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Carolyn Murray often walks the shores of Lake Michigan near her Chicago home to collect rocks for her one-of-a-kind portraits
Lakeshore rock Art is offering 20% off everything in its MakerPlace store , January 14 – 20
As a creator of unique portraits made from rocks and other natural found objects, Lakeshore Rock Art’s Carolyn Murray has carved out a unique niche for herself – and a thriving career pivot from working in the financial industry. It all began with her childhood rock collection.
“I have loved rocks ever since I was a child,” says the Chicago-based Carolyn, whose work has been featured in magazines such as Better Homes & Gardens. “In fact, I still have my ‘Souvenir’ box of rocks and minerals from a family vacation in the early 80s! All of the rocks and driftwood used in my creations have been handpicked from the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.”
In addition to rock art, she also creates laser-cut and -engraved home items, such as door hangers, signage, ornaments, and custom engraved cutting boards.
Read about her journey as an artisan, her advice on the importance of professional-looking product photography and product pages, and how Michaels is always there for her business.
Custom portraits made of smooth rocks and other natural items are among Lakeshore Rock Art’s best sellers. Shoppers can personalize portraits from information about family members (including pets!) input at the time of order.
Tell us about your store name.
My business began when I realized how passionate I was about creating things, specifically Rock Art. I love being at the waterfront and collecting rocks. When it came time to decide on a business name, I wanted to incorporate my love of water. With that, Lakeshore Rock Art was born.
In a few sentences, tell us about yourself and your business.
Prior to starting Lakeshore Rock Art, I was a manager in the financial services industry. I needed a change and decided to take some time for myself. One morning, I wanted to see if I could make something with my never-ending rock collection. I grabbed a canvas, some rocks, and my glue gun, and went to work. Once I created my first piece (which I still have hanging up in my home after all of these years), I was hooked! I made a few more after that and then opened my first online shop. What was only supposed to be a summer away from the corporate world, turned into a full-time career. I love what I do, and I am so happy that I stuck through all of the peaks and valleys over the years. It's been a roller coaster, but worth every single minute of it.
What inspires you to create?
My mom had always dreamed of having her own craft business. Unfortunately, she passed away before she was able to do so. I create for her and to follow through on her dream. My Mom was the absolute best! Even though she is no longer physically with me, I know she is watching over me and sending me new creative ideas daily. I keep her copy of Kenn Oberrecht’s book “How to Start a Home-Based Craft Business” with her notes written in it on my desk as my motivation.
With the combination of rocks and naturally found objects, Lakeshore Rock Art’s hiker portrait is the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast.
What gets you in the creative zone?
Every morning, I sit down with my coffee and go through all of the pending orders that need to be completed. I organize which canvases and frames that I need, then I begin laying the pieces out before finalizing them. In the evening, once I get my orders shipped out, I'm usually doing something in regards to my business; sorting rocks, painting/prepping, or on my laptop designing new things.
What makes your product unique?
No two rocks are the same, so I can guarantee that no two creations are alike. It's also not something you see every day. I like to be different. Plus, being a rock artist, I can actually say I have the greatest office in the world (the beach!).
The Art of Selling
What tips do you have for fellow sellers to get the most out of selling handmade goods online on MakerPlace?
My absolute biggest piece of advice is to stick with it. Building a business takes time; a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. But it will pay off in the long run. Stay positive and don't compare yourself to others. Everyone's story is different. Your storefront represents you.
Also, your listing product photos should look like they belong in a catalog. If you don't have a lightbox to take pictures in, find an area with good natural light. Make sure the area is professional looking (no random objects such as table legs, dirty carpet, weeds, your feet!).
Before you click that final button to make your listing active, review it. Read it! Grammar check. Look at those pics. Would you buy that item if you saw that listing in someone else's shop?
What do you love about MakerPlace and why are you excited about this platform?
MakerPlace is hands down the best! I have sold on multiple platforms over the years, and I can honestly say that none compare to MakerPlace. Yes, it's newer. Yes, it has kinks. But the MakerPlace team and support staff are truly the best. They hear us. They have our backs. They are willing to go through the peaks and valleys with us. They are working hard to make this the best platform out there. This kind of support is unheard of with other selling platforms.
How Does MakerPlace Give you an Advantage?
I purchase almost all of my supplies from Michaels. I have developed great relationships with the Managers and staff at my local Michaels. I know that if the item I need is out of stock in store, or it is not carried in store, I can go online and have it shipped directly to my house. There are so many items available online that I have never seen, which sends my creative brain in a million different directions! Having the items shipped directly to my house has been a game changer, especially during the busy seasons. This allows me to spend more time creating, fulfilling, and shipping orders. Those precious few hours are extremely important for a busy small business.
What's your must-have while working on your products?
My must-have is COFFEE, COFFEE, and more COFFEE. And I almost always have true crime podcasts playing in the background, or music.
Shop Lakeshore Rock Art on MakerPlace and receive 20% off everything January 14-20
Follow Lakeshore Rock Art on Instagram @lakeshorerockart and on Facebook
