We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin & Jennifer Mars and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin & Jennifer, how do you think about risk?
We believe that risk taking is an essential part of our journey. We have made several risks that include moving across the country (many times) or starting new business ventures. We both grew up in a Midwest suburb in Minnesota, we decided to move away from our close family and friends to Southern California. This was scary for us but knew that this risk was essential for our growth mentally and physically. The sunshine and warm weather inspired us to create in many ways. Sawdust and Butterflies was formed just before the pandemic in August of 2019. This helped us stay busy during times of isolation and uncertainty and giving us an artistic outlet. Being able to chase dreams and being true to yourself is what being a true risk taker is all about. Be unapologetically you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Our art is such a mix of different things. Justin is the builder/maker. I always have these crazy projects and thoughts in my mind. I can tell him what I’m wanting- he usually tells me no that’s not possible then finds a way to make it happen! We make many different resin pieces. Things from giant crystal mountain-scapes to crystal moons, tables etc. Lots of surf board pieces, mermaids and even crystal wands. I think what sets us apart is everything is so unique. not one thing is the same. I love golds, metallics, sparkly EVERYTHING. I love texture in my pieces- shells, crystals, glass etc. I love for my art to have a purpose. If you are needing more feelings of love, I like to use rose quartz, if you are looking for healing, I’d use clear quartz, help with sobriety- amethyst etc.
Creating comes so easy for me, its the articulating my feelings that is harder. The “why” or “how”.
We got to where we are today by just DOING. We started designing years ago with my hair salons, (I am a hairdresser by trade – The Crafted Mermaid – Redondo Beach} I always had a budget of almost zero. I would literally see a dresser on the side of the road and make Justin go pick it up. I’d paint it the voila! New piece for the space! People started loving these pieces so I’d sell them and upgrade the next. Now this is almost trendy we actually laugh about it
Nothing in life is easy , I feel like learning to laugh during the struggle is the most important thing. We “live on the edge” as in we had $2.oo in checking and payday isn’t for three days, found a target gift card from Christmas in a random envelope and were giddy on our way to get groceries!
As we are writing this our youngest can hear us going back and fourth. Who is your biggest cheerleader? Noah ( 10) says YOU MOM!
My heart is full knowing that I am teaching my boys to not settle, chase your dreams, fail and do it again!
I want the world to know our brand is LOVE, Love yourself, love others, love life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We are obsessed with where we live! We would start with coffee and a hike at Terranea Resort. With a beach day almost every day visiting all the piers from Malibu down to Laguna Beach. With so many local favorite places to eat the options are endless a few must stops are Crème De La Crepe, Martha’s, or my personal favorite is to stay home and grill as Justin is a great cook. We could also enjoy the sunset views from our balcony, We also recommend a visit to the Griffith Observatory and enjoy the hiking trails with spectacular views. Of course you have Disney and Universal Studios for the movie magic and ride lovers. Even being able to sneak away for a few hours into the mountains for some snow adventures. We truly live in such an amazing place and with all it has to offer to help one relax and reset.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
After reading the book ” You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero, it lit a fire in me. I felt like holy shit life is short. I want to have a ton of fun in life . I want to travel , create, be in the ocean, meet new people, and LAUGH A LOT.

” You have to be willing to fall down, get up, look stupid, cry, laugh, make a mess, clean it up and not stop until you get there. No matter what.” -Jen Sincero

This is us. We are living our life the way we want and not the way others think we should.

Website: https://www.sawdustandbutterflies.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustandbutterflies/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=sawdust%20%26%20butterflies

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sawdustandbutterflies https://www.pinterest.com/sawdustandbutterflies

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.