We had the good fortune of connecting with Teresea Patton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Teresea, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
This is probably the hardest question to answer because many things make me happy. I love learning, creating, and sharing with others. Over the last several years, my journey has shifted from creating things I thought others would love to creating what I love and sharing that joy and passion with my clients. Watching other creators shift away from the “here is what I made and why you should buy it today” sales pressure tactics we learned way back in the day has been great. Now it seems what sells the art and ideas you have is all about the process that got you there, why creating it is important to you, and how the client can enjoy the item or service.
Art – creating it and learning about it- has always been exciting to me. Once I learned the connection between that creative drive and the impact it had on my mental health, I knew I had to not only share what I make and why but also encourage others to lean into that for themselves.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ever since I can remember, I have been a maker. My granny and I would go to the craft store and we tried it all! Wood wall hangings, ceramic ornaments, and those tacky hats and brooms everyone had in the ’80s. Over the years I looked at it as a hobby, something fun to do, something to bring a smile to a friend’s face to have a custom-designed piece of jewelry, and to make a little extra money.
I stepped away from art for a while and found myself in a funk. It took a while to see the connection to my unhappiness. When I got a few jewelry-making supplies as a gift, it sparked a passion I never imagined. That was over 12 years ago and I haven’t stopped creating since. I crammed myself into my daughter’s walk-in closet which used to be a closet/laundry room combo and got to work. That is where Creations From Autumn’s Closet started.
When I initially started my business, I was making jewelry and painting. Making a special piece of jewelry that empowers the person, makes them happy, confident, etc. was something I loved to do. Watching my clients light up and be so thrilled with their pieces was amazing. The way it made me feel alive was a bonus! I became a jewelry designer with a love of found objects, antique pieces, and an eclectic vibe. This is what I was meant to do!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Chattanooga is such a neat “big little city” to visit. It’s growing and still manages to have a small-town feel. When friends come to visit we always have to hit up a few art events and check out the local breweries. We would start with coffee from Sleepyhead or Stone Cup then hit up the market or some shopping on the North Shore. If it’s the market season, the Chattanooga Market has a Saturday and Sunday market that we will hit up for food and music.
For lunch and dinner, my favorite spots are Alex’s Thai Bistro, Pupuseria Marelyn, and Urban Stack. They also have nice cocktails at The Moxy Hotel across the street from Urban Stack. ClearStory Arts Gallery always has unique artists and curated shows that I love so that is always a good way to end the evening too.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m fortunate to have so many people who support me and encourage me. That wasn’t always the case though. There was a program I participated in back in 2018 called the Authenticity Project that helped me step into who I really was. The facilitators and the group of women I met through that program really changed my life. These ladies taught me to see into my soul and how to pull out my biggest dreams and fears. Together, there was nothing we couldn’t face, we had each other’s back like nothing I had ever experienced. Originally there were eight of us. Now there are so many I’ve met and bonded with that I can’t imagine going through life without any of them.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creationsfromautumnscloset/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresea-patton/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreationsFromAutumnsCloset/
Image Credits
Lee Wright, Dee Miles