Meet Masha Vereshchenko | Designer at Electric Cat

We had the good fortune of connecting with Masha Vereshchenko of Electric Cat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Masha, how do you think about risk?
I have to take risks. I think for people like me who aren’t lucky this is the only way. I’m a self-taught artist and a self-taught entrepreneur. Artists are notorious for not knowing jack sh** about business – that’s why most of us starve to death. As glamorous as it may seem, that’s not the path I want for myself. So I chose to learn about business and I’m learning as I go. If I take a risk and I fail, I look for the lesson in it. If I take a risk and I succeed there is a lesson in that too. Over time, the lessons scraped from here and there build up a foundation, little-by-little. I think for anyone willing to learn, success is possible. If you don’t take risks you might regret it, wondering what could’ve been if you had.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been an artist my entire life. Even though I’ve been encouraged not to pursue this road in the past, in my heart I always knew this is what I wanted to do. Every step of the way I had to teach myself about techniques, materials, etc. There was no youtube or easy access to the internet yet when I was growing up, everything was trial and error. Throughout my twenties I’ve been in countless group shows and several solo shows, and my artwork has been published in magazines and books. But this lifestyle has meant countless hours of work for very little pay if any. I’ve struggled with depression and alcoholism while maintaining the artist lifestyle.

Once I got the help I needed to stop drinking and resolve some of my past trauma, I pivoted into painting custom jackets and making jewelry. I started with a bottle of resin and built my way up to getting my own laser cutter so I can truly create my own designs from start to finish. I began making statement jewelry for everyone who likes to express themselves inside and out.

I’ve learned along the way that there’s always going to be someone who judges you, so there’s no point in being scared to do whatever you want because you’ll never win. The only way to win is to just be yourself, be happy and not worry about what anyone else thinks or does.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would go check out my store Boheme Pittsburgh where we have 20 vendors selling different amazing things, from colorful bath bombs and soaps, to vintage clothing, to art. At night we would hit up Blue Moon bar for a drag show of course.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to all my friends who are like a family to me; they’ve always encouraged and supported me.

Website: https://electriccat.ninja

Instagram: https://instagram.com/electriccatshop

Twitter: https://twitter.com/electriccatshop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electriccatshop

Image Credits
Electric Cat