Katrina Gorman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Katrina, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
You know what? It’s funny you should ask me this because I was in a marketing meeting talking along these lines just the other day.
Most of my pieces find their way home at an art show, then some are from social media. I’ll ask my customer how did they hear about me? I’m always curious to know.
They tell me I’ve been following me for years on social media. I wouldn’t have known that because most haven’t friended my page. You really just never know who has been watching what you do or how it has effected them. I’m glad my art is received and appreciated though.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Katrina nice to meet you. I love fabrics. After all these years of creating in textiles, my heart still skips a beat when I step into a fabric store. I’ve wondered if the people around me can hear the thump! Thump!
It might have been since the days when I was young and sitting on the floor watching my Mama sew on her sewing machine. Or it might have been the first time I started tinkering around with fabrics and came up with something I’ve never seen before. Gave me such a thrill! Either way, the patterns, colors and sheer snip of the scissors just sounds so soothing to me.
So I’m always in process of creating a new scene and travel to share what I create.
What makes me different? I’d say my originals tell a story of a life moment with much feeling. I’ve gotten so many reactions and some people have cried. Art is something you can feel and every artist has a story they can’t wait to share.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe what breaks the bond between people most is the inability to see a person. If each person can put themselves in the other person’s situation, they might not be so quick to judge.
Empathy and kindness goes a long way. Especially when two people are willing to stay open and listen instead waiting for their chance to speak.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been many times in this journey I was just about to give up. To be candid, for years. Those thoughts used to come up often when sales are slow or feel you put your best work out there in social media then get one or two likes, including your sister.
Then, there comes a times when I knew in my heart of hearts there really isn’t anything else that fills me up and can bring other people joy than the art I create. It’s an amazing feeling to create something from nothing with your own two hands and a thought.
So many times when I’m ready to throw in the towel, I’ll go create something and I feel much better about the parts I’m not able to control at the time. I definitely feel like from experience I know just because you love something doesn’t mean there aren’t parts you really don’t like. So to get through it, I’ll learn more about it and ask questions to make that part of my business easier or whatever that personal development may be. I’m always learning. It’s all apart of this journey.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is all me. Most times I can tell people really don’t know how to take me because I’m incredibly honest, straightforward and sometimes I’m thinking I’m just plain ole nerdy or awkward. I love that about myself because those who get it do and those who don’t leave. So I know where I stand with people and it’s good to just be myself. How people perceive me is up to them.
I used to shy away from cameras. I would definitely delete posts or videos right after I wrote them in my 20’s or 30’s because I would overthink how people could perceive them. Over time and a whole lot of experience, I realized no one has it all figured out. Some are just really good at looking like they do.
So, I’m always asking questions, learning more about things I don’t know and give myself grace the way I do for other people.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Goodness gracious, I just have to say these are some great questions in this interview! If I laid down my name, role and possessions, I would have me and my maker.
None of those things in the material world makes anyone truly special. We already are. Things to identify my time on this planet or how I’m categorized or how I’ve chosen to express life is a very small part of who any of us are. Being here, being yourself is all anyone can truly have. Along with a grateful heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katrinagormandesigns.etsy.com
- Instagram: www. instagram.com/katrinagormandesigns
- Facebook: www Facebook com/katrinagormandesigns
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/katrinagormandesigns
- Other: Tik Tok
www.tiktok.com/katrinagormandesigns
