We recently connected with Victoria Woolard and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have worked on is definitely starting one of the first original traveling jewelry workshops in our area and also in other states too! In doing this I have been able to give stay at home moms like me or even just other moms in general, the push to do something for themselves that still allows them to be home too. So many of our workshop leaders have started their own traveling diy businesses after working with us and have admitted it would have never happened if we didn’t guide and push them to take chances through our contracted workshop leaders program. I love giving back to our community in this way and showing people they have a fire in them it just needs some fuel!

Victoria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I worked as a Director of Recreation in nursing homes and I loved it, but when COVID hit I had a newborn and ultimately lost my job. My husband and I always found tranquility in being by the water and collecting sea glass. He ultimately encouraged me to craft with it. When I did, it was like something clicked. I taught myself all the techniques I now know and have many products I create by scratch because of it. I started teaching workshops and they expanded to other states! Now, my business has five contracted workshop leaders, many who are also moms who were looking for a lot of the same qualities in a job that I was! It’s beautiful that I have been able to give them the same opportunity and guidance I was looking for when I started this business!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I have learned to be real with my audience and to keep showing up for them. I try to give my customers and audience the picture on who I am as a person and an artist. I also feel it’s important to give them a wonderful experience throughout the buying process so they walk away feeling positive about the whole transaction. My customers often turn into friends and family and for that I am so grateful. I am supportive of other artists and always looking for ways to collaborate or even just people to recommend to others for certain art services like woodworking, crocheting etc. It truly helps to know people and support them.

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

I think as a society it is so crucial to try and understand or picture the process of how a product is created. It hurts when you hear a customer say in passing, “ I can make that” or , “ thats too expensive.” When you buy something handmade there is so much that goes into it that you don’t see. The sourcing, the testing out of products to use, all the blood sweat and tears, and most importantly the time away from family. That is why I understand what I am paying for when I shop small and local. Education and understanding is so important.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stillwatersusa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillwatersusa/profilecard/?igsh=MW12eTA5cnJ0cjMwNA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/caohhC2LWuSdUT3U/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Tyquan Crump, Tea Time Photography- personal headshot