We were lucky to catch up with Sultana Rubi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sultana, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I started playing with clay and making jewelry after our pup Sonny Boy passed away in June 2020. What first started as a means to get out of depression has grown into something bigger. When Sonny was diagnosed in December 2019 my partner and I were devastated. We came across the Live Like Roo organization and after sharing Sonny’s story they provided support, financial help, and much-needed hope. Although Sonny wasn’t cancer free we were able to spend 6 wonderful months with him thanks to Live Like Roo. I launched Salty’s Creation with a very special pair of earrings: Sonny Boy Paw Studs and 100% of all sales of the Sonny Boy Paw Studs are still donated to Live Like Roo in honor of Sonny. In addition, a portion of my sales gets donated to a different charity each month. Since I opened my shop in August 2020 I’ve donated over $10,000 to various charities including Live Like Roo and NYC Second Chance Rescue.
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?
Hello, I’m Sultana (/ suhl·ta·nuh/) and art is my happy place. I was born in Bangladesh, and raised in New York. I speak 4 languages. I studied Graphic Design and Textiles & Apparel. I love working with my hands and creating is my therapy. Over the years I’ve crocheted, knitted, sewed, designed, and altered my own clothes. I’ve dabbled in calligraphy and typography and I really enjoy doodling. I find that anytime I am feeling down, creating helps me heal. I started playing with clay and making jewelry after our pup Sonny Boy passed away in June 2020. What first started as a means to get out of depression has grown into something bigger. When Sonny was diagnosed in December 2019 my partner and I were devastated. We came across the Live Like Roo organization and after sharing Sonny’s story they provided support, financial help, and much-needed hope. Although Sonny wasn’t cancer free we were able to spend 6 wonderful months with him thanks to Live Like Roo. I launched Salty’s Creation with a very special pair of earrings: Sonny Boy Paw Studs and 100% of all sales of the Sonny Boy Paw Studs are still donated to Live Like Roo in honor of Sonny. In addition, a portion of my sales gets donated to a different charity each month. Since I opened my shop in August 2020 I’ve donated over $10,000 to various charities including Live Like Roo and NYC Second Chance Rescue.
My designs are inspired by everything I love from animals, family, nature, and my culture.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Art is very personal. I find creating to be very therapeutic so when you buy handmade art, It’s more than just a THING; it’s a heartfelt creation, a glimpse into someone’s life and passion. Most importantly, a sale allows the artist additional time to pursue what they love. We live in a world of mass production so very often when people see the price tag on handmade/slowmade pieces it is very daunting – Whereas I can tell you from first-hand experience that most small artists underprice their pieces for the sake of a sale. Early days of launching my business I would think “Will this design sell? Will people like it?” and I found that when I created/designed for the sake of a sale I was unhappy, miserable, and didn’t enjoy my craft. It took a long time for me to balance the business side vs. the very personal side of designing.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Salty’s Creations originally started as a means to pull myself out of depression after my pup passed away in 2020 and now it is my passion project and I’m on a mission to help as many animals as possible through art. Since I opened my shop in August 2020 I’ve donated over $10,000 to various charities including my two favorite charities Live Like Roo and NYC Second Chance Rescue. In addition, I am a huge advocate for healing through art. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saltyscreations.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltys.creations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltyscreations/
Image Credits
Richard Ortega Sultana Rubi