Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Beaman
Hi Ellen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always felt most at home in nature, growing up among the oak trees of Austin, Texas. My love for the Earth led me to study Plant and Soil Science and dive headfirst into a career in Environmental Conservation. My 20s were a whirlwind of fitness, wellness, and roller derby in the Pacific Northwest, but in my early 30s, I found my way back to Austin—back to my roots.
For years, I managed organic vegetable farms, living and breathing sustainability. Then, life took an unexpected turn. Corporate Capitalism lured me in with its sparkly promises—big paychecks, fancy clothes, the thrill of dressing up every day. At first, it was intoxicating. But before long, I realized I was spending more money on stress management and covering my greys than I was on time with my family or connecting with the outdoors. No matter how much I earned, it was never enough. I had become a cog in the machine, and I felt lost.
Then came my 41st birthday—a full-blown midlife reckoning. I was drinking too much, working too much, complaining too much. My health was unraveling. So, I made a choice: I got sober and walked away from my job as a CEO.
And just like that, life opened up again. I rediscovered what it meant to live. I slept—real, deep, healing sleep. I traded takeout for home-cooked meals at the kitchen table. I planted a fall garden. The dog got longer walks. And I fell head over heels in love with the simple joy of making things.
I started crafting herbal teas in hand-tied tea bags, pouring candles in handmade vessels, blending room sprays, whipping up lip balms and body scrubs. My kitchen filled with chutneys, pickles, jams, and homemade bread—so much bread! Before I knew it, my creations had stockpiled into an abundance, leading me to start a neighborhood co-op. Friends, neighbors, and yoga instructors found themselves on the receiving end of surprise treats in hand-folded boxes, and I became completely enchanted by the transaction of love—the powerful energy woven into things made by hand, given with intention, and received with joy.
And that’s why I’m here.
This space is for the plant moms, the fur baby moms, the moms of actual tiny humans. It’s for those of us who feel a little uneasy about the ingredient lists on our food and beauty products. It’s for anyone craving a deeper connection—to nature, to the things we create, and to ourselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has always been rockiest when I have followed a path that wasn’t in line with my integrity and heart-calling. The moments of listening to my intuition and paying attention to what I want (not what North American Capitalism says I should want) have opened doors and smoothed the way for opportunities.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Mission:
To cultivate a vibrant community where individuals discover meaning and fulfillment through practical crafting skills, creating useful and relevant projects that enhance their lives. We provide affordable, accessible, and hands-on lessons using everyday materials in a welcoming, judgment-free space, empowering individuals of all skill levels to express their creativity.
The Opportunities:
Pop-up Classes at local venues (Austin area)
Private Classes (Corporate Team Building, Bridal Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Birthdays)
Garden Consulting (Design, Planning, Seed Starting, Composting, Soil Analysis)
In-Home Kitchen Skills Training (Pickling, Bread Baking, Natural Cleaning Products)
Ellen offers an array of opportunities to become more grounded in your life through making things with your own hands. More and more women are ready to take a break from their phones and the grind to explore cottage crafts and creating their own serotonin.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Each day offers us moments of decision: to create or consume. I am here to offer the materials and guidance to create something beautiful! I could sell anyone a blanket… but I would rather teach women how to crochet it themselves.
Pricing:
- Series One – The Handmade Giftbox $50
- Series Two – Skin Care and Oral Hygiene $85
- Series Three – Clay and Crochet $85
- Private Events – Minimum $400
- In-Home Consulting – $50/person/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.EarthMamaCrafts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthmamacrafts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earthmamacrafts
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/earth-mama-crafts-austin-tx-2092498
Image Credits
All photos taken by Ellen Beaman.
