Meet Rebecca Carmona | String Artist

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

Hi Rebecca, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ever since I was little I knew that I always wanted to do two things. Own my own business and help people. I had no clue what to do though and pushed it aside through college until I was pregnant with my first. Then I felt that need to find a way to be home with my son while still bringing in an income. It took me a couple years of trying different things and failing. Until one day I was scrolling on Pinterest and saw this GORGEOUS string art sunflower! I had to try to and fell in love with how different and unique string art can be. Since then I have created all sorts of design. But it is actually within the last year that I really leaned into how I can help people through my craft kits. So now I own my own business and also am helping people by showing them an easy and fun way to try something new and challenging them to be creative.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Creating this business has been the hardest thing I have ever done. A big part of what made it hard was imposter syndrome. For years I didn’t believe that I could call myself an artist. I thought, “Rebecca you can’t draw, you aren’t qualified to be an artist.” I had this image in my head that only people who could draw and paint could be called an artist. When in fact anyone can. There are so many different ways to craft and create art. Anyone and everyone really can make art. When I first started making string art I doubted what I could do and felt like I cheated by using templates and outlines as guides. But you know what it counts. Everyone has different tools depending on what they are making and that is one of my goals now. To help more people realize that they can make art. They are qualified. A big shift in my business was when I started considering myself an artist and believing that I had something wonderful to offer. Which then spurred the push to create DIY kits to encourage everyone to just have fun and make something. When I am at pop-ups the most frequent comment is “Oh I am not crafty enough to be able to do this. I can’t.” My response is that they most definitely are crafty enough and that YES they can do it! The hardest part is tying a knot.

I want the world to know that everyone deserves and should create. Whether it’s through one of my craft kits or just picking up a pencil and drawing a flower, or anything else they feel inspired to try. But the most important thing is to just give it a shot. Plus, string is forgiving.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hands down we are going to In-N-Out for some burgers first, because that is a must. And honestly eat our way through the week. We would have to grab Portos for their chocolate croissants, go visit the Aquarium in Long Beach before grabbing Roscoes Chicken and Waffles. Swing by my favorite store Fair Trade Long Beach to show off my space and do some shopping from the other artisans. We would have to get to Seal Beach and after at least dipping our toes before walking down Main Street to shop and grab some coffee from Bogarts. An afternoon at Barnes & Noble to stock up on books. Another must, would be Vchos Pupusa truck as well as a trip to the farmers market so we can do a big fancy meal at home before she leaves. And if there was still time probably conscript her to help wind string for kits while we caught up.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to shoutout my parents for being such amazing examples! My dad has built and successfully run his own business for over 35 years and my mom who was my first teacher and made sure me and all my siblings were given so many opportunities to try different crafts. Without their example and encouragement, I wouldn’t have even thought about owning a business, let alone being confident enough to create a physical product! Thanks mom and dad!

Another shoutout goes to the amazing women in my life who were there in the beginning giving feedback and encouragement, especially Shawna! Thank you Shawna for being the cheerleader, lending a critical eye and the pushes to keep going. Now after years it is impossible to count the number of women who have helped shape what I have created.

Last but not least a HUGE Shoutout to my husband, Guillermo. Without him being willing to go along for the ride none of this would be possible. He listens to my crazy ideas, holds down the fort at home while I am at markets and pop-ups, jumps in to help cut wood or hammer nails and everything in between. I am the luckiest girl to have him by my side for all of this. Thank you!

Website: JoyfulImperfectionz.etsy.com

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