Today in the Spotlight: the talented artisan behind Happy Moose Garden Art!
What’s the story behind your company?
I’d spend my entire adult life in the corporate world behind a desk (mainly in the software business) and while I didn’t hate my job, I always felt that something was missing…like there was something I wasn’t tapping into. As someone who has a hard time sitting still (always) I jumped up from my porch swing one weekend and grabbed one of my old clay flower pots and literally slapped a few coats of paint on it…swirling in some large flower designs for effect. I took it to my office the following week and placed it on my desk, and literally every person that came in that day commented on it, and asked if I’d ‘make one’ for them. The excitement came in waves and the ideas were just uncontainable for a spaz like me. I took some business classes, soaked up everything I could from a close artistic friend/neighbor and at her suggestion I opened an Etsy Shop.
Since then my work has appeared in the 2012 Oscars Celebrity Swag Bags, and I work to fulfill children’s party orders, garden parties, teas, Christenings, Bar/Batmitzvas, baby and wedding showers…you name it. I expanded into the name/wall letters as well, and now those have taken off. It’s thrilling!
What inspires you?
Honestly….SO much. Colors…magazines…it could be a children’s bedding ad, a bloom in my garden, a blouse I see someone wearing. I keep my eyes open all the time, and always keep a notebook and pencil with me…even by my bedside.
What is your favorite product to make?
My ‘mini’ flower pots are the perfect size for favors, and weddings are the heart of my business. More than anything, I love working with brides (even picky ones) to make sure their table is graced with the most fabulous guest favors ever.
How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Fun, funky, eclectic (I attach old vintage jewelry to my pieces now 
)
In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Being my own boss, not sitting in traffic everyday, making my own mistakes and learning from them, working in a studio I designed myself, listening to inspiring music and working into the night if I feel like it…sorry…you were looking for ‘one’ best part I bet )
If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I’d have done this much earlier in my life, however, I believe all things happen in God’s time, and for a reason…there was a ‘build up’ to this and the things I learned in the corporate world definitely come into play even in this more right-brained world. In essence, I think I’d not change a thing.
Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Oh yes. Never ever stop dreaming, and take that first step to put your dream into action. That dream is in your head for a reason, and while it isn’t going to be an overnight fairy tale (it’s a LOT of hard work) it is worth every single effort you make to step up and do it.
What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I’m at the point now where I need help getting orders out, however, I don’t know if I see a storefront in my future. I love working in the studio, and I have the energy to put in the hours. I’d love to go on site with clients and paint some larger pieces to make their gardens more gorgeous…some commission work. Eventually I’d love to sell some of my designs. I’d also love to teach others how to do this…it’s too much fun not to share.
Contact information:
Name: Joanne Culbreth
Website/Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyMooseGardenArt and http://happymoosegardenart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happymoosegardenart
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoanneCulbreth
Blog: http://blog.happymoosegardenart.com/