Meet Mariah Kate | Multi-Medium Artist & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariah Kate and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
It’s funny because if you had asked me a couple years ago if I consider myself to be a risk taker I would have said no. Mostly because I always thought “risk takers” were the people who scale mountains and dive off cliffs. I am a risk taker, but more of an emotional, financial, and life directionality risk taker.

I switched my major from Landscape Architecture to Child Development at the start of my 4th year of college, I moved to a new city alone at 24, I’ve put my heart on the line more than a few times, I’ve given up good jobs for jobs I wanted more and I started an art business in the middle of a global pandemic.

I think risk taking is inevitable; at some point life is going to present you with choices and you’re probably going to be inclined to follow your gut, your heart, your soul–which tends to be the less clear and stable option in my experience. It’s the cliché, cheesy thing to say but even when things don’t work out there’s always something to learn. I’ve never taken a risk and not come away with knowledge that has helped me move forward and/or reconcile with the past.

I wouldn’t have my business if I chose the less complicated, “easier” paths. I wouldn’t have so many amazing things and people in my life if I hadn’t made a laundry list of unconventional decisions.

There is a piece to this that is difficult for me, though I will say it bothers me less now than it used to–people might not understand why or agree with what you’re doing. I’m not talking about the internet trolls or your acquaintances, I’m talking friends, family, and partners. I’ve made some questionable choices in all areas of my life and I’ve gotten pushback from the people who love me. I’m also sure I’ve pushed back once or twice when someone I love has told me about a decision they want to make.

It’s normal and natural to worry for those we love, but here’s the thing I’ve realized: I am the only person who knows what is best for me and my life. Do I love my community to bits and pieces? One thousand percent yes. Would I have gotten as far as I have without them? Absolutely not. This isn’t about that. This is about following your own intuition, listening for that voice inside you, trusting that the universe is working in your favor and most importantly actively loving yourself by going after the life you really want, the life you deserve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is colorful and sparkly and fun to hold in your hands. It’s basically everything that I wanted when I was a little kid. My art is an expression, an outlet and its mine; it’s for me. I love rainbows, my art is a living rainbow. I really care about diverse body representation, you can see that throughout my work. I think a cool piece of adulthood for me has been getting back to what made me happy as a child and a lot of my art looks like it could be for a 6-year old but really a 26-year old wants it. It’s about color, representation and remembering what makes us light up.

My professional journey has really just consistent of getting more and more connected to my community. I started off with a little table at a few small markets and this last May I had a vendor booth at a music festival. When I think about it, it all seems kind of unreal to me. Other than myself, of course, I can really say that the community of other makers and small business owners are the reason for my professional success. We help each other out and build each other up. There is no competition, only community. I think women especially are taught that there “aren’t enough seats at the table” but that is just another lie to pit us against each other and prevent us from all rising up. The success of my friend is my success and vice versa, don’t get it twisted.

Starting this busines was both hard and easy. Making art, that’s the sweet part, that’s the reason why I get excited about all of this, its the whole point. Being a product photographer, a social media manager, a financial planner, an event coordinator, and so much more–that is the hard part. I will say I have grown to like a few more of those roles than I did at first but honestly I hope one day I can outsource a lot of that labor to people who actually like doing it. Relying on community, YouTube tutorials, being open and honest about my experience and learning lessons along the way is how I’ve been getting through it.

I’ve learned that no matter how it looks online or in real life, no one has it all together. We are all struggling with something, we are all feeling incompetent in some way and we are all in need of help. I’ve also learned that my art isn’t for everyone and that is actually a good thing! If everyone likes your art it probably isn’t saying much. What resonates with you isn’t going to resonate with everyone and that’s okay.

I just want my art to make people feel happy. I want it to be a fun, sweet addition to their lives. I want them to feel seen and represented. I want my art to be functional and fit into people’s lives with ease. I want it to mean whatever it means to them.

My art brand is about bringing everyone a little bit more color, fun and joy.

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?
I would take them out to Los Osos where Montana de Oro State Park is located. We could hike around the countless trails there, maybe one that lands us on the beach. We could put up our hammock in some of the eucalyptus trees and rest for a while. After that I’d take them to Kuma Sushi, or maybe High St in Baywood.

Heading out to Cayucos might also be on the itinerary, starting with breakfast at the Hidden Kitchen, then a walk on the pier. Maybe we could drive up the 1 a bit and find a sleepy beach off to the side of the road.

I honestly love the central coast so much. There’s so much here to do and so much beauty–I feel incredibly blessed to be here.

Go to Mule Bakery in AG, go to Shin’s Poke in Pismo Beach, go to Avila Beach and go swinging. Go do all the things here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am incredibly lucky to love and be loved by so many amazing, supportive people.

My incredible family who raised me up and is still there when I need to go back home, especially my mama. My ex-partner Ryan who invested in my business at the start and who supported me for years. My beautiful friends who show up at my markets, shout me out and buy my art. My fellow artists and small business babes who I could not get through all the things without.

Website: mariahkateart.com

Instagram: @mariahkateart