We recently connected with Erika Hewston and have shared our conversation below.

Erika, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

As someone working in a creative industry who has also gone through art school and earned an art degree, I think there are a few areas that are lacking in the education system for people pursuing this life. Most of the courses and work in a creative focused school are centered on the creative process itself: learning techniques, refining skills, and building a creative body of work. However, there is little to no time spent on what to do with your work once it is made. Questions like where to market your work, avenues to sell your work, and then the business side of tracking those sales is all but ignored.

I believe that for educational programs to really set students up for success in this industry there need to be a series of courses that specifically address these matters. Having a structure that teaching (teaches) students about the process of getting their work into a gallery, or into a trade or craft show, or how to connect with interior designers or architects would truly set people up for starting a successful career when they leave school. It is also important to know how to track time and materials costs associated with your work so that you can not only properly price your work, but so that you can understand how your taxes are going to come together at the end of the year.

It is, of course, nearly impossible to cover everything in a few courses. But I do believe that having one course a semester could really shift how creatives think about the reality of working in the creative industry, and set them up for a more fulfilling and successful career path.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I have been working with textiles, in some capacity, for as long as I can remember. My grandmother taught me how to knit and crochet and quilt at a very young age, my mom showed me how to sew apparel and always helped me with any project I started. My family has always encouraged me to try whatever my heart desired and supported me with praise and encouragement at every step.

I started weaving my senior year of high school and never stopped. I made my own tapestry loom out of scrap wood and nails that I still have to this day. In college I was introduced to floor looms and learned how to make finer, wearable fabrics that could be used for scarves, shawls, or sewn into ties and bow-ties. I get so much joy out of the process of making and from others finding a piece in my collection that speaks to their souls. One of my favorite things about my work is being able to make custom pieces for people so that they can have a custom artwork that fits them perfectly.

The custom design process is a fun conversation where I get to investigate what elements, colors, and textures speak to the client most. Figuring out what is going to excite them every time they see the work in their own space and bringing that to life is a truly fulfilling element of my work.

I have made custom bow-ties for groomsmen to compliment the bridesmaid dresses, so that they could have a unique element on the special day as well as a great gift to keep afterwards; large scale wall hangings for an impactful statement piece in homes; small weavings that give just a pop of color and happiness; and even custom scarves so a mother and her daughters could have coordinating accessories.

Each piece gets a little piece of my heart and I hope that everyone who purchases or is gifted one of my wovens feels the joy that it was made with evey time they see or wear it.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I was very fortunate to have familial support in other aspects of my life that allowed me to build up savings and get my equipment over time. During my undergraduate career I slowly built up my “materials stash” as I did projects. After graduating I was able to find a used floor loom for sale, and had a friend who lent me us of his truck and helped me transport it. I would put smaller studio tools on my wish lists for my birthday and Christmas, and over the course of the past 5 years have built up to the capacity of equipment that makes my creative practice most efficient for my current needs. My parents let me use the basement of their home as my studio space during this time. I have since moved and have brought my studio space with me, still using a portion of my home as a studio space to avoid rental fees of a separate space.

Although I do have my business fully established, it is still viewed by most as a “side hustle” or “hobby”. I still work a full time job in arts administration at a renowned craft school, and work on my own creative passions in the evenings and on weekends.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Like most, the Covid-19 Pandemic had a tremendous impact on the trajectory of my life, my business, and my career. I had just started showing my work at professional craft shows to get my work in front of buyers. They were going well, and I was looking forward to diving into that lifestyle. by (remove the period) creating a show circuit for myself. However, after only two shows, the world shut down. During the stay-at-home order I decided to apply for a masters degree program in Arts Administration, and began taking online courses. At the same time I was working on building a website for my business and was using the time at home to build up inventory for my hopeful, eventual return to craft shows. However, the progress towards my Masters Degree accelerated my career, and I landed a job as a Gallery Director before I even completed my program. Since taking the position, and relocating, I have maintained my business’s social media presence and worked on getting my pieces into exhibitions and galleries. I have recently returned to in-person craft markets and am looking forward to incorporating them back into my life. I do not know where this will lead, but one day hope to be a full time employee of my own business!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.erikahewstontextiles.com
• Instagram: @erika.hewston
• Facebook: /erikahewstontextiles

Image Credits
Wedding Pictures: Grateful Moments Photography