We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rebecca Powell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rebecca below.
Rebecca, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
To know the whole story, we have to rewind to 2011, during my Freshman year at High Point University. One of the first classes I took at HPU was a ceramics course; it was supposed to be an easy A to knock off my art credit for my liberal art requirements for my biochemistry degree. But my creative heart loved every second of being in the studio. I couldn’t stop with just one course, so I spoke with my advisor and filed for a minor in studio arts. I had no idea what one would do with a Biochemistry degree and a minor in the arts, but I just did it because it felt right. I felt drawn to the studio; the hours just slipped by, whether it was sculpting or painting. In 2015 I graduated from High Point University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Minor in Studio Arts, still entirely focused on getting a job within the biotech field and saving the world as a scientist. Art took the back burner, just a fun project for a family member’s Christmas gift or the occasional DIY project. And guess what? I hated it; I hated working in the lab. Every day was the same, and creativity was limited. I started writing more and more for my blog as a way of escapism and dreaming of a way to work for myself and get to be creative every day. I also started painting more but didn’t realize I could make a living as a watercolor artist and designer until several years later. I moved home in October 2018 and decided with this fresh start; I wanted to pursue life as a professional creative. And almost 4 years, I haven’t turned back. I get to create every day. Whether I am working on a new collection, filming content, or designing branding for other dreamers, no day is the same and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am the artist and designer behind the brand Southern’spirations. Southernpsirations is where southern charm meets design and creativity. At Southernpisrations, I am all about sparking creativity and spreading joy. Whether through custom artwork, wedding designs, or the online store, my pieces and designs are crafted with that purpose and the knowledge that our passions and talents come from God.
Currently residing in the charming town of Hartsville, South Carolina, I get to soak up small-town life and everything it offers while running my business. It is a beautiful mix of design, marketing, and collaboration with local companies that allows me to produce high-quality products for clients and customers. South Carolina is full of southern and coastal design inspiration, and I love infusing my projects with little hints of each.
Although I had started Southern’spirations as a creative outlet while at High Point University back in 2015, after several years in the biotech and corporate marketing industries, I knew I wanted to pivot into creative entrepreneurship and pursue the role of business owner full-time. With my knowledge of marketing and my passion for design, I built a business that shares my love for signature design and the act of finding joy in the little things. Now I get to do a happy dance every day as I draw on the southern inspirations around me to create products and designs that bring joy to my clients and fill their homes with that extra touch of whimsy.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I just learned about NFT recently, and the whole idea of it seems like a different world. I would hate to see the end of physical art but also respect digital work because who is to say what art is? I wouldn’t buy NFTs, but I am not on the cryptocurrency train either. There is something to be said about physical art, how it moves you when you are a foot away from a masterwork and can see the slightest textures of the brush. It is breathtaking, and I don’t see how an NFT could create that same experience. But I can be wrong, and that is the great thing about art, different creations appeal to different viewers based on their interests, aesthetics, and backgrounds.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Oh, such a good question! Shop small businesses first, box stores second. Don’t get me wrong, they are convenient, and free shipping is always nice but instead of ordering that mass-produced gift this holiday season, look for a more personalized gift. Artisans make each piece with love and package it with care. Supporting your local artists makes a direct impact on your community, and usually, someone is doing a happy dance with every new order. I am pretty sure the big box stores aren’t happy dancing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.southernspirations.com
- Instagram: @southernspirations
- Facebook: @southernspirations