Meet Ariana Sullivan | Artist & Maker

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

Hi Ariana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
For years I dreamt of making a living as an artist, but I wanted to focus on a common theme to build a business based on something I’m passionate about. From a very young age, I have always been inspired to create from the beauty found in nature. I find purpose in absorbing beautiful natural elements that I appreciate and translate it in my own way to create something meaningful and memorable. I want my business to reflect who I am and what I love so that I can share it with others. With my business, Brush & Blossom, I create botanical-inspired modern bohemian clay jewelry and pressed flower art. I fond so much joy in creating my pieces, and I absolutely love sharing them with others who find joy in wearing and using them. My intention is to blend nature into my creative process and inspire others to as well. I incorporated art workshops into my business as well to share with passion with others and teach them how to create in different ways.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am so excited that I have even made it this far with Brush & Blossom. I don’t have an business degrees or education. I started by consulting and collaborating with other creatives and business owners. I opened up an Etsy shop to see what listings would sell. I set up Instagram polls to learn what people were interested in learning at art workshops. Art markets and pop ups have been a wonderful tool to network, here feedback and ideas, and see reactions to my work. Each market I learn new ways to improve. Each art workshop I learn ways to be more efficient and productive. It really is amazing how much goal setting, determination, prayer, and support from those around you to get where you want to be, or at least one step closer to it. Creating and teaching have been a tremendous therapy for me through my grief. We all go through life changes, whether positive or difficult, and self expression is so important to connect to your feelings and to heal. My favorite art workshop to teach is pressed flower ring dishes. I go for walks, pick and press flowers and leaves, and bring them to my students to create with. We make a beautiful, simple polymer clay ring dish and then decorate with the pressed flowers. My students have expressed that creating with natural elements makes them happy and that when they have completed the project, they feel relaxed and calm. That appreciation for nature is what fuels me to create with it or use it as inspiration. I built my business to share that love of nature, and love of creativity. I don’t focus on what will make me money. I want to keep joy in my craft.

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?
Most importantly, we would grab a delicious oat milk latte and pastry at Rooted Cafe.After that we would go for a light hike along the creek at Line Creek Nature Area. It’s so peaceful and pretty there, and I always find unique flowers and birds. I’d take her to a farmers market or craft fair to shop and hang out. We’d have to stop at the Garden Room in Buckhead for cocktails.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I grew up in a very creative household. My mom was very much into interior design, decorating, and fashion. Every weekend my dad was building something with his hands or working on the garden. As a kid, I was always wanting to learn new things and try to make whatever came to mind. If I was facinated by a monarch butterfly, I’d figure out how to blend all the colors and paint the intricate details onto a canvas. I explored flower pressing, sewing, pottery, jewelry making, and woodworking. I love making really anything with flowers, leaves, animals, or landscapes. I received a lot of support from my parents, teachers, and from my husband and friends today. My mom especially supported my passions and ways of expressing myself. I have so many fun memories of just going to the arts and crafts store. So a huge part of why my business is mainly jewelry, primarily earrings, is because of my mom. Growing up, if I was about to leave the house without earrings on, my mom would stop me and make me go put earrings on. I’d go back to my room, put on a pair of earrings, and when she saw me she would have the biggest smile on. For whatever reason, it would make her SO happy when I put earrings on. That is a huge reason why designing and hand-making earrings makes me so happy. My mom has always been such a special and supportive person in my life, and I unfortunately lost her almost one year ago. Something that was simply fun for me to make has become something even more meaningful to me. My mom loved seeing what I made and sold. She was so proud of the business I built and she was always so amazed at what I created. I have a few pieces of my mom’s jewelry, and each time I wear them, I remember her and feel happy. I try to create pieces that are also special and unique.

Website: Etsy.com/shop/BrushandBlossom

Instagram: Instagram.com/brushandblossomshop

Facebook: Facebook.com/brushandblossomshop