We recently connected with Josie Adams and have shared our conversation below.

Josie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

This is such a memorable moment for me as it is for anyone with dreams of working as a creative. I’m not even sure they know this, but Hawthorne Supply Co emailed me asking to license my work for fabric as my family was going through the loss of my aunt. It was such a strange juxtaposition of feelings – happiness that my work had finally been seen and was wanted mingled with sadness. Reading that email felt so uplifting. I remember taking a moment that morning to just happy scream into my pillow. My aunt believed in living life and going after what you wanted, and I think she would have been proud of me.

This was all before the first dollar was even made. Just reading that email felt like winning the lottery. When someone actually bought my fabric and made something with it? Well…I cried. Even now, it makes me so excited every time I see a make with Hey Miss fabric. As a former sewing teacher, there isn’t a better feeling than seeing someone make something using fabric with my art on it. It is incredibly fulfilling.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Josie Adams, and I’m the artist and maker behind Hey Miss Creative Co. I am a sewist turned artist who believes handmade is better. I began my creative career as a high school fashion design teacher, which is where the name Hey Miss comes from. It’s what my students used to say to me. This path eventually led me to the world of surface pattern design and illustration. I am passionate about encouraging others to be makers so they, too, can know the joy that comes from creating something with your hands. I love making art for fabric, designing graphics for creative businesses, and collaborating with brands who inspire creativity.

I am and always will be a maker at heart and often describe myself as a multi-passionate creative. If you follow me on Instagram, you will definitely see me trying out different crafts from sewing to shoemaking, and most recently figuring out resin crafting. You often hear the phrase “niche down,” but I don’t believe in that at face value. We are whole human beings who deserve to have many facets, and what’s the point of social media if we can’t share those facets? The common thread that ties all those pieces together is you, and that’s the most interesting part of all of it.

As far as what I’m most proud of, it’s the fabric. I’ve loved sewing since I was in high school, so it’s a dream to be able to create art for fabric. It brings me so much joy to be a part of someone else’s making journey. I sincerely hope Hey Miss can inspire you to start a new hobby, grow your craft or business, and ultimately believe in your God-given ability to create.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. I believe in everyone’s ability to be creative, and I want to support them on that journey. Teaching kids to sew showed me the confidence that taking up a craft gives people. I felt it in myself, but it didn’t hit home until I worked with students. I watched them take on the challenges of garment construction and succeed. That skill of meeting challenges and working through to success translated to so many aspects of their life. That is my mission – to encourage you to try your hand at something because I know it will bring you joy and confidence.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Oo…good question. I love books. And taking classes. Let’s see… Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is probably my favorite. How she describes her interaction with creativity is genius. Beyond that, I highly recommend the following:

Books:
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
Find Your Artistic Voice by Lisa Congdon
Keep Going by Austin Kleon

Courses:
Immersion from Bonnie Christine (for surface design)
Making Art Work from Emily Jeffords (for anyone in an art related field)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heymisscreativeco.com
• Instagram: @heymisscreativeco