Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Carter.
Katie, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I grew up in Argyle back when it was only 2,000 people and looking back. I had an awesome childhood. My parents always pushed me to express my creativity no matter what: back then it was music (hello band nerd!) and jewelry making. I made jewelry as a side hustle throughout college, and as I got busier, the jewelry was pushed to the side. My grandfather on my mom’s side was actually an artist and university professor; there are even some of his sculptures around Denton! Both of my parents have owned their own businesses throughout my life, and that has always been instilled in me, Art, creativity, and entrepreneurship run deep in my blood.
It has been a running family joke, as long as I can remember, that I am from the Moon. My mom has always called me her Moon Child, and my brothers tease that I am not from this planet. I recently took a DNA test, twice, to only be told I did not have enough DNA to be analyzed. I really am from the moon!
I have always been drawn to the moon and the stars, and when I discovered my passion for making beautiful, handcrafted lollipops, the shape just felt like home. Luna was the perfect name to allude to the stunning, unique lollipops that I create. Each one is different, just like the view of the moon to each and every single different person. No matter where you are in the world, you can look up to the moon, and know that your loved ones are seeing the same moon, just a different view. Unique. Beautiful. Comforting. Just like each Luna Lollipop.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I started Luna Lollipops in April 2018 as a way to express my creativity while continuing to work my day job. I was inspired by watching cake decorating shows on TV and was absolutely captured by the sugar sculptures that some of the bakers made, and thought: I want to try that! Originally, I wanted to do some edible rings that contained alcohol in the sugar to create boozy-edible jewelry but ran into a lot of issues with keeping the sugar solid. After many attempts, I have finally found my magic recipe and absolutely love stretching my creativity to places I never thought I could.
My crystal shape is my original design. I taught myself how to design in a 3-d program and printed it out. I then used the 3-d print to create my own lollipop molds and haven’t looked back! We offer a wide variety of shapes, flavors, and colors, including edible images IN lollipops (imagine your face, your pet, or an inside joke on a lollipop!)
Currently, most everything I do is completely custom, and I try not to repeat previous designs unless specifically asked to. I absolutely love working with my customers to perfect the design they are looking to achieve. Seeing the look on my customer’s faces when I hand off the finished lollipops is one of the best feelings in the world, and that is what continues to drive me and make my passion fun.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
I think we are living in some of the best times for artists; as people are becoming more aware of where they spend their money and are looking to local artists and small businesses rather than going to the big box stores. Even as a maker, I catch myself going to a big store some times for the convenience of it instead of supporting local, and that is something I am consciously working on and challenge others to do the same. Go out and support the local markets, farmers markets, buy your friend’s jewelry. She spent hours working on, share their post on social networks! There are so many things people can do to help art and artists thrive, and it starts with sharing, even if you can’t buy something.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I try and be very active on Instagram (@lunalollipops), that is where I post all of my pictures. I also have a website where potential customers can submit a contact form, and I will get in touch with them: www.lunalollipops.co, as well as customers, can find me on Facebook and directly email me at katie@lunalollipops.co.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lunalollipops.co
- Email: katie@lunalollipops.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunalollipops
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LunaLollipops
Image Credit:
Katie Carter
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