Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Curtin.
Emily, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Sometimes a business forms on its own without a plan or any warning, and that’s where Mushtushy began 7 years ago! I majored in art and always loved making paintings, but it wasn’t until I happened to try my hand at sewing a sock monkey that a business was born. All my family and friends were begging to buy the sample I made, so I started doing local shows and eventually opened my Etsy shop when demand kept growing.
Throughout the years, I’ve listened to customers ideas and requests and evolved my business to cater to animal lovers. I eventually phased out the sock monkeys and began focusing on pet portraits and even license plate signs. The license plate signs are now my number one seller at shows and most admired pieces in my Etsy shop. I’m struggling to get back to my painting roots and have begun rebranding that side of my business as Emily Jade Art.
I continue doing craft shows for the pet art (Mushtushy) and now enter local art shows with my abstract colorful water-themed paintings. I never dreamed of a business, but if I always wanted to be an artist. I am so thankful and blessed that others support my art and help me live the artist life. I’m excited to see where the future will take me and my art. I hope you will join me on this journey and perhaps even influence my next great piece!
Has it been a smooth road?
Because I didn’t have any business background, no plan, and no real cohesive direction for my business it’s been a learning experience for sure. Not only do you have to juggle the demands of being original, staying true to your style, and still getting sales, you also have to do the finances, marketing, and sales.
For someone who wants to sit home painting all day, it’s been hard to get out into the social art world and push my art. My dream is to have a solo art exhibit someday, but for now, I’ll continue spreading my art one customer at a time.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mushtushy (Emily Jade Art) – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Although I have always been known for my handmade sock monkeys, my license plates have taken over. People recognize my pieces everywhere because no one else does anything similar. Pet lover wide and far love my pieces and often order custom portraits and license plate signs.
I am most proud of the positive impact my art has on others and the dog rescue groups I support. Sometimes being an artist makes you feel your purpose in life isn’t that meaningful, but every time I donate a piece or art to save a dog’s life or paint a memorial piece for someone’s beloved pet I know it’s all worth it.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Dallas is such a cultural hotspot with everything within fingertips reach. We are blessed with a great art community, artist support and mentor teams, and a plentiful amount of art shows to sell at or visit for inspiration. Museums and galleries dot every corner of this amazing city!
Pricing:
- License plate signs start at $30
- Custom portraits start at $50
Contact Info:
- Website: Mushtushy.etsy.com
- Phone: 4697896299
- Email: xtrmjade@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/mushtushy
- Facebook: Facebook.com/mushtushy
- Other: Instagram.com/emilyjadeart
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.
