Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Shepherd.
Hi Deborah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In late 2017, I relocated to the Tampa Bay Area, from South Florida. I worked in the Hotel Industry, doing Sales and Events. In 2020, with the arrival of Covid, I was let go from my position. During a time of uncertainty and isolation, my love for art became my outlet.
I was now able to paint and craft regularly. During this time, I discovered resin on social media and wanted to learn the skill. That led me to YouTube University where I learned about resin and how to create with it.
I started out creating coasters and bookmarks, and as time passed, I began to add more items to my inventory. My product line consists of coasters, wine stoppers, serving trays, cutting boards, and other accessories such as keychains, magnets, bookmarks, and so on. I also do floral preservation pieces for weddings and funerals.
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?
People may look at entrepreneurs and think this life is glamorous, but they don’t see the hard work, the long nights, the trial and error of finding the right materials, and everything else behind the scenes. I find that I work more hours, with this business, than I did when I was in hospitality. I’m the marketing director, the accountant, the designer, the purchaser, the photographer, the sales manager, and everything thing else.
I remember investing in my first batch of resin and other supplies… I had to buy resin, measuring cups, gloves, colored powders, molds, and so much more. Taking up the craft of resin isn’t cheap, and I honestly didn’t know where it was going to lead. At the time, I was just trying to find a way to make money, until I was able to get back to work.
My first few resin trials were brutal. My product wouldn’t harden correctly. It came out soft, wasn’t clear, etc. I got so frustrated that I stopped for about 3 months. I wanted to throw the resin at the wall! But after my little hiatus, I went back for 2 reasons. First, I spent way too much money just to quit. And secondly, I just really wanted to make it work. And it finally did.
After a few months, I was encouraged to try pop-up markets. I knew nothing about them, and I was a little fearful. I had to borrow just about everything; a tent, chairs, and tables. I used sheets for my tablecloths and even bought a swipe machine on the day of my first market. My first setup wasn’t the best but I was so proud of myself for pushing past fear and doing it anyway. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to do things that take you out of your comfort zone.
Setting up at markets is a lot of work. Lifting, pulling, pushing, unloading, etc. It is truly a workout, and it can be exhausting. Markets are about 4 hours long, but you’re there 1-2 hours before to setup up, and then again after to break down.
One of the hardest things about entrepreneurship, I would say, is the uncertainty. You always hope for the best, but in reality, you never really know how you’re going to do, especially at markets. I have some days where I sell a decent amount and other days where I leave kind of bummed. And Florida weather can be brutal. I’ve set up at markets and then midway through get slammed with rain. When the rain comes, the shoppers leave. But, what can I do? Just pack up and try again another day.
I thank God for the support of my family and friends who have encouraged me through this journey. I am also grateful to my husband Chris. On those tough days, he would uplift me and encourage me to keep going. When I thought about quitting, he reminded me of my goals and pushed me through. This life isn’t easy, but the rewards are unmatched.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m always expanding and trying out new ideas. Creating is really fun for me. My passion for art and creating comes from my aunt, my grandmother, and most of all my mother, who was an artist herself. I learned a lot, watching them, as I grew up.
Most people have heard of epoxy resin, but some have not. Epoxy Resin has been around for a long time, but it’s recently started gaining popularity. When working with epoxy, I mix it with a hardener, in equal parts. This creates a chemical reaction causing it to cure or harden over time. Before the curing process starts, I can mix my colors, and pour them into my molds or onto my boards and create the patterns or designs I want, or at least try. Because the resin is liquid before it hardens, I cannot promise one piece will look identical to another.
What sets me apart from others, I believe, are my color choices, my use of glitter, sparkle, and glam, and my use of florals and fruits. I use real fruit and real flowers in my work. Before setting these items in molds, I have to put them through a drying and pressing process. It sounds fancy, but it’s not.
I use flowers and fruits in most of my products, making them a unique find. I also do floral preservations for brides who want to preserve their bouquets, and for those who have lost a loved one, and want to preserve their funeral arrangements. Custom orders are always welcomed.
What does success mean to you?
I believe everyone’s version or idea of success can be different. To me, success means setting goals, learning along the way, and achieving goals. I also believe that even if you set a goal and don’t achieve it, but you gained knowledge and understanding, that too can be looked at as a success.
It’s about looking at where you started, and seeing where you are currently. You may not be at the point you want to be, but if you’ve moved forward, then to me you’re successful. It’s so easy for us to set goals, reach those goals, set new goals, and never get the chance to enjoy the process of achieving them. But we have to enjoy the journey and acknowledge our achievements along the way. “I never lose. I either win or learn”- Nelson Mandela.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.debbiesartistry.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/debbiesartistry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/debbiesartistry
- Youtube: @debbiesartistry
- Other: www.pinterest.com/debbiesartistry
