Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gregory Harpe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Gregory, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Being a creative is one of my greatest joys – It is my freedom from also having to work my regular job. It offers me an outlet outside of my 9-5 that I can control and steer in whatever direction I see fit and will soon become my “regular job” as long as I keep the mission at the forefront of my mind and continue to be consistent and motivated.
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 am Gregory Harpe, I am a 27 year old fiber artist based out of Bensalem Pennsylvania. My path into this industry started around two and a half years ago when I wanted to purchase a rug for my room but saw that the tool to make the rugs was cheaper than the rug I wanted. Having already come from a creative/DIY type of background I easily chose to make the exact rugs I want and how many I want as opposed to simply buying one.
Since learning the craft I have become highly skilled at making rugs, wall hangings, upholstery and small accessories such as coasters, table runners etc. I assist my clients in turning their creations into a tangible piece of art; my clients will approach me with a logo or a concept that they want to make into a piece that will liven up their space, and I do everything in my power to turn that idea into a reality through my custom fiber art services.
I am most proud of seeing the growth within myself and my creative network as I continue to pursue my dreams in this field. I always thought the internet and various social media apps were going to be my most effective tools to grow and network, however, after vending at various art events, I realized that the face to face connections and networking done in the real world leave me feeling immensely more satisfied and create a more meaningful relationship that lasts. Seeing people stop and stare at my creations while vending at an art market, and then that opening up a conversation is a feeling that will never get old and truly leaves me wanting more.
I want my clients/potential clients to know that we are the same and can listen and learn together. Some of the best interactions I have had were sparked from meeting people through my work and I have learned that I am selling more than just fiber art – I am selling a lifestyle of creativity, endless possibilities, hard work and always keeping a changing perspective.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The look on peoples faces when they I can tell they are genuinely interested in what I am offering – regardless if you purchase something or not, genuine interest and excitement centered around what I am doing is really what drives me to continue along my journey. It reminds me that what I am doing is special and can go as far as I am willing to take it.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I definitely wish I focused more on/knew more about the power of in person events and word of mouth sooner in my journey. The internet is an amazing tool to expand and share my passion/business, however I’ve come to learn that the real world connections that I have made really build a stronger and more tangible connection with my audience that feels more authentic/stronger.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://subwaycandy.com/
- Instagram: @subway.candy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-harpe-47111b183/
- Twitter: @subway_candy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@subway_candy
- Other: Tiktok @Subway.Candy
Image Credits
The multicolored rug image next to the dyson fan and white/glass table – rug was an origial design by Arthur kenzo that I made into a rug with his permission. All the actual photos were taken by me however.