I’m not going to lie, I started writing this ‘about’ section and got a little stuck. What about myself do I want to share with everyone? How can I sum up what Penny of the Woods means to me efficiently? Can I get my voice to speak through this webpage? These questions led me to think about my personal and brand identity. Maybe a bit too deeply, but oh well.

Through the course of my life, I’ve come to identify as a jack of all trades. I have a broad range of skills and experiences in my little metaphorical toolbox. I loved art classes growing up and value my creative outlets. But, I never felt validated as an artist until now. I confined my definition of artist to putting paint on a canvas or drawing on paper. I now realize that there are literally infinite ways and techniques to express oneself and create art, and that I can do a fair bit of them. To me, being an artist means learning from the process to make things I want to share with others.

Proficiency in math and science led me to pursue an engineering degree. Even though I have chosen not to continue a career in engineering, I use critical thinking and problem solving skills almost every step of the way in building my business and crafting. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the people I met through college.

I see a lot of other small businesses and artists honing their craft in one discipline or sticking to one or two styles of tie dye. For a time, I thought that I had to do that in order to be successful. But I know I would be sad if I put myself in a creative box! So, I’m not exactly sure what direction POTW will be heading in, but I am so excited to find out.

To sum it all up, I now call myself a commissions-based artist. I have a heavy focus on sustainability, because I think that’s the only way to do it these days. I would love to become a bigger part of my local community in Leadville. This town seems to love its small businesses and creatives. I am also grateful for the wide reach of the internet and being able to send my work overseas to places like Germany, France, and Abu Dhabi!

I’d like to say a big thank you to anyone and everyone who has supported me along the way, whether it was through encouragement or buying some of my art. I wouldn’t be here without you!

Jesse enjoying the Leadville snow

So, whether you know me in real life or saw a sticker on a lamppost and decided to check out the site, welcome:). I’m so glad we’re here. I feel incredibly lucky and supported to have even gotten this far, in life and with POTW. I’m definitely just figuring it out as I go, and you probably are too. Nothing wrong with that.

If you have any questions about me, my site, my products, my dog, looking for music recs, or just wanna chat, drop me an email. I’ll write back:)

Also, since this website is brand spanking new, I’m sure there are some wonky bits here and there. If you notice anything, please tell me so I can fix them! Feedback is appreciated:)