Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Greene.
Tina, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
About two years ago, I was at a very pivotal point in my life where very big monumental things were changing, and I needed to find my own path. I was a Customer Service Operations Manager for 21 years until that company went through a series of layoffs and I was affected by it. I took some downtime as a blessing for me to focus on my health. I have been diagnosed with Lupus since 2013.
That time off really helped me realize that I didn’t want to go back to a corporate environment. I have always been a writer and was trying to figure out a way to create a business where I could craft something specific for my customer.
Customers are a true passion of mine, but so is being creative, and if I’m being honest…clever. 🙂
So here I am! This truly is the best of both worlds for me. I am able to do what I love by expressing my creativity, and still interfacing with people every day.
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 paint some literal magic on Coir mats for the customers that find me. My inspiration is all humor and helping people find mats that express their personality. The take away I hope people get from this is just being able to laugh about things. No matter what kind of day you’re having, you can come home and always have a good laugh before walking through your door.
What do you know now that you wished you had learned earlier?
My advice for someone starting their business is don’t do too much too soon. It’s very easy to be starting this new venture, and your main idea gets clouded by all the other little things that you know that you can also produce while you’re figuring out your brand. For example: When I started, I was always making embroidered bandanas, sun catchers, and jewelry. It was too much and just clouded what I was really trying to convey.
My advice to other artists would be to always stay true to yourself and your brand! Don’t worry so much about who your competitors, but learn to revel in each other’s successes.
AND- don’t ever get discouraged if you feel like you’re not gaining momentum as fast as you want. Just network and stay positive! I always say that if I take one win from each moment, each market, each customer experience, then it’s all worth it. You never know who you are going to meet, and I truly feel that the small business network here in the metroplex has a lot of energy and you can truly learn and grow from each other.
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?
To see everything, I recommend my Etsy Page! https://www.literalmagicboutique.etsy.com
I also have my mats in a few local shops:
Flea Style, 3009 Commerce St. Dallas, TX
Lucky U Boutique, 1001 E Main St. Suite C, Midlothian, TX
903 Handmade, 253 S. Broadway, Tyler, TX
In the Spring and the Fall/Holiday season, I love having my mats in vintage/urban and farmers markets focusing on handmade products.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LiteralMagicBoutique
- Phone: (972) 978-0741
- Email: literalmagic17@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literal_magic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literalmagic
Image Credit:
Lindsay Ellis
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
