We were lucky to catch up with Tara Larson Crotty recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Unfortunately, I have lived in grief for the past few years. My youngest daughter has struggled immensely with an autoimmune condition that turned our families life upside down beginning in 2018. Since that time, I’ve lost my dad & had a few other losses along the way. It was losing my sister in January, 2022 that really seemed to plant this seed of growth and change. My sister was my best friend & protector. When I lost her, I made a promise to do all the things she wanted to do. I mostly thought that would mean traveling & living my best life. But in reality, she planted a seed when she would light up talking about refinishing furniture & opening a store where everyone could find a bargain. Within 6 months of losing her, I opened Locale Makers Market in Somerset, WI. I was already running a small business making jewelry & selling crystal’s & metaphysical items. I’ve always been a collaborative thinker, so I reached out to a few other talented & creative makers I know and Locale was born. It’s been an experience of learning & exercising gratitude ever since!

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 grew up in Duluth, MN & have always been a rock hound. I feel a great connection to the water & earth, that connection has only grown with me. A few years ago, I felt called to really dive into my spirituality to help me cope with grief. I grew my crystal collection & actively began learning about metaphysical properties & sharing with a small group online. I was hand stamping metals as a hobby & learned online how to metalsmith. I began incorporating crystals into my jewelry & truly found my passion.

Integrity is my most center core value. I do my best to bring people the items they love at an affordable price. I also work hard to ensure I am educated on the items I am working with & share that knowledge with others. I am constantly learning & am so grateful to be able to do something I love so much!

Earlier this year, I began my journey as a healer. I have completed training as a reiki healer & am working to hone my skills & hope to share this gift with as many people as possible throughout my life. I never want to stop growing & evolving, so I will likely continue training as long as I am able.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The very best way to support small businesses & local artists is to engage & shop small and/or local whenever possible, it’s actually true that when you support a small business, we actually do a happy dance!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Honestly, we all have our struggles. I’m so grateful that I have had the grit and support to make it through really hard times. To be where I am now – doing something I love & being able to lift up other small businesses is a blessing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.localemakers.com
• Instagram: locale_makers_market
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LocaleMakersMarket?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: My crystal business is Hand Stamped Whimsy & Crystals https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076134408374&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
@MisArtGirl