Artsy Mamas

Tell us a little about Wicked Moxie.
By choosing materials that are re-used and recycled, Wicked MoXie creates unique, whimsical and eco-friendly items. The bold colors and kitschy accents make her creations a welcome break from the seriousness of our modern world - little "stop-and-smell-the-roses" moments for your ears, neck and fingers. We specialize in bead collage jewelry, altered vinyl records, and hand-and-machine-stitched cloth accessories. We also creates novelty buttons, mirrors, magnets, key chains and jewelry from custom images.

Now tell us a little about Michelle Frank
I have never thought "inside-the-box" I have 2 beautiful daughters who are as different as night and day. I have a teenager who will be driving in 7 months. I have a 6-year-old who creates love. (and magic). I have a husband who puts up with me. I have 2 cats that only like me. I have a dog that is a zombie. I have BFA in Studio Art with a focus on sculpture, printmaking, bookarts, jewelry and sociology. I have not "used" that degree yet. I have a love for Harry Potter, Chuck Pahluniuk, Joan Didion and Dr. Seuss. I have lots of movies that I watch all the time. I have a crush on Dr. House. I have happiness.

How do you balance being a wife, the mother of two daughters, and a successful artisan?
Basically I have a husband who is amazing. He basically runs the house, the pets, the kids, the laundry... Most of what I do creatively is done when the children (and my husband) are asleep or at work/ school. I try to arrange my projects so that I have time to just be with my kids. It is important to me that they become themselves. I learn so much about myself from observing them and having conversations. I am not afraid to admit they are smarter than me.

How is your self-esteem affected by your ability to create?
I would say my self-esteem affects my ability to create. When I am feeling unworthy, I can't make anything. Even simple designs are difficult. But I have reached a point with myself and my product that makes me feel proud. I know that I am a good mother, wife, and artist. I know that Wicked MoXie is a valid brand and worth my time. I am. And that makes me happy.

What do you see for the future of Wicked Moxie?
We have a new product line we are coming out with that I am super happy about. MoXie's Tee-Bags are recycled, re-purposed bags crafted out of gently used post-consumer t-shirts. They are designed in the style of retail plastic bags and we hope to encourage consumers to just say NO to plastic or paper.
With the launch of bags, I expect Wicked MoXie to move to the next level of business. I would like to work on promoting recycling & upcycling as craft mainstream craft and build awareness for the entire handmade movement. I would like to use Wicked MoXie as tool to educate people about buying local (and American) to stimulate ecomonic growth. I would love to see Wicked MoXie in the lights at Times Square!!

Do you have any advice for moms who want to pursue their art but don't quite know where to start?
Making money off your art is about 15% making-stuff-time and 85% marketing the heck out of it. If you are wanting to sell your craft/ art, Etsy.com is probably the best place to start. It's easy-to-use format and $.20 per listing fee is just about the best deal around. It is also a wealth of knowledge for every aspect of the business.
Locally there are many organizations of crafters and artist, including Nashville Craft Mafia, CRAFT:a creative community, and Untitled (to name a few) who are always full of advise .

The best advise I can give is start slow and enjoy every minute of it. :)

How can we find Wicked Moxie products and how can we contact you?
Links to everything can be found at my site:
www.wickedmoxie.com
But you can also find me here:
www.wickedmoxie.etsy.com
www.myspace.com/wickedmoxie
Email me at
wickedmoxie@gmail.com

*See Wicked Moxie and other great vendors at Mamapalooza Murfreesboro, May 18th. **
http://www.myspace.com/mamapalooza_mboro