We recently connected with Nikki Buckley and have shared our conversation below.
Nikki , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
About two years ago I saw a piece of plaster art and wanted to try and make one for our house. After making one – I was in love with it. I kept making pieces for no real reason and they were piling up in my house so I decided to start selling them. I originally went to school for interior design and I feel like artwork is bringing that part of me back into my life.
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.
My name is Nikki and I am 31 years old. For the past few years I have been teaching 2nd grade but took a year off this year. I’m hoping to have more time for my artwork and to build my business. I use plaster to make my art pieces and I love helping people fill that empty wall or space in their home with something unique. Ever since then, I have not stopped. I had art pieces piling up with nowhere for them to go so I decided to start selling them. The best part is finding new ways to make different textures and fun designs. I always get excited when I discover something new I can create.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part about creating art is when I finish a custom piece that is exactly what the customer had envisioned. It is always nerve racking, hoping they love it. So it’s a really good feeling when they do. I originally went to school for interior design so helping people decorate is really fun for me. I think artwork is a great way help a house feel like a home.
Have you ever had to pivot?
My current year off from teaching, would be my biggest time period of having to pivot. Growing up I always knew in the back of my head I would become a teacher. Then at the end of one summer, just a few days before school was about to start again, my brother unexpectedly passed away. I was angry with the demands of teaching while going through that, but it also caused me to lean more into my artwork. But in the end, taking some time away from teaching I think was the best choice for me. I am excited to see what this next year will bring for me and my artwork.
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