We were lucky to catch up with Marcela Homrich recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marcela, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

The items that we sell in the shop (cards, art, jewelry and more) are designed and handmade by me in our studio. I strive to design and launch new artsy and unexpected items almost everyday.

Marcela, 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?

I was born in the south of Brazil in a city called Porto Alegre, close to the border with Argentina, and I have German and Native Brazilian heritage. I grew up in an artsy environment – my mom is an art teacher and sculptor – in my family any creative activity was always encouraged, including reading, drawing and even painting on the walls! Creating things with my hands was always the way to connect with my inner self and from all the materials I used to play with my favorite was paper. I was always making paper dolls, sculptures and collages.

I graduated in Communications Studies and decided to be a graphic designer. After college I had some jobs as a web designer but I realized that having a traditional career as an employee of a company was not the best fit for me. I would get home and start doodling and drawing as my creative outlet; one day I just had this spark that I could use them on stationery products because it was always so hard for me to find something that would be different from what is sold as mainstream stationery – something that I could identify myself with. I decided to open my own business in 2005 and I never looked back.

In 2011 I got married and moved to the United States. With my first child on the way and a lot to learn about a new culture and business I then decided to slowly phase out by business in Brazil and focus solely on the US market. I created an online store and also had market places on Etsy and Amazon. In 2014 I started an online wholesale operation and in 2020 I realized my dream of having a brick-and-mortar store/studio.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients is the East Austin neighborhood!

East Austin is an artsy and diverse neighborhood. It has a vibrant nightlife, and it is one of the busiest shopping destinations in the city. I was used to sell my products online but having a physical space in such a trendy neighborhood to display my products is much more effective.

Since the beginning I have been trying to engage with my community. I enjoy talking to the customers and get to know about them. I also love to share my own story.

Any advice for managing a team?

Be kind, curious and empathic.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marcelahomrich.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcelahomrich/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcelahomrichart
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/marcela-homrich-modern-artful-gifts-austin

Image Credits
Marcela Homrich