We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katherine Rodgers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Katherine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I have ever worked and completed would have to be my very first completed piece! When I first started and decided to start You are Loved Crafts, the only thing I really wanted out of this small business was to make sure that every single person felt accepted, valued, seen, and loved. I wanted and still want, every person to know that their life is meaningful and worthy to be lived. No matter who or what they might be. So, with this, I decided to create something that represented every type of human being out there, in the best way that I could. So, I made a sign! First, the entire background was made into the LGBTQ+ flag. I chose this because I wanted every single person to feel accepted, no matter their sexuality or gender. Next, I drew a fist. Not just any fist, but the Black Lives Matter fist. I wanted to make sure that all black people to know that they are loved and accepted just as much as any other person. That their life is just as meaningful and worthy to be lived. Finally, I added the saying “you are loved.” I purposely wrote this in black ink. I wanted a color that represented all colors and types of colors. This piece was the first piece I created after I officially started You are Loved Crafts. I wanted something bold and “in your face” to make sure people could see it. To make others uncomfortable. Because despite what the world might think or say, every single human deserves to feel enough, wanted, and loved. This meaningful project is the one piece that I think about all the time.

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.

So, the story behind You are Loved Crafts is quite a long story, so I hope you’re ready for a ride, haha. About 4 years ago, the thought of starting a business, selling my artwork, or doing art at all, didn’t even exist in my mind. If I went back in time and told my past self about what I’m doing today, I’d laugh and would say that it was impossible. I’d say I’m not talented enough, it’s too much money, there’s no way a girl like me could do something like that, and so much more! Honestly, the idea of You are Loved Crafts was born from my own attempt of taking my life back in 2018. Before this, I was in a Baptist seminary pursuing a masters in Christian Apologetics, with a set plan to move to a different state to do full-time ministry after graduation. In fact, I actually had a job offer all set up and everything! Well, then this crazy thing called a pandemic hit the United States in 2020. Forcing me to move back to Florida. Without a clue of what to do next, but I’m sure I wasn’t alone in that lost boat. But little did I know that this would change my entire life. After the attempt of taking my own life, I made a goal and promise to myself that I would do whatever I possibly could to make sure every person never felt that way. I wanted to make sure every person knew they were loved and that their life are worth living and their life is meaningful. So, after moving to Florida, I first met the boy I plan to marry, later started this crafting business. So, I guess you could say that everything that I thought would happen and had planned out, well, it all went the polar opposite direction, haha. When I started all of this, I wanted to make sure that every thing I did was done by hand. Nothing more. Which was and still is a challenge. But you’d be surprised what you can accomplish when you’re patient with yourself. So, my crafts are all hand drawn on wood or paper. Everything is done with my gel pens, since this eventually became my favorite medium to use. Shortly after, I began doing craft shows and different conventions. And at every single event, on my table, I have a sign that says “20% of all proceeds are donated to Suicide Awareness.” I knew without a doubt that I wanted to do this donation with whatever money I made. I wanted to make sure that I was giving back to educating and supporting others on suicide awareness. With this little sign, I’ve had a plethora of conversations about loved ones who others have lost to suicide. With each name I’ve been given, I’ve placed on a little wooden heart. To, in a way, keep them alive. With You are Loved Crafts, I hope to expand to create more art for others to bring them joy. I hope to meet more people and to inspire others to be kind and love. Being kind is an easy thing to do and it’s something that every person deserves. I’m very thankful for this hidden talent of being an artist to hopefully make a difference in the world. Making others smile is and the conversations I’ve receive just from being an artist is worth every minute of doing this every day.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I’ve chosen the question because I need to remind myself of this all the time. So, I’m sure it not only to all of you, but reminding myself of it. I’ve learned that feeling rewarded or proud of what you’ve done is a good and healthy thing to feel. Seeing and watching the reaction of those who see what I’ve created is something that won’t ever get old to me. In fact, sometimes, it makes me emotional. I attempted to take my life in 2018. Today the year is 2023 and I’m creating things that bring shock and smiles to others faces. This would have to be the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. The feeling of being proud of what I’ve done and what I’m doing. For years I had been taught that pride was at the root of all sin. Pride is bad, that’s all. But that just isn’t true. Being proud is not a conceded or selfish thing. In fact, being proud of what you’ve done and what you’ve accomplished is quite beautiful. You, as an artist, placed a lot of thought, time, and effort into what you’ve created. You deserve to feel proud of yourself and proud of your work. An artist can absolutely be proud and humble simultaneously.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

This is a good, but tough question. I think over the last year and a half being an artist I’ve discovered that I wish there were more hand done pieces. hand drawn, painted, etc. It would be nice to see kids using crayons and coloring books, rather than on their phones. I wish I could see more of the younger generation using their minds, imagination, and the things around them to create something brand new. As society supporting artists, creatives, and a thriving ecosystem? Please don’t ever take the arts out of schools. I think that more people should discuss the importance and the statistics of having the arts in schools. I fear a world where the arts don’t exist in a child’s life.    

Contact Info:

• Website: youarelovedcrafts.com
• Instagram: youarelovedcraftsus
• Facebook: You are Loved Crafts