We recently connected with Jessica Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I want to say that all of my projects are meaningful. Everything that I create has a backstory and a meaning for me. Every piece is a part of me and my journey. But if I had to pick, I would pick my butterfly and hummingbird pieces. I have always loved butterflies but they took on a whole new meaning for me June 10, 2018, when my godmother passed away. She was a big influence in my life and taught me so much. She was strong, truthful, loving, supportive, and reliable. The day after she passed I was on the phone with my father and I was looking out the window. And out of nowhere a hummingbird came and stopped right in front of me. I had never seen a hummingbird in person. And it just hoovered in front of me for what seemed like forever and then it flew away. I remember feeling a sense of calmness and relief after. And I knew that she would always be with me. A few weeks went by and I had decided to buy some milkweed to plant in the backyard. Milkweeds attract butterflies, so I felt that it would be a good tribute to her. Once they were planted I saw more and more caterpillars on the milkweeds, and decided to make in enclosure for them. I would sit at the back door every morning and just watch the caterpillars get bigger. They would eat and they form into a chrysalis, and then emerge into a butterfly. And I watched this cycle over and over for about 4 months. That year I released over 50 butterflies from my own backyard. So now whenever I see a butterfly I smile because I know that my godmother is passing by to let me know she is still watching over me.

Jessica, 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?

For those who do not know me my name is Jessica and I am the owner of Savy Phoenix Creations LLC. I started my business during a very difficult time in my life and creating was what kept me grounded. I began working with resin in September of 2021. My first creations were trays and coasters, but I wanted them to represent crystals. So, I began playing with different mica powders to create my coasters and trays to resemble the pigmentations of crystals, such as rose quartz, black obsidian, and tiger eye. Since then I have expanded my creativity in functional art and have created pieces like incense holders, burner jars to burn sage and sun catchers. It is important for me to make pieces that clients can use. I personally burn sage and incense daily and I struggled with finding the right tools that fit me. Everything that I would see was useful but standard. So I wanted to make something with some sparkle, color and a whole lot of love. A piece that strikes a conversation. And that is what I think sets me apart from other artist who work with resin. Each piece that I make is intentional, and is not made unless I can clearly see its purpose. I also love to make custom pieces. Those are a real challenge for me and I enjoy making someone’s vision come to life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As an artist and someone who has had to learn the business routine with very little help, I would say that something that I had to unlearn is over extending myself. I still work a 9 -5 job, and I am a mother of two amazing children. And starting on this journey I really struggles with balance. Between work, creating, family time, and being a vendor in pop up markets, it became a lot for me. I wanted to get out there and meet people and show my work, and at times I was in one or two markets every week. Which that in itself is a blessing but it was also a lot mentally and physically for me. There would be days where I did not want to go anywhere but I had already committed to a market. So, I would just go. I felt sometimes as though I might miss something if I didn’t go. However, I have scaled back on markets. I also have become very selective in the markets that I am in. It really has been a lot of trial and error experiences since there are so many markets now in Orlando, with their own unique vibes, and energy. I’ve decided to focus on those that suit me and what my business and myself represent. And I think that is important for any one who is just starting out as an artist, or a business. It is ok to not do and be everywhere. The right events, people, and community is out there and you will find them.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being a creator is when a client understands and sees your vision behind something that you have made. I love when someone walks into my booth at a market and sees a piece and has an instant connection. Or they can tell me a life story about what a piece reminds them of. That connection is what I strive for.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://savyphoenixcreations.com/
• Instagram: @savyphoenixcreations
• Facebook: @savyphoenixcreations