Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Baumann.
Sara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved painting, drawing, photography, and jewelry making, even from the time I was small. In 2014 I started my Master’s degree for Occupational Therapy. During that time, it was difficult to work a part-time job because of our class schedule. My solution was creating my own part-time job. I initially started with making jewelry, all different styles, basically whatever my interests were that week. As the business has grown with me through the last five years, it has progressed into other art forms, such as sewing, painting, and photography. As a full-time Occupational Therapist now, I have found that the best creative outlet for me at the moment is painting. I love painting both real and faux cow skulls, canvases, and whatever other surface I can find. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to create for the last month after having a prophylactic double mastectomy, but as soon as I can utilize my arms more, I’ll be jumping back into my art.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. With any business, there are tons of bumps in the road. Initially starting out with jewelry, things were great! As fashion and buying culture changed, I found that people were preferring to buy cheap jewelry from major retailers over handmade. This was part of my decision to pivot to painting and other forms of art. But, I suppose one of the best ways to grow is to adapt. It has honestly been pretty sad having to put away the jewelry, but I have also really enjoyed the adventure of painting. Also, my transition from student to full-time therapist made it significantly more difficult to find time to create, market, and ship. But I am thankful for the people who support me, be it family, friends, or customers.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bear Co. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I think what makes Bear Co. unique is the fact that I am not always making the same thing, I’m inspired by the world, and I really don’t “specialize” in any specific thing. Bear Co. is a pretty open adventure for me to explore and create and to be able to share that with others. I have had the amazing opportunities to sell jewelry, paintings, painted cow skulls, sewn jackets, and even paint a stairwell at Studio E. in Denton! Bear Co. isn’t just a jewelry shop, a clothing shop, a painting shop – it’s really whatever I want it to be. And I think the people who support and buy from Bear Co. appreciate that it’s a fluid display of creativity.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, I would like to continue painting and painting on more surfaces. I would like to get into more mirrors, or even more architectural art (staircases, walls, etc.). Another big goal I have is to create prints to sell commercially.
Contact Info:
- Website: bearxco.etsy.com
- Email: bearxco@gmail.com
- Instagram: @bearxco
- Facebook: facebook.com/bearxco
Image Credit:
Self/Husband
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