Today we’d like to introduce you to Petra Monaco

Hi Petra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

My story begins with a lot of trial and discovery. I earned a bachelor’s in accounting and later a master’s in mental health counseling, but neither left me feeling fulfilled. After years of working in traditional roles, I found myself burned out and longing for something that truly resonated with my soul.

While raising my three boys, one with special needs, I realized that I wasn’t cut out for the traditional 9-to-5 life. I wanted to find something that brought me joy and aligned with my passions. Hiking has always been my escape—a way to connect with nature, clear my mind, and find peace. It was on those hikes, surrounded by the beauty of wildlife, that I felt the pull to create.

Pyrography started as a hobby—a way to capture the essence of nature in wood. Over time, it grew into something much deeper: a way to bring the outdoors into people’s homes and remind them to go out and explore. My art reflects my love for nature and my mission to inspire others to slow down, take a breath, and connect with the world outside.

Today, I’ve turned that passion into a career. I create pyrography pieces that not only celebrate the beauty of nature but also encourage people to protect and cherish it. It’s a journey that has been anything but conventional, but it’s one that feels deeply meaningful and true to who I am.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped the journey. One of the biggest struggles was realizing that the traditional path I worked so hard to achieve didn’t work for me. But as an immigrant, I know all too well what it means to take a risk and go for that dream.

My youngest was born with a rare genetic disorder (urea cycle disorder – CPS1) and underwent 3 liver transplants from the ages 5 through 8. This took a lot of my time and focus. During that time I did odd jobs to get by while also creating pyrography as a hobby.

When I decided to transition pyrography from a hobby into a sustainable business. There’s a steep learning curve in marketing, pricing, and figuring out what resonates with people. On top of that, working as an artist often means facing self-doubt—wondering if my work is good enough or if people will value what I create.

There were also financial risks in leaving a traditional career path and investing in my art, not knowing if it would pay off. But through it all, I’ve relied on my love for nature and the peace it brings to guide me. Hiking has been my therapy, giving me clarity and inspiration when I feel overwhelmed.

I’ve learned that growth comes from pushing through the tough times. Those challenges taught me resilience and allowed me to build a meaningful business that aligns with my passions.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’m an artist specializing in pyrography, the art of wood-burning, where I create nature-inspired pieces. My work is about bringing the beauty of the outdoors into people’s homes to serve as a reminder to slow down, breathe, and connect with the natural world. From wildlife scenes to mushroom designs (which have been especially popular this year), my art reflects my deep love for nature and my desire to inspire others to explore it.

What sets me apart is my focus on creating pieces that evoke a sense of peace and adventure. My art isn’t just decorative—it’s a call to action to step outside, experience the solitude of a forest, or the joy of a mountain hike.

I’m most proud of the moments when my work resonates with people. There is nothing more thrilling than when a customer voices out loud that they “just have to have this art piece”, or when they have given something to someone as a gift and how much the receiver just loved the art piece.

I’m also proud of turning what started as a hobby into a meaningful business that aligns with my mission and values.

Ultimately, my goal is to help people bring a piece of the outdoors into their daily lives, not just as decoration but as a reminder to slow down and savor the world around them, and maybe even venture outside.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?

Over the next 5-10 years, I see a growing appreciation for handmade, nature-inspired art as more people seek to reconnect with the natural world. With the increasing awareness of sustainability and environmental issues, I believe there will be a stronger demand for art that emphasizes these values, whether through the materials used or the themes explored.

There’s also a trend toward art that tells a story or evokes a personal connection. People want more than just a pretty piece for their wall—they want something that speaks to their values, experiences, and aspirations. That’s where I see my work fitting in: creating pieces that not only celebrate nature but also inspire people to protect and explore it.

Pricing:

• Original Pyrography Art Pieces: Prices range from $50 to $500+, depending on the size and complexity of the design.
• Prints of Pyrography Art: Starting at $20 for smaller sizes, perfect for gifting or adding a touch of nature to your space.
• Custom Commissions: Pricing begins at $100 for personalized pieces; final cost depends on the level of detail and size.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smokywoodstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petra_monaco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petramonaco
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@smokywoodstudios