About Violet

As a child no one showed me art and said I could be a painter or dishes and said I could be a ceramicist. At craft fairs I learned you worked 60 hours a week until you were 70 years old and then you could retire and sell handmade crafts at local malls, working part-time to supplement your social security. Art was not a career option in southwestern Kansas. And yet, I wasn't deterred. I knew I wanted to make handmade goods and was prepared to work my 55 years to get there.

At the age of six I wanted to be a grocery clerk and at 15 I achieved that goal. After graduation I stunned my family (it was frivolous to jeopardize my management career at that same grocery) and pursued my bachelor's degree.

Fast-forward ten years to a business degree, a career in software design and development, a husband in a new city and an Enron layoff. Unemployed, pregnant and with the opportunity to stay at home for a few months, this would be my first time without a full-time job since I was 15. In my daughter, opportunity arrived to pursue my dream; to my surprise 40 years earlier than expected.

Since my inspiration was born in 2002 I have created an internationally recognized children's clothing brand that is handmade in Portland, OR. Through my blog and participation in local artisan groups I ASPIRE to INSPIRE and support other artisans trying to find their way.

Do you have a question for me? Ask! I'm a very busy and over-scheduled gal so it may take me awhile to get back to you, but eventually I will! Follow your dreams!