We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Funi McLoughlin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Funi below.
Funi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Is there a historical figure you look up to? Who are they and what lessons or values have you learned from them?
Being a sculpture major in college, I’ve found great inspiration throughout my life from female artists.
The first is Grandma Moses with whom I share a birthday. This epic woman did not achieve notoriety in her life until 80. I floundered through my life in the beginning without a clear path, scavenging from interest to interest waiting for the light to pop for me. It can be a worrisome way to carve out your life, but I always knew that eventually all the little arterial paths I took would come into play with the next adventure. I feel certain that Granny Moses and I share that kindred spirit of aesthetic discovery. I do feel that I have achieved a certain level of success with my Pretzel venture, but it won’t stop me from continuing to discover new hidden talents and goals.
The second is Frida Kahlo – I mean, come one… how can you not be inspired by this powerhouse? Bold, outspoken, broken and unabashedly open about it all. I don’t believe that I am capable of being as openly expressive about the emotional tragedies that I have experienced (on a much smaller scale for sure), but knowing there are people out there with the courage and fortitude to put it all out on canvas… forever? Wow! That is powerful stuff and truly inspirational. So long as no one shows up to a gallery with a can of soup.
My final and favorite is Louise Bourgeois. A tiny little French sculptor with monumental ideas and pieces that speak to the heart of fear and persistence. I found her work at a turning point in my art career and it really pushed me to do things I didn’t think I could.
Currently I run two businesses. The first is with my partner (and love of my life), Gnarly Knots Pretzel Company. This venture has allowed both of us to thrive with our creative love of food and innovation. We do things with pretzels that is unusual (stuffing with all sorts of food and sweets to make something unique) and found a way to make people excited about bread. Not too shabby. This is the business that pays the bills.
My second business is StalkerFuniStudios… I still dabble in the Art game. I work with all sorts of mediums but am currently obsessed with Felted Sculpture and Wall Hangings. It’s lighter than Ceramic, easier on the joints than wood working and super kooky and fun. I sell out of Leroy’s Place in New Orleans and Brooklyn NY as well as the Andersonville Galleria in Chicago. So, all told…. pretty kick ass.
These two businesses are thriving… maybe because learning about the stick-to-it-ness of some of these historical women that sparked a little fuel in my fanny as a youth. Cheers Ladies!
Funi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Currently I run two businesses. The first is with my partner (and love of my life), Gnarly Knots Pretzel Company. This venture has allowed both of us to thrive with our creative love of food and innovation. We do things with pretzels that is unusual (stuffing with all sorts of food and sweets to make something unique) and found a way to make people excited about bread. Not too shabby. This is the business that pays the bills.
My second business is StalkerFuniStudios… I still dabble in the Art game. I work with all sorts of mediums but am currently obsessed with Felted Sculpture and Wall Hangings. It’s lighter than Ceramic, easier on the joints than wood working and super kooky and fun. I sell out of Leroy’s Place in New Orleans and Brooklyn NY as well as the Andersonville Galleria in Chicago. So, all told…. pretty kick ass.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I suppose most restaurant owners have the same pivot story… back in 2020 during COVID. We did the thing that everyone else did, shuttered for the 2 weeks that it was ‘supposed’ to take for all things to return to normal. When that didn’t happen, we had to make some decisions. We were fortunate that our business up until that point was only a ‘grab and go’ concept so our pivot was slight. We went with a 1 in/1 out for our clientele and tried to accommodate those that were uncomfortable coming into the establishment with curbside delivery.
It was a crazy time but we made it work. Most folks were amazing and thankful when we reopened. We all worked together to keep the pretzels rolling.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Matt and I met in Seattle back in 2005. He is originally from Lombard IL and I grew up out side of Philadelphia but somehow we both wound up in the Pacific Northwest at the same time. He got there by picking up with his band, Hunab Ku (a bunch of great guys from Illinois) and heading off to pursue fame and fortune. I got there the long and meandering way going from state to state pursuing whatever creative itch that afflicted me. For me it was Art School in Denver, Improv in Chicago, Stand-up comedy in LA, then I headed off to Seattle where I too pursued music.
Matt and I just missed each other in Chicago. But while I was in Chicago, I befriended a mutual acquaintance unbeknownst to either of us… so when I made the choice to move to Seattle, our friend told me to ‘look up Matt’ when I arrived. At the same time, he relayed the message to Matt. Matt and I both had the same response…. NOPE. So what, I’m supposed to call up a complete stranger? Not likely.
Low and behold, we both wound up working at the same restaurant. One day, when we were hanging out after work, we discovered our ‘connection’, starting dating immediately and the rest is a blissful and hilarious whirlwind of history.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: @gnarlyknots
- Facebook: @gnarlyknots
Image Credits
Gnarly Knots Noah Huffman Emilie Procsal