enjoy it very much. I like being self-employed and choosing my own hours and my own course.
Flower Bike Tire Earrings by Julia Garretson
Q: How are you evolving your business practices to grow with the explosive trend of selling handmade items online? Do you sell online or are you planning to?
A: I started an Etsy shop where I display and sell my items online. To promote it and keep in touch with my customers I have started sending Constant Contact emails.
Q: What are your business goals this year? What challenges do you face? Do you feel that you have the resources to meet those challenges?
A: My business goals this year are to fulfill the Individual Development Account that I have started through Mercy Corps NW. I am preparing a business plan and planning to buy tools with the money match. I would like to buy tools that will make me faster and able to produce more quantity so as to do larger shows and wholesale orders.
Bike Tire Bracelet with Beads by Julia Garretson
Q: Please share any recent press or publicity you’ve received, or any success stories related to your art and/or your business.
A: I have recently gotten a new consignment store as a result of the Recycled Arts Festival in Vancouver. The store is the Green Chair Project in Seattle. And they are taking my recycled paper!
Q: How has Trillium helped to make a difference in your life?
A: Trillium started making a difference in my life by offering contract work and a place to put consignment goods. Then I was motivated to start a web site and through peer networking I heard of more shows. Through Trillium I am able to take credit card purchases and I have free internet from a grant. And this year a referral from Trillium got me a matched savings account. Also Trillium paid for a personal photography lesson which taught me a lot!
Green Geometry Earrings by Julia Garretson
Q: Please share one “green” tip – something that you do either in your business or personal life that is good for the environment.
A: Do not buy packaging. Be creative with your waste stream.
Pick a Color - Recycled Bike Tire Earrings in Blue, Green, or Fuchsia by Julia Garretson
