Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Crotty.
Hi Tara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Hand Stamped Whimsy & Crystals just a few short years ago. I started hand stamping metal as a creative outlet to help cope with grief. As I honed my skills, I began incorporating crystals & gemstones into my jewelry, and well… that escalated quickly… into a full crystal shop. I’ve been a rock-hound all my life, so it seems I’ve finally found my way to my true calling.
Once I gained more confidence, I began attending craft shows & events. It was here, that I learned just how many talented makers we have in our local community! So. Much. Talent! My youngest daughter has struggled with an autoimmune disorder for years & I lost my dad in 2020. The pandemic was rough, but losing my sister in January of 2022 devastated me. I promised her I would do all the things she wasn’t able to do. I thought this would mostly mean traveling & living my best life.
She shared with me her dream of having a small shop for her refinished furniture where anyone could find a bargain & feel welcome… I never set out to be a small business owner, but eventually, I gave in & listened to this persistent nudge. I began to talk about it with a few talented ladies I know, and within weeks it became a reality.
We opened our doors in Somerset at Locale Makers Market on June 17, 2022. Less than a year later, we opened our second location in downtown Stillwater. Our collaborative approach has been a wonderfully unique experience & I’ve gained many new friends. Our makers inspire me with their creativity, kindness, innovation, optimism & bravery!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Learning how to manage everything like taxes, licensing, etc. That’s the hard part! This truly grew from a hobby/passion project into a business. The growing pains are in trying to navigate the business world.
I lead from the heart and work very hard to foster relationships as well as keeping an open mind to learn & grow. As a result, meeting talented people & moving them in has been the easy part.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I began metal stamping which evolved into metalsmithing.
Once I developed my skills enough to incorporate stones & crystals into my pieces I recognized that my passion lies with making unique natural art & also learning about & sharing metaphysical properties of crystals. I started a small group online & we are all learning & growing together to this day.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Having gone through the pandemic allowed me the opportunity to have a hobby. That was something I didn’t have time for prior. I struggled very much with grief.
Professionally, through the lens of a business owner, seeing the devastating impact COVID had on small businesses instilled some fear & made me extra cautious to begin the endeavor.
However, I have faith that we all learned lessons & I discovered resiliency I wasn’t fully aware of. I hope that resiliency & ability to pivot as needed will serve me well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @localemakersmarket
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LocaleMakersMarket?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Somerset Chamber of Commerce and Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
