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

Hi Molly, why did you pursue a creative career?
I continually pursue having a creative career because it allows me to invest my time, money and focus into honing my craft and ultimately investing in myself! My creative journey started at a very young age. One of my grandmothers designed patterns for a yarn company and my other grandmother was a quilter and taught me how to sew. I was definitely the kid that took my knitting projects to school classes and was always trying to express myself through sewing clothes. I’m very grateful that my dad always encouraged me growing up that I could make money from my hobbies. So it makes sense that now as an adult I work in textiles and the fiber arts. I originally attended college for photography but after signing up for a weaving course, I instantly knew that was a craft I wanted to endlessly learn. MODU Textiles started very organically in 2020. I had just changed my job and I promised myself that moving forward I would make more time for my creative practices, my mental health and myself. Then I started posting my personal weaving projects on social media and people began reaching out for custom textiles for their homes. I’m so very fortunate that my passion has turned into a business where I design, weave and create textiles by hand on traditional floor looms in my Atlanta, GA studio.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a textile artist and a weaver, creating small batch, custom and one of a kind textiles and art for both homes and businesses. I begin by designing a collection, then I weave everything myself on traditional floor looms and sew every piece by hand in my Atlanta, Georgia studio. I also specialize in taking custom commissions for extra special, one of a kind textiles and source all our natural cotton from Georgia farms. I am super proud of my process because MODU Textiles is an extension of myself and my creative practice. I am constantly evolving my work and my brand embraces this journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Food: My favorite spots in the city currently are Gigi’s Italian Kitchen, Poor Hendrix, Mi Barrio and Talat Market. For coffee, I usually hit up Spiller Park, Finca to Filter or Aurora. I always suggest driving to Buford Highway, because we are so lucky to have it! Lee’s Bakery, El Rey del Taco the list goes on and on!

Visit: Piedmont Park is a gem, check out when Community Market Atlanta (@communitymarketatlanta) pops up because it’s a great way to support local artists, Megan Huntz (@meganhuntz) for local and ethical fine clothing. Head to the Earl in EAV for shows and Mary’s for dancing and drag shows!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Atlanta is a vibrant, creative and diverse city to call home. There is endless inspiration right here for those looking to explore creative careers. Special shoutout to those working in the service industry, I know so many artists like myself who work crazy odd hours and still manage to find the time for their artistic endeavors! That is a huge inspiration to me. Thank you to my husband, Davis, for being so supportive and such a creative partner. Also a special thank you to every client and customer that has supported MODU Textiles, it’s so special to create for y’all!

Instagram: @modu_textiles

Other: modutextiles@gmail.com

Image Credits
Paula Harding

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