Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Meier.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mary. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
About 7 years ago, I was in my late 40’s, and experiencing an extreme bout of “divine discontent”- I was not satisfied in my career, and not necessarily content with where my life was at! Something was missing. I longed to let loose the creative woman I knew was inside me. I had taken a class pertaining to silver jewelry, and absolutely loved it! It just resonated in me. I remember thinking, “I want to do this”. I have long believed that thought is energy, and this energy is creative. I began to envision myself as a jewelry artisan. I read books, watched videos, meditated on it, dreamed about it.
The intention was set. At 50 years old, I was given a most amazing gift: I was able to leave my “job”, and begin my new life as an artisan. The manifestation of all that dreaming and visioning happened! With my husband’s encouragement, blessing and backing, I became a Creative Being, creating. This has been so fulfilling to me as a person. I’ve changed a lot through this process. I am, finally, at 55 years old (!), deeply happy with who I am and what I contribute as a woman, as an artist, as Mary. Now, it’s all “divine contentment”!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
You know, I’m reflecting on these questions, and I have to say, yes! It HAS been smooth – but let me explain.
Every “obstacle” that I stumbled into became my best learning opportunity. I was once in a situation where I needed to finish the website without my web guy. I remember sitting at the computer for two full days, being so frustrated. I wanted to shred my hair! I made jewelry, I was NOT a web designer! But, once it was over, not only did I finish the website, I had completely and totally re-designed it. It looks even better than the original design! The “obstacle” became such a blessing, and in the end, I was glad it happened.
This is the way I’ve approached all the hurdles and challenges of being a small business: I refuse to accept any notion that “it’s too hard”. I deny ANY appearance of lack. I’m careful to speak only blessings over my marketing, finances and work. I meditate on success daily. Vision where I want to be and what I want to see happen, and I ALWAYS, most importantly, express and focus on Gratitude. No matter what. These are the attitudes that have helped to make 2018 my best year so far, with more to come! This is why I’m able to say, “yes, the road has been smooth”! Like childbirth, you forget the pain when you are holding that blessing in your hands…
Metaphysics, baby!
Please tell us about Redneck Feng Shui.
“Redneck Feng Shui” was born one day when I was rearranging our little home in the country. We are very eclectic in our collecting, and have everything from cowboy art to antiques, buddhas to rock n’ roll handbills, vintage Hawaiian to a “Willie Nelson wall” in the mix. But somehow, it all balances in a harmonious way! So, I had gotten everything perfectly arranged, and I stood back and said, “wow, this looks really balanced. Like feng shui. Well, redneck feng shui” – poof! The light bulb went off, the angels sang, and I KNEW I had my branding!
I create my beautiful pieces using PMC and traditional metalsmithing techniques. All of my work is done in fine and/or sterling silver. I just love silver! It’s such a cool, sexy metal, isn’t it? I incorporate natural stones whenever possible. You may find some copper pieces as well, in the future, as I am starting to play with that lovely metal, too.
Many of my pieces are textured using my collection of antique Eastlake hardware! So, a beautifully patterned doorknob, for example, can make a lovely texture on a sterling necklace pendant. Hinges and keyplates make wonderful textures, too! I’ve also used fabric printing blocks from India, which make some really unique patterns as well… like I said, I’m a bit eclectic in my collecting, and it’s been fun to use some of it to make these really one of a kind pieces. I don’t know any other artisans that are using some of the textures that I use.
I also enjoy making less textured pieces, like silky smooth hand wrought chain. There’s something meditative about working wire into links. The chains are just so slinky and shiny!
Being a student of Metaphysics, and knowing that all is energy, I transmit a loving energy into all my work. I bless my workspace, my pieces, and each and every person that I meet in my booth when doing shows. This is VERY important to me, and I believe it’s that love that guides my hands when I am working at my bench.
Having something for everyone is important to me, so I have a wide variety of price points. I want EVERYONE to take home a piece of my work!
I’m most proud of, well, the whole thing. All of it. Every bit. I really put my heart, soul and spirit into every single component of my business. I’m always thinking of new ideas, ways to improve, and I sure don’t take this trip for granted. It’s been great!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have believed in the incredible lightness of my own being – my personal power – much, MUCH sooner…
Contact Info:
- Website: www.redneckfs.com
- Email: redneckfs@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/redneckfengshui
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/redneckfengshui
- Twitter: @redneckfengshui
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston 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.
