Meet Amy Sturgiss | Creator

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

Hi Amy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started creating sun catchers during COVID as a way of relieving stress. The initial response was positive. After encouragement of a friend decided to list on online. I decided I wanted to meet and talk about my creations, so I started going to craft fairs which built my confidence. Now, my art is in Artfully Made Artisian Mall. My creativity outlet has become a successful side business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The beach is my happy place. The soul soothing that walking the sand and feeling the water on my toes gives me and so many others peace.

I needed to bring that peace home. Though my art work I am able to relief the stress from working with those in pain that my career in Healthcare exposes me to. I put love and that peace I feel in every windchime or sun catcher I make. People tell me they feel the love in my art.

My biggest challenge is overcoming my own fears and just going for it. Opening my self up to the public, their critical eye as well as the acceptance was scary. However, it has inhanced my art and allowed me to explore and create new things.
The satisfaction I feel once a creation is finished and hanging in the window is so fulfilling. Everything is hand made by me and when I see how beautiful it came together it being me joy. Using shells and driftwood as well as beads and glass. I am able to bring the beach home, maybe a little peace with it too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First we would start with a day at the beach. Leo Carrillo state beach is my favorite. The tide pools are fabulous for exploring. I prefer the quite side with less crowds and more peace. You can’t get more SoCal than surfers bobbing in the water. Maybe trip to Neptune’s Net for lunch and people watching.
Next would be a day of thrift shopping along Sherman way and beyond. A good deal is hard to pass up. Finishing with Johnny Pacific’s empanada’s. Their Hawiian fusion is fabulous.
We may need to take a trip north to Cambria. The Hearst castle, moonstone beach, and the little town itself is a great few days well spent.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My best friend Marisol M. Who told me I needed to sell my sun catchers. My wife for support and encouragement. Polly C. for her friendship in this journey. Debbie G. for creating Artfully Made artisians Mall as a venue for sales and creator home.

Facebook: Sunnycalisuncatchers

Other: Artfully Made Artisans mall
21526 Sherman Way
Canoga Park, CA 91306

Image Credits
Amy sturgiss