Meet Brooke Hoffman | Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooke Hoffman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Genetically, I got a dose of artistic abilities from both my mom and dad. And since I was young, I’ve been making art in some form or another. The reason I pursued a creative career, though, is that I honestly can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I can’t help but create. I often tell people that I had to start an art business, because I didn’t have the space or the money to keep creating as only a hobby! I love digging into and pursuing this passion more and more, and I firmly believe that creating is what I was created to do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. The first time I tried to sell it was back in middle school when I was a cheerleader making cheer bows. Even at that stage, I was able to see there was a lot more to making art to sell than I had realized. After not seeing much success, and becoming busy with high school and activities, selling my art took a backseat, although I took art classes throughout school. Over time, though, I did realize my (still enduring) love for hand lettering.

One day a few years ago, a couple of friends came over to have a craft day with my sister and me to try making a macrame wall hanging. Even with my natural inclination towards crafting, and following along with a beginner YouTube video, I was completely confused. I hated the result so much that I actually ended up throwing it away (which I would advise anyone against. looking back on it now!). I ended up making other things, like floral Disney mouse ears and scrunchies, and my dad helped me set up a website where I listed my products. But when that didn’t take off the way I hoped it would, it became discouraging, leading me to shift gears again.

Early 2020 rolled around and I got to looking at that macrame cord again and decided to give it another try. This time, something clicked – and I loved it. I started making wall hangings like a crazy person and saw a tremendous amount of growth in just a couple of months’ time. This time, I kept my earliest pieces, knowing I’d want to look back at them.

My newfound passion for macrame led me to, again, want to sell my art, especially because I was running out of room for everything I was making! After my prior attempts, though, I’ll admit I was hesitant. But I felt that this time would be different, and I’m happy to say that it was.

Since last fall, I’ve been blessed to attend several festivals as a vendor, begin selling at two in-store locations over the last year, and slowly gain traction with my social media presence. Upon entering my first-ever art contest this fall, I’m proud to say my macrame piece, Pterra, placed second! I’m really looking forward to dedicating more of my time and resources to this passion after I graduate from college this December.

It hasn’t been easy balancing full-time college, part-time employment, starting my business, and all the rest of life outside those things. Throughout it all, though, I’ve learned a lot. For example, I’m a perfectionist and overthinker to the core, I sometimes don’t like admitting I need help, and once I set my mind on something, I won’t stop thinking about it. I’ve also seen what a central and important role art plays in my life – from macrame to calligraphy and from singing to fashion, beauty points me back to my “Why.”

If my brand, Brooke Creator, and my story could be known for anything, I’d want it to be excellence and love. I everything I do to display love. And by doing my craft well and showing kindness to those around me, I hope to make a bigger difference than just helping to fill a spot on your wall.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
in general, I love thrifting and antique shopping, and there’s no shortage of those in the Atlanta area!

More specifically:
A day in Athens shopping and eating at Marti’s, would be a must. Gibb’s Gardens in Ballground would definitely make the itinerary, as would the Atlanta and Athens Botanical Gardens. Hope you like flowers!

Anywhere in the North Georgia mountains is just lovely, and Dahlonega, especially this time of year, is so festive. While in Dahlonega, I’d recommend Capers on the Square for some seriously delicious Greek food.

An absolute favorite local place of mine is downtown Monroe. It has so many great shops (The Story Shop, The Armory Bookstore), antiques (Olive Branch Antiques and Home Decor), and restaurants (Blue Rooster Bakery, LR Burger), not to mention their summer/fall farmer’s market on Saturday mornings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family. They’re the ones who help me tag and restock my in-store products, haul my things around to festivals, put up with my art supplies all over the house, give me great ideas, and always encourage me to try new things.

My friends. They buy my products, like my posts on Instagram, ask how business is, and encourage me to keep at it.

My God. Creation – trees, flowers, oceans, outer space, etc. – is what inspires me. He gave me a passion for creating new and beautiful things and has provided so many opportunities that I can only credit to His work in my life.

Website: brookecreator.com

Instagram: @brookecreator

Facebook: @bacreator99