We recently connected with Samantha Henderson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

In 2017 I was struggling with my health. I suffer from chronic migraines with aura. Also at that time I was having a serious hip issue and ended up needing multiple surgeries. Since them I’ve come to learn I’m also autistic, which exacerbates my high anxiety. At that time though I didn’t know and my mental health definitely took a downward spiral after no longer being able to work a typical job. I’ve worked since I was 7, starting at my parents’ full service gas station and then on to retail & management as I got older. My worth, to me, was tied to my ability to work a 40 hr work week. In 2018 I discovered acrylic paint pouring and fell in love with this new artistic outlet. Unfortunately though the paints and smells, along with bending my neck at that angle, would leave me in bed with migraines for days after creating. In the end I didn’t feel like my creations were worth my health so I took another step back. During all of this, one thing I had introduced to my family was my love for tie dye. As a family we would have tie dye weekends and they would get so excited with themselves and we had so much fun. I’ve actually enjoyed tie dye since I was a little kid. I’d buy those Tulip kits from Wal-Mart and make multiple shirts for myself and later my nieces and nephews.
I’m all about making memories. Once my family and I had delved deeper into the new tie dye world and all the possibilities my very sweet partner decided I needed real dyes, not just Tulip kits. Especially once I discovered ice dyeing. I joined several Facebook groups and researched what are the good dyes and where do I get them.
After that I took off with tie dyeing bc it is something I can do when my body allows and it doesn’t typically cause me any physical issues. Although pulling sinew tight is pretty rough. Totally worth it for the gorgeous geode dyes I end up with though.
While it’s something I still consider a hobby at this point in time, last year I did start setting up at local vendor events to sell my creations. This May will make my 1st year of selling. I still do a happy dance every single time someone finds something they love. I still can’t believe I’ve created some of the beautiful things that I have and that people actually want them.
Last year I met a fellow vendor, an amazing woman, who saw somethingin me that I didnt. She reached out to me and told me she thought I could be a good fave painter. Turns out, she wasnt wrong. Im so thankful to her for introducing another artistic outlet to me. It is so much fun and seeing the sheer joy on kids faces is priceless. I still amaze myself. I’m still learning new things every single day when it comes to both crafts. I hope to never stop learning and growing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I went into this a bit on the last question and am happy to give more details. My main craft until recently has been creating beautiful, unique and one of a kind tie dyes. There are actually many methods of dyeing fabric but the one I prefer is called ice dyeing and muck dyeing. This is where I decide what end design I want on the shirt, hoodie, bag, onesie, blanket, etc. I then prep the item by washing it and double rinsing and soaking the item in soda ash water. This is what binds the dye to the fabric and keeps it from fading out. The item then goes into a container that fits it snuggly. Then I apply dry powder in the colors I’ve chosen where I want them to go. After that I put crushed ice on top (or vice versa) and allow it to melt. Because the item is in a container with no holes it sits in the melted dyed ice water, which is called muck dyeing. This is definitely my preferred way of tie dyeing because I love how unique the outcomes are. Some powder dyes are even made just for ice dyeing. They’re made to split into multiple colors. I could go on and on about how much I love tie dyeing and how some pieces are hard to part with because I think they’re works of art. With ice dyeing I can tie 2 of the same items up the exact same way and use the exact same colors but still get different unique outcomes.
I do have a Facebook page I run called Sam’s Artistic Creations. Here is where you’ll find my tie dyes that are available, place orders, as well as uplifting and supportive messages each day.
I’m most proud of the fact that I got out there and started setting up at vendor events. I’ve had to learn how to accommodate myself so as not to get too overwhelmed. Like noise canceling ear buds and sunglasses, even if I’m indoors. My family have been super supportive of me and usually come with me to any event they can. I love this because of the memories we are creating together. It reminds me of growing up working with my parents. I love that my child gets to see other avenues of creating a life for herself.
I think one thing that helps me stand apart from others is also how I treat each and every person I interact with. Even if you don’t buy from me, you’ll enjoy a few minutes under my canopy, learning about what I do.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect is definitely sharing what I create with others. Whether it be through social media or in person at an event. Seeing other people, not just me, love and enjoy what I’ve made is an amazing feeling to get to experience over and over again.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I never know what kind of day health wise that I’m going to have. Will I get a migraine? Will today be a high anxiety day? Will I have to much on my plate because sometimes that’s just how life is? Learning coping skills for my anxiety, as well as therapy and medication are helping me immensely. Learning how to setup and find vendor events and reaching out and networking with other creators has definitely been a big step for me. It wasn’t easy to put myself out there, my product out there. But you can’t fail if you never try. I’ve had events where I’ve actually lost money. It could be easy to throw in the towel but I choose not to. I tie dye for myself. It’s a bonus I get to share it with others.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samsartisticcreations?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: Sam’s Artistic Creations on Facebook is the only way to find me